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Date: Oct. 23, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Buy Now
Enjoy a great night of live jazz when the Three Lakes Center for the Arts brings The Walden Jazz Project to the stage on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30 for adults; $10 for kids under 13.
Walden Jazz Project is a quintet of musicians based in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The members have performed together in various musical ensembles for as many as 20 years. Originally formed as a supplemental group to provide dinner music for Northwoods Jazz Group Big Band engagements, the musicians quickly discovered a shared passion for the intimacy and creativity of the small jazz combo format. That mutual enthusiasm led them to continue performing together, and the Walden Jazz Project was born.
Scott Stieber — Piano
Scott is an accomplished pianist with an impressive list of musical credits and has long been a driving force in the Wausau music scene. He has served on the board of the River Valley Jazz Society and has helped organize concerts, jam sessions, and other events throughout the area’s vibrant music community.
Gerry Plank — Saxophones & Flute
Gerry plays alto and tenor saxophone as well as flute. He is well known throughout the Northwoods, having served as a band director in Mercer, Eagle River, and Crandon. Gerry remains in demand as a guest director and private music instructor, bringing a wealth of musical experience and versatility to the group.
Manson Morris — Bass
Manson is a highly versatile and talented musician. In addition to playing bass with Walden Jazz Project, he is the bassist for Groove Pilot and performs lead trombone with the Northwoods Jazz Group. A recently retired member of the U.S. Air Force, Manson now shares his knowledge as a teacher at Lakeland High School in Minocqua.
Peter Stoltman — Drums
Peter brings a long history of performing to Walden Jazz Project, including many years immersed in the Chicago jazz scene. After spending nearly 25 years in the Northwoods, he has become an active member of numerous musical ensembles, including the Northwoods Jazz Group Big Band. He also leads the rock band Flying Blind. When he’s not behind the drum kit, Peter can be found running Last Cast Outfitters in St. Germain with his wife, Karen.
Michelle Smith Grage — Vocals
Michelle is the voice of Walden Jazz Project and is perhaps best known as the lead vocalist for the popular Northwoods band Brassworks. She is also a featured vocalist with the Northwoods Jazz Group. Michelle brings a distinctive style, warmth, and expressive quality to every performance, and we think her voice will absolutely captivate you.