ZACC HARRIS - Chasing Shadows - album release
2024-11-22 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
Zacc Harris is a guitarist and composer based in Minneapolis, MN. He is a founding member of the acclaimed modern jazz collective Atlantis Quartet, which was formed in 2006 and has since released five albums. In 2015, the group won the prestigious McKnight Fellowship for Performing Artists.

Harris has released three albums as a leader on Shifting Paradigm Records: The Garden (2012), American Reverie (2017), and Small Wonders (2021). Small Wonders received a 4-star review in DownBeat Magazine and was included in their Best Albums of the Year list.

In 2017, Harris was named the Twin Cities’ Best Jazz Artist by City Pages, which praised him as “a remarkably fluid guitarist” who “has positioned himself at the center of the Twin Cities jazz world…Whether playing alongside the McKnight-winning Atlantis Quartet or fronting his own Zacc Harris Group, Harris makes his mark, incorporating lessons from the greats into his own forward-looking style.”

Harris has toured throughout the U.S. and U.K., with notable performances at Ronnie Scott’s in London and on the main stage of the Twin Cities and Iowa City Jazz Festivals. His fourth album as a leader, Chasing Shadows, is set to be released in November 2024.

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.

SMOKE N' MIRRORS - album release
2024-11-23 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
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. Join them for the release of their third album; Confabulation!
Gabriel Hammer on keys
Pete Geraci on sax
Sam Kacala on drums
DOORS AT 7

bar centro closed for Thanksgiving
2024-11-28 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Check us out Friday & Saturday for great shows!!

CAMERON SPANN TRIO
2024-11-29 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Upcoming artist and Milwaukee native, Cameron Spann is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader. Spann is in his 3rd 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 on Thanksgiving weekend! Exceptional Milwaukee musicians, friends and fellow Berklee students will join in the groove.
Yishay Levin – Bass
Ben Dameron – Guitar
Clay Lyons – SAx
Lucas Labeau – Keys

MIKE PAUERS QUINTET - Latin Jazz
2024-11-30 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
-Mike Pauers is a baritone saxophonist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied saxophone and clarinet with the legendary musician and educator Joe Aaron for ten years, and received additional instruction from Curt Hanrahan (UWM) and the great Ronnie Cuber. Mike can be seen around Milwaukee with his own groups, but also with the Latin jazz and salsa powerhouse De La Buena.

-Inspired by his studies with Ronnie Cuber, and his assistance with the recent biography of Pepper Adams, Mike Pauers merged his admiration of these two giants of jazz baritone sax with his love of Latin jazz. Calling upon the expert musicianship of his friends from De La Buena, together, these musicians will present the music of Adams and Cuber in a unique fusion of hardbop harmonies and Afro-Caribbean rhythms that will entice casual listeners and jazz fans alike.

Mike Pauers – baritone saxophone
David Wake – piano
Joey Sanchez – bass
Julio Pabon – percussion
Kevin Christensen – drums

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2024-12-05 20:30 - 23:30, 2025-01-02 20:30 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
doors at 7 / no cover

Tael Estremera Quartet - an evening of Thelonius Monk
2024-12-07 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
Tune in for a night of unique compositions by the legendary Jazz pianist Thelonius Monk. Your host Tael Estremera and his Quartet intend to deliver a fun and upbeat atmosphere featuring Monk’s tunes.
Tael Estremera – Piano
Clay Lyons – Alto Saxophone
Liam Phillips – Upright Bass
Yanni Chudnow – Drums & Cymbal

Shuga Blu
2024-12-12 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Shuga Blu is the new baby of Milwaukee musician, Keshena Armon. Performing feel good music, from classic to current gems in the R&B, Soul, Pop, Reggae, and Rock genres!

FAITH HATCH - Holidays with Friends
2024-12-13 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for A Soulful Christmas with Friends! Experience the warmth and joy of the holidays as we blend classic Christmas tunes with the heart and rhythm of soul. Featuring the voices of William Toney, Faith Hatch, and Bryanna Hatch with a quartet consisting of Tael Estremera, Mitch Dalzin, George Ballesteros, and Yanni Chudnow. This concert is a celebration of love and joy. Bring your friends and family for an evening filled with festive cheer, incredible talent, and the sounds that make the season bright!
Faith Hatch is a multi-genre vocalist, pianist, and guitarist based in Milwaukee. R&B, and jazz. Faith earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from UW Stevens Point in 2019 and was awarded Vocal Jazz Soloist of 2020 by Downbeat Magazine.

TIM WHALEN QUINTET
2024-12-14 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Tim Whalen Quintet will be playing Tim’s “derangements” of holiday classics and more!
The musicians for the evening will be:
Tim Whalen – piano
Jamie Breiwick – trumpet
Ben Dameron – guitar
John Christensen – bass
Hannah Johnson – drums
“I have worked with Tim for over a decade and know him to be a dedicated and inspired musician- Ben Sidran

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: Jazzy Christmas and Hanukah songs
2024-12-19 19:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
Once again, Jazzy Joan welcomes you to her monthly recorded jazz show.
Jazz Joan guarantees a social, good time and starts off the night with commentary about jazz in our very city. Show starts at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

Troubadours of Rhythm
2024-12-20 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

CLAUDIA JOHNSON TRIO
2024-12-21 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
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

Jazz Flux
2024-12-26 20:00 - 22:30 UTC
Jazz Flux is a Milwaukee Jazz group composed of musicians that met at jam sessions throughout the city. A love of jazz has brought this group together to create and maintain one of America’s great musical traditions. The group derives it’s unique sound from elements of hip hop, R&B, and pop and incorporating elements of those genres into it’s performances of traditional jazz. The bands performances are distinguished by the high energy the band brings.

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - Brought to you by The Commercialists
2024-12-27 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a post-Christmas after glow / cool down edition of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - Brought to you by The Commercialists
2024-12-28 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)

ANNE DAVIS & friends
2025-01-03 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
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

LUCAS LABEAU - pianist
2025-01-04 20:00 - 22:30, 2025-01-09 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
Lucas Labeau – piano
DOORS AT 7

LATIN JAZZ NIGHT + LIVE ALBUM RECORDING - TLALOK
2025-01-09 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Tlalok is a bilingual singer / songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Milwaukee. Originally from Chicago, Tlalok comes from a long line of musicians dating back to his great-grandfather, a composer from Vicente Guerreo, Mexico. A century later he keeps the family tradition alive through boleros, bossa novas, and vibrant performances channeling the passion of his ancestors.

The Sam Robinson Quintet
2025-01-10 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Since 2003 Sam Robinson has played in Chicago venues such as Andy’s Jazz Club, The Green Mill, The Jazz Showcase, and many others. He was also a member of the Chicago-based Shelley Yoelin Jazz Workshop Septet and has been a repeated guest soloist at the Serbian Village jazz club. He currently leads the Sam Robinson Quartet. In 2019, he released his debut album, “Sweet Love of Mine,” his second album, “Be With Me: Live at the Eastgate Cafe,” in 2022, and his third album, “Third Time’s a Charm,” in 2023.
According to Chicago Jazz Magazine, Robinson plays, at times, with “elegant restraint and muted tones,” and at other times with “an intelligent extemporization that has a burnished sound and simmering passion.”

HEIRLOOM - contemporary jazz
2025-01-11 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: George and Ira Gershwin Songbook
2025-01-16 19:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
Jazzy Joan takes a step back in the history of jazz with the tunes of George and Ira Gershwin.
History tends to repeat itself, and Ira’s lyrics of uncertainty and upheaval could have been written today. Equally telling were their songs written to dance the blues away. Join Jazzy Joan for some “Fascinating Rhythm” on January 16. Expect a night packed with recordings of current-day artists and their exciting takes on these masterful tunes.
Jazz Joan guarantees a social, good time and starts off at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

The GIL Jazz Combo
2025-01-17 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Joel Lehman; band leader, trumpet, and vocals
Joel Lehman has played throughout Milwaukee since moving to town in 2018. His voice and collection of unique Monette trumpets bring new life to the standards and his story telling carries the audience along for the ride.
DOORS AT 7

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE -
2025-01-18 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
DOORS AT 7

TONE HOME - experimental folk
2025-01-23 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Powerful and poetic. Engaging, relaxed and relevant to our times. Tone Poem singer songwriters; Sarah Moore and of Tone Poem offer a deep and inspiring musical experience.

Mike Kubicki and Erin Boehme
2025-01-24 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
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!

ELEMENTAL QUARTET
2025-01-25 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
A Small Patch of Earth is trumpeter and composer Paul Dietrich’s fifth album as a leader, but his Elemental Quartet is the smallest group he’s ever recorded. After two quintet albums (in 2014 and 2017) were followed by one for a full-size 18-piece jazz ensemble (2019’s Forward) and another for a nine-piece quintet-plus-string-quartet (2023’s 5+4), Dietrich wanted to get back to basics. This drove the formation of this group, which moved to a more intimate sonic landscape, a folk-inspired sound, and simpler musical forms, with an emphasis on interaction and improvisation rather than the more controlled nature of his recent large-ensemble work.
To make it happen, Dietrich turned to three longtime collaborators. Chicago guitarist Matt Gold’s diverse musical background and his experience in a variety of different styles made him the perfect fit for this type of project. Dietrich and bassist Brian Courage (also from Chicago) have been making music together since their college days at Lawrence University all the way back in 2007. Drummer Devin Drobka, hailing from Milwaukee, is one of the more thoughtful and interactive drummers in the Midwest, and also brought a mindset that set the tone for the group.
Website: www.pauldietrichjazz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauldietrichjazz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.r.dietrich/

Stella & Me
2025-01-30 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago)
Tania Taylor and (Sandy) Stella
Folk and rock plus some originals from the 60s to today.
Uke, Guitar, Flute and Homegrown Harmonies
