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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/events/3633531523573215
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
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.
Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!
Latin Jazz and Standards featuring: The Nick Moran Quartet
Jam session with rhythm section
Charlie Painter Trio with Kelby Kryshak, drums; Sam Olson, upright bass & CP on guitar.
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.
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.
JAZZ AT SEQUOYA: CHRISTO RUPPENTHAL. Christo’s Novelty Combo presents a unique mixture of the Vaudeville era, novelty and jazz-infused hot steel guitar and ukulele of the 1920s and 30s “Hawaiian Craze,” and the swinging sounds of French, Django Reinhardt-style small group swing jazz from the 1930s and 40s. Think Hot Hawaiian guitar meets Jazz à la Django. Sequoya Public Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd. 2pm. Free event.
REGGIE NICHOLSON CONCEPT. New York/Chicago percussionist Reggie Nicholson brings his “Concept” quartet to Madison. The quartet includes fellow Chicago musicians James Perkins, tenor sax/flute; Alan Bouroughs, guitar; Darius Savage, bass with Nicholson on drums. Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St. 8pm. Tickets $20.
DIRK QUINN BAND. Dirk Quinn is the guitarist for a high energy funk/jazz band based out of Philadelphia that travels extensively throughout the US and Canada. The band includes Rory Flynn on bass and Cody Munzert, keys and organ. Presented by BlueStem Jazz. Harmony Bar and Grill, 2201 Atwood Ave. 9pm. Tickets at the door.
“Jazz” Worship Sunday
On May 19 beginning at 9:30 am, Westminster Presbyterian Church (4100 Nakoma Rd. Madison) invites all to celebrate with their Church Family as they welcome a trio of guest jazz musicians (piano,
string bass, and drums) from Dream City Jazz.
Dream City Jazz is an ensemble that epitomizes the vibrant tapestry of jazz music, seam-
lessly blending tradition with contemporary flair. Hailing from the heart of the Driftless
region of Wisconsin, Dream City Jazz has cultivated a sound that resonates with fans of
classic jazz while pushing the boundaries to incorporate elements of modern musical gen-
res. The repertoire ranges from timeless standards to innovative original compositions, all
delivered with the impeccable skill and passion of its members.
On this special Sunday, Dream City Jazz will be offering an extended prelude, which will begin at
9:30 a.m. Everyone welcome
DAVID HAZELTINE – BILLY PETERSON DUO REUNITED. After playing together for 45 years, Willard “Billy” Peterson (bassist) and David Hazeltine (pianist) are touring again. Peterson is one of the most celebrated bass players in the world. His uncompromising talents as a performer have brought him widespread recognition, as well as credits as a composer, arranger and producer. Hazeltine is one of the most sought-after pianists today. A brilliant teacher, David is also determined to carry the art forward to the next generation. Formerly an Associate Professor at Berklee, he currently teaches at SUNY-Purchase in New York. Café CODA, 1224 Williamson St. 7pm. Tickets $20.