Jazz Calendar

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.   

Jim Erickson @ Café CODA
May 10 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

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

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!

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!
Saturday Night Late Night Jam Session @ Café CODA
May 11 @ 11:00 pm – May 12 @ 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
14
Tue
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
Madison Jazz Jam @ COPA
May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

MADISON JAZZ JAM.  The second jam of November includes an educational workshop from 6-7pm followed by an open jam from 7 to 9:30pm.  House band to be announced.  COPA, 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg.  6pm.  Free admission, donations accepted.

Bring Your Own Vinyl @ Café CODA
May 15 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 7PM we’re taking it back to the basics with our Bring Your Own Vinyl series, so you can enjoy the crackle & pops and distinct rich quality that you can only get with vinyl.

Vinyl maintains a richer sound quality, so you can enjoy the quality of a live-music experience with your favorite songs. Bring your friends and share a mini-concert type of experience.

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!

May
16
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
May 16 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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
Dave Stoler @ Café CODA
May 17 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Dave Stoler is a native of Madison WI, and has formerly resided in New York City, Milwaukee and Miami. One of the busiest keyboardists in the area, Dave works with his own jazz trio, the Tony Castaneda Latin Jazz Sextet, The Ben Ferris Octet and The Darren Sterud NOLA Tribute Band. He also co-leads Steely Dane, a 16 member Steely Dan tribute band. He performs regularly with his trio and quartet at Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. His recording, titled “Urban Legends” is available on cdbaby.com. He was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition, The American Jazz Piano Competition, and a finalist in the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. He received a Master Of Music Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami-Coral Gables, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
May 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Jazz Jam with Kevin Carnes & guests @ Café CODA
May 17 @ 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!

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!
Saturday Night Late Night Jam Session @ Café CODA
May 18 @ 11:00 pm – May 19 @ 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
21
Tue
The New Breed Jazz Jam @ Robinia Courtyard
May 21 @ 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
22
Wed
Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
May 22 @ 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!

Wednesday Night Flix @ Café CODA
May 22 @ 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
23
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
May 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
May
24
Fri
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
May 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Jazz Jam with Kevin Carnes & guests @ Café CODA
May 24 @ 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!

May
25
Sat
Cool School @ Café CODA
May 25 @ 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!
Saturday Night Late Night Jam Session @ Café CODA
May 25 @ 11:00 pm – May 26 @ 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)