Jazz Music in Madison, Wisconsin
Contents
- Jazz music in Madison, Wisconsin – an overview
- The history of jazz in Madison
- The current jazz scene in Madison
- The best jazz clubs in Madison
- The best jazz festivals in Madison
- The best jazz radio stations in Madison
- The best jazz musicians in Madison
- The best jazz CDs from Madison
- The best jazz websites from Madison
- The best jazz resources from Madison
Check out the latest Jazz Music news in Madison, Wisconsin!
Jazz music in Madison, Wisconsin – an overview
Jazz music has been a part of the American cultural landscape for over a century, and Madison, Wisconsin is no exception. The city has a long history of jazz music and culture, dating back to the early 20th century. Madison is home to a number of jazz clubs and venues, as well as a thriving jazz community.
The first recorded jazz performance in Madison took place in 1917, at the Orpheum Theater on Main Street. Jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis have all played in Madison over the years. The city is also home to the annual Wisconsin Jazz Festival, which features performances by local and national jazz artists.
Madison’s jazz scene is strongest in the downtown area, where you’ll find several jazz clubs and venues. The Majestic Theatre hosts regular live music performances, including a weekly jazz happy hour. The North Street Cabaret is another popular spot for live music, with a focus on jazz and blues. Other downtown clubs worth checking out include the Severson Sisters Piano Bar, the Crucible, and the Frequency.
If you’re interested in learning more about Madison’s rich history of jazz music, be sure to visit the Wisconsin Historical Society’s website.
The history of jazz in Madison
Jazz music has been a part of Madison, Wisconsin’s music scene for over a century. The city has produced many notable jazz musicians and hosts a number of annual jazz festivals.
Madison’s first jazz musician was clarinetist and bandleader Tonyplin “Cub” Clark, who began playing in the city in 1909. Clark led one of the most popular bands in Madison during the 1910s and 1920s, and his band was often featured at the Orpheum Theater, one of the city’s premier live music venues.
Many other influential jazz musicians have called Madison home at various points in their careers, including pianist Oscar Peterson, saxophonists Paul Desmond and Stan Getz, trumpet player Miles Davis, and drummer Steve Gadd. The city has also been home to several influential jazz clubs and venues over the years, including the Orpheum Theater, the Memorial Union Terrace, and the UW-Madison student union Rathskeller.
Madison hosts a number of annual jazz festivals, including the Wisconsin Rhythm & Blues Festival, the Isthmus Jazz Festival, and the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. These festivals attract some of the biggest names in jazz to perform for Madison audiences.
The current jazz scene in Madison
Jazz has been a part of the music scene in Madison, Wisconsin since the early 1900s. The city has a long history of jazz clubs and venues, and today, the jazz scene in Madison is thriving.
There are several jazz clubs and venues in Madison that host live music every night of the week. The Savoy Lounge is one of the most popular jazz clubs in Madison, and it features a variety of local and national jazz musicians. Other well-known jazz clubs in Madison include the Orpheum Theater, the Majestic Theatre, and the Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall.
In addition to the many live music venues, Madison also has a rich jazz radio scene. WORT 89.9 FM is a non-commercial, listener-supported radio station that features jazz music 24 hours a day. WPRB 103.3 FM is another popular radio station that features a mix of jazz, blues, and world music.
Madison is also home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Jazz Studies program, which is one of the most highly respected programs in the country. The program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, and it provides students with opportunities to perform with some of the best jazz musicians in the world.
The best jazz clubs in Madison
Madison is a great city for live music, and that includes jazz. Here are some of the best places to catch a jazz show.
The Orpheum Theater regularly hosts touring jazz acts, and has featured everyone from Miles Davis to Wynton Marsalis. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out the Cafe Coda. This club features local and regional jazz acts, and has a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying live music.
Looking for something a little different? The Inferno Nightclub sometimes features jazz bands as part of their regular programming. This is definitely not your typical jazz club, but it’s a great place to catch some unique live music.
The best jazz festivals in Madison
Madison is nationally known for its vibrant music scene, and this is especially true when it comes to jazz. The city has a long history of jazz musicians and festivals, dating back to the early 1900s.
If you’re a fan of jazz music, you’ll definitely want to check out one of these great festivals:
-The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Jazz series offers four concerts each year, featuring both local and national artists.
-The Annual Jazz in the Park festival takes place in early August and features several days of live music, food vendors, and family-friendly fun.
-The Isthmus Jazz Festival is held each year in late September and offers a wide variety of sounds, from traditional to contemporary.
-And finally, the University of Wisconsin’s World Series features two weeks of concerts by some of the world’s most renowned jazz musicians.
The best jazz radio stations in Madison
If you love jazz music, you’ll want to tune into one of these top jazz radio stations the next time you’re in Madison, Wisconsin.
– WVMO 98.7 FM
– WSUM 91.7 FM
– WHA 970 AM
The best jazz musicians in Madison
The best jazz musicians in Madison can be found performing in a variety of venues throughout the city. From intimate clubs to concert halls, there’s a venue to suit every taste.
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the best places to hear Jazz in Madison. The institute hosts a variety of concerts and events featuring some of the world’s best Jazz musicians.
The Wisconsin Union Theater is another great place to hear Jazz in Madison. The theater hosts a wide range of musical performances, including Jazz concerts.
For a more intimate Jazz experience, check out Cafe Coda, located on Madison’s Capitol Square. Cafe Coda features live Jazz music on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
The best jazz CDs from Madison
If you are looking for the best Jazz CDs from Madison, Wisconsin, look no further than the experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The school has one of the most comprehensive collections of Jazz music in the world, and they have been kind enough to put together a list of their top 10 CDs.
The best jazz websites from Madison
The internet has made it easier than ever to enjoy jazz music from around the world. Madison, Wisconsin is no exception. Here are some of the best jazz websites from Madison that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
1) The Capital Times: This website offers a variety of articles on all things jazz in Madison. From reviews of local shows to profiles of local musicians, you’ll find it all here.
2) Isthmus: Isthmus is another great website for checking out what’s happening in the world ofMadison jazz. They offer reviews, previews, and even a calendar of upcoming events.
3) WPRI 96.3FM: WPRI is a radio station based in Madison that specializes in playing jazz music. You can listen to their live stream online, or check out their website for playlists and show information.
4) WSUM 91.7FM: WSUM is another great option for listening to jazz online. They offer a variety of programming, including talk shows and music-based programs.
5) WMTV NBC 15: WMTV is Madison’s NBC affiliate, and they occasionally feature stories on the local jazz scene. Their website also has a calendar of upcoming events happening around town.
The best jazz resources from Madison
If you’re a fan of jazz music, you’ll be happy to know that Madison, Wisconsin is a great place to find quality jazz performances. The city is home to a number of talented jazz musicians, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch live shows. Here are some of the best resources for enjoying jazz in Madison.
The Wisconsin Union Theater is one of the most popular venues for live jazz in Madison. The theater regularly hosts Jazz in the Park concerts on its outdoor stage during the summer months, and it also provides a venue for local and touring jazz musicians throughout the year.
Another great option for catching live jazz in Madison is the Garver Feed Mill. This renovated historic building hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances. Jazz musicians often take the stage here, making it a great place to enjoy some quality tunes.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some jazz recordings, Mad City Music is the place for you. This local store specializes in all things musical, and they have an extensive selection of jazz CDs and vinyl records. They also sell musical instruments, so it’s a great place to pick up something new if you’re looking to start playing yourself.
Madison is a great city for fans of jazz music. With plenty of venues for live performances and plenty of resources for enjoying recorded music, there’s something here for everyone.