THE FESTIVITIES...
Welcome to another exciting weekend of spectacular banjo entertainment! This year’s BanjoFest features numerous jam sessions, soloists and ensembles performing in various locations throughout historic and scenic La Crosse:
Friday, September 14, 2018
Kick-off this year's BanjoFest weekend with an evening with casual dining at HUCK FINN'S ON THE WATER (129 Marina Drive), one of LaCrosse’s many fine restaurant venues, followed by a fabulous opening night show by your host, Paul Erickson, Johnny Baier, and many other friends. Be sure to bring your instruments and join in the rousing jam session in the bar that always tops off this evening of fun! From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Start your day with more superb banjo entertainment with a Musical Jam at a Tavern in the Town, HOUGHTON'S (1002 Jackson Street), another one of LaCrosse’s fabulous restaurants and saloons. Enjoy loads of great food and drink, informal and impromptu music performances, and plenty of jamming with friends and family!
From 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Later in the afternoon, join us for a scenic cruise and banjo jam on THE LA CROSSE QUEEN, departing from Riverside Park (405 E. Veterans Memorial Drive). See the early Fall colors of the picturesque Mississippi River valley, while listening to banjo music banjo music aboard a 2-hour trip on an authentic, old-fashioned paddlewheel riverboat. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance for this weekend favorite, as space is limited to the first 120 passengers. To purchase, contact Doris Mitchell, 11848 State 26, Brownsville, MN 55919, or call (507) 482-6883. From 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
The Saturday Night Banjo Summit is one of our newest traditions, and an extraordinary and memorable musical treat for returning Fest devotees and general public alike. Come see some of jazz banjo’s top stage and recording artists live in concert at one of La Crosse’s many entertainment showcases, CASTAWAY'S ON THE ISLAND (131 Clinton Street). In recent years, Johnny Baier, Paul Erickson, Lance Dieckow, and Debbie Schreyer, among many others, have graced the stage together in a one-of-a-kind series of solo and group performances that are now legendary. This year's Summit features a jam session hosted by "THE PEARL STREET BANJO BAND."
From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday, September 14, 2018
Kick-off this year's BanjoFest weekend with an evening with casual dining at HUCK FINN'S ON THE WATER (129 Marina Drive), one of LaCrosse’s many fine restaurant venues, followed by a fabulous opening night show by your host, Paul Erickson, Johnny Baier, and many other friends. Be sure to bring your instruments and join in the rousing jam session in the bar that always tops off this evening of fun! From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Start your day with more superb banjo entertainment with a Musical Jam at a Tavern in the Town, HOUGHTON'S (1002 Jackson Street), another one of LaCrosse’s fabulous restaurants and saloons. Enjoy loads of great food and drink, informal and impromptu music performances, and plenty of jamming with friends and family!
From 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Later in the afternoon, join us for a scenic cruise and banjo jam on THE LA CROSSE QUEEN, departing from Riverside Park (405 E. Veterans Memorial Drive). See the early Fall colors of the picturesque Mississippi River valley, while listening to banjo music banjo music aboard a 2-hour trip on an authentic, old-fashioned paddlewheel riverboat. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance for this weekend favorite, as space is limited to the first 120 passengers. To purchase, contact Doris Mitchell, 11848 State 26, Brownsville, MN 55919, or call (507) 482-6883. From 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
The Saturday Night Banjo Summit is one of our newest traditions, and an extraordinary and memorable musical treat for returning Fest devotees and general public alike. Come see some of jazz banjo’s top stage and recording artists live in concert at one of La Crosse’s many entertainment showcases, CASTAWAY'S ON THE ISLAND (131 Clinton Street). In recent years, Johnny Baier, Paul Erickson, Lance Dieckow, and Debbie Schreyer, among many others, have graced the stage together in a one-of-a-kind series of solo and group performances that are now legendary. This year's Summit features a jam session hosted by "THE PEARL STREET BANJO BAND."
From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Join us for a traditional full day of festivities at our long-time “musical home” the AMERICAN LEGION HALL (6th and Market Streets).
Start your morning off with an opportunity to earn from the "Best of Banjo's Best." This expert workshop is open to all fretted musicians, aspiring musicians, and music enthusiasts.
From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Grab lunch on your own or just a quick bite at the Legion Hall, but be sure to be back in time for the “main event,” the 54th ANNUAL MIDWEST BANJO JAMBOREE. This year’s show will, once again, feature numerous banjo soloists, group ensembles, plus various other talented performers. Cameo appearances by all musicians are welcomed. All players are also encouraged to join the “River Rats” off-the-street band, which has been the traditional opening and closing act during the Jamboree’s lengthy and rich history. To book a stage performance, contact Neil Duresky by phone at (608) 386-4446 or e-mail duresky@centurytel.net. Instrument and vendor displays all day. Admission ($7 per person) payable at the door.
From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Attend a special Afterglow All-Star Cast Party at one of the Banjo Fest's long-time favorite restaurants, drinking establishments, and performance venues, THE FREIGHT HOUSE (107 Vine Street). One last opportunity to celebrate and gather with old and new Fest friends and family over dinner and drinks. Close out this weekend’s memorable merriment with a grand finale jam that continues until the last banjo player is standing!
From 7:00 pm to ???
Join us for a traditional full day of festivities at our long-time “musical home” the AMERICAN LEGION HALL (6th and Market Streets).
Start your morning off with an opportunity to earn from the "Best of Banjo's Best." This expert workshop is open to all fretted musicians, aspiring musicians, and music enthusiasts.
From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Grab lunch on your own or just a quick bite at the Legion Hall, but be sure to be back in time for the “main event,” the 54th ANNUAL MIDWEST BANJO JAMBOREE. This year’s show will, once again, feature numerous banjo soloists, group ensembles, plus various other talented performers. Cameo appearances by all musicians are welcomed. All players are also encouraged to join the “River Rats” off-the-street band, which has been the traditional opening and closing act during the Jamboree’s lengthy and rich history. To book a stage performance, contact Neil Duresky by phone at (608) 386-4446 or e-mail duresky@centurytel.net. Instrument and vendor displays all day. Admission ($7 per person) payable at the door.
From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Attend a special Afterglow All-Star Cast Party at one of the Banjo Fest's long-time favorite restaurants, drinking establishments, and performance venues, THE FREIGHT HOUSE (107 Vine Street). One last opportunity to celebrate and gather with old and new Fest friends and family over dinner and drinks. Close out this weekend’s memorable merriment with a grand finale jam that continues until the last banjo player is standing!
From 7:00 pm to ???
ALL SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
