Jazz on the rocks

The Riviera is a major landmark in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Built in 1932, the building sits on a foundation of 280 pilings driven into the bedrock. During the Swing Era the building played host to the Big Bands with the likes of Wayne King, the Dorsey Brothers, Artie Shaw and Louie Armstrong.

An extensive restoration took place in the 1980s. Today the Riviera houses several shops and businesses in the lower level, and the upper level serves as a civic center and ballroom.

I would have loved to hear those swinging sounds wafting over the lake at twilight.

Click on picture to enlarge. Photograph © 2006 James Jordan.