Milwaukee Jazz Institute

Throwback Thursday... is that still a thing? It is today! Last week we welcomed the Javier Red Quartet with Dakarai Barclay, Jeff Wheaton, and Daniel Gaydon to Bar Centro. It was a fantastic, standing room only, night of music. Thank you to everyone that attended.

MJI PRESENTS: JAVIER RED QUARTET TOMORROW! March 15, 2025, 8–10:30 p.m. bar centro, 804 E Center St. Join us for a performance of Javier’s original compositions alongside works by legendary jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and Wayne Shorter—offering a mix of fresh new music and beloved classics. The Band: Javier Red, piano Dakarai Barclay, trumpet Jeff Wheaton, bass Daniel Gayden, drums Seating is limited. Get your tickets now >> https://lnkd.in/gcN3e2K5 Javier is an innovative jazz pianist, bandleader, and entrepreneur from Mexico City, based in Chicago since 2015. Though mainly self-taught, Javier has grown musically through his ongoing studies with Steve Coleman, whose groundbreaking approach to melody, rhythm, and improvisation has deeply influenced Javier's work. He has recorded two albums in the U.S., with his first album being selected as part of NPR Jazz Critics' Best of 2019 Debut Album Selection. Nowadays, Javier’s quartet performs a blend of his original compositions and works by three renowned tenor saxophone jazz composers: Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, and Wayne Shorter.

We’re looking forward to it too, Javier! https://lnkd.in/gcN3e2K5

MJI PRESENTS: JAVIER RED QUARTET | March 15, 2025, 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM at bar centro, 804 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI Join us for a performance of Javier’s original compositions alongside works by legendary jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and Wayne Shorter—offering a mix of fresh new music and beloved classics. The Band: Javier Red, piano Dakarai Barclay, trumpet Jeff Wheaton, bass Daniel Gayden, drums Javier is an innovative jazz pianist, bandleader, and entrepreneur from Mexico City, based in Chicago since 2015. Though mainly self-taught, Javier has grown musically through his ongoing studies with Steve Coleman, whose groundbreaking approach to melody, rhythm, and improvisation has deeply influenced Javier's work. He has recorded two albums in the US, with his first album being selected as part of NPR Jazz Critics' Best of 2019 Debut Album Selection. Nowadays, Javier’s Quartet performs a blend of his original compositions and works by three renowned tenor saxophone jazz composers: Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, and Wayne Shorter. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. Get your tickets today >> https://lnkd.in/gcN3e2K5

LET'S JAM... TONIGHT! Tonight, March 10 from 8:30-10 p.m., join MJI faculty artists Mark Davis and Jeff Hamann for a jam session that's open to musicians and listeners of all ages. Free admission! Donations welcome.

Here are some moments from our MJI Ensemble Showcase last Thursday at newly reopened The Estate. The club was jam-packed all night as nine youth and adult student ensembles took the stage for an incredible night of music and community!

Tonight’s the night. Nine MJI youth and adult ensembles. Jazz Estate. No cover. See you there!

MJI ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE NIGHT—NO COVER! We are excited about upcoming MJI ensemble performances at The Estate on Thursday, March 6. This is an opportunity for our youth and adult ensembles to play the music they've been working on this term and for family, friends, and the community to come to hear some great jazz at The Estate — www.estatemke.com. No cover all night! Join us and celebrate "Live Music Being Back!" at The Estate. See you there!

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of alto saxophonist Bunky Green, who passed away today at age 91. Born and raised in Milwaukee he attended Lincoln and North Division high schools, and got his start performing at local clubs such as the Brass Rail located at 3rd and Wells St. Around 1956 he moved to New York City, where he was hired by Charles Mingus. By 1960, he had relocated to Chicago, where he worked and recorded with greats such as Sonny Stitt and Eddie Harris, among many others. Bunky was also a dedicated educator, teaching at Chicago State University from 1972 until 1989 and at the University of North Florida from 1990 until 2011. His influence as both a performer and educator was profound, as evidenced by the impact he had on well-known saxophonists such as Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, and Rudresh Mahanthappa. His legacy will continue to inspire and shape the world of jazz for generations to come.

Listen to this reimagined classic as you enjoy your weekend! https://lnkd.in/gD72MxNb