centro

Jazzy Joan Presents: European Gentlemen of Jazz – Italy, France & Germany
2026-04-16 19:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago) | bar centro, 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
There is such a wealth of outstanding current-day jazz in Europe… which posed a problem for Joan: How could she narrow her selections to a single night? It wasn’t easy, but she was up for the task.
What you can expect is a night of recorded jazz brought to you by artists from Italy, France and Germany – specifically, European gentlemen of jazz. (A night of European gentlewomen of jazz is coming soon).
You’ll hear a mix of instruments recorded by artists whose names are household names in their respective countries. From Italy, Paolo Fresu (trumpet), Mario Biondi (voice), Giuseppi Millaci (bass), and Max Ionata (sax). From France, Richard Galliano (accordion), Ludovic Louis (trumpet), Manu Katche’ (percussion). From Germany, Till Bronner and Jeff Cascaro (trumpet and voice), Wolfgang Haffner (percussion) and Wolfgang Lackerschmid (vibes).
Get there early! Joan starts her show at 7pm with an intro of the night’s musical experience. No cover.

JIMMY FARACE - Album release
2026-04-17 20:00 - 22:00
Big Shoulders, Big Sounds Album Release Party
Jimmy Farace Trio
Jimmy Farace – Sax
Ethan Philion – Bass
Devin Drobka – Drums

Baritone saxophonist Jimmy Farace brings his trio to Bar Centro in support of his new album Big Shoulders, Big Sounds. Following his 2025 debut Hours Fly, Flowers Die—named one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2025 by All About Jazz and a Top 100 Jazz Album of 2025 by Bill Milkowski—Farace strips things down to a pianoless trio: baritone saxophone, bass, and drums. Joined by Ethan Philion and Devin Drobka, two of the Midwest’s most trusted musicians, the group explores music rooted in lineage, risk, and the thrill of seeing how much three artists can create together.

MJI NIGHT - MARDRA & REGGIE THOMAS
2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:30
DETAILS TO FOLLOW

MR. CHAIR - piano trio
2026-04-23 20:00 - 22:00
Mr. Chair is a piano trio, plus horn player; Jon Irabagon or Jon Hoel. Mr. Chair recently released their third studio album on vinyl; “Rhapsody in Blue”, featuring a re-imagination of Gershwin’s classic and original music. Mr. Chair also just released an original single and music video, “Bitter Cold Medicine,” with a string orchestra. www.mrchairmusic.com

Mr. Chair recently sold out Madison’s “North Street Cabaret , “Lemon” in Chicago, and Charlie Brown Christmas shows at the Orpheum in Madison, Ravinia in Chicago and “Lola’s . A collaborative group of theirs; Spectaculous, recently had a packed show at Milwaukee’s “Cactus Club”.

The GIL Jazz Combo
2026-04-24 20:00 - 22:00
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

SMOKE N' MIRRORS - MKE's Jazz Organ Trio For The Masses
2026-04-25 20:00 - 22:00
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, $15 at the door

HANNAH JOHNSON TRIO
2026-04-30 20:00 - 22:00
Hannah Johnson – drums

PAUL SILBERGLEIT TRIO - CD RELEASE PARTY
2026-05-01 20:00 - 22:00
The long-running trio of guitarist Paul Silbergleit, bassist Clay Schaub, and drummer Devin Drobka, well known to jazz audiences at Bar Centro and elsewhere, at long last celebrate the release of their first album together, The Stillness of July (Calligram Records)! As with so many of their shows, the music includes original compositions as well as creative new renditions of great tunes, both familiar and off the beaten path.

ANNE DAVIS
2026-05-02 20:00 - 22:00
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.

JAZZ JAM - every 1st Thursday - no cover + drink specials
2026-05-07 20:30 - 23:30, 2026-06-04 20:30 - 23:30
doors at 7 / no cover

HEIRLOOM - contemporary jazz
2026-05-08 20:00 - 21:30
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.

The Dave Stoler Trio - Latin Jazz
2026-05-09 20:00 - 22:00
David Stoler – Piano
Nick Moran – Bass
Chris Mell – Drums

DAN MONTGOMERY QUINTET - high-energy modern jazz
2026-05-14 20:00 - 22:00
The Dan Montgomery Quintet is a group of five close friends who have been making music together for nearly a decade. The band features Sam Priven on alto saxophone, Neil Carson on tenor saxophone, Jake Shapiro on piano, Evan Hyde on drums and Dan Montgomery on upright and electric bass. The group formed at the University of Miami Frost School of Music in 2016, when they came together to record their first record of Dan’s original music, “Storyteller.” Since then, they have toured in South Florida, the Midwest, the west coast and New York State, held three weeklong residencies at the Black Cat Jazz Club in San Francisco, CA, and released two more albums: “Emotional Machines: Live in San Francisco” and “Fly.” Dan’s music is written to both evoke a vast array of powerful emotions in the listener and to tell a unique story. Hear two dragons do battle in “Ember and Rain;” escape from a haunted house in “Fast Approaching Midnight;” mourn the tragedy of loss and the beauty of rebirth and hope in “Newsong (The Heartwood).” Whatever you look for in your music, you will find it here.
Dan Montgomery – Bass/Compositions
Sam Priven – Alto Sax
Neil Carson – Tenor Sax
Evan Main – Piano
Evan Hyde – Drums

SAM CATRAL QUARTET
2026-05-15 20:30 - 22:30
This newly formed group of musicians consists of Luis Solis Trinidad on tenor sax, John Christensen on upright bass, Yanni Chudnow on drums, and Samuel Catral on guitar. This performance will feature a number of Sam’s original compositions. Please join us for this special night that you won’t want to miss.

DUOLOGY - Garrett Waite & Ben Dameron - dynamic guitar duo
2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:00
An evening of dynamic guitar duo improvisations!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.
