Jazz at the Fountain April 28

May 2026

West Michigan Jazz Society Launches
“Tuesday Night Jazz at the Fountain” Spring Series

Grand Rapids, MI — The West Michigan Jazz Society (WMJS) is launching a new spring concert series, Tuesday Night Jazz at the Fountain, held at Fountain Street Church on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00–9:00 PM, beginning Tuesday, March 24.

The series marks a meaningful return to the organization’s roots. WMJS founder Betty Forrest was inspired to start the society after attending a Stan Getz performance at Fountain Street Church years ago. Disappointed by the small audience for such an extraordinary artist, Forrest vowed to build a stronger community of jazz supporters in West Michigan. That moment ultimately sparked the founding of the West Michigan Jazz Society.

Now WMJS returns to the same historic venue with a new monthly series designed as an intimate listening-room style experience, held in the Social Hall at Fountain Street Church.

The Spring 2026 lineup includes:

  • Tuesday, March 24 – Thomas Tran Quartet
    Featuring WMJS Scholarship winner Thomas Tran, kicking off the series.
  • Tuesday, April 28 – Mary Rademacher and Friends
  • Tuesday, May 26 – Rick Reuther and Friends
    Featuring the 2025 WMJS Musician of the Year

Admission is $10 for WMJS members and $15 for non-membersBeer and wine will be available for $5.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, with performances from 7:00–9:00 PM.

“Returning to Fountain Street Church brings the West Michigan Jazz Society full circle,” said WMJS President Shannan Denison. “It honors the moment that inspired Betty Forrest to create this organization while continuing our mission to support local musicians and build a vibrant jazz community.”

Jazz in the Park is back for its 26th Season!

We’re excited to continue one of Grand Rapids’ favorite summer traditions at Millennium Park!

Each Monday night, our community comes together for incredible live jazz, connection, and summer fun—with attendance averaging 500–1,200 guests weekly and a growing audience year-over-year.

We are now welcoming sponsors, advertisers, and community supporters for the 2026 season.

2026 Concert Lineup

June 1 — East Kentwood + MSBOA All Stars
June 8 — Jeff Shoup Quartet
June 15 — Jordan VanHemert Band + Featured Guests
June 22 — Grupo Aye
June 29 — Big Band Nouveau
July 6 — Tom Allport Band
July 13 — Tribute to Chet Baker
July 20 — Third Coast Swing
July 27 — Sunny Wilkinson Quartet

August 3 — GRJO
August 10 — Rain Date
August 17 — Rain Date

Sponsorship Opportunities

Program Sponsor — $5,000 (2 Available)

Our premier sponsorship level includes:
• Full-page ad in the summer concert program
• Prominent logo placement throughout the season
• Recognition in social media, print, radio, and press releases
• Reserved VIP seating for 25 guests
• Full-season visibility across the entire series

Concert Sponsor — $1,000 (10 Available)

Includes:
• Featured sponsorship of one concert
• On-site business presence (table/tent)
• Half-page ad in the program
• Stage banner logo placement
• Recognition in promotional materials

Friends of Jazz — $500

Includes:
• Website recognition
• Half-page ad placement in the concert program

Program Ad Rates

Quarter Page — $250
Half Page — $500
Full Page — $750

Ad Specs

Full Page Ads

Back Cover (with bleed)
• Image area: 5.5" x 8.5"
• Add 1/8" bleed on 3 sides

Full Page (no bleed)
• 5" W x 8" H

Half Page

Horizontal
• 5" W x 3 7/8" H

Quarter Page

Vertical
• 2 1/4" W x 3 7/8" H

Horizontal
• 1 3/4" H x 5" W

File Requirements

Preferred file types:
• PDF (Hi-Res, minimum 330 DPI, press-ready)
• TIFF (flattened, final, no layers)
• JPG/BMP proofs accepted

Please include an approved color proof whenever possible.

Please email ad files to:
president@wmichjazz.org

Print Deadlines

First Printing — May 28, 2026
Second Printing — June 30, 2026
Final Printing — July 20, 2026

Your support helps fund artists, jazz education, scholarships, and keeps these concerts accessible for our entire community.

Thank you for helping us keep Jazz in the Park thriving in West Michigan!

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the West Michigan Jazz Society is to advance, uphold, and sustain live jazz in West Michigan through promotion, performance and education.

  • M-Thurs,  7pm-12am, F- 7pm-9pm Jazz with Scott Vanderwerf
  • Sundays 10am, Classic Jazz, 11am, Spotlight with Harvey McKnight, 3pm, Basically Big Bands, 5pm, Jazz Night
  • M-Thurs, Jazz Overnight, 12am-5am, and Sundays 10pm-5am
  • features Jazz From Blue Lake every Monday through Friday starting at 10 p.m. and the 5 hour broadcasts are also available the following day on demand by clicking the Jazz From Blue Lake links at www.bluelake.org/ondemand.

WMJS Board Meeting Minutes
Now Available Online

The minutes of the WMJS Board Meeting from this past August are now available on this site under the "More" tab above or HERE. Minutes will be added and archived in the months ahead on this page.