MIKE ARNDT II QUINTET
2025-11-29 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
Join the Mike Arndt II Quintet for an electrifying evening of jazz at Bar Centro on July 19th from 8:00 to 10:30 PM. Led by the dynamic saxophonist Mike Arndt II, this stellar ensemble will pay homage to jazz legends John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Kenny Garrett, and more. Expect a vibrant performance filled with virtuosic improvisations, soulful melodies, and swinging rhythms that capture the essence of these iconic artists. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of classic and contemporary jazz!
Michael Arndt II – Alto Saxophone
Robert Martin – Piano
Scot Napoli – Drums
Aden Stier – Bass
Carlos Adames – Percussion

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2025-12-04 20:30 - 23:30
doors at 7 / no cover

B. D. GREER & THE GENTS - electrifying soul & jazz
2025-12-05 20:00 - 22:00
B.D. Greer & The Gents bring an electrifying mix of soul & jazz to every stage. Led by powerhouse vocalist B.D. Greer, whose dynamic presence and rich, soulful voice captivate audiences, the group delivers high-energy performances with a touch of vintage charm. www.bdgreer.com

MEET THE SEAVERS
2025-12-06 20:00 - 22:00
Like absinthe in a baby bottle, the music of Meet The Seavers is unexpected. They don’t fit in and they like it that way. Meet the Seavers is an unusual musical duo known for their eclectic and unique sound, blending elements of jazz, swing, vaudeville, and more. Comprising husband-and-wife team Jace Kent and Dorothy Gilmore /Seavers, they formed in Nashville, Tennessee, though they’ve recently returned to Jace’s hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Their music defies easy categorization—often described as “New Avant-garde Swing” by fans—featuring fearless original compositions with odd time signatures, hypnotic basslines, and stunningly poetic lyrics. The duo’s most stripped-down and popular setup includes Jace on upright bass and vocals, Dorothy on vocals, and the occasional use of a theremin, creating their one of a kind, captivating sound. They also perform as a quartet with added horns and percussion or as a full big band, showcasing the versatility of their compositions, all scored for larger ensembles. Their performances are theatrical, blending music with a vaudeville-inspired flair, complete with humor, dramatic flair, and a larger-than-life stage presence.
From 2014 to 2019, Meet the Seavers hosted and produced their own musical variety TV show, “The Meet The Seavers Show,” which aired in Nashville and various U.S. cities. Dubbed a “21st-century Sonny and Cher,” the show featured their music, comedic skits, and guest artist performances, reflecting their playful dynamic as a couple. It’s still accessible on YouTube and has been pitched to larger networks.
Jace brings a rich musical background, having played bass for a large Black gospel choir in Chicago, written lyrics for a subsidiary of Island Records, and led a jazz-poetry big band in Nashville in the ‘90s. His original musical comedy about the Spanish Inquisition: “Throwing Stones at the Sun” is currently under production with a world premier slated for mid-2025. Dorothy, originally from a small Mississippi town, was a tomboy /athlete-turned-prom-queen who later became an accomplished model, actress, and award-winning bikini bodybuilder. Together, they’ve crafted a sound and persona that’s wholly their own, marked by originality and a refusal to conform. They don’t align with mainstream genres like country, jazz, Americana, or pop, and they embrace their outsider status with pride. Whatever they are, it’s unique and wonderful.

JAZZ GUITAR SPOTLIGHT - Neil Davis and Garrett Waite
2025-12-11 19:00 - 22:00
bar centro introduces; JAZZ GUITAR SPOTLIGHT beginning this month and running every second Thursday of the month through the end of the year. Each evening will feature two jazz guitarists.
Each month Neil Davis will perform second. Neil Davis, is a jazz guitarist from Milwaukee, the Jazz Guitar teacher at Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s jazz studies program and adjunct professor of guitar at UW-Oshkosh. He also helped found Milwaukee Jazz Vision, a jazz advocacy group. Neil lives with his wife and family on Milwaukee’s west side where he has a busy teaching studio called Neil Davis Guitar.
Up first is Garrett Waite; Milwaukee’s maverick guitarist, refracting elements of rock, blues, folk, and world music through the improvisational structure of jazz.

Mike Kubicki and Erin Boehme
2025-12-12 20:00 - 22:00
Jazz pianist Mike Kubicki and vocalist Erin Boehme come together to put their own spin on the classics of the Great American Songbook. From swing, to bossanova, to ballads, they bring new life to the tunes you have come to love throughout the decades. Featuring Jim Paolo on bass, and Dave Bayles on drums, it promises to be a swingin’ night!

FAITH HATCH
2025-12-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-13 21:00 - 22:30
Join Faith Hatch & Friends for O Soulful Night, a heartwarming evening of live holiday music at Bar Centro on Saturday, December 13th!
This year’s performance will feature the vocal talents of John Stanford and Bryanna Hatch and instrumentalists Mitch Dalzin, George Ballesteros, Tael Estremera, and Yanni Chudnow. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with soulful renditions of holiday favorites — from smooth jazz and classic carols to modern Christmas grooves. Enjoy delicious cocktails and the joy of community as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together.

Jazzy Joan Presents: Soulful Greetings
2025-12-18 19:00 - 23:30
Join the holiday hang! Jazzy Joan welcomes you to a night of seasonal favorites – tunes of spiritual affiliation and of none. It’s jazz with a twist of funk. A dash of the blues. Music to lift your spirit. Joyful Hammond B3, jazz tuba like you’ve never heard, and more. Bring friends! Make new ones! The vibe is friendly and social, and Joan invites you to this special night of recorded jazz. Show starts with her introduction at 7:00, so get there early. No cover.

Troubadours of Rhythm with special guest Andy Schumm
2025-12-19 20:00 - 22:00
Jon Mroz – string bass
Aidan White – guitar & banjo
S.A. Anderson – piano
Kyle Samuelson – cornet & trombone
Jon Lovas – clarinet
Hear ye, hear ye! Prepare to be whisked away to a bygone era of elegance and hot rhythm, as Troubadours Of Rhythm, Milwaukee’s own purveyors of the finest early jazz, pre-war blues, and hokum, welcome the one and only Andy Schumm—widely regarded as the best early jazz musician on the planet—for a spectacular, can’t-miss Christmas show! On December 19th, at 8 PM, step into the sophisticated glow of Bar Centro, Riverwest’s classiest jazz and cocktail lounge, and let the peerless sounds of Schumm’s virtuosity and the Troubadours’ infectious energy warm your spirits. Don’t settle for a silent night; join us for a sensational celebration of vintage music that promises to be the most captivating holiday event of the season!

Los Nenes Del Lago - Navidad del Lago
2025-12-20 20:00 - 22:00
A vibey night of live Latin music & drinks with Los Nenes del Lago. Los Nenes del Lago return for another edition of Sesiones del Lago (The Lake Sessions) Part 4 — this time bringing their signature Latin blend to the cozy, stylish setting of bar centro. Settle in with a cocktail or glass of wine and let the sounds of bachata, salsa, and cumbia set the mood.
Doors at 7pm

CHRISTMAS - bar centro closed for the holiday
2025-12-25 20:00 - 22:00

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - Brought to you by The Commercialists - 6pm show
2025-12-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-27 18:00 - 19:30
The Commercialists are a Milwaukee-based jazz trio whose goal in life is to spread holiday cheer through the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi.
Anthony Deutsch – piano and voice
Clay Schaub – bass
Patrick Morrow – drums
Come start a new family tradition communing over an evening of music, some poetry and perhaps even a sing along!

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - Brought to you by The Commercialists - 8pm show
2025-12-26 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-27 20:00 - 21:30

bar centro closed for New Year's Day
2026-01-01 20:00 - 22:00

CAMERON SPANN QUARTET
2026-01-02 20:00 - 22:00
Upcoming artist and Milwaukee native, Cameron Spann is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader. Spann is in his 4th year at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts earning his BFA. Prior to pursuing higher education, Spann immersed himself in the Milwaukee jazz scene, playing with musicians such as Anthony Deutsch, Mark Davis, Jamie Breiwick and many others.
Cameron is excited to return to bar centro to play music with the homies; Lucas Lebeau on keys, Russ Johnson on trumpet, and Liam Phillips on bass.

THE MOSLEYS - Americana
2026-01-03 20:00 - 22:00
A beloved Milwaukee power-pop band from the 90s, The Mosleys play a distinctive blend of poppy folk-rock with countrified and classic rock leanings, featuring catchy melodies, smooth vocals, and solid guitar work, often compared to classic power-pop but with a unique Milwaukee charm, making them a “best band to ever come out of Milwaukee” for many fans.
Members of this band have played with multiple famous musicians etc
including Robbie Fulks, Paul Cebar, John Sieger, Hal Ketchum, Joe Ely, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and the Spanic Boys.
The band members include: Bob Jennings on piano, Rob Gjersoe on guitar, Dave Braun on drums, Mike Fredrickson on bass and vocals, and Bruce Dean on guitar.
Original music composed by Mike Fredrickson

JAZZ GUITAR SPOTLIGHT - Neil Davis
2026-01-08 19:00 - 22:00
bar centro introduces; JAZZ GUITAR SPOTLIGHT beginning this month and running every second Thursday of the month through the end of the year. Each evening will feature two jazz guitarists.
Each month Neil Davis will perform at 8:30. Neil Davis, is a jazz guitarist from Milwaukee, the Jazz Guitar teacher at Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s jazz studies program and adjunct professor of guitar at UW-Oshkosh. He also helped found Milwaukee Jazz Vision, a jazz advocacy group. Neil lives with his wife and family on Milwaukee’s west side where he has a busy teaching studio called Neil Davis Guitar.
Veteran Milwaukee jazz guitarist Paul Silbergleit will perform his original compositions, along with fresh takes on a few tunes you might know from 7 to 8pm.

The Lucas LaBeau Quartet
2026-01-09 20:00 - 22:00
Anothe Berklee student home for winter break!!
Lucas Labeau on piano, fellow Berklee stuent, Zach Sorkin on drums, Liam Phillips on bass, and Jamie Breiwick on trumpet. They will be performing a mix of modern and original jazz music!
DOORS AT 7

TAEL ESTREMERA TRIO - The Music of Duke Ellington
2026-01-10 20:00 - 22:00
Tael Estremera – piano
Yanni Chudnow – drums
Liam Phillips – bass

Jazzy Joan Presents: Warms Sounds of Jazz from the African Group of Nations
2026-01-15 19:00 - 23:30
The vibe is friendly and social, and Joan invites you to this special night of recorded jazz.
Yes, it’ cold outside! EXACTLY the reason to join Jazzy Joan for her recorded jazz show this month, because she’ll be featuring warm and energizing jazz from the African Group of Nations and the diaspora. Joan takes us on a long-distance tour to hear Camilla George from Nigeria, Ray Lema from the Dominican Republic of Congo, Neil Gonsalves from South Africa and many others. These artists carry the sounds of their upbringing to a place all their own. It’s jazz, and then some.
About the cold weather… It’s also BIG SWEATER NIGHT, so wear yours! Joan introduces her recorded jazz show at 7:00, so get there early. No cover.

SPIKE and APRIL - jazzy soulful originals
2026-01-16 20:00 - 22:00
Spike and April glean material from jazz, swing and rock. They cover familiar tunes and obscurities. Set lists include their own inspired, finely-crafted originals. Music veterans Mike “Spike” Judy on guitar and vocals and April Pate on drums and vocals, create a laid-back mood filled with great songs. Mike has been in many inspired bands including “Spike and the Eargoogles” an improvisational group consisting of Milwaukees’ finest musicians. His Minneapolis bands “Up Simba” and “Laundromat Vacation” were assertively instrumental projects featuring Mike on electric guitar and bass that played some of his original compositions. He also was a founding member of the WAMI award winning Milwaukee band “Semi Twang.” April is a singer and drummer. Vocally inspired by Astrud Gilberto, Blossom Dearie, Johhny Mathis and Nat Cole, she has a smooth and genuine style.

MJI PRESENTS: KENNY REICHERT QUARTET ALBUM RELEASE
2026-01-17 20:00 - 2026-01-18 22:30
The Milwaukee Jazz Institute invites you to celebrate the release of Live in Chicago (Shifting Paradigm Records), the latest album from guitarist Kenny Reichert, on January 17 at Bar Centro.

Captured in front of a live audience, the recording showcases a band deeply attuned to each other, embracing spontaneity and the nuances of real-time collaboration. Featuring alto saxophonist Lenard Simpson, bassist Ethan Philion, and drummer Devin Drobka, the ensemble’s performance reflects the enduring personal and musical relationships they have cultivated over the years.

Reichert, recognized by DownBeat Magazine as “a distinctive player and composer,” blends lyricism with harmonic sophistication, crafting music that is both adventurous and accessible. His previous albums, including Switch (2024) and Deep Breath (2023), have been lauded for their melodic depth and nuanced interplay. Live in Chicago offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the dynamic energy and trust that define his live performances.

Based between Chicago and Minneapolis, Reichert has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and has performed at venues and festivals across the U.S. and Europe. This album release concert is not just a celebration of a new recording but a testament to the evolving journey of a group committed to exploration and connection through music.
We’ll be touring the Midwest and East Coast in support of my new album, Live in Chicago, which releases in January 2026 on Shifting Paradigm Records.

The Quartet features:
Lenard Simpson – alto saxophone
Kenny Reichert – electric guitar
Ethan Philion – upright bass
Devin Drobka – drums and cymbals

JOHN STANFORD - vocalist
2026-01-22 20:00 - 22:00
John Stanford, a trained vocalist from Rockford, Illinois, moved to Milwaukee in 2018 with the intent of becoming an educator. What started as a professional shift quickly became a personal transformation, as he fell in love with the city’s vibrant music scene and creative spirit. Over the years, John has accomplished a great deal—both as a performer and as a mentor—but one goal continues to drive him: building and strengthening Milwaukee’s music community through meaningful collaboration. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, John remains committed to connecting artists, creating space for shared growth, and ensuring that music in Milwaukee thrives for generations to come. John is currently serving as a voice teacher at Mosaic Creative Studios in Brookfield and a teaching artist at Kids From Wisconsin. John composed and released two singles in September 2025, “You Looked My Way” and “Slow Feet.”
The show will be intimate; John sill sing some of his favorite songs accompanied by the world-class musician Zae Will on piano. The style of music will vary from jazz, r&b, and gospel to Disney; come and enjoy the sounds of love and life.

HEIRLOOM - contemporary jazz
2026-01-24 20:00 - 22:00
Heirloom is one of Milwaukee’s most innovative and sought after jazz combinations. Each musician has a deep connection and passion for modern music and draws upon contemporary classical, rock, and indie influences in their compositions. Heirloom’s original sound captivates audiences through soaring melodies, intriguing rhythms, and magnetic attention to detail. Heirloom performs as a trio, quartet, and quintet with core members Ban Dameron, guitar, and Hannah Johnson, drums.

GARRET WAITE - album release
2026-01-25 20:00 - 21:30
Join us in celebrating the release Garrett Waite’s new record, Shapeshifter, which was recorded right here at bar centro in front of a live audience. Hear the full record played live in its entirety, along with new and old original compositions. CDs will be available for purchase.
Garrett Waite – guitar, vocals
Jamie Breiwick – trumpet, effects
Tim Ipsen – bass
Hannah Johnson – drums
Mitchell Shiner – vibraphone, percussion
Carlos Adames – percussion
$17 ADV / $20 DOS
7pm doors
8pm concert
9:30pm after-party
Bio:
Deliberately shunning category and genre, Garrett’s music features memorable melodies, psychedelic textures, and virtuosic improvisations. Not quite rock, not quite jazz, his compositions harken back to the fusion explorations of Return to Forever as well as songwriters like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell with a forward-looking approach drawing on alternative and psychedelic rock acts like Radiohead and Khruangbin. A passion for world music infuses sounds from the Amazon, Caribbean, and Middle East.
Garrett has been a strong presence in the Milwaukee music scene since 2022, adding his versatile playing to original acts such as Match Stick, Craig Baumann & the Story, Mitch Shiner’s Latin Vibes, and Day Tvvo in addition to his own original projects. He currently tours with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Phillip-Michael Scales.

AN EVENING of SINGER SONGWRITERS
2026-01-29 20:00 - 22:00
Come get warmed up by the magical tunes of four sweet and talented Milwaukee singer-songwriters: Jordan Schuster, Yonat Piva, Bettny Roze, and Moldy Tates. Listen as silky voices with powerful messages are accompanied by guitar, piano and more.

SAM CATRAL QUARTET - original modern jazz
2026-01-30 20:00 - 22:00
This newly formed group of young Milwaukee musicians consists of Luis Solis Trinidad on tenor Sax, Liam Phillips on upright Bass, Yanni Chudnow on drums, and Samuel Catral on guitar. This performance will be the groups first time at bar centro and will feature Sam’s original compositions. Please join us for this special night that you won’t want to miss.
Sam Catral is a Milwaukee guitarist and educator with a degree in jazz guitar from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He performs in many local groups and has a passion for music and improvisation inspired by many different styles such as jazz, blues, soul, and r&b.
