A Madison institution for over 15 years, this jam session features some of the city’s finest jazz musicians. Instrumentalists, vocalists, emcees and poets are encouraged to sit-in for a fun night of collaborative music.
For more info on special guests and theme nights please visit us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNewBreedJazzJam
Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!
HERBIE HANCOCK. NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock was a major force in the post-bop jazz of the 1960s, leading his own quintet and holding the piano chair in the second classic Miles Davis Quintet, and few jazz artists have achieved his degree of crossover success.. Beginning with 1973’s seminal “Headhunters,” Hancock unleashed some of the most innovative and accessible jazz funk of his generation, and he continues to innovate both in the studio and on stage. As one of jazz’s most beloved living legends, the opportunity to see Hancock is the stuff of fan dreams. Orpheum Theater, 216 State St. 8:00pm. Tickets $79.50-$160.00.
Charlie Painter Trio with Kelby Kryshak, drums; Sam Olson, upright bass & CP on guitar.
Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 22 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!
ASTRO (Anders Svanoe’s Teleporting Rhythmic Orchestra)
Anders Svanoe-alto and baritone saxophones, clarinet
Tony Barba-tenor saxophone, bass clarinet
Pawan Benjamin-soprano and tenor saxophones, flutes, Shehnai
Tony Catania-tenor saxophone
Jim Doherty-trumpet
Dave Cooper-trumpet
Phil Zell-trumpet
Louka Patenaude-guitar
Henry Boehm-bass
Brad Townsend-bass
John Christensen-bass
Michael Brenneis-drums
Nick Zielinski-drums/electronics
Starting March 2nd, and every first Thursday of the month, Cafe Coda will present a new large improvising ensemble, ASTRO (Anders Svanoe’s Teleporting Rhythmic Orchestra) at 7:30. The group features an all-star group of improvisors and composers from the Madison area. The group will teleport musically from experimental to more familiar music written by baritone saxophonist, Anders Svanoe.
KENNY REICHERT. Kenny Reichert is a Chicago-based guitarist, composer, bandleader, and educator who has been described as “a distinctive player and composer” by DownBeat Magazine and “accomplished” by Textura. He is known for his wide-reaching artistic vision and creativity, seeking to expand his boundaries and discover new musical horizons. UW Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. 4pm. Free event.
Gerri DiMaggio’s take on jazz is as original as it is enticing. Her music is a sultry mix of Brazilian melodies along with a fresh blend of Jazz standards. The Latin sounds invite the audience into her own creative and colorful world.
Her working band includes some of the finest musicians in the area including Bob Pesselman on guitar, and Rich Larson on percussion.
Luke Leavitt is a young talented jazz pianist and sound geographer based in Madison. He’s also a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Calling all musicians, seasoned improvisers, and those curious to dive into the world of spontaneous music-making!
No need to worry about sheet music or rehearsed performances here. It’s all about going with the flow and embracing the unexpected.
Highlights of the evening include:
🎵 A vibrant atmosphere where musicians of all abilities are encouraged to participate and explore their improvisational skills.
🎵 A supportive and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and experimentation.
🎵 Freedom to create unique and spontaneous musical pieces, without boundaries or predefined rules.
🎵 Opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and form impromptu bands or collaborations.
🎵 A chance to discover new musical styles, learn from others, and broaden your horizons.
Whether you’re a virtuoso or a beginner, this jam session is open to all. It’s an incredible chance to learn, grow, and experience the thrill of making music in the moment. So, don’t miss out on this extraordinary gathering of musical souls.
Remember, the event is free, so invite your friends, family, and fellow music enthusiasts. Let’s come together and create a night of unforgettable melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. See you there!
NORTH STREET CABARET MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL. Chicago-based bassist and composer Jason Roebke leads a new quartet, featuring his original compositions and a stellar lineup. Roebke’s music bridges the worlds of jazz and experimental music and the compositions lead the listener through twists, turns, and returns. This talented quartet includes Edward Wilkerson Jr., tenor saxophone, alto clarinet, cassettes, metronome; Mabel Kwan piano, cassettes, metronome; Jason Roebke, double bass, cassettes, metronome and Marcus Evans. drums, cassettes, metronome. Presented by Blue Stem Jazz. North Street Cabaret, 610 North St. 8pm. Tickets $20.
TERENCE BLANCHARD IN DALLAS (TV). 2-time Oscar-nominee and 7-time GRAMMY® Award-winning trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard is the featured artist in this special, hour-long jazz and classical concert program. Interviews with Blanchard go behind the scenes of the creative process and combine with extensive jazz and classical performances from the stage of the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. 8:00pm, Wisconsin Public TV (WIS Channel).
PIANO MASTERCLASS WITH BILL CHARLAP & RENEE ROSNES. To help celebrate its 10th anniversary season, the Salon Piano Series presents a weekend with celebrated pianists Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes. Preceding their Saturday evening concert, Charlap and Rosnes will conduct a clinical session in which they provide feedback on their playing to each of three local pianists. The public is welcome to attend and observe, gaining insights into the art of jazz piano along the way. 1:00PM, Farley’s House of Pianos, 6522 Seybold Road on Madison’s Far West Side.
On Apr. 6, ASTRO will open for Emmet Cohen Trio for Emmet Cohen Trio. The show starts at 6 PM. One set only.
ASTRO (Anders Svanoe’s Teleporting Rhythmic Orchestra)
Anders Svanoe-baritone saxophone
Pawan Benjamin-alto and tenor saxophones, flutes, Shehnai
Tony Catania-tenor saxophone
Jim Doherty-trumpet
Phil Zell-trumpet
Louka Patenaude-guitar
Henry Boehm-bass
Brad Townsend-bass
Michael Brenneis-drums/electronics
Nick Zielinski-drums
The group features an all-star group of improvisers and composers from the Madison area. The group will teleport musically from experimental to more familiar music written by baritone saxophonist, Anders Svanoe.
“The music here is anything but predictable and Svanoe writes memorable melodies, like the hard swinging bebop composition “Bird Strike” which would fit easily on a Pepper Adams recording. Svanoe’s heated solo gives way to the coolness of Doherty’s trumpet. Elsewhere the saxophonist goes toe-to-toe with Conroy on the brief meditative piece “Spiral Staircase Glamour;” and extends the reflection on “Altimeter High,” which could easily be confused with the music of Don Cherry. Then there’s the cartoon theme/Albert Ayler march “Walk On The SAS” which mines madcap for relevance. The closing track “Subsonic” features the bassists’ bowed and plucked sounds that give way to luscious harmonies. Svanoe’s richly verdant horn opens the composition to images of blue skies blue.”
Mark Corroto- All About Jazz
BILL CHARLAP & RENEE ROSNES. Two of today’s premier jazz pianists, this New York City-based husband and wife duo recorded Double Portrait together for Blue Note, which features stunningly virtuosic four-handed workouts on a collection of jazz covers and standards, as well as one Rosnes original. Charlap and Rosnes are not like most couples. By the time they married in 2007, each was already a world-renowned jazz pianist with an impressive discography and a packed touring itinerary. Besides continuing to lead his jazz trio, Charlap is the long-time Artistic Director of New York’s 92nd Street Y jazz series, while Rosnes is currently music director and pianist for the all-female superband Artemis. These concerts are part of the Salon Piano Series 10th Anniversary celebration. Farley’s House of Pianos, 6522 Seybold Rd. 7:30pm (4/6) and 2:00pm (4/7). Tickets $10-$45.
NORTH STREET CABARET MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL – ARCHER. Archer is a new quartet configuration featuring Dutch punk legend Terrie Ex alongside Chicago saxophonist Dave Rempis on the front line, backed by one of the hardest working rhythm sections in Norway with “Johnny Strum” on bass and “Dollop Eastfang” on drums. This international conglomerate made its debut on a tour of Norway in February 2023, and now hits the US for the first time. Presented by Blue Stem Jazz. North Street Cabaret, 610 North St. 8pm. Tickets $20.
EMMET COHEN TRIO. Multifaceted New York jazz pianist, composer and international jazz hero Emmet Cohen has emerged as one the Millennial generation’s pivotal figures in music. Through the “Live From Emmet’s Place” livestreamed series of house concerts that he launched in March 2020, Emmet helped sustain the souls of millions of jazz fans during the pandemic while introducing fans to many of today’s young master musicians who are pushing the music forward. That series continues to this day, with nearly 120 concerts now posted online that have garnered millions of views. Possessing a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Emmet plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium. Downbeat observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride, and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above convoluted technical showmanship.” The trio will include Philip Norris on bass and Kyle Poole on drums. Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St. Saturday – 8:30pm. Sunday, shows @ 7pm & 9:15. Tickets for all three shows are $37.50 advance, $40 door (if available), $30 students with ID. For Saturday, you can purchase a $45 package ticket that includes a 6pm concert with Madison-based baritone saxophonist Anders Svanoe’s adventurous octet, ASTRO.
MADISON JAZZ JAM. Madison Jazz Society and Madison Jazz Jam will present a student-led jam. Please come and bring your instrument and/or voice, or just stop by and listen to some great jazz. The House Band will be the Zach Studdiford Quartet, some of the finest young musicians in Madison. Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St. 1pm. Free event, however, donations accepted.
BILL CHARLAP & RENEE ROSNES. Two of today’s premier jazz pianists, this New York City-based husband and wife duo recorded Double Portrait together for Blue Note, which features stunningly virtuosic four-handed workouts on a collection of jazz covers and standards, as well as one Rosnes original. Charlap and Rosnes are not like most couples. By the time they married in 2007, each was already a world-renowned jazz pianist with an impressive discography and a packed touring itinerary. Besides continuing to lead his jazz trio, Charlap is the long-time Artistic Director of New York’s 92nd Street Y jazz series, while Rosnes is currently music director and pianist for the all-female superband Artemis. These concerts are part of the Salon Piano Series 10th Anniversary celebration. Farley’s House of Pianos, 6522 Seybold Rd. 7:30pm (4/6) and 2:00pm (4/7). Tickets $10-$45.
NORTH STREET CABARET MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL- Jim Baker + Dan Bitney + Keefe Jackson + Ausberto Acevedo. Jim Baker has been playing piano and synthesizer in and around Chicago and the world for a few decades, mostly in improvisational contexts. Baker will be joined on stage with fellow Chicagoans Dan Bitney, multi-instrumentalist; Keefe Jackson, tenor saxophonist and Ausberto Acevedo, bassist, composer and improviser. Presented by Blue Stem Jazz. North Street Cabaret, 610 North St. 4pm. Tickets $20.
In what promises to be the highlight of Madison’s Spring 2024 jazz season, Café CODA and Madison Music Collective present pianist, composer and international jazz hero Emmet Cohen in concert with his trio for two shows (7:00 and 9:15pm) in the intimate setting of Madison’s premier jazz club, Café CODA, on Sunday evening, 4/7/24. Tickets for each show are now on sale here.
At age 33, Emmet has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music and the related arts. With his trio, he hosts the most-viewed online jazz show in the world, “Live from Emmet’s Place,” launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing to this day. With 114 episodes completed and receiving tens of millions of views, the series has presented the foremost young jazz artists along with jazz greats like Christian McBride, Joe Lovano, and Mary Stallings, to name just a few.
Emmet now maintains a hyper-active international touring schedule, selling out venues large and small wherever he performs, but still making time to continue the house concerts when he’s back home. Emmet headlines regularly at the world’s top jazz venues, e.g., Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Village Vanguard, and Birdland. He has released over ten albums as a leader, including his latest album “Uptown In Orbit.” He has performed or recorded with jazz greats including Ron Carter, Benny Golson, Jimmy Cobb, George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Houston Person, Christian McBride, and Kurt Elling.
Winner of the 2019 American Pianists Award and a recognized prodigy, Emmet began Suzuki method piano instruction at age three, and his playing quickly became a mature melding of musicality, technique, and concept. DownBeat magazine observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride, and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship.” In the same spirit, Emmet has noted that playing jazz is “about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality; it’s essentially about connections,” both among musicians and with audiences. Possessing a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Emmet plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium. All About Jazz calls him “one of the finest piano players to emerge in decades.”
EMMET COHEN TRIO. Multifaceted New York jazz pianist, composer and international jazz hero Emmet Cohen has emerged as one the Millennial generation’s pivotal figures in music. Through the “Live From Emmet’s Place” livestreamed series of house concerts that he launched in March 2020, Emmet helped sustain the souls of millions of jazz fans during the pandemic while introducing fans to many of today’s young master musicians who are pushing the music forward. That series continues to this day, with nearly 120 concerts now posted online that have garnered millions of views. Possessing a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Emmet plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium. Downbeat observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride, and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above convoluted technical showmanship.” The trio will include Philip Norris on bass and Kyle Poole on drums. Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St. Saturday – 8:30pm. Sunday, shows @ 7pm & 9:15. Tickets for all three shows are $37.50 advance, $40 door (if available), $30 students with ID. For Saturday, you can purchase a $45 package ticket that includes a 6pm concert with Madison-based baritone saxophonist Anders Svanoe’s adventurous octet, ASTRO.
A Madison institution for over 15 years, this jam session features some of the city’s finest jazz musicians. Instrumentalists, vocalists, emcees and poets are encouraged to sit-in for a fun night of collaborative music.
For more info on special guests and theme nights please visit us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNewBreedJazzJam
Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FLIX AT CAFÉ CODA. Can the middle of your week get a little bland? Come out for Café CODA’s FREE jazz documentary film series every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, from 7:00-8:30pm, starting February 8th. Each week will be a showing of different selections of artist highlights, noteworthy trends and important musical history, and you’ll be able to enjoy the show in the company of like-minded individuals.
HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN. Award-winning Austin, Texas-based Hot Club of Cowtown may be the world’s most globe-trotting, effervescent string trio, whose joyful sound blends the traditional Western swing of the 1940s American southwest with European hot jazz influences of the same era. The Hot Club of Cowtown, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, writes its own original songs and reinterprets everything from hoedowns to American songbook standards in its own, original style. The band is guitarist Whit Smith, fiddler Elana James, and upright bassist Zack Sapunor. Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St., Stoughton. 7:30pm. Tickets $27.
Dave Cooper, trumpet & flugelhorn
Doug White, piano, synth & organ
Blending originals with fresh interpretations of modern jazz classics, the Cooper-White duo engage in lively dialog in swing, Latin and funk.
Jim’s program includes selections from major jazz artists/composers thru the history of the genre. Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Ahmad Jamal, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Don Grolnick and more will be featured.
“Jim Erickson is proof, if any is needed, that there are major jazz talents performing in the United States outside of New York, Chicago, New Orleans and the West Coast.” Scott Yanow – Los Angeles, jazz author/reviewer
Calling all musicians, seasoned improvisers, and those curious to dive into the world of spontaneous music-making!
No need to worry about sheet music or rehearsed performances here. It’s all about going with the flow and embracing the unexpected.
Highlights of the evening include:
🎵 A vibrant atmosphere where musicians of all abilities are encouraged to participate and explore their improvisational skills.
🎵 A supportive and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and experimentation.
🎵 Freedom to create unique and spontaneous musical pieces, without boundaries or predefined rules.
🎵 Opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and form impromptu bands or collaborations.
🎵 A chance to discover new musical styles, learn from others, and broaden your horizons.
Whether you’re a virtuoso or a beginner, this jam session is open to all. It’s an incredible chance to learn, grow, and experience the thrill of making music in the moment. So, don’t miss out on this extraordinary gathering of musical souls.
Remember, the event is free, so invite your friends, family, and fellow music enthusiasts. Let’s come together and create a night of unforgettable melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. See you there!
JAKOB HEINEMANN QUARTET. For this project, Heinemann has developed a flexible system of notation that allows the music to breathe and sway, untethered to a rhythmic grid, set with impressionistic harmonies and a keen awareness of space and stillness. Heinemann will be joined by fellow Chicago polymaths Molly Jones (flute), Jeff Kimmel (clarinet), and Ishmael Ali (cello). Arts+Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St. 7pm. Free admission.
Every Saturday night, bring your instruments or just yourself to join in our Late Night Improvising Jazz Jam Session. All disciplines are welcome. No fake books, please.
$5. (Pay at the door)
PARIS CHANSONS. Paris Chansons is an exciting French band with an Eastern European gypsy twist! Recently featured on the French news, they are known for their original renditions of French favorites from Aznavour, Dassin, Piaf, Macias, Adamo, Dalida, all the way to contemporary artists like Zaz. Their exhilarating performances are punctuated with gypsy jazz standards as well as classics in Russian, Italian, and other languages. North Street Cabaret, 610 North St. 7pm. Tickets $30.
ALL IN FOR THE ARTS 2024 PARTY. Live music by Nick Moran, Richard Hildner Armacanqui, and carisa (vocals), poetry, food by Lao Laan-Xang, cocktails by Craig Spaulding, silent auction, and 6×6 artworks by 50+ artists from around the world to benefits ALL’s work to increase access to the arts for all people. Arts+Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St. 7-9pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Tickets $75.