Milwaukee Jazz Institute

08/29/2026

Happy birthday to Charlie “Bird” Parker, born August 29, 1920.

One of the most influential musicians in jazz history, Parker transformed the language of the alto saxophone. His remarkable improvisation, harmonic ideas, and unmistakable sound changed the direction of jazz, and generations of musicians have been studying his music ever since.

His legacy reaches into Milwaukee jazz history, too. Milwaukee musicians including Billy Wallace and Frank Morgan performed with Parker during their careers.

Today, we celebrate Bird and a musical legacy that continues to challenge, inspire, and swing.

08/25/2026

Milwaukee jazz history, 23 stories up.

From 1968 through 1980, the top floor of the Pfister Hotel tower was home to the Crown Room, where audiences could hear jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan, George Shearing and Lionel Hampton alongside Milwaukee artists including Charlene Gibson, Penny Goodwin and Buddy Montgomery.

In 1981, the space became La Playa. Then, in 2000, it became Blu, which is the name it still carries today.

Three names. One room. Decades of Milwaukee jazz history.

Explore the Crown Room, including historic newspaper ads and a matchbook from our MKE Historic Jazz Sites page >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/historic-jazz-sites/crown-room

Were you in the room when it was the Crown Room, La Playa or Blu? Which era stands out most, and what performance do you still remember?

08/21/2026

Our Milwaukee Jazz Institute youth ensembles, under the direction of Clay Schaub, Gabriel Wade, and Mark Davis, had a blast performing for a big crowd at Jazz at the Vine in Humboldt Park last night! 🎶🎷

We’re so proud of these young musicians and all the hard work they put in all summer.

08/18/2026

Happy birthday to Dick Ruedebusch, born August 18, 1925, in Mayville, Wisconsin.

After getting his start playing trumpet in Army service bands, and sitting in with the likes of Gene Krupa, the Dorsey Brothers, and Woody Herman, Dick eventually formed Dick Ruedebusch and the Underprivileged Five. The group became a fixture at the Tunnel Inn, now home to the Safe House, performing there five nights a week.

Dick’s career would take him well beyond Milwaukee, including touring the country with his band and later joining Woody Herman’s big band for a tour that included three weeks in England.

Learn more about Dick and hear his music here >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/mke-jazz-history/dick-ruedebusch

Did you know Dick Ruedebusch and the Underprivileged Five appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1962, performing “Panama” before Dick was interviewed by Sid Caesar?

08/17/2026

This Thursday, August 20, the classroom gives way to the bandstand.

MJI student ensembles are headed to Jazz at the Vine for an evening of live music in Humboldt Park... sharing the sound, skill, and artistry they’ve been building together all season.

Come hear what they’ve been working on.

Details >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-night-at-jazz-at-the-vine-5

08/13/2026

We’re proud of the dedication our adult student ensembles bring to developing their craft as jazz musicians, and we can’t wait for you to hear them tonight at On Cloud Wine.

Taking the stage this evening:

Misterioso Ensemble
Blue Note Ensemble
Sidewinder Ensemble
Giant Steps Ensemble

Join us for a night showcasing the talent and artistry of these dedicated performers.

https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-night-at-on-cloud-wine

MJI NIGHT AT ON CLOUD WINE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 5:30-8:30 PM

On Cloud Wine is located at 10064 W Loomis Rd, Franklin, WI.

Celebrate Milwaukee’s vibrant jazz community at this special performance featuring adult student ensembles from the Milwaukee Jazz Institute. Join us for an evening showcasing the talent and artistry of these dedicated performers at a cool new music venue.

Instructed by some of the region’s top jazz musicians, MJI student ensembles have performed at festivals and clubs throughout the area and have received awards at national competitions. Thursday evening will feature: Misterioso Ensemble, Blue Note Ensemble, Sidewinder Ensemble, and Giant Steps Ensemble.

https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-night-at-on-cloud-wine

08/10/2026

MJI NIGHT AT ON CLOUD WINE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 5:30-8:30 PM

On Cloud Wine is located at 10064 W Loomis Rd, Franklin, WI.

Celebrate Milwaukee’s vibrant jazz community at this special performance featuring adult student ensembles from the Milwaukee Jazz Institute. Join us for an evening showcasing the talent and artistry of these dedicated performers at a cool new music venue.

Instructed by some of the region’s top jazz musicians, MJI student ensembles have performed at festivals and clubs throughout the area and have received awards at national competitions. Thursday evening will feature: Misterioso Ensemble, Blue Note Ensemble, Sidewinder Ensemble, and Giant Steps Ensemble.

https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-night-at-on-cloud-wine

08/10/2026

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE JAM SESSION

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026, 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Jazz Gallery, 926 E Center Street, Milwaukee

Join MJI faculty artists Mark Davis and Jeff Hamann for a jam session open to musicians and listeners of all ages. Free admission! Donations welcome.

www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-jam-session-51

08/04/2026

Musicians, listeners and jazz lovers of all ages, there’s a place for you at the next MJI Jam Session.

Join MJI faculty members Mark Davis Music and Jeff Hamann at Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts on Monday, August 10. for an evening of live music, collaboration and plenty of room for the unexpected.

Admission is free; donations are welcome. Bring your instrument or simply come listen.

Learn more and let us know you’re coming >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-jam-session-51

07/28/2026

Congratulations to Ignacio Catral on the launch of MKE Jazz.live, and everyone who helped make it a reality.

Milwaukee’s jazz scene is filled with extraordinary musicians, dedicated venues, passionate audiences, and organizations working every day to keep this music thriving. Anything that helps more people discover live jazz and experience it for themselves is something worth celebrating.

We’re excited to see where this new resource leads, and wish Ignacio and the entire team continued success.