Jazz in July 2025: Night 4

5:30-7:15 PM: The Trumpethood outside on EMC Plaza Stage
7:30-9:00 PM: Motown Jazz inside on Theater Stage

This free summer program wouldn’t be possible without the help of its premier sponsor, Principal Foundation, as well as expertise from our Jazz in July Arts Advisor John Krantz.

Attendees will be able to purchase food as well as beverages provided by the venue on site.

Motown Jazz features Nancy Bierma (piano), Jim Bierma (bass), Nathan Norman (drums), Chreese Jone (vocals), and Geoff Jones (vocals). Groove to hits from Motown presented in a jazzy, swinging style. Enjoy selections from Motown artists, interpreted by smooth baritone Geoff Jones and scintillating soprano Chreese Jones, with an acoustic jazz twist from musicians Nancy Bierma, Jim Bierma, and Nathan Norman. Repertoire includes jazz standards and fresh new arrangements of songs by Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, and others.

Nancy and Jim Bierma were active in the Iowa jazz scene between 1976-1994. They were some of the first Jazz in July performers and performed in Jazz in July every summer until they moved to Minnesota. They are members of the CJC Hall of Fame. Nathan Norman is an accomplished drummer and has been a fixture with countless combos and ensembles for more than 30 years. Geoff and Chreese Jones are music veterans of the Twin Cities stages and beyond, and have recorded and toured internationally as featured vocalists with the Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness.