By Jake Mathias

Central Wisconsin jazz lovers will soon descend on Pfiffner Pioneer Park for the area’s largest jazz festival.

The Riverfront Jazz Festival, held every year on Labor Day weekend, begins at 3 PM on Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3. The festival is free of charge but donations are encouraged and all proceeds go toward UW-Stevens Point’s jazz music program. Food and drink will be available for sale at the festival.

Opening the festival is the jazz quintet Omnos, made up of UWSP students who will perform on Saturday from 3 PM to 4:30 PM. Minneapolis-based pianist and composer Laura Caviani hits the stage at 5 PM and is followed by New York City jazz saxophonist Dave Liebman and his New Light Quartet who will perform the music of Elvin Jones.

Sunday’s performances begin with singer Typhanie Monique at 3 PM followed by Salsa Manzana, featuring UWSP alum Mikel Avery on drums, performing salsa and dance music at 5 PM. The festival closes with jazz guitarist Russell Malone at 7 PM.

The festival began in 2004 as a one day event and extended to two days in 2005. This year, an estimated 5,000 attendees are expected.

Donations to the festival can be made at Classy.org.

Pfiffner Pioneer Park is located at 1100 Crosby Ave. in Stevens Point. For full details on the festival and performers, visit www.riverfrontjazzfestival.org.