THE FESTIVITIES...
Welcome to another exciting weekend of spectacular banjo entertainment! The Midwest BanjoFest features numerous jam sessions, soloists and ensembles performing in various locations throughout historic and scenic La Crosse:
Friday Schedule
Kick-off this year's BanjoFest weekend with an evening with casual dining at one of La Crosse's many great restaurants and drinking establishments (LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED), followed by a fabulous opening night show by your host, The Pearl Street Banjo Band. 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 11:00 pm
Saturday Schedule
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 11:00 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. Reserve your tickets in advance ($20.00 each) for this weekend favorite, as space is limited to the first 120 passengers. To purchase, contact Doris Mitchell, 11848 State 26, Brownsville, MN 55919.
From 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
THE SATURDAY NIGHT BANJO PARTY is one of our newest and most exciting traditions, and an extraordinary and memorable musical treat for returning BanjoFest devotees and new guests alike. Come see some of jazz banjo’s top stage and recording artists live in concert. Start your Saturday night by enjoying the quaint Old World charm and atmosphere of La Crosse with dinner with old an new friends at one its fine restaurants (LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED), and stay for the show and all of the musical fun-and-festivities to follow. 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.
Music Starting at 7 pm
Friday Schedule
Kick-off this year's BanjoFest weekend with an evening with casual dining at one of La Crosse's many great restaurants and drinking establishments (LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED), followed by a fabulous opening night show by your host, The Pearl Street Banjo Band. 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 11:00 pm
Saturday Schedule
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 11:00 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. Reserve your tickets in advance ($20.00 each) for this weekend favorite, as space is limited to the first 120 passengers. To purchase, contact Doris Mitchell, 11848 State 26, Brownsville, MN 55919.
From 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
THE SATURDAY NIGHT BANJO PARTY is one of our newest and most exciting traditions, and an extraordinary and memorable musical treat for returning BanjoFest devotees and new guests alike. Come see some of jazz banjo’s top stage and recording artists live in concert. Start your Saturday night by enjoying the quaint Old World charm and atmosphere of La Crosse with dinner with old an new friends at one its fine restaurants (LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED), and stay for the show and all of the musical fun-and-festivities to follow. 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.
Music Starting at 7 pm
Sunday Schedule
Join us for a traditional full day of festivities at our long-time “musical home” the AMERICAN LEGION HALL (6th and Market Streets).
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 56th 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 5:00 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).
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 56th 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 5:00 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 ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE