GARRETT WAITE TRIO
2025-03-13 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
Garret Waite – guitar and vocals
Tim Ipsen – upright and electric bass
Hannah Johnson – drums and percussion

DOORS AT 7

PAUL SILBERGLEIT TRIO — A Night of (Mostly) Original Music
2025-03-14 20:00 - 22:30
Veteran Milwaukee jazz guitarist Paul Silbergleit brings his acclaimed trio with bassist Clay Schaub and drummer Devin Drobka to perform their original compositions, along with fresh takes on a few tunes you might know!

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE - Javier Red - modern jazz pianist
2025-03-15 20:00 - 22:30
details to follow
DOORS AT 7

JASON RIGBY QUARTET
2025-03-16 16:00 - 18:30
TENOR SAXOPHONIST JASON RIGBY has carved out a niche in the world of creative and improvised music with his unique and compelling voice – one that is renowned worldwide – by embracing individuality focused on quality and a constant search for organic expression.
Having spent the past decade recording and touring as prime member of drummer Mark Guiliana’s Jazz Quartet, Rigby has performed at many of the world’s top jazz festivals and venues in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. He has appeared on several Grammy-nominated recordings and collaborated with Billy Hart, Michael Formanek, Cameron Brown, George Schuller, Kris Davis, Eivind Opsvik, Aretha Franklin, Mike Baggetta, Thomas Morgan, and Rudy Royston. Rigby has contributed his voice to a number of large ensembles including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and the composer-led groups of Miho Hazama, Jihye Lee, Alan Ferber, Mike Holober, Jared Schonig, David Binney, Darcy James Argue, and Asuka Kakitani.
London Jazz News states: “American saxophonist/composer Jason Rigby has this spontaneous capacity to adapt his way of playing to different styles and moods. He is a shape-shifter whose musical approach is a synonym for consistency regardless if he’s playing in small groups such as the quartet of Mike Baggetta and Mark Guiliana, or large ensembles like the Alan Ferber Big Band. Rigby leads with resolve, evincing an outgoing posture, compositional bravura, and laudable flair for exploration.”
“There’s a breathy tone, some of the Coltrane to Pharoah preach, and seemingly boundless chops. (That breathy tone in part is particularly attractive; the Michael Brecker/Jan Garbarek ‘glossy’ lineage is cool too, but sometimes I crave something darker and fuzzier.)” – Ethan Iverson, pianist
“The warmth of Rigby’s tone and the rigor of his ideas come across even in the stormiest free blowing.” – David R. Adler, Stereophile
“Rigby’s burly tone and searching improvisations recall the expressionistic flights of Ornette Coleman and Joe Henderson.” – John Murph, DownBeat
JASON RIGBY QUARTET
Jason Rigby – tenor saxophone
Russ Johnson – trumpet
Clark Sommers – bass
Dana Hall – drums & cymbals

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: The Vibes of March
2025-03-20 19:00 - 23:30
Once again, Jazzy Joan welcomes you to her monthly recorded jazz show, “Jazz: Where it is and Where it’s Going.” This month she features the vibraphone, and the multitude of bell tones it creates when a “simple” stick with a rubber ball on the end, strikes down on a row of aluminum bars joined together. Joan guarantees you will feel the vibe, or better yet the vibration with beautiful music by current-day vibe masters Warren Wolf, Joe Locke, Steve Nelson, and others. Joan introduces her recorded jazz show at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

SMOKE N' MIRRORS - funk-soul trio
2025-03-21 20:00 - 23:00
Smoke N’ Mirrors is a funk-soul organ trio from Milwaukee. The group brings new life to the classic organ trio sound with original compositions and fresh improvisations.
Gabriel Hammer on keys
Pete Geraci on sax
Sam Kacala on drums
DOORS AT 7

ZACC HARRIS QUINTET- modern jazz guitarist
2025-03-22 20:00 - 22:30
Since moving to Minneapolis in 2005, Zacc Harris has garnered a reputation as one of Minnesota’s top guitarists, being named 2017 Twin Cities Best Jazz Artist by the City Pages. Also a founding member of the acclaimed group Atlantis Quartet, Harris has toured as leader and sideman throughout the US and UK, including a 2016 run with Zacc Harris Group at London’s famed Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and performances on the main stage of Twin Cities Jazz Festival and Iowa City Jazz Fest. His 2021 album Small Wonders received a 4-star review from Downbeat Magazine and a spot in their Best Albums of the Year list. The new album, Chasing Shadows, has also received critical acclaim including a review from JazzWise Magazine who say Harris “explores the kind of big-sky generous melodicism pioneered by artists like Pat Metheny and Gary Burton…his timing and articulation are beyond reproach and his imagination extensive.”

“Catalyst” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEPe714jxY4

The band features the Twin Cities’ finest players with Brandon Wozniak (Dave King Trucking Company) on tenor sax, Bryan Nichols (Nicole Mitchell) on piano, Chris Bates (Bill Carrothers) on double bass, and Pete James Johnson (Omar Abdulkarim) on drums.

DAVE DAMIANI with THE JAZZ ORGY - jazz, swing vocalist
2025-03-27 20:30 - 22:00
Crooning for Milwaukee, L.A.-based Dave Damiani will keep the night swinging with the best of jazz standards, one night only at bar centro. It is a party when Dave Damiani is in Wisconsin!
Dave Damiani (https://www.davedamiani.com) is an American singer, songwriter, producer based out of Los Angeles, CA. Having started as a bartender at the famed CHARLIE O’S JAZZ CLUB in Valley Village, CA, Dave Damiani had the opportunity to work, learn and become friends with some of the best musicians on the planet.
Shortly after receiving his master’s degree in Commercial Music from the California State University in Los Angeles, Dave began his pursuit to put together the perfect band with youth and style. His debut album “Watch What Happens” has been receiving worldwide airplay. Brad “Martini” Chambers was the first to discover Dave Damiani’s originality. Brad has been playing him constantly on www.martiniinthemorning.com since 2013. Additionally, receiving airplay on over 300 radio stations and on Satellite Radio XM 71 (Siriusly Sinatra). In January Dave Damiani hosted his own hour on Sirius XM Siriuisly Sinatra #71, while hosting his good friend and New Jersey brother Joe Piscopo swung the studio say hi!
“Your record “Watch What Happens” is great! You should really be proud. I mean great and I don’t just say these things.”-Johnny Mandel (Oscar and Grammy Award Winning Composer and Arranger)

Troubadours of Rhythm
2025-03-28 20:00 - 22:30
Jon Mroz – string bass
Aidan White – guitar & banjo
S.A. Anderson – piano
Kyle Samuelson – cornet & trombone
Jon Lovas – clarinet
Debuting in 2023, the Troubadours of Rhythm are a captivating journey through time, skillfully led by string bassist Jon Mroz. Drawing inspiration from the electrifying ambiance of the late 1920s and early 1930s south side Chicago (and north side Milwaukee!), the Troubadours are a musical time machine, transporting listeners and dancers to an era of exuberance and innovation.
From stomps to rags; from blues to swing, Mroz and his musical comrades have traveled the country to cleverly revive the syncopated rhythms, timeless melodies and improvisational spirit that defined the golden age of jazz on the cusp of swing. This eclectic five-piece combo features guitar, banjo, upright string bass, acoustic piano, cornet, clarinet, trombone, washboard with vocal shouts and harmonies.
Embark on a sonic journey with the Troubadours as they pay homage to the timeless magic of early jazz & blues, ensuring that its infectious excitement resonates with audiences, both nostalgic and new.

HEIRLOOM - contemporary jazz
2025-03-29 20:00 - 22:30
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.

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2025-04-03 20:30 - 23:30, 2025-05-01 20:30 - 23:30
doors at 7 / no cover

CLAUDIA JOHNSON TRIO
2025-04-04 20:00 - 22:30
Claudia Johnson’s music is an eclectic mix of rock, pop and contemporary singer songwriter styles and represents various musical influences. With Paul Westfahl on drums and Chris Newlin on guitar, both incredible writers and performers in their own right, the three celebrate an organic and intimate approach to the music.
DOORS AT 7

Tael Estremera Quartet - an evening of McCoy Tyner & Wayne Shorter
2025-04-05 20:00 - 22:00
Your host Tael Estremera and his Quartet intend to deliver a fun and upbeat atmosphere featuring play throughs of the albums “The Real McCoy” by McCoy Tyner and “Speak No Evil” by Wayne Shorter.
Tael Estremera – Piano
Clay Lyons – Alto Saxophone
Liam Phillips – Upright Bass
Yanni Chudnow – Drums & Cymbal

MAX BROWN
2025-04-10 20:00 - 22:30
Max Brown is a trombonist, composer, and arranger who plays music in all styles but mainly focuses on jazz. Max is currently based in Madison, Wisconsin and he is additionally working his way into the Chicago and Milwaukee jazz scenes. He is a bandleader of both a jazz quartet and a jazz/original music sextet. Max has also built a presence in Indiana, where he spent 6 years studying both jazz and classical music

MS. KAPRICE - soul, jazz, r&b, funk
2025-04-12 20:00 - 22:30
demonstrating intimate sounds and musicality
Songtress and Musician; Ms. Kaprice
presents
“Front and Center”
a live music series spotlighting lead singers & instrumentalists
soul – jazz – r & b – funk

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: Germany IS Jazz
2025-04-17 19:00 - 23:30
Jazzy Joan is your tour guide on a trip to Germany. Join Joan and your fellow travelers as we head out on our expedition. What we’ll find are many “hidden” gems of jazz – hidden to many of us here in the U.S., that is. To say jazz is BIG in Germany is an understatement!
What Jazzy Joan discovered is a bustling jazz scene. Now it’s time for you to hear the recordings of these artists. Vocalists like Jeff Cascaro (one of Joan’s all-time favorites, singing in English), the consummate drummer Wolfgang Haffner, pianist Rainer Schnelle, trumpeter/vocalist Till Bronner, jazz innovator Eberhard Weber on bass and many others.
Jazz Joan guarantees a social, good time and starts off the night with commentary about these amazing artists. Show starts at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.

DOORS AT 6:30

Jeanne Marie Farinelli plays Dexter Gordon's "GO"
2025-04-18 20:00 - 22:30
Jeanne Marie Farinelli is a saxophonist and educator in the Milwaukee area who fuses modern and traditional sounds in her approach to improvised music.
“Modern Bop” is a celebration of the hard bop era and how it has influenced modern stylings of jazz. In this special showcase, the first set will feature a full performance of Dexter Gordon’s classic 1962 album, “GO”, and the second set will explore various modern compositions by artists such as Ben Williams, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Keith Jarrett.
Jeanne Marie Farinelli (saxophone) will be joined by some of the area’s top musicians: Tim Whalen on piano, Tim Ipsen on bass, and Hannah Johnson on drums.

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE - Jimmy Farace - baritone saxophonist
2025-04-19 20:00 - 22:30
MJI PRESENTS: JIMMY FARACE QUARTET
Chicago-based baritone saxophonist Jimmy Farace leads a stellar quartet, showcasing original music from his latest release on Shifting Paradigm Records. Entitled Hours Fly, Flowers Die, the album is a heartfelt narrative bound together by the poignant themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. Drawing inspiration from Henry Van Dyke’s timeless poem, “For Katrina’s Sundial,” the collection of works in this project becomes a contemplative journey, capturing the essence of fleeting moments, the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, and the universal struggle to hold onto the ephemeral present.
“Hours Fly, Flowers Die” is a COMPLETE musical statement, displaying an uncommon level of maturity for such a young artist. Jimmy Farace playing and writing are the mark of someone who demands the attention of a wide audience!“–Walter Smith III
“Jimmy Farace has made a recording of timeless and immense beauty. His baritone playing is deeply emotional, mature,…
DOORS AT 7

BEN DAMERON QUARTET - modern jazz
2025-04-24 20:00 - 22:30
Ben will be joined by two Chicago luminaries – Geof Bradfield on saxophone and Clark Sommers on bass as well as Hannah Johnson on drums. Ben will be featuring his new original music that runs the gamut from burning, energetic interplay to delicate, affferent melodies.
This is one not to miss!

Isaiah Keith - GARM - fusion funk, jazz organ trio
2025-04-25 20:00 - 22:30
Led by electric organist Isaiah Keith, GARM is an organ trio that plays an eclectic mix of fusion, funk and jazz.
The group performs and records around the greater Chicago area. They’ve recently released a SUKO Jazz Collective-affiliated EP entitled “Clean It Up!!”.

B. D. GREER & THE GENTS - electrifying soul & jazz
2025-04-26 20:00 - 22:30
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

Le Fleur Quartet - classic bebop to hip hop/r&b
2025-05-02 20:00 - 22:30
Artrell LeFlore – Saxophone
Gilberto Bustamante – Guitar
Isaiah Simons – Bass
Yanni Chudnow – Drums

MS. KAPRICE - soul, jazz, r&b, funk
2025-05-03 20:00 - 22:30
demonstrating intimate sounds and musicality
Songtress and Musician; Ms. Kaprice
presents
“Front and Center”
a live music series spotlighting lead singers & instrumentalists
soul – jazz – r & b – funk
$10 in advance & $15 at the door

JACK MONAGLE QUARTET - hard bop
2025-05-08 20:00 - 22:30
Liam Phillips (bass), Luke Murray (guitar), Henry Blainey (keys), and Jack Monagle (drums).

Ellie Martin – Morning Glories Album Release Tour
2025-05-09 20:00 - 22:30
Join jazz vocalist, songwriter, and composer Ellie Martin as she brings her critically acclaimed new album Morning Glories to Bar Centro for an intimate evening of original music. With a PhD in Jazz Studies and mentorship from icons like Jon Hendricks, Geri Allen, and the New York Voices, Ellie blends jazz tradition with the soul of a singer-songwriter.
Described by Paris Move as “a superb work of sensitivity, sincerity and melodic beauty,” Morning Glories explores themes of motherhood, transformation, and resilience through lush harmonies and heartfelt lyricism. Don’t miss this special night of storytelling and song.

TRIO D'AMOUR
2025-05-10 20:00 - 22:30

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: Music from the African Group of Nations
2025-05-15 19:00 - 23:30
With pleasure, Jazzy Joan welcomes you to her monthly recorded jazz show for a celebration of music from the African Group of Nations and the diaspora. Spectacular music that leads us in a multitude of directions as we travel to hear current-day artists from Nigeria (Camilla George), Uganda (Mark Kavuma), Dominican Republic of Congo (Ray Lema), Ethiopia (Kibrom Birhane) and many, many others. These artists carry the sounds of their upbringing to a place all their own.
Jazz Joan guarantees a social, good time and starts off the night with commentary about these amazing artists. Show starts at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

ANNE DAVIS & friends
2025-05-16 20:00 - 22:30
Join us for an enchanting evening of live jazz at Bar Centro, where the cozy ambiance and exceptional talent set the stage for a night to remember. Let the smooth, masterful sounds of Mike Kubicki on piano and Jim Paolo on bass weave a melody-filled tapestry as Anne’s voice carries you through a repertoire of beloved standards and hidden gems.
Sip, savor, and sink into the rhythm of a night dedicated to jazz lovers and newcomers alike.
Mike Kubicki -piano
Jim Paolo – bass
Anne Davis- vocals
DOORS AT 7

The Sofijazz Quartet
2025-05-17 20:00 - 22:30
New York-based vocalist Sofija Knezevic leads an ensemble featuring her husband Elliot Mason, trombonist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, backed by a swingin’ Milwaukee rhythm section.
