Honoring the Great Nina Simone - 7pm SHOW
2024-04-27 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
bar centro welcomes Ms. Kaprice, Faith Hatch, and Twigz Stewart as they honor “the High Priestess of Soul.” general admission – doors at 6:30
-Kaprice Maxwell; the first Wisconsin Local to win 1st place of 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. -Faith Hatch; a multi-genre vocalist, pianist, and guitarist based in Milwaukee. Her act features songs reimagined based in soul, 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. -Twigz Stewart; Records rhymes with musical accompaniment that blur distinctions between poetry and hip-hop rapping.

GARRETT WAITE TRIO
2024-04-26 20:00 - 22:30
DOORS AT 7

ACOUSTIC 4th THURSDAY - Dovekeeper - Yonat Piva
2024-04-25 20:00 - 22:30
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.

MJI NIGHT at bar centro
2024-04-20 20:00 - 22:30
details to follow
doors at 7

Pablo Cardona Quartet
2024-04-19 20:00 - 22:30
Pablo brings together traditional styles of music from all over the western hemisphere. His repertoire is filled with charming melodies of the first half of the 20th century, from an ever expanding list of places such as France, USA, Mexico, Brazil and more, always keeping as his highest priority maintaining their authenticity.
Pablo Cardona on guitar, Ben Dameron on guitar, Viktor Brusabardis on double-bass, and Casmir Riley on flute and saxophone

Jazzy Joan: "Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going." April Feature: Current Day Jazz Artists from the UK
2024-04-18 19:00 - 23:30
Jazzy Joan welcomes you to her recorded jazz show featuring contemporary jazz artists, this month featuring jazz artists from the UK. Amazingly cool with jazz-guru influence and flavors from around the World. Gutsy, dreamy, abstract yet tangible for those seeking a melody. Matthew Halsall, Mark Kavuma, Binker Golding, Theo Erskine, Ruby Rushton, Ruben Fox. Original and lively! Joan introduces her show starting at 7:00. Get there early for the hang. No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

Natural Satellite
2024-04-13 20:00 - 22:30
The WAMI-nominated duo layers finger-style cello with catchy melodies, harmonies, and improvised saxophone to create a sound comparable to groups such as Morphine and Portis Head. Jason’s saxophone weaves in and out of verses harmonizing beautifully with Karli’s angelic voice. Their lyrics focus on self-love, reflection, and growth, leaving listeners feeling uplifted. When watching Natural Satellite perform, you can feel the chemistry between the two and the unique musical bond they share.

Vox Starling
2024-04-12 20:00 - 22:30
Introducing 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

Ambient Piano - no cover
2024-04-11 20:00 - 22:30, 2024-02-22 20:00 - 22:30
Jane Han – piano / violin
Sam Kacala – drums
Come enjoy some live music with the spirit of collaborative improvisation!
this duo explores classicial pieces ranging from Bach to Joplin on piano and drums, medleying with jazz and original compositions. We also like to make music on the spot with some audience participation.
DOORS AT 7:30

ANNE DAVIS & MIKE KUBICKI
2024-04-06 20:00 - 22:30
Soulful and spirited, Anne Davis sings the songs that have stood the test of time. The incomparable Mike Kubicki joins her on keys. A night of spectacular jazz in the intimate setting of bar centro.
Ann Davis – vocals, Mike Kubicki – piano, Jim Paolo – bass, Jeremy Kuzniar – drums.
DOORS AT 7

SMOKE N' MIRRORS - MKE's Jazz Organ Trio For The Masses
2024-04-05 20:00 - 22:30
Smoke N’ Mirrors brings new life to the classic organ trio sound with original compositions and fresh improvisations. The band is a funk-soul organ trio from Milwaukee, Wisconsin consisting of Gabriel Hammer on keys, Pete Geraci on sax, and Sam Kacala on drums.
DOORS AT 7

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2024-04-04 20:30 - 23:30

HEIRLOOM
2024-03-30 20:00 - 22:30
From soaring melodies to infectious grooves to exhilarating ensemble interplay, Heirloom is Milwaukee’s most exciting modern jazz group helmed by drummer Hannah Johnson and guitarist Ben Dameron. Joining them on the 19th will be Sam Taylor on tenor saxophone and Eli Naragon on upright bass.
DOORS AT 7

Holly Haebig & Very Special Friends
2024-03-29 20:00 - 22:30

Peter Hair, Paperback Hero, & Robbie Sender
2024-03-28 20:00 - 22:30
Peter Hair (indie/alt/folk) is a Milwaukee singer/songwriter who’s songs focus on storytelling and introspective lyricism.

Paperback Hero is emotive indie rock by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nathan Honore’ from Milwaukee. Melodic baritone vocals deliver confessional lyrics that are as resilient as they are vulnerable, complementing the guitar driven sound with an undercurrent of restlessness. Name as one of the best Milwaukee albums of 2021 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Next Paperback Hero’s first full length record ‘Morning Skies & Heavy Eyes’ and 2022 followup EP ‘Nowhere to Run’ are available on all digital platforms.

Robbie Sender is a folkstyle songwriter based in Milwaukee. Drawing on the outlaw-country tradition. His songs tell tall tales of love, loss, and longing, painting a portrait of himself and his life philosophy.

Each artist will perform solo acoustic for this show.

ELEVATOR JAZZ QUARTET
2024-03-23 20:00 - 22:30
Acoustic Jazz featuring guitar, mandolin, accordion, and bass.
Styles of swing, Latin, and hot club.
DOORS AT 7

B. D. and the gents
2024-03-22 20:00 - 22:00

Jazzy Joan: "Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going." March Feature: Jazz Standards Done Differently
2024-03-21 19:00 - 23:30
Jazzy Joan welcomes you to her next monthly recorded jazz show on Thursday, March 21. She will be featuring contemporary jazz artists with a special tribute this month on jazz standards. These compositions remind us where jazz has been, and how long it’s been going on – time pieces of musical history that are reinterpreted with fresh meaning, over and over again. Come to the show and hear how these artists like Ben Sidran, Eric Legnini, Dee Alexander and others leave their mark on jazz classics. Joan introduces her recorded jazz show at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

MJI NIGHT
2024-03-16 20:00 - 22:30
Seating is limited. Get your tickets today!
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM

LUCAS LABEAU QUARTET
2024-03-15 20:00 - 22:30
Lucas Labeau – piano
Clay Schaub – bass
Ben Dameron – guitar
Hannah Johnson – drums
DOORS AT 7

The Lynne Arriale Trio
2024-03-14 20:00 - 22:30
Being recognized as “one of the most exciting pianists in contemporary jazz,”(The Guardian, UK) pianist Lynne Arriale has performed on the most prestigious international concert stages over the past 30 years. Jazz Police called her “the poet laureate of her generation.” JazzTimes said of her, “Lynne Arriale’s music lies at the synaptic intersection where brain meets heart, where body meets soul. She is one of jazzdom’s most intensely unique voices.” Jazz Journal commented, “Arriale is clearly one of the best contemporary jazz pianists.“
Lynne’s 17th album as a leader, Being Human, addresses a troubled, divided world with an exquisite suite of optimistic, deeply felt compositions. celebrates the ways that our lives are enriched by acts of passion, courage, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith and joy. The trio explores these life-affirming facets of humankind.
Being Human link to all platforms: https://orcd.co/qbpqpno
Being Human YouTube album link: Lynne Arriale – Being Human (Full Album)
“Lynne Arriale has been one of the great poets on the piano for decades.” JazzThing
“She is clearly one of the best contemporary jazz pianists.” Jazz Journal
Doors at 7

SHUGA BLU
2024-03-09 20:00 - 22:30
Shuga Blu is a dynamic Milwaukee-based band that combines jazz, soul, blues, reggae, and pop genres to create a unique and infectious sound. The tight rhythm section and intricate guitar work are a solid foundation for soulful vocals provided by their lead songstress.
Q Holloway a.k.a. Mr. Shiny Shoes – bass
Tommy Gallagher – auxiliary percussion
Demetrus Ford/Derrick “Greyhound” McDonald – drums
Thomas Malloy & Nathan Pflugheoft – guitar
Stuart Greenbaum – saxophone
Keshena Armon – vocals and musical director
DOORS AT 7

LAKEWAVES TRIO
2024-03-08 20:00 - 22:30
Lakewaves Trio is a Madison-centric, groove-based outfit that crafts celestial originals with an eclectic, progressive, soundscape-y instrumentalism that’s pretty much guaranteed to get an intense response. Led by Graham Marlowe, an eccentric Wisconsin-based keyboardist/ pianist, the trio likes to follow its unusually gratifying formula of adapting material into dreamy tangentials, turning vocal and non-vocal covers into uniquely arranged instrumentals and spontaneously composing to the vibe of the rooms they play to, creating an infectious ambience you can treat your ears to for hours. Some describe the trio as “ambient prog-funk” or a looser Modeski Martin & Wood, others describe it as being out for Cosmic Bowling Night.

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2024-03-07 20:30 - 23:30
DOORS AT 8

TRIO DU MONDE
2024-03-02 20:00 - 22:30
Tom Schwark on mandolin, Lori Giese on Spanish Guitar, and Jon Magnino on accordion.

JAZZ FLUX
2024-03-01 20:00 - 22:30
Jamill Shaw, band leader and tenor saxaphonist, has studied with Berkeley Fudge, Aaron Gardner, Mark Davis, and Eric Jacobson.
Yanni Chednow on drums, Ian Howard on bass, Clay Lyons on alto sax, Tael Estremera on piano, and Jon Wood on guitar.

The GIL Jazz Combo
2024-02-24 20:00 - 22:30
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

THE MUSIC OF THELONIOUS MONK - Monk's Music Group
2024-02-23 20:00 - 22:30
Monk’s Music Group has been playing the music of Thelonious Monk in various formats since March of 2023. Each group member is a practicing Jazz musician in the Milwaukee area and many are music educators. Thelonious Monk is one of the most unique composers and musical innovators of the 20th century, the group looks forward to interpreting his music at bar centro.
DOORS AT 7

MJI PRESENTS: AN EVENING WITH MARCYA DANEILLE
2024-02-17 22:30
Join us for an evening of romantic ballads and swingin’ standards featuring vocalist Marcya Daneille with Mark Davis (piano), Jeff Hamann (bass), and Sam Belton (drums).
https://www.marcyadaneille.net/
Seating is limited. Get your tickets today!
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM
