Jazz Calendar

May
2
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
May 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Charlie Painter Trio @ Ohio Tavern
May 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Charlie Painter Trio with Kelby Kryshak, drums; Sam Olson, upright bass & CP on guitar.

Ladies Must Swing @ Café CODA
May 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Love big band music? Then don’t miss out on ‘Ladies Must Swing’ every first Thursday Night of the month!
From Ladies Must Swing –
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!
The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!
ASTRO (Anders Svanoe’s Teleporting Rhythmic Orchestra) @ Café CODA
May 2 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

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.

Chief Adujah @ UW Memorial Union Theater, Shannon Hall
May 2 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

CHIEF ADUJAH.  Chief Adjuah (formerly known as Christian Scott) is a 2022 Doris Duke Artist in the jazz category, a two-time Edison Award-winner, and six-time Grammy Award-nominated musician, composer, and producer. Adjuah is the progenitor of “stretch music,” a jazz-rooted, genre-blind musical form that attempts to “stretch” jazz’s rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic conventions to encompass multiple styles, languages, and cultures.   UW Memorial Union Theater, Shannon Hall, 800 Langdon St.  7:30pm.  Tickets $8-$66.

May
3
Fri
Gerri DiMaggio Trio @ Café CODA
May 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Gerri’s expressive singing, warm earthiness, and emotional insight prove that she is a true believer in the power of storytelling.
Musician bio:
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. 🎤
Throughout the music, Gerri displays an emotional intelligence and musical sophistication that honors the traditions of Jazz and Latin rhythms telling stories with tones of sadness and bittersweet joy.
Her working band includes some of the finest musicians in the area including Bob Pesselman on guitar, and Rich Larson on percussion.
Luke Leavitt Duo @ Café CODA
May 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

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.

UW Composers Group @ Tandem Press
May 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

UW JAZZ COMPOSERS GROUP.  The Composers Group is a small jazz ensemble focused primarily on student compositions, consisting of trumpet, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone with woodwind doubles, trombone, piano, bass, and guitar.  Tandem Press, 1743 Commercial Ave.  5pm.  Free event.

Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
May 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Jazz Jam with Kevin Carnes & guests @ Café CODA
May 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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!

Chad McCullough’s Modal Horizons @ The Bur Oak
May 3 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

CHAD McCULLOUGH’S MODAL HORIZONS.  A 13-piece ensemble plays the music of the late composer and arranger Jim Knapp, featuring trumpeter and saxophonist Jay Thomas.  Chicago-native, Jim Knapp (1939-2021) had a long and storied career, with affiliations as varied as John Cage, Sam Rivers, Anthony Braxton, Manfred Eicher, and Gil Evans. For the first time in many years, his music will be performed in the midwest with a world-class ensemble led by Chicago trumpeter Chad McCullough. Presented by BlueStem Jazz.  The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St.  8pm.  Tickets $20.

Magos Hererra @ Overture Center, Capitol Theater
May 3 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

MAGOS HERERRA. Born in Mexico City and currently based out of New York City, Magos Herrera is a dazzling jazz singer, songwriter, producer and educator. Declared as “one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of song” by the Latin Jazz Network, Herrera is regarded as one of the most active vocalists in the contemporary Latin American jazz scene. She is best known for her eloquent vocal improvisation and her singular bold style, which embraces elements of contemporary jazz with Ibero-American melodies and rhythms, singing in Spanish, English and Portuguese in a style that elegantly blends and surpasses language boundaries.  Overture Center, Capitol Theater, 201 State St.   8 pm.  Tickets $45.

May
4
Sat
Cool School @ Café CODA
May 4 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Musician/educator Hanah Jon Taylor resumes his beloved ‘Cool School’ with young musicians in the art of improvisation. Bring your instruments, or use one of ours, and get ready to jam with the master and the others! You can also just come and listen.
Our Jazz Cafe will be open at 10 AM. Students can stay for a brief jam session after the class.
All ages/abilities are welcome. Free!
Madison Jazz Society Year-end Celebration with the Sweet Sheiks @ Café CODA
May 4 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

MADISON JAZZ SOCIETY YEAR END CELEBRATION WITH THE SWEET SHEIKS.  Mark the end of another successful year of the Madison Jazz Jam at this celebration.  The regular jam will take place from 1-3pm, followed by a musical 2 sets with Milwaukee’s Sweet Sheiks bookending a Madison Jazz Society meeting at 4:45pm.  Everyone is welcome.  Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St., 1pm.  Free event.

Saturday Night Late Night Jam Session @ Café CODA
May 4 @ 11:00 pm – May 5 @ 1:00 am

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)

May
7
Tue
The New Breed Jazz Jam @ Robinia Courtyard
May 7 @ 9:00 pm – 11:55 pm

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

May
8
Wed
Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
May 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Wenesday Night Flix @ Café CODA
May 8 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

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.

May
9
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
May 9 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
May
10
Fri
Doug White Trio celebrates album release @ Café CODA
May 10 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

5/10:  DOUG WHITE TRIO CELEBRATES ALBUM RELEASE.  The trio, featuring Dave Cooper on trumpet and flugelhorn; Dane Richeson on percussion and White on keys will perform fresh arrangements of modern jazz classics by Miles Davis, Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter, as well as originals.  The concert will mark the release of the Doug White Quintet’s newest album, Awaken, which also features Tom Gullion, saxophones and flutes; Mark Urness, bass.  Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St.  5pm.  Free admission.   

Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
May 10 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Jazz Jam with Kevin Carnes & guests @ Café CODA
May 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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!

Dave Bayles Quartet @ North Street Cabaret
May 10 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

DAVE BAYLES QUARTET.  Drummer Bayles has performed with internationally-acclaimed jazz artists, including Bruce Barth, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Vincent Herring, Brian Lynch, Melvin Rhyne and Phil Woods. Rounding out the quartet are Midwest notables:   trumpeter Russ Johnson; saxophonist Geoff Bradfield and bassist Clay Schaub.  Presented by BlueStem Jazz.  North Street Cabaret, 610 North St.  8pm.  Tickets $20.

May
11
Sat
Cool School @ Café CODA
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Musician/educator Hanah Jon Taylor resumes his beloved ‘Cool School’ with young musicians in the art of improvisation. Bring your instruments, or use one of ours, and get ready to jam with the master and the others! You can also just come and listen.
Our Jazz Cafe will be open at 10 AM. Students can stay for a brief jam session after the class.
All ages/abilities are welcome. Free!
Jason Reisdorf Son Reis Project @ Audio for the Arts
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

JASON REISDORF SON REIS PROJECT.   Jason Reisdorf is a Menasha based saxophonist, improviser , and composer. The Son Reis Project also includes Jason Goessl, a seasoned guitarist, whose musical journey began in Maribel, Wisconsin; guitarist Travis Worth, a multifaceted, genre-fluid Wisconsin musician with an education firmly rooted in both formal and informal training; drummer Josh VanEngen who grew up going to see his mother play in the Symphony and going to epic rock concerts like Pink Floyd at Camp Randall Stadium.  Presented by BlueStem Jazz.  Audio For The Arts, 7 S. Blair St.  8pm.  Tickets $15.

Michael Hackett Quintet @ North Street Cabaret
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

MICHAEL HACKETT QUINTET.  Director of Jazz Studies, Associate Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music UW-Whitewater, trumpeter Michael Hackett has assembled an exciting quintet for this performance. The group will include Hackett, trumpet; Pawan Benjamin, saxophone;  Chris Rottmayer, piano;  Nick Moran, bass and Michael Brenneis, drums.  North Street Cabaret, 610 North St.  8pm.  Tickets $20.

May
12
Sun
Ellie Martin Quartet @ Café CODA
May 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

ELLIE MARTIN QUARTET. Recognized in the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Canadian Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, composer, educator, and jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor at the University of Toledo, as well as Toledo School for the Arts. Her repertoire includes Brazilian music, American songbook, bebop, as well as her original compositions. Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St. 7pm.  Tickets $15.

May
14
Tue
Charlie Ballantine w/Jon Cowherd, Dave King and Jesse Wittman @ North Street Cabaret
May 14 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

CHARLIE BALLANTINE W/ JON COWHERD, DAVE KING AND JESSE WITTMAN.  Charlie Ballantine was named as one of the top 200 living guitarists by All About Jazz.  Ballantine will be joined by Jon Cowherd, piano;  Jesse Whitman, bass and Dave King, drums. Presented by BlueStem Jazz.  North Street Cabaret, 610 North St. 7pm.  Tickets $20.

The Pray Trio @ the Mason Lounge
May 14 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/3633531523573215

The New Breed Jazz Jam @ Robinia Courtyard
May 14 @ 9:00 pm – 11:55 pm

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

May
15
Wed
MJS Summer Showcase and Jam @ COPA
May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

MJS SUMMER SHOWCASE AND JAM.  The Madison Jazz Jam will meet the 3rd Wednesday and run through summer with a slightly different format. A featured band will do a showcase concert and then host the regular open jam for all ages, all levels.  The first featured band will be the Austin Cebulske Trio.  COPA, 2841 Index Rd., Fitchburg.  6pm.  Free admission, however, donations are welcome.

Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
May 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Nick Moran Quartet @ Lucille
May 15 @ 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Latin Jazz and Standards featuring: The Nick Moran Quartet

May
16
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
May 16 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ZuZu Jam Session @ ZuZu Cafe
May 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Jam session with rhythm section

Charlie Painter Trio @ Ohio Tavern
May 16 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Charlie Painter Trio with Kelby Kryshak, drums; Sam Olson, upright bass & CP on guitar.

Madison Jazz Orchestra @ Café CODA
May 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

MADISON JAZZ ORCHESTRA.  One of the hottest, swingin’est jazz orchestras in southern Wisconsin, the 18-piece MJO performs charts from the bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington & Louie Bellson.  Each month the band focuses on individual composers and orchestras.  The MJO performs every fourth Thursday of the month at the Brink Lounge, 715 E. Washington.  7pm.  Free admission, donations encouraged.

May
17
Fri
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
May 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Matt Ulery, Quin Kirchner, Russ Johnson, Artie Black and Dustin Laurenzi @ North Street Cabaret
May 17 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

MATT ULERY, QUIN KIRCHNER, RUSS JOHNSON, ARTIE BLACK AND DUSTIN LAURENZI. Chicago trumpeter Russ Johnson is a recent Midwest transplant after spending 23 years as an important member of New York City’s jazz community. Rounding out the group will be Artie Black, reeds; Dustin Laurenz, reeds; Matt Ulery, bass and Quin Kirchner, drums.  Presented by BlueStem Jazz.  North Street Cabaret, 610 North St.  8pm.  Tickets $20.

May
18
Sat
Cool School @ Café CODA
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Musician/educator Hanah Jon Taylor resumes his beloved ‘Cool School’ with young musicians in the art of improvisation. Bring your instruments, or use one of ours, and get ready to jam with the master and the others! You can also just come and listen.
Our Jazz Cafe will be open at 10 AM. Students can stay for a brief jam session after the class.
All ages/abilities are welcome. Free!