Dovekeeper - Yonat Piva
2024-09-12 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
Milwaukee musician Yonat Piva is a singer-songwriter guitarist who performs under the stage name Dovekeeper. Her songs vary from introspective 70s AM radio singer-songwriter acoustic guitar tracks to bluesy, funky contemporary rockers.

JERRY GRILLO - My Hometown Milwaukee CD Release
2024-09-13 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Jerry Grillo has a strong, upbeat jazz voice with an edge of cockiness in it that allows him to put a personal touch on tunes made famous by other singers. Although Grillo’s voice is unique, his presentation of jazz standards draws comparison to any number of predecessors such as Buddy Greco, Bobby Darin, and of course Sinatra.
My Hometown Milwaukee Day was awarded to Jerry by Mayor Cavalier Johnson for his song and his 60 year career, hear it live at bar centro!
Limited reserved seating for early birds for $15 cover!
DOORS AT 7

TIM WHALEN QUINTET
2024-09-14 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
He is an exceptional player who fully understands the jazz language and is fully conversant with all genres of the music.” – Kenny Barron
Milwaukee native Tim Whalen is a highly versatile jazz pianist, keyboard player, producer, composer,
arranger, and educator. His passion and dedication to his art shine in everything he touches. He’s played
all over the world and has written music for everything from solo pieces to orchestras.
From 2010 to late 2023, Tim was a member of the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in
Washington, DC, where he served as keyboard player, arranger, and music director for the pop /
commercial music group Downrange. Outside of the Army Band, he was deeply involved in the DC jazz
scene, where he played with the finest musicians in the area, including Lena Seikaly, Tommy Cecil, Chuck
Redd, Paul Pieper, Tedd Baker, Lyle Link, Kenny Rittenhouse, Kris Funn, Elijah Jamal Balbed, Donvonte
McCoy, Victor Provost, Mark Prince, Zack Pride, Tom Baldwin, Paul Langosch, The Bohemian Caverns
Jazz Orchestra, and others. As a highly respected bandleader, his groups have presented sold-out
concerts at Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, Twins Jazz, the Smithsonian, and the Strathmore Music
Center. In late 2023 Tim returned home to Milwaukee and quickly re-established himself as a musical force in the
Midwest.
“I have worked with Tim for over a decade and know him to be a dedicated and inspired musician- Ben Sidran
The musicians for the evening will be:
Tim Whalen – piano
Jamie Breiwick – trumpet
Ben Dameron – guitar
John Christensen – bass
Hannah Johnson – drums
They will be playing the music of Tim Whalen, Wayne Shorter, Peter Bernstein, and more…”

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: The Electric Side of Jazz
2024-09-19 19:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
Once again, Jazzy Joan welcomes you to her monthly recorded jazz show. This month features electrically charged young jazz artists from around the world – artists who are true to the core of jazz, yet challenging the limits of what defines it. These artists have an electric current running through them! Plugged in on synthesizer, electric violin and drum machine. Names you may not know, but will very soon – Hiromi, Yussef Dayes, Theo Croker, and others.
Jazz Joan guarantees an exciting time! It begins with an intro about current day jazz and continues with brief storytelling throughout the night. Show starts at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
NO COVER
DOORS AT 6:30

JAKE RICHTER QUARTET - album release
2024-09-20 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Jake Richter is a composer, drummer, and educator who splits his time between New York City and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
He maintains an active performance schedule both as a bandleader and a sideman, and appears frequently at venues like The Jazz Gallery, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Shapeshifter Lab, Barbés, and Bar Bayeux. He assembled the Jake Richter Quartet during his monthly residency at The 55 Bar in 2021, and has since taken the ensemble on 3 national tours. His debut album, Listen to the Birds will be released on Endectomorph Records in September of 2024.
In 2020, Richter graduated with his Masters Degree in Jazz Composition from the Manhattan School of Music. There he studied with luminaries Miguel Zenón, Jim McNeely, Kendrick Scott, and Jeff Ballard.
Before coming to New York, Richter studied jazz percussion and music composition at Indiana University, where he was a recipient of a full tuition scholarship. While there he performed with Bobby McFerrin, Randy Brecker, Marquis Hill, and Walter Smith III. In 2017 he was the recipient of the David N Baker B.M.I. Jazz Composition award.
bar centro welcomes the Jake Richter Quartet; Brandon Choi, Evan Main, Dan Montgomery, and Dan Richter as they celebrate the release of Listen to the Birds across the Midwest.

MJI PRESENTS: LOVE CALL BIOGRAPHY
2024-09-21 20:00 - 22:30 UTC
This collaborative trio began during the height of the pandemic when bassist Ethan Philion and saxophonist Max Bessesen coped with their lack of performance opportunities by exploring adventurous new repertoire together in private sessions away from the stage. These informal meetings eventually coalesced into an exploration of the music of Ornette Coleman, Paul Motian and original works by both musicians. When restrictions began to lift and the duo was able to reunite with their longtime collaborator Devin Drobka the unit began performing publicly around the Midwest. Love Call has a distinctive approach marked by a congenial sense of trust and a unique, intuitive group language. They perform original compositions by all members of the group.
THE BAND:
Max Bessesen – saxophone
Ethan Philion – bass
Devin Drobka – drums
Seating is limited. Get your tickets today!
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM

MATT GOLD / DEVIN DROBKA QUARTET
2024-09-26 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
DOORS AT 7
Matt Gold is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer based in Chicago, IL. His work pulls from diverse traditions of electric and acoustic music. Matt has performed in venues across six continents and has written music for film as well. His work has been praised for being “accessible, yet healthily unconstrained by genre and sure of its own identity” (UK Vibe) and for “effortlessly embodying its own dialect—defined by varied, spacious soundscapes, innovative improvisational flourishes and rich harmony” (Downbeat Magazine).
Devin Drobka is one of the most in-demand and creative musicians in the midwest for the past 15 years. Audiences around the world have been enthralled with his wide sonic palette and limitless rhythmic possibilities on the drums. A deep love of jazz, metal, folk, hip-hop, ambient, idm, and classical music has helped shaped Devin’s unique voice and vision on the drums both as a leader and as a sideman. His highly personal and creative drumming can be heard within the realm of jazz having performed with Greg Osby, Jerry Bergonzi, Dayna Stephens, and Joe Lovano as well as indie- folk bands like Field Report and indie rappers R.A.P. Ferreira and Serengeti. Devin can be heard on over 50 albums of genre bending, original music for which he is an advocate. Devin currently composes music for his newest group, The Devin Drobka Trio, which draws upon his love of contemporary classical music and minimalism and his multi horn group, Bell Dance Songs, which is a response to his love of Albert Ayler, Paul Motian, and Ornette Coleman. Devin’s music has been described as “sounding like nothing else in midwestern jazz” and “gorgeous, innovative.”
“Devin was a former student of mine at Berklee and one of my best. He was and remains, a serious, inquisitive, committed student, firmly grounded in the tradition, but open to what might be possible as the tradition evolves and changes with each generation… not only is Devin a catalyst of that change… he is ” the next generation…” – Jon Hazilla, Drum Professor, Berklee College of Music

ANTHONY DEUTSCH QUARTET FEAT. JULI WOOD
2024-09-27 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
doors at 7

B. D. and the gents
2024-09-28 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
B.D Greer’s electrifying voice has graced many big stages these last couple of years; Summer Stage, Jazz in the Park, Fond du lac Jazz Festival, Oshkosh Jazz Festival, Soulstice Summer, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center’s Starry Nights, and more. Invoking nostalgia for the days of Etta James to Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee to Keely Smith, her voice boasts a rich tone color that is unmatched. B.D. Greer’s commitment to the art of performing makes this singer a must-see for any Milwaukee music enthusiast.
Michael Arnold on guitar
Mark Solveson on bass
Jeff Kuliga on drums

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2024-10-03 20:30 - 23:30, 2024-11-07 20:30 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
doors at 7 / no cover

ANNE DAVIS & friends
2024-10-04 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Soulful and spirited, Anne Davis sings the songs that have stood the test of time. A night of spectacular jazz in the intimate setting of bar centro.
Ann Davis – vocals, Mike Kubicki – piano, Jim Paolo – bass, Glenn Williams – drums.
DOORS AT 7

MS. KAPRICE PRESENTS - HONORING the QUEENS of RNB, JAZZ, & SOUL - 7pm show
2024-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
HONORING THE QUEENS OF RNB, JAZZ, & SOUL: Mary J. Blige, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin
bar centro welcomes Ms. Kaprice Maxwell, the first Wisconsin local to win 1st place in the 2016 Music Vocal – Contemporary category in the NAACP ACT-SO national competition, receiving the 2017 outstanding performance award in Downbeat Magazine’s international Music Student Awards, and receiving the 2020 Best Performance in the Blues/Pop & Rock Category in Downbeat Magazine’s International Music Student Awards.
Doors at 6

MS. KAPRICE PRESENTS - HONORING the QUEENS of RNB, JAZZ, & SOUL - 9pm show
2024-10-05 21:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)

Shuga Blu
2024-10-10 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Shuga Blu is the new baby of Milwaukee musician, Keshena Armon. We pride ourselves on performing feel good music for our audience of all ages. They perform classic to current gems in the R&B, Soul, Pop and Rock genres!

HEIRLOOM
2024-10-11 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)

THE MUSIC of HERBIE HANCOCK - Tael Estremera Quartet
2024-10-12 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Tael Estremera is a multi-instrumentalist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He’s been a musician for over a decade and has been in the Milwaukee jazz scene for a handful of years playing at various venues. Featured in the quartet is a Berklee college graduate; Julian Singh on the drum set, a Lawrence College graduate; Liam Phillips on bass and a world class alto saxophonist; Clay Lyons whose wealth of experience and knowledge adds to the fire.
Doors at 7

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: JAZZ is in the ATMOSPHERE
2024-10-17 19:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
During her monthly recorded jazz show, Jazzy Joan welcomes you to explore jazz from within the atmosphere – the earth, the sky, and the seasons. Joan has hand-picked composers and artists who feel the vibe from these common places. Expect an evening of truly joyous jazz. Current-day composers and artists: Matthew Halsall, Joey Alexander, Charles Lloyd, Denys Baptiste, and others.
The evening begins with an intro about current day jazz, with brief commentary throughout the night. The show starts at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

JULIAN and FRIENDS
2024-10-18 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Julian and Friends features some of Milwaukee’s best modern jazz musicians looking to push the limits of the genre. This show is meant to take the listener on an emotional journey filled with intensity and beauty.
Ben Dameron – Guitar
Isaiah Jones – Piano
Liam Philips – Bass
Julian Singh – drums

MJI PRESENTS: THE MUSIC OF BUDDY MONTGOMERY
2024-10-19 20:00 - 22:30 UTC
Join us in honoring the legacy of Buddy Montgomery (1929-2009), the influential pianist, vibraphonist, and composer who was also the younger brother of Wes Montgomery. During the 1970s, Buddy made Milwaukee his home, leaving a lasting and profound impact on the jazz scene. Don’t miss this performance of some of his remarkable compositions by an all-star quartet that includes two of his original bandmates.
THE BAND:
Mark Davis – piano
Jeff Hamann – bass
Sam Belton – drums
Dumah Saafir – percussion
Seating is limited. Get your tickets today!
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM

DONNA WOODALL
2024-10-24 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Voted 2023 Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s (WAMI) Female Vocalist of the Year, Donna Woodall has established herself as a skilled, multi-genre singer/songwriter and bandleader in the Milwaukee music scene. Donna artfully blends the musical styles of artists such as Carole King, Cassandra Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, Sting, The Beatles, and Tracy Chapman with elements of traditional jazz and blues. The result? A fresh, new twist on familiar pop songs. Audiences are delighted by her eclectic song selections, cool originals, creative renditions of classic hits and jazz standards, and her bold moves into different music genres- all the while staying grounded in her jazz roots. In 2024, Donna continues to share her gifts as she performs at top Wisconsin festivals/events and in regular rotation at notable venues in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.

RIGHTEOUS ROOSTER - Jazz-Groove Organ Trio - album release
2024-10-25 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Righteous Rooster is a jazz-groove organ trio from Chicago, featuring Henry Dickhoff on organ, Kenny Reichert on guitar, and Luke Sagadin on drums and cymbals. Their debut album, “Fowl Play,” is set to be released on October 25 with Shifting Paradigm Records. Influenced by the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Soulive, Medeski Martin & Wood, Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart, Grant Green, and the Sam Yahel Trio, Righteous Rooster blends improvisation, imaginative compositions, and a love for the history of organ trios to create a distinct and engaging sound.
Kenny Reichert – guitarist, composer, bandleader, and educator. His wide-reaching music draws on a mix of influences including jazz, folk, classical, & avant-garde.
Henry Dickoff – organ.
Luke Sagadin – drums and cymbals

GARRETT WAITE
2024-10-26 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Milwaukee’s maverick guitarist/composer, refracting elements of Americana and world music through the improvisational structure of jazz.
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 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.
Garrett Waite – guitar and vocals
Jamie Breiwick – trumpet and effects
Tim Ipsen – bass
Yanni Chudnow – drums
DOORS AT 7

HALLOWEEN BASH - no cover and drink specials
2024-10-31 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
GARRETT WAITE – Emcee & Magician
BADLAND – 2 Sets of Live Music Halloween-themed & Originals
COSTUME CONTEST – 1ST PLACE $100 2ND PLACE $75 3RD PLACE $50 in centro gift cards
doors at 7 magic starts at 7:30

electri-violet with Plankenhorn & Ferrara
2024-11-01 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Carole Ferrara, vocals & John Plankenhorn, guitar and vocals
Join us for an evening of soulful guitar artistry and lush vocals deeply rooted in blues, R&B, jazz, and Americana. Sample our music at https://electriviolet.com/our-music/.
Vocalist Carole Ferrara and guitarist/singer-songwriter John Plankenhorn have been performing together for more than twenty years. They’ve played abroad and countless local venues, including Summerfest, Chill on the Hill, and Jazz in the Park. After studying at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music, they embarked on their musical collaboration infusing jazz, blues, and R&B into their dynamic repertoire.

Martelle Jossart
2024-11-02 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Renowned vocalist Martelle Jossart has established herself as a staple in Milwaukee’s music scene since the 1990s, collaborating with notable jazz musicians. Her impressive credentials include securing first place in Wisconsin Conservatory of Music’s Jazz department scholarship program. Martelle’s musical journey began with her father’s eclectic music playlist and was later influenced by Astrud Gilberto’s iconic song ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ fostering a deep appreciation and love for Bossa Nova & Samba music. Her repertoire encompasses Jazz, Brazilian Jazz, and Pop, drawing inspiration from Diana Krall, Rosa Passos, Sade, Djavan, Ivan Lins, Joyce Moreno, Tania Maria, Elaine Elis, Michael Franks, Nora Jones, among others.

Truth is Marching In.......on election eve
2024-11-04 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Experience the powerful musical event; Truth is Marching In.
Join us for live streaming performances from bands in five different cities on Election Eve Nov 4, 8 – 9:30pm (Eastern time), culminating in a historic moment where all five bands will unite in a simultaneous rendition of the powerful anthem “Truth is Marching In” by Albert Ayler, creating a global harmony that echoes our shared call for unity and change.
no cover doors at 7

Vox Starling
2024-11-08 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Vox Starling; a five piece female powered band, weaving lilting psychedelic layers into ethereal soundscapes. Inspired by cosmic consciousness and mystical rhythms, Vox Starling invites you on a journey through dreamlike transcendent melodies.
Jen Janviere – vocals and rhythm guitar, Noel Clark – lead guitar and vocals, Ace Christie – bass and keys, Janet Schiff – cello, and Renee luna Bebeau – drums and vocals
DOORS AT 7

TANGO with WINNIE
2024-11-09 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Tango has deep magic: it reawakens memories of the body and of the mind; it tolerates differences; it shares cultures.

Convinced of tango’s power to include everyone, Pianist-Bandoneonista-Dancer Winnie Cheung launched Tango With Winnie to bring live tango dance and music to both classic and unconventional tango corners of the world: concert halls, milongas, art galleries, farmers markets, K-12 schools, universities, dementia homes, assisted living spaces, prisons, town-wide multicultural celebrations, and more.

DENNY RAUEN
2024-11-14 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
