A 34-year Waynesboro tradition continues this summer when Buttonwood Nature Center presents their annual Jazz Festival on Sunday, August 24, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Wharf, a park-like property at 10141 Wharf Road in Waynesboro, Pa., is the setting for the free concert. Rain location is Waynesboro Area Middle School.
This year, the Buttonwood Jazz Festival is headlined by internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist Mike Stern.
Stern is one of the most celebrated jazz guitarists of our time. A six-time GRAMMY® nominee and recipient of the “Certified Living Legend” award from Guitar Player magazine, he first rose to fame as a featured soloist in Miles Davis’s groundbreaking comeback band of the early 1980s. Since then, Stern has led a prolific solo career, fusing jazz, blues, rock, and world music into a signature style that is both virtuosic and deeply expressive.
Stern’s unmistakable voice on the guitar channels the finesse of Jim Hall, the swing of Wes Montgomery, the raw energy of Jimi Hendrix, and the expressive soul of Albert King—yet he always sounds like himself. His work includes more than 20 albums as a band leader and countless collaborations with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Billy Cobham, Jaco Pastorius, Michael and Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, David Sanborn, Steps Ahead, Blood, Sweat & Tears, the Yellowjackets, and the all-star Four Generations of Miles project.
For this concert, Stern brings with him a powerhouse ensemble of internationally recognized musicians, forming the Mike Stern Quintet:
Bob Franceschini (saxophone) – A versatile and commanding voice on sax, Franceschini has performed with Victor Wooten, Paul Simon, Willie Colón, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Tower of Power. His playing draws from both jazz and Latin traditions, delivering fiery solos and intricate melodic lines.
Edmond Gilmore (bass) – Known for his soulful groove and dynamic range, Gilmore has worked across jazz, gospel, and R&B genres and has played with symphony orchestras and musicians as diverse as drummer Bob Moses and composer Steve Reich. His deep rhythmic sense anchors the band with elegance and power.
Juan Chiavassa (drums) – A rising star originally from Argentina, Chiavassa brings rhythmic innovation and global influences to every performance. He’s a go-to drummer for forward-thinking jazz and fusion artists across Europe and the U.S., and has collaborated with Paquito D’Rivera, Esperanza Spalding, Mike Stern, Russell Malone, and Pedrito Martinez, to name just a few.
Leni Stern (guitar, vocals, n’goni) – A pioneering voice in jazz and world music and jazz fusion, Leni Stern blends African rhythms, jazz harmonies, and personal storytelling in a deeply original style. A celebrated musician who has recorded over 20 albums of her own as a leader and has collaborated with Bill Frisell, Esperanza Spalding, Jack DeJohnnette, Salif Keita, Leo Genovese, David Sanborn, and so many others. She joins Mike Stern as a special guest, adding both vocals and second guitar to this exceptional group.
Andrew Sussman has arranged the musicians for every Jazz Fest since 1992.
“Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or a newcomer to the genre, Buttonwood’s Jazz Fest at The Wharf offers a rare opportunity to hear world-class live music—for free—in an intimate outdoor environment,” Sussman said.
Summer Creek Catering will be on hand this year selling individual charcuterie cups, and BYOB is permitted. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and picnics are welcome. Cold water will be available for attendees.
Free parking is available on the property.
Underwriting support for this event is provided by our Premier Sponsor, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The funds were received via a Flex Fund grant from the Cultural Alliance of York County, Pa. Further support by the Hamilton Family Foundation on behalf of Hamilton Nissan; Bev McFarland in memory of Tom McFarland; Rent In Waynesboro.com; Franklin County Visitors Bureau; Dave & Joyce Thompson, and Waynesboro Community Concert Association.
Additional support from our Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Marge Kiersz; APX Enclosures; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin. Facility support provided courtesy of Jeff and Nancy Mace.
For more information, visit www.buttonwoodnaturecenter.org, call 717-762-0373 or email to: jessica@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org.
Underground Railroad
