A Year of Music, Community, and Gratitude
As we reflect on our first active year, Traditions of Jazz is filled with gratitude for the Central Wisconsin community that has welcomed, encouraged, and supported us along the way.
We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more proud of the musicians we’ve connected with and the joyful moments we’ve created together. From concerts and community jam sessions to after-school clubs and summer programs, this first year has been full of opportunities to make music, learn from one another, and build lasting connections.
One of the most inspiring discoveries has been seeing just how much our Central Wisconsin community values music and the people who make it. Lifelong musicianship takes time, dedication, skill, and countless hours of practice. We are fortunate to live in a community that recognizes and celebrates that commitment—and that understands the important place live music holds in a vibrant community.
We’re especially excited to welcome our third Piano in Places instrument: a beautiful Yamaha U3 piano at Great Northern Distilling in Stevens Point!
These pianos are more than instruments. They’re a visible reminder to everyone who walks through the door that Music Is Here. They invite people to pause, listen, gather, and imagine the possibilities that happen when musicians and welcoming spaces come together.
And we’re just getting started! We hope to expand the ways these pianos are used, creating opportunities for small recitals, quiet cocktail hours, cozy game nights, holiday parties, retirement celebrations, weddings, birthday parties, and so much more. Wherever there’s a gathering that could become more meaningful with live music, we want to help make that connection.
Traditions of Jazz has many exciting programs and partnerships in the works for the coming year, and we can’t wait to share what’s next. Most of all, we want to say thank you to the musicians, audiences, students, families, venues, donors, and community partners who have helped make this first year so special.
Your support reminds us that Central Wisconsin is a wonderful place to make music, nurture musicians, and build traditions that last.
Thank you for being part of our first year. We’re grateful to be making music with you—and we look forward to many more joyful years ahead!
Please join us Wednesday, October 21st at Great Northern Distilling to celebrate the new Piano with a wonderful collaborative concert with many are musicians.
Beth