Jazz Calendar

Aug
15
Thu
Madison Jazz Orchestra @ Café CODA
Aug 15 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

MADISON JAZZ ORCHESTRA.  One of the hottest, swingin’est jazz orchestras in southern Wisconsin, the 18-piece MJO performs charts from the bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington & Louie Bellson.  Each month the band focuses on individual composers and orchestras.  The MJO performs every fourth Thursday of the month at the Brink Lounge, 715 E. Washington.  7pm.  Free admission, donations encouraged.

John Christensen: Album Release Party @ The Bur Oak
Aug 15 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

JOHN CHRISTENSEN:  ALBUM RELEASE PARTY.  Christensen will be joined by Tony Barba, saxophone; Matt Gold, guitar; Joshua Catania, piano and Chicago drummer extraordinaire Neil Hemphill for a special album release party for John’s second release, SOFT ROCK. The rootsy, instrumental stadium jazz hits are bound to rile up the most seasoned conceptual thinker and straight-shoot the picking-star dancer to realms of nirvana.  The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St.  8pm.  Tickets $15-$18.

Aug
16
Fri
Tomato Box @ UW Memorial Union Terrace
Aug 16 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

TOMATO BOX.  Behind the Beat presents Tomato Box, formed by drummer Michael Brenneis to explore the fringes of Jazz and free music, always with the goal of developing something unique.  Expanding to a sextet, the group includes new members Tony Barba on tenor saxophone and clarinet, Jamie Kember on trombone, and Paul Hastil on piano. Brad Townsend returns on bass from the 2010s iteration, and stalwart mallet percussionist Geoff Brady, an original member, completes the lineup.  UW Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St.  4pm.  Free event.

Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
Aug 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Kenny Reichert 4tet Album Release @ North Street Cabaret
Aug 16 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

KENNY REICHERT 4TET ALBUM RELEASE.  Chicago-based guitarist, composer, bandleader, and educator Kenny Reichert has been described as “a distinctive player and composer” by DownBeat Magazine and “accomplished” by Textura. This concert celebrates Reichert’s new album, Switch, released on June 7 on Calligram Records. The quartet features Lenard Simpson (alto saxophone), Ethan Philion (upright bass), and Devin Drobka (drums and cymbals).  North Street Cabaret, 620 North St.  8pm.  Tickets $20.

Aug
17
Sat
Max Brown Quintet @ Sequoya Public Library
Aug 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

JAZZ AT SEQUOYA – MAX BROWN QUINTET.  Trombonist Max Brown leads this group of talented young musicians featuring Peter Mathistad (Tenor), Lance Letellier (Piano), Aden Stier (Bass), and Jordan Kowalski  (Drums), who are all active in the Madison jazz scene. Their set will focus on Jazz Messengers’ tunes, hard bop and post-bop.  Sequoya Public Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd.  2pm.  Free event.

Aug
18
Sun
Allen Centennial Gardens Summer Concert: The Guys Quintet @ Allen Centennial Gardens
Aug 18 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

The Jazz Guys return with tight new renditions of modern jazz and standards and stylish jazz arrangements of classic pop in carefully honed original arrangements first developed during the pandemic quarantine and debuted at Café Coda in spring 2021.

 Peter Mathistad, sax | Paul Muench, piano | Vince Jesse, guitar | John Schaffer, bass | Jim Huwe, drums

Aug
21
Wed
Madison Jazz Jam @ COPA
Aug 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

MADISON JAZZ JAM.  The second jam of November includes an educational workshop from 6-7pm followed by an open jam from 7 to 9:30pm.  House band to be announced.  COPA, 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg.  6pm.  Free admission, donations accepted.

Madison Jazz Jam Summer Showcase with Jordan Kowalski @ COPA SAIL
Aug 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

MADISON JAZZ JAM SUMMER SHOWCASE WITH JORDAN KOWALSKI.  Madison Jazz Society Summer Showcase and Jam series will feature The Jordan Kowalski Trio in a showcase concert set from 6 to 7 pm and followed by an open jazz jam from 7-9pm.  The trio includes Kowalski, drums; Peter Mathistad, sax and Isaac Surprenant, bass.  COPA Madison www.copamadison.com is currently in the incubator arts venue mode. The speakeasy like club is contained in an old warehouse building on Index Road. There is no cover but the Jam accepts donations (cash or online donations) at their website:  madisonjazz.com.   6pm.  COPA SAIL, 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg.  Free event.

Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
Aug 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Aug
22
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
Aug 22 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ZuZu Jam Session @ ZuZu Cafe
Aug 22 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Jam session with rhythm section

Aug
23
Fri
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
Aug 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Aug
28
Wed
Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Wednesday Night Flix @ Café CODA
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FLIX AT CAFÉ CODA.  Can the middle of your week get a little bland?  Come out for Café CODA’s FREE jazz documentary film series every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, from 7:00-8:30pm, starting February 8th.  Each week will be a showing of different selections of artist highlights, noteworthy trends and important musical history, and you’ll be able to enjoy the show in the company of like-minded individuals.

Aug
29
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
Aug 29 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ZuZu Jam Session @ ZuZu Cafe
Aug 29 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Jam session with rhythm section

Aug
30
Fri
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
Aug 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sep
3
Tue
Five Points Jazz Collective @ the Mason Lounge
Sep 3 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

The Mason Lounge in collaboration w/ BlueStem Jazz Presents Tuesday Night Jazz!
It’s the first Tuesday of the month and that means the 5 Points Jazz Collective will be layin’ it down on the tiny stage!

Sep
4
Wed
Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
Sep 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Sep
5
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
Sep 5 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ZuZu Jam Session @ ZuZu Cafe
Sep 5 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Jam session with rhythm section

Charlie Painter Trio @ Ohio Tavern
Sep 5 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Charlie Painter Trio with Kelby Kryshak, drums; Sam Olson, upright bass & CP on guitar.

Ladies Must Swing @ Café CODA
Sep 5 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Love big band music? Then don’t miss out on ‘Ladies Must Swing’ every first Thursday Night of the month!
From Ladies Must Swing –
Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 22 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!
The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!
Sep
6
Fri
Gerri DiMaggio Trio @ Café CODA
Sep 6 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Gerri’s expressive singing, warm earthiness, and emotional insight prove that she is a true believer in the power of storytelling.
Musician bio:
Gerri DiMaggio’s take on jazz is as original as it is enticing. Her music is a sultry mix of Brazilian melodies along with a fresh blend of Jazz standards. The Latin sounds invite the audience into her own creative and colorful world. 🎤
Throughout the music, Gerri displays an emotional intelligence and musical sophistication that honors the traditions of Jazz and Latin rhythms telling stories with tones of sadness and bittersweet joy.
Her working band includes some of the finest musicians in the area including Bob Pesselman on guitar, and Rich Larson on percussion.
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
Sep 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sep
7
Sat
Astro @ Café CODA
Sep 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

ASTRO (Anders Svanoe’s Teleporting Rhythmic Orchestra)
Anders Svanoe-baritone saxophone
Pawan Benjamin-alto and tenor saxophones, flutes, Shehnai
Tony Catania-tenor saxophone
Jim Doherty-trumpet
Phil Zell-trumpet
Louka Patenaude-guitar
Henry Boehm-bass
Brad Townsend-bass
Michael Brenneis-drums/electronics
Nick Zielinski-drums

The group features an all-star group of improvisers and composers from the Madison area. The group will teleport musically from experimental to more familiar music written by baritone saxophonist, Anders Svanoe.

“The music here is anything but predictable and Svanoe writes memorable melodies, like the hard swinging bebop composition “Bird Strike” which would fit easily on a Pepper Adams recording. Svanoe’s heated solo gives way to the coolness of Doherty’s trumpet. Elsewhere the saxophonist goes toe-to-toe with Conroy on the brief meditative piece “Spiral Staircase Glamour;” and extends the reflection on “Altimeter High,” which could easily be confused with the music of Don Cherry. Then there’s the cartoon theme/Albert Ayler march “Walk On The SAS” which mines madcap for relevance. The closing track “Subsonic” features the bassists’ bowed and plucked sounds that give way to luscious harmonies. Svanoe’s richly verdant horn opens the composition to images of blue skies blue.”
Mark Corroto- All About Jazz

Sep
11
Wed
Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
Sep 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Sep
12
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
Sep 12 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ZuZu Jam Session @ ZuZu Cafe
Sep 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Jam session with rhythm section

Sep
13
Fri
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
Sep 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sep
18
Wed
Madison Jazz Jam @ COPA
Sep 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

MADISON JAZZ JAM.  The second jam of November includes an educational workshop from 6-7pm followed by an open jam from 7 to 9:30pm.  House band to be announced.  COPA, 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg.  6pm.  Free admission, donations accepted.

Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
Sep 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Sep
19
Thu
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Combo @ Taco Local
Sep 19 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ZuZu Jam Session @ ZuZu Cafe
Sep 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Jam session with rhythm section

Charlie Painter Trio @ Ohio Tavern
Sep 19 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Charlie Painter Trio with Kelby Kryshak, drums; Sam Olson, upright bass & CP on guitar.

Madison Jazz Orchestra @ Café CODA
Sep 19 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

MADISON JAZZ ORCHESTRA.  One of the hottest, swingin’est jazz orchestras in southern Wisconsin, the 18-piece MJO performs charts from the bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington & Louie Bellson.  Each month the band focuses on individual composers and orchestras.  The MJO performs every fourth Thursday of the month at the Brink Lounge, 715 E. Washington.  7pm.  Free admission, donations encouraged.

Sep
20
Fri
Johnny Chimes @ Louisianne's
Sep 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sep
25
Wed
Madison Django Gypsy Jazz @ Leopold's Books Bar Caffe
Sep 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Leopold’s proudly hosts Madison Django Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Come enjoy live acoustic gypsy jazz music in the style of Django Reinhardt!

Wednesday Night Flix @ Café CODA
Sep 25 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FLIX AT CAFÉ CODA.  Can the middle of your week get a little bland?  Come out for Café CODA’s FREE jazz documentary film series every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, from 7:00-8:30pm, starting February 8th.  Each week will be a showing of different selections of artist highlights, noteworthy trends and important musical history, and you’ll be able to enjoy the show in the company of like-minded individuals.