Since 1985 more than half a million people have spent Thursday evenings relaxing on the lawn while listening to the music of Jazz on the Green. This treasured Omaha tradition began at Joslyn Museum with a debut line-up, which was billed as "outdoor jams," that included Urban Surrender, The Tod Barnard Quartet, "phonics" and Preston Love and his orchestra. Total attendance for the series' first season was 1,900. Each year, the event has grown, drawing more and more people and reaching attendance of about 5,600 per concert in its final years at the Joslyn.

With the opening of the Peter Kiewit Sculpture Garden in the space that hosted the event, it became evident Jazz on the Green had outgrown the space at the Joslyn. In January 2010, Omaha Performing Arts and Joslyn announced that Omaha Performing Arts would assume responsibility for presenting the beloved outdoor concert series with the goal of reaching even more jazz lovers in the community.
 

A New Home

Omaha Performing Arts announced in March 2010 that Jazz on the Green would find a new home among the green space of Turner Park, the centerpiece of the Midtown Crossing Development at 31st and Dodge streets. The new venue ensures the future of the Omaha tradition while enhancing the audience experience.

"The opportunity to present Jazz on the Green in such an ideal outdoor space just made sense for everyone, from the performers to the patrons," said Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts. "We're grateful to all of our sponsors and partners for helping to ensure this event remains an Omaha favorite for years to come."