centro

Martelle Jossart - jazz, Brazillian jazz, and pop
2025-06-12 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
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.
Vocals – Martelle Jossart
Keyboard – Joe Kral
Bass – Dwayne Williams
Drummer – Jon Harris, Jr.

HANNAH JOHNSON TRIO with Russ Johnson & Tim Ipsen
2025-06-13 20:00 - 22:30
Hannah Johnson – drums
Tim Ipsen – upright bass
Russ Johnson – trumpet
DOORS AT 7

MS. KAPRICE - soul, jazz, r&b, funk
2025-06-14 20:00 - 22:30, 2025-07-12 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
$10 in advance & $15 at the door

Jazzy Joan Presents Jazz Where it is and Where it's Going: France
2025-06-19 19:00 - 23:30
How do you say “jazz” in French? “JAZZ!” And according to Jazzy Joan, there is plenty of it in France today! Join Joan for a trip to France during her monthly jazz show on Thursday, June 19 . It will be a night of enchanting music by current-day artists! Artists native to France whose names you may (or may not) know – Daniel Mille, Jacky Terasson, Laurent De Wilde, Jean-Michel Bernard and others. Plus, jazz artists from the U.S. known for their exquisite vocal musicality and tone, singing in in French and English – Stacey Kent (awarded France’s prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2009) and Melody Gardot (who has recorded with many artists from Europe). So much beautiful jazz will be heard in one room. Magnifique!
Joan introduces this musical experience at 7:00, so get there early. No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

ANTHONY DEUTSCH - Solstice Stylings
2025-06-20 20:00 - 22:30
Join Anthony Deutsch (Keys/vocals), Sam Neufeld (Trumpet/effects),
and Jon Harris Jr. (Drums/cymbals) as they take the stage at Bar
Centro in Milwaukee on June 20th at 8PM. Get your tickets now and
experience a night of ambient dreamscapes, organic rhythms and
walls of sound in an intimate listening room located at 804 E Center St,
Milwaukee, WI 53212. Grab your tickets now at linktr.ee/deutschmusik
and celebrate the summer solstice with an incredible lineup of talent!

MJI PRESENTS: MARLENE ROSENBERG QUARTET
2025-06-21 20:00 - 22:30
Renowned Chicago-based bassist Marlene Rosenberg leads a quartet featuring Gabriel Wade on trumpet, Mark Davis on piano, and Dave Bayles on drums.

ANDREW TRIM TRIO
2025-06-26 20:00 - 22:30
Andrew Trim is a guitarist and composer. He can regularly be found working with many talented and unique musicians in the midwest region and creating everything from mind-altering improvised flights to tightly contained, composed melodies. He has released 7 albums as a leader with his groups Hanami, Retroreflector, & Dim Lighting. His most recent release, Ordinary Poems (2024), is a duo collaboration with Milwaukee based trumpeter Jamie Breiwick and features the gorgeously sparse instrumentation of trumpet and acoustic guitar.

For this performance at Bar Centro, Trim will lead a trio featuring two of Milwaukee’s very best through an organic mix of standard and original material. Their deeply creative approach to jazz & improvised music, further enhanced by their decade-long musical relationships with each other, is undeniable – not to be missed!

Andrew Trim – Guitar
Clay Schaub – Bass
Devin Drobka – Drums

Troubadours of Rhythm
2025-06-27 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.

Tael Estremera Quartet - an evening of Charlie Parker
2025-06-28 20:00 - 22:00
Experience the 40’s with the Tael Estremera Quartet bringing the music of Charlie Parker to bar centro once again. Expect a lively atmosphere, great music, and excellent musicianship.
Tael Estremera – Piano
Clay Lyons – Alto Saxophone
Liam Phillips – Upright Bass
Yanni Chudnow – Drums & Cymbal

CLOSED FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY
2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-05 08:00 - 17:00

ROB CLEARFIELD - Voice in the Wilderness Record Release
2025-07-10 20:00 - 22:30
Pianist and composer Rob Clearfield makes his bar centro debut in support of his new album Voice in the Wilderness. Reconciling the creative spirit of his native Chicago with a lyricism that touches the heart, the France-based pianist presents a diverse program of original compositions, with influences ranging from the hip-hop infused production of Robert Glasper and Makaya McCraven to the late-Romantic fantasies of Brahms and Chopin.
For this concert Clearfield will be joined by gems of the Wisconsin scene Paul Dietrich (trumpet), John Christensen (bass), and Hannah Johnson (drums).

ANNE DAVIS & friends
2025-07-11 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

Jazzy Joan: Fun Quiz Show Night! "Jazz Takes” on Broadway Tunes, Movie Scores and TV Themes
2025-07-17 19:00 - 23:30
Who hasn’t left the movie theater humming the score? Whether it’s Mancini, Rodgers and Hammerstein, or a lesser-known composer, they got us! Jazzy Joan has planned a fun night of recorded jazz to experience these themes all over again – and test your knowledge of these show names and themes. Maybe you’ll be the winner!
Want to sit back and just listen? That’s okay, too. If you miss the music behind Charlie’s Angels, James Bond or West Side Story, come on down to Bar Centro for a night of recorded jazz.
The “Jazz Takes” Quiz Show starts at 7:00 pm so get here early to grab the biggest score!
No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30

KENNY REICHERT QUARTET - A Tribute to Grant Green
2025-07-18 20:00 - 22:30
Join Kenny Reichert for a tribute to the great Grant Green. Celebrate the timeless groove of one of jazz’s most soulful guitarists with a night of swinging standards, deep cuts, and classic tunes from his iconic recordings.

Anthony Deutsch – piano
Clay Schaub – upright bass
Todd Howell – drums and cymbals
Kenny Reichert – electric guitar

Recognized by Downbeat Magazine as a distinctive player and composer.” Kenny Reichert has
established himself as a compelling guitarist with an expressive and refined approach to the
instrument. Blending lyricism with harmonic sophistication, he crafts music that is both
adventurous and accessible. His artistry has been praised by All About Jazz as “masterly
without being showy,” and Textura has lauded his compositions for making an “immediate
impression” and “warranting repeat engagement.”

MIKE ARNDT II QUINTET
2025-07-19 20:00 - 22:30
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
Clay Lyons – Alto Saxophone
Robert Martin – Piano
Mitch Shiner – Drums
Isaiah Simons – Bass

RIVERWEST 24
2025-07-25 20:00 - 22:30
NO SHOW
NO COVER
STOP IN FOR A DRINK AND TO COOL OFF!!

JULIAN and FRIENDS
2025-07-26 20:00 - 22:30
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.
Lucas Labeau – Piano
Liam Phillips – Bass
Clay Lyons – sax
Julian Singh – drums

MIKE PAUERS QUINTET - hard bop harmonies & Afro-Caribbean rhythms
2025-07-31 20:00 - 22:30
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

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. Recently, he assisted author and jazz scholar Gary Carner with his excellent biography of the legendary baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams (Reflectory: The Life and Music of Pepper Adams). Mike can be seen around Milwaukee with his own groups, but also with the Latin jazz and salsa powerhouse De La Buena.

BLACK COW DUO - A Steely Dan Revue
2025-08-01 20:00 - 21:30
Join Neil Davis and Ethan Keller for a night of Steely Dan.

SOUND EXCHANGE - featuring Maaly Napoleon & Faith Hatch
2025-08-02 20:00 - 22:30
Sound Exchange is a collaborative effort led by artists Sam Kacala and Mark J Soriano that gives the audience a look into the process of performance. Each show features a cast of local artists from various mediums to highlight their creativity and the value of the spaces that hold it. This Sound Exchange will feature the work of Maaly Napoleon.

Maaly Napoleon is a Milwaukee-based emcee whose blend of musical sensibility and exploratory creativity sets him apart. Known for his energetic, confident, and thoughtful style, Maaly tackles themes from vices, everyday struggles to racial inequalities His lyrical prowess is evident in both his solo work and collaborations with national acts like Conway The Machine, Mozzy, and Skyzoo Influenced by legends such as Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, Lil Wayne, and Wu-Tang Clan, Maaly’s music demands attention.

House Band:

Sam Kacala – Drums & Samples
Mark Soriano – Bass & Electronics
Faith Hatch- Piano & Vocals

Efrat – Accordion & Vocals
Mitchell Dalzin – Guitar & Bass

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2025-08-07 20:30 - 23:30
The August Jam will be hosted by Ben Dameron on guitar.
doors at 7 / no cover

JEANNE MARIE FARINELLI QUARTET
2025-08-08 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.
Jeanne Marie Farinelli (tenor sax) will be joined by some of the area’s top musicians: Tim Whalen on piano, John Christensen on bass, and Hannah Johnson on drums.

JACK MACKLIN TRIO - modern jazz
2025-08-09 20:00 - 22:30
Chicago-based guitarist and composer Jack Macklin is a rising star in the modern jazz music scene. Macklin’s love for the guitar began at an early age starting with the first song he learned how to play; “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osborne. This sparked a life-long pursuit for Macklin to explore and discover the impact of music on humanity.
Macklin is invested in his trio which released its debut EP entitled One that’s on all streaming services and for sale on his website. His experience working with admired musicians from many different traditions has made him an interactive, and versatile musician who is finding his distinct musical voice.
​Macklin returned to Chicago after two years of performing full-time in Nashville, TN. Macklin declared that spending his time on creative and improvised music is what he wants to accomplish. Macklin’s goal is to create a band that goes above and beyond genres to connect with the audience personally and to have a compelling experience that leaves the listener wanting more.

KEEFE JACKSON, JAKOB HEINEMANN, ADAM SHEAD - album release
2025-08-14 20:00 - 22:30
The trio of tenor saxophonist Keefe Jackson, double bassist Jakob Heinemann, and drummer Adam Shead brings together three distinct voices from the creative music scene, merging deep-rooted tradition with a fiercely modern edge. Jackson, long celebrated for his expansive tone and adventurous spirit, finds a dynamic rhythmic foundation in Heinemann’s lyrical bass work and Shead’s restless, textural drumming. Together, they create a sound that is both grounded and exploratory, moving fluidly between composed structures and spontaneous invention. Their debut album, Stinger, will be released on August 1, 2025, on Irritable Mystic Records, showcasing a set of original compositions that capture the trio’s raw energy, nuance, and collective intuition.

OUTER LIMITS DUO - Juli Wood & Kim Zick - album release
2025-08-15 20:00 - 22:30
Drummer Kim Zick and saxophonist Juli Wood have performed together over the years in many configurations. As the Outer Limits Duo, the MRS. FUN drummer and onetime R&B Cadets saxophonist (living now in Chicago) ventures to places explored by jazz avant-gardists such as Archie Schepp and Max Roach in a relentless sonic assault.
Their new album, Carnival of Souls, was recorded at Milwaukee’s DV Studio with Zick’s partner in MRS. FUN, Connie Grauer, producing. Carnival of Souls includes nine live improvisations by Zick and Wood plus renditions of three Grauer compositions, including “Judy,” “Cecil’s Waterfowl Ranch” and the melodically gorgeous “Zoila,” which suggests something Henry Mancini might have written for a film that audiences never saw.

BIG STYLE BRASS BAND - New Orleans brass band
2025-08-16 19:30 - 21:30
Big Style Brass Band is a ten-piece group performing music rooted in the New Orleans tradition. BSBB hails from Milwaukee, WI and is well known throughout the state’s burgeoning New Orleans brass band scene. They balance traditional with modern New Orleans and pop covers you are sure to recognize!
NO COVER

Jazzy Joan - Jazz Where it is and Where it’s Going: The Intersection of Jazz, Funk, Blues & Soul
2025-08-21 19:00 - 23:30
Expect a night of good music and baaad music, because that’s what happens when current-day jazz artists feel the blues, funk and soul. You’ll hear recordings from some of my favorite vocalists: Mario Biondi (Italy), Jeff Cascaro (Germany) and Dee Alexander (Chicago) alongside the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective. The groove knows no boundaries!
Jazzy Joan introduces her recorded jazz show at 7:00, so get there early! No cover.
DOORS AT 6:30
