ANNE DAVIS
2026-07-25 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
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 Peter Garofalo 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.

TAEL ESTREMERA TRIO - original music
2026-07-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-28 20:00 - 22:00
Tael Estremera – piano
Yanni Chudnow – drums
Liam Phillips – bass

THANKS FOR THE ACCIDENT (formerly GLEEFUL) - jazz-funkified Leonard Cohen
2026-07-23 20:00 - 22:00
Thanks for the Accident is a Milwaukee-based jazz-funk band consisting of Preston Carr on vocals and drums, Sam Patterson on keys, Liam Phillips on bass, and Tommy Zaliewski on guitar. They’ve developed a set featuring jazz-funkified hits and deep cuts from the catalog of legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, revitalizing these monumental songs with a contemporary, eclectic jazz-funk sound and a soulful manner inspired by the likes of Bobby Womack, Steely Dan, and KNOWER. Having coalesced through Riverwest/east side music scenes of different genres, Thanks for the Accident revere the musical past and reach into the stylistic future.

PANALURE
2026-07-18 20:00 - 22:00
PANALURE
Founded in late 2011, Panalure is a Milwaukee band with an eclectic mix of rock, folk, country, blues and jazz. If you’re looking for a label, Americana will do. Sharply crafted lyrics collide with genre twisting elements take the listener across a vast musical landscape. The band has released four critically-acclaimed albums of original music, including 2023’s “EarElephant,” which was nominated for 14 WAMIs. Their music has been featured on WMSE and WUWM and is available on all major streaming platforms.
Panalure is fronted by singer-songwriter-guitarist Fred Ziegler, with Susan Nicholson on fiddle and mandolin, Jack Nicholson on guitar, Ken Hanson on bass, Bob Jennings on keyboards, Bob Schneider on drums and Kari Hoff on vocal harmony.
The band takes its name from the specialized Kodak photographic printing paper. Panalure was developed to facilitate the printing of full-tone black-and-white images from color negatives and was discontinued in 2005.

JULIA DANIELLE - dynamic jazz vocalist
2026-07-17 20:00 - 22:00
Julia Danielle is a dynamic vocalist, arranger, educator, and composer making a significant impact in the jazz scenes of Chicago and New York. In 2022, she won the prestigious International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, which propelled her into the spotlight, leading to performances alongside The Tierney Sutton Band at the esteemed Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington, D.C. Julia has since headlined her own shows, showcasing her unique voice and engaging stage presence.
Her debut album, released in November 2024, has received critical acclaim, with Jazz Weekly describing it as “a fresh voice” with “a folksy wisp that floats with a bohemian glide.” Julia has collaborated with numerous celebrated artists, including Ben Paterson, Clark Sommers, and Sharel Cassity, enriching her musical experience and expanding her creative horizons. A 2024 Luminarts Winner and recognized by DownBeat Magazine as an “Outstanding Vocal Soloist” in its 46th annual Student Music Awards, Julia is widely acknowledged in the jazz community.
Currently, Julia is pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School, where she is mentored by renowned artists such as Charenee Wade, Kenny Washington, Gerald Cannon, and Marc Cary. Her studies focus on vocal interpretation, composition, and improvisation, further refining her artistry. Julia’s performance history includes esteemed venues such as The Jazz Showcase and Chris’ Jazz Café, as well as festivals like The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, establishing her as a prominent figure in the jazz scene.
With a foundation in classical training at Northwestern University and experiences such as touring with the Campanella Children’s Choir, Julia’s musical journey began early. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from DePaul University in 2023, where she explored Black American Music and pedagogy under the guidance of esteemed faculty such as Dana Hall and Jeremy Kahn.

LAKEWAVES TRIO - CosmicBowling Night with special guest Tlalok
2026-07-16 20:00 - 22:30
Catch the groove-heavy LAKEWAVES TRIO for a night of immersive, psychedelic instrumentalism!
Synthesizer Graffiti & Sonic Alchemy; LAKEWAVES TRIO is led by eccentric Madison keyboardist Graham Marlowe, who operates as a true “synthesizer graffiti artist,”with a trippy playing style directly inspired by
the illicit, raw, and entirely spontaneous nature of street art. Leaving a unique,unrepeatable sonic tag on every room they play, he layers classical, New Age and avant-garde keys over customized, improvisational samples.
A Stratospheric Rhythm Section, the magic of their “ambient prog-funk” sound lives in a hyper-connected foundation: Mason “Mamo” Aumanstal (Bass): Operating as the band’s resident “groove mechanic,” Mason anchors the low end with flawless rhythmic precision, bridging deep jazz structures with heavy, visceral basslines.
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.
Will Bailey (Drums): Providing the band’s “virtuosic chill,” Will Bailey handles the drum kit with an effortless, stratospheric pocket, guiding the group’s dynamic range from quiet, atmospheric drones to exploding, high-intensity grooves. Together, they boast over six hours of original material, effortlessly transforming unexpected covers into dreamy, room-tailored jams. & A Heavyweight Milwaukee Collaboration Fresh off their national showcase at Infrasound 2026, the Trio returns to Wisconsin to team up with local icon Tlalok Rodriguez. Coming from a century-long lineage of composers, Rodriguez brings a multi-genre mastery spanning jazz, R&B, and vibrant Latin rhythms. He will kick off the night with an intimate, genre-bending solo set. Afterward, he will join forces on stage with Lakewaves Trio for an unforgettable, multi-layered bass and rhythm spectacle. Come experience what listeners call the ultimate “Cosmic Bowling Night” for your ears.

CLAUDIA JOHNSON TRIO - alternative rock originals
2026-07-11 20:00 - 22:00
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

Mike Kubicki Trio - classic jazz piano trio
2026-07-10 20:00 - 22:00
Jazz pianist Mike Kubicki puts own spin on the classics of the Great American Songbook. From swing, to bossanova, to ballads, he brings new life to the tunes you have come to love throughout the decades. Featuring Jim Paolo on bass, and Devin Drobka on drums, it promises to be a swingin’ night!

JAZZ JAM - this month the 2nd Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2026-07-09 20:30 - 23:30
doors at 7 / no cover

CLOSED FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY
2026-07-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-02 08:00 - 17:00

CHUCHITO VALDES TRIO- Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz
2026-06-27 19:00 - 22:30
bar centro is honored to welcome Chuchito Valdés
Chuchito Valdés, following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, continues the legacy of great piano players from Cuba. With influences of Caribbean rhythms and jazz, Latin Jazz piano master Chuchito Valdes creates an exciting and energetic blend of spicy music that drives audiences wild. Chuchito captivates with his sensitivity and drives excitement with his dynamic band. Chuchito has recorded and performed piano with the world renowned Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. He has also performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba and the Caribbean to North America, South America, and Europe.
TWO SHOWS – Join us for the 7 PM or 9PM show by clicking on the ticket button and then selecting the time you prefer.

AUSTIN CEBULSKE QUINTET - music of Brian Wilson
2026-06-26 20:00 - 22:00
The Austin Cebulske Quintet Performs the Music of Brian Wilson
Few icons of American popular music have left such a profound and resounding impact on nearly all genres and facets of 2Uth century music as Brian Wilson. Though most commonly known as the leader of the 60s surf-rock band, the Beach Boys, Wilson’s sophisticated harmonic palette, unconventional compositional sensibility, colorful arranging techniques, & vast sense of timbre charted new territory not only in the American Pop landscape but also within the jazz realm of the I6Us and /Us. His music continues to reverberate throughout the jazz community with artists like Brad Mehldau, Bill Frisell, & Larry Goldings regularly breathing new life into his compositions. From his work on the revolutionary album Pet Sounds (1966) and onward in his career, Wilson crafted a singular sound rich with harmonic complexity, asymmetrical structures, & a profound lyricism and melodic sensibility that is particularly well-suited to the
1a22 idiom.
The Austin Cebulske Quintet showcases the genius of Brian Wilson by performing new arrangements of his most innovative compositions and original music inspired by his unique harmonic and melodic sensibility. Tunes like “Caroline No,” “Til I Die,” “God Only Knows,” & “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” will be reimagined within the 21st century jazz aesthetic
and performed in the vibrant setting of the quintet. The group features Austin Cebulske (saxophone), Kelsey Waller (voice), Chris Rottmayer (piano), John Christensen (bass) and Wayne Saltzmann II (drums).

EMILY KUHN QUINTET - jazz trumpeter
2026-06-25 20:00 - 22:00
“Chicago trumpeter Emily Kuhn makes the kind of lyrical, spacious jazz that draws you deep within its cocoon-like atmosphere.” –Matt Collar, AllMusic
Emily Kuhn is a jazz trumpet player, bandleader, composer, and educator based in Chicago, IL. She has released two albums of original music to numerous accolades, “Sky Stories” (2020) and “Ghosts of Us” (2023), and appeared on a dozen studio recordings by Chicago bandleaders. Kuhn has brought her original music to festivals including Champaign Urbana Jazz Festival (opening for Herbie Hancock), Stanford Jazz Festival, Hey Nonny’s Women’s Jazz Festival, Festival of New Trumpet Music, and the MCA’s Tuesdays on the Terrace. Her work has been recognized by the Ravinia Festival, South Arts, Illinois Arts Council, Luminarts Cultural Foundation, and Chicago DCASE. A dedicated educator, Kuhn teaches at jazz programs across the country including Midwest Young Artists, John Hersey High School, and Stanford Jazz Workshop. She studied Jazz Trumpet Performance and Environmental Studies at Oberlin; notable teachers include Eddie Henderson, Sean Jones, and John D’earth. Her forthcoming album “Feathered Things” uses swirling images of feathers, snow, and fire to explore themes of hope, resilience, and freedom.

MJI PRESENTS: DAKARAI BARCLAY QUARTET Chicago meets Milwaukee for a stellar night of jazz
2026-06-20 20:00 - 22:00
The Quartet features:
Dakarai Barclay – trumpet, Mark Davis – piano, Jeff Hamann – bass, Kyle Swan – drums
Dakarai Barclay is a trumpet player and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. With each performance, Dakarai seeks to pay homage to the origins of Black American music, in all its forms, and those whose legacies we are indebted to. Outside of leading his own projects, Dakarai has played with musicians such as Willerm Delisfort, Winard Harper, Marlene Rosenberg, Jarrard Harris, Ernest Dawkins, Emma Blau, and many more.

RIGHTEOUS ROOSTER - Jazz-Groove Organ Trio
2026-06-19 20:00 - 22:00
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

The Lucas LaBeau Trio - modern jazz
2026-06-18 20:00 - 22:00
Another Berklee student home for the summer!!
Lucas Labeau on piano, Tim Ipsen on bass, and Zach Sorkin on drums. They will be performing a mix of modern and original jazz music!
DOORS AT 7

Troubadours of Rhythm - jazz on the cusp of swing
2026-06-13 20:00 - 22:00
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.

GLEN McCORMICK SEXTET - Brazilian jazz
2026-06-12 20:00 - 22:00
Composer and arranger Glenn McCormick returns to bar centro with his sextet to highlight the vast work of Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim. In addition to Jobim’s well known songs and rarities, Glenn will feature some original works and other Brazilian standards.
Glenn McCormick, piano/vocals
Ben Dameron, guitar
Noah Newman, bass
Hannah Johnson, kit
Sam Taylor, tenor sax
Russ Johnson, trumpet

THE DONOVAN CLARK COLLECTIVE - r&b , jazz, soul
2026-06-11 20:00 - 22:00
The Donovan Clark Collective brings a configuration of top-tier Milwaukee musicians, infusing Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk and Rock influences into a concoction of high energy and intense emotional performances! Led by Bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Donovan Clark, the ensemble brings a new perspective on how music should be created, tailored and expressed!

Donovan Clark – Piano & Guitar
Imunique Triplett – Vocals
Trent Marley – Trumpet
Emilio De La Rosa – Drums
George Ballesteros – Bass

ELEVATOR JAZZ QUARTET
2026-06-06 20:00 - 22:00
Acoustic jazz featuring piano, mandolin, guitar, clarinet, and vocals.

HEIRLOOM - contemporary jazz
2026-06-05 20:00 - 22:00
Heirloom is excited to be joined by Chicago pianist Elio Wijaya, for a night of originals and familiar standards.
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.
Ben Dameron – guitar
Hannah Johnson – drums
Sam Taylor – saxophone
Tim Ipsen – bass

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2026-06-04 20:30 - 23:30

MIKE PAUERS - hard bop harmonies & Afro-Caribbean rhythms
2026-05-30 20:00 - 22:00
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 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.

ROBIN PLUER, JULI WOOD, & CHRIS HANSON
2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:00
Robin Pluer on piano, vocals, and accordion, Juli Wood on sax and vocals and Chris Hanson on guitar.
Join this group of talented Milwaukee gems for an evening of music; a little French, a little country, and a lot of soul!
Doors at 7

TIM WHALEN TRIO
2026-05-23 20:00 - 22:00
Come celebrate Tim’s birthday with this special show!

“He is an exceptional player who fully understands the jazz language and is fully conversant with all genres of the music.” Kenny Barron

The Tim Whalen Trio unites three deeply creative and interactive musicians: Tim Whalen on piano, John Christensen on bass, and Hannah Johnson on drums. Rooted in the jazz tradition yet embracing spontaneity and exploration, the trio is known for its strong musical chemistry, dynamic interplay, and sense of joy on stage. Their performances move seamlessly from lyrical, intimate moments to energetic, swinging exchanges, always guided by deep listening and trust among the musicians. Whether interpreting standards or performing original compositions, the trio delivers an engaging, memorable experience that draws audiences into the excitement of real-time musical conversation.

Their debut album, Trio Volume 1, is out now.

“This album secures the Milwaukee native in my mind as perhaps the root of a triad of the very best straight-ahead Wisconsin jazz pianists currently working. Moreover, it’s probably the best jazz piano trio album I’ve heard from a Badger.”
Kevin Lynch, Shepherd Express

NINETEEN THIRTEEN - chamber rock trio
2026-05-22 20:00 - 22:00
NINETEEN THIRTEEN is an award winning chamber rock group. The founder and cellist, Janet Schiff, uses looping technology with her 1913 cello while Renee Luna Bebeau provides a steady backbeat, Jen Janviere adds her sultry voice and hand percussion.

DAVIS-PEPLIN DUO - jazz guitar duo
2026-05-21 20:00 - 22:00
Steve Peplin is a guitarist and composer who resides in Helenville, Wi. He has recorded and/or performed with many, including Art Davis, Mel Rhyne, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Yellow Ostrich, De La Buena, the Static Chicken, Strangelander, War, Howard Levy, Amanda Huff, Dierdre Fellner, Dan Schneck, Dan Trudell, Ben Hans, and the Monkeys.
Neil Davis, is a jazz guitarist from Milwaukee, the Jazz Guitar teacher at Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s jazz studies program and is also the co-founder of West End Conservatory, a new music school in Milwaukee. He also helped found Milwaukee Jazz Vision which, is a jazz advocacy non-profit. In addition to performing in Milwaukee, Neil is an accompanist for UW-Milwaukee’s dance department. Neil is sought after as a sideman, leads his own quartet, and is half of the DavisPeplin Duo and Black Cow Duo, a Steely Dan Review.
