Milwaukee Jazz Institute

05/12/2026

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ARTEMIS LIVE AT MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

In partnership with Marcus Performing Arts Center, we’re giving away three pairs of tickets to see ARTEMIS live on Thursday, May 14… plus access to a special jazz masterclass before the show.

ARTEMIS isn’t just another jazz ensemble. This is a powerhouse group of internationally celebrated musicians bringing bold energy, incredible improvisation, and the kind of performance that reminds you why live music matters.

Visit our website to enter before 3 p.m. this Wednesday, May 13. Winners will be notified Wednesday evening.

Link to enter >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/win-tickets-for-artemis-plus-a-masterclass

Tag the person you’d bring with you if you win!

MJI subscriber exclusive! 3 chances to win a pair of tickets. Plus a jazz masterclass open to the public (limited seating).

05/10/2026

What song reminds you of your mom? Drop it in the comments. We’ll build a community Mother’s Day playlist from your answers.

05/08/2026

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE JAM SESSION

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026, 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Jazz Gallery, 926 E Center Street, Milwaukee

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

https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-jam-session-48

05/05/2026

Many people recognize this building as the SafeHouse. But before the secret knocks and spy disguises, it was the Tunnel Inn, a place where jazz was lived.

Think less “top secret mission,” more “once-in-a-lifetime moment you didn’t know you needed.” The kind of place where the music pulled you in, and suddenly, you were part of something bigger than yourself.

Same walls. Different stories. Step into the full history here >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/historic-jazz-sites/the-tunnel-inn

Milwaukee friends... did you know this spot had a jazz past before becoming the SafeHouse?

05/01/2026

Student ensemble performances are where all the hard work starts to click.

Join us on Sunday, May 3, for an afternoon of live jazz featuring MJI student ensembles performing music they’ve been refining, exploring, and making their own throughout the season.

From first rehearsals to live performance, these students are building confidence, collaboration skills, and creative instincts that reach far beyond the stage.

Experience the energy for yourself >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-student-ensemble-performances-13

04/30/2026

Tonight’s the night!

We’re looking forward to seeing you at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel as we celebrate International Jazz Day.

Schedule of events:
5-6:30 p.m.
Live jazz in the lobby bar featuring MJI student ensembles.

6:40 p.m.
Celebratory program in the Arc Theatre.

7-10 p.m.
International Jazz Day livestream watch party in the Arc Theatre. Enjoy the all-star global concert featuring Herbie Hancock and other internationally renowned artists.

7-10 p.m
Jazz jam in the lobby bar hosted by MJI faculty artists Mark Davis, Jeff Hamann, and Sam Belton. Bring your instrument and sit in… or just come to listen.

It’s not to late to let us know you’re coming >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/jazz-day-2

04/28/2026

One of the coolest things about jazz is that it connects people across generations, neighborhoods, and even continents.

Thanks to Dave Luhrssen and the Shepherd Express for featuring us and our citywide celebration of International Jazz Day.

From student musicians to seasoned performers, this event is about connection, creativity, and reminding people that jazz is alive and thriving right here in Milwaukee.

Read the story >> https://shepherdexpress.com/music/local-music/milwaukee-celebrates-international-jazz-day

Register to attend the event >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/jazz-day-2

04/25/2026

From Milwaukee to the world stage, Carl Allen has spent decades behind the drum kit driving the music forward while lifting everyone around him. His sound is unmistakable. His presence is even more so.

He’s played with legends, shaped the rhythm of modern jazz, and built a career that most musicians only dream about. And somehow, through it all, he’s stayed deeply connected to the place where it all began.

Carl doesn’t just play jazz, he embodies it… the energy, the precision, the conversation, the joy.

Today we celebrate the artist, the educator, the mentor, and the hometown hero who continues to inspire musicians here in Milwaukee and far beyond.

Happy Birthday, Carl. Your rhythm keeps moving all of us forward.

If you want to learn more about Carl and his story, take a minute and explore it here >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/mke-jazz-history/carl-allen

04/23/2026

Today we celebrate the birthday of Milwaukee’s own Bunky Green (1933–2025).

From amateur nights in Bronzeville to a last-minute call from Charles Mingus, Bunky’s path was anything but predictable. He went on to perform with greats, develop a sound all his own, and dedicate decades to teaching the next generation of jazz artists.

A player, a teacher, a legacy that still echoes.

For the full story, including the moments that shaped his journey and influence, visit >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/mke-jazz-history/bunky-green

04/22/2026

On April 30, join us at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel for live jazz in the lobby bar from 5–10 p.m., featuring MJI student ensembles and a faculty-led jazz jam.

Come early, grab a drink, stay as long as you like, and when you’re ready, head into the Arc Theatre for a livestream of the official International Jazz Day global concert happening in Chicago.

We’ll have a few surprises and giveaways along the way.

Free and open to the public. RSVP >> https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/jazz-day-2

04/17/2026

MJI PRESENTS: KYLE SWAN QUARTET
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:00 – 10:30 PM
Bar Centro (804 E Center St, Milwaukee)

We welcome back Chicago-based drummer Kyle Swan to lead a quartet for a night of swingin' jazz.

The Quartet features:
Kyle Swan - drums
Jamie Breiwick - trumpet
Mark Davis - piano
Andrew Binder - bass

https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/event-details/mji-presents-kyle-swan-quartet