Jazz in June, Lincoln’s longest-running outdoor concert series, returns for its 33rd season June 4.
The 2024 season features a diverse lineup of talented musicians — Big Wade and Black Swan Theory, The Spicy Pickles featuring Hannah Rodriguez, Mwenso and The Shakes, and the Yayennings Quartet.
The free public concerts begin at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in June in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden, west of Sheldon Museum of Art. A market offers food and drinks from 5 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday. The concert series is produced by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with support from the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
The lineup:
- June 4: Big Wade and Black Swan Theory — Frontman Lewade “Big Wade” Milliner is recognized as one of the pioneers of Nebraska’s soul music scene, and his Omaha-based group consists of musicians who have accompanied major chart-topping artists. The band performs a high-energy blend of jazz, funk, blues and R&B.
- June 11: The Spicy Pickles featuring Hannah Rodriguez —This dynamic Denver-based octet packs a punch of power, personality and wit, with retro style to match. In addition to original tunes, they will dish up swing and dance favorites by the likes of Artie Shaw, Count Basie and Benny Goodman.
- June 18: Mwenso and The Shakes — This unique troupe of global artists returns to Jazz in June with its signature combination of jazz, funk, R&B, African and Afro-American music. Bandleader Michael Mwenso was brought to New York City from London by famed jazz artist Wynton Marsalis to helm the late nights at Dizzy’s Club and curate at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since then, his group has toured around the world, with electrifying shows that the New York Times has called “intense, prowling and ebullient.”
- June 25: Yayennings Quartet — Jay Jennings is a four-time Grammy-winning trumpet player best known for his work with Snarky Puppy. He has performed with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Michael McDonald, David Bowie, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Jennings leads this Los Angeles-based quartet, which adds a modern twist to the bebop sound of Chet Baker and Stan Getz.
Each concert features two sets of music from 7-7:45 p.m. and 8-8:45 p.m., respectively, with a 15-minute intermission.
Bike Valet will provide free, secure parking for bicycles from 5 p.m. until an hour after each concert at the east end of the market. For more information, click here or call the Outdoor Adventures Center at 402-472-4777.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. While the performances are free, attendees are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $10 per family to help ensure the future of the program. Alcohol and pets are not permitted.
Individuals or organizations who would like to make financial contributions and/or serve as volunteers or board members are encouraged to contact Jazz in June at jazzinjune@unl.edu.
Reserved seating is available via the Lied Center’s website for $80 for all four concerts or $25 per show.
