The first-ever Door County Jazz Festival is set for August 2025.
The week-long event will feature live acts at venues throughout the county, including performances in Ephraim, Sister Bay and Egg Harbor. The festival will culminate in a weekend stage event at Sturgeon Bay’s Sunset Park, Aug. 9-10.
The Door County Jazz Festival is founded by Staci Griesbach, who will serve as the event’s producer and artistic director. Griesbach is a northeast Wisconsin native with an extensive background in entertainment marketing and music production, and a passion for discovering and showcasing talent.
“Door County offers the perfect setting for a jazz festival, and the community’s early embrace reflects the dedication here to supporting the arts and culture throughout the peninsula,” Griesbach said.
The festival’s mission is to create a cultural celebration that brings together the community and highlights what makes the area so magnetic. It will aim to celebrate local artists while also bringing in top jazz acts from around the world.
Griesbach anticipates announcing an artist lineup in early 2025 and said it will include top acts as well as new or undiscovered talent. The festival will be a mix of free and ticketed events.
“When I attend a festival, I go to see my favorite acts, but I’m also looking for that ‘surprise and delight’ moment where a new artist blows me away,” Griesbach said. “We’ll also be celebrating the local artisanal community, so attendees can enjoy food and beverages from local Door County purveyors.”
The festival is slated to feature top jazz ensembles and combos from University of Wisconsin schools like UW-Madison and UW-Green Bay, while also highlighting local Door County schools and music-education programs.
Those interested in becoming a Founding Circle Patron for the festival may find more information at doorcountyjazz.org. Door County Jazz Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 charity.
