Milwaukee summers are stuffed with outdoor events both big (Summerfest) and small (are they doing something at Kaszube’s Park again this year?) Falling somewhere in the middle are two Lake Park music series: Musical Mondays and Wonderful Wednesdays. The complimentary (and free!) series from Lake Park Friends—set on the park’s Summer Stage, near the playground—may seem small, but they pack a musical punch.
That’s especially true for this year’s Musical Mondays lineup. “Musical Mondays is proud to offer the community a lineup this summer as musically and geographically diverse as anything we’ve ever done,” says series presenter Jeff Bentoff in a press release. “It’ll be a summer of music in the park you won’t forget.”
So without further ado, here are the 2024 lineups for the world-spanning Musical Mondays (co-sponsored by Milwaukee Record!) and the more kid/family-focused Wonderful Wednesdays. (All blurbs courtesy of Lake Park Friends.)
MUSICAL MONDAYS
Lake Park Summer Stage
6:30 – 8 p.m. For music lovers of all ages.
July 8: The Hungry Williams
Joined by a love of early swingin’ rock and roll, The Hungry Williams play upbeat music great for dancing or just listening. The band features singer Kelli Gonzalez, drummer and leader John Carr, and ace guitar, keys, bass and horn players.
July 15: Brian Lynch And Spheres Of Influence
Led by the multiple Grammy© Award-winning trumpeter, his ensemble mixes jazz, Afro-Caribbean and more. Lynch, who grew up in Glendale, has worked with everyone from Art Blakey and Horace Silver to Eddie Palmieri and Chucho Valdes.
July 22: Wesli
Wesli is the stage name of Haitian / Canadian Wesley Louissaint, one of Haiti’s most revered and accomplished musicians. Bringing together Montreal and Haitian talents, Wesli’s music unites Haitian vodou and rara with roots, reggae, Afrobeat, electronic music and hip-hop flavors.
July 29: R&B Cadets
A celebrated Milwaukee band since the ‘80s, the Cadets are known for their signature, danceable sound featuring originals and obscure covers. The group reunites occasionally, while its front line of Paul Cebar, Robin Pluer and John Sieger lead their own popular ensembles.
August 5: Mokoomba
Hailing from Zimbabwe, Mokoomba is one of Africa’s most exciting young bands and is setting dance floors ablaze with its unique mix of traditional Tonga and pan-African music cultures with dashes of rap, ska, soukous and Afro-Cuban music.
August 12: JigJam
These Offaly- and Tipperary-born musicians started the first wave of the new Irish invasion of Americana. Bluegrass and American folk music have Irish roots, and now JigJam is here to take the music back and add its own mark. Foot-stomping and high-energy describe its shows.
August 19: Fountain Of Youth
Fountain of Youth is a project of several Milwaukee musicians representing the city’s next generation of jazz music. Led by guitarist Sam Catral, the band features vocalist Faith Hatch and will cover jazz standards perfect for a summer night in Lake Park.
August 26: Gizzae
Gizzae is a musical tapestry woven from diverse experiences of its members, hailing from across the globe. With over 35 years of grooving, they’ve won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards and shared stages with Ziggy Marley, Rolling Stones and Toots & the Maytals.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS
Lake Park Summer Stage
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Aimed at children and their families.
July 10: Laura Doherty & The Heartbeats
Award-winning Chicago performer with an intense passion for creating sweet folk-inspired songs that explore the themes of friendship, family and childhood.
July 17: The Last Bees
Positive, uplifting, nostalgia-inspired melodies, as sweet as honey, with vocals and instruments with an edge that stings like a bee.
July 24: Frogwater
Renowned for their virtuosity and exuberant live performances, the repertoire of this musical pair spans from Celtic to Delta blues, from classical to pop with a healthy dose of unique original material filling out the mix.
July 31: Susan Salidor
Award-winning Chicago children’s music composer, performer and author, with the heart of a teacher, whose original music is influenced by her professional experience in musical theatre, cabaret folk and in her work as a preschool music specialist.
August 7: Duke Otherwise
Playful wordsmith, spirited performer, skilled guitarist and captivating tap-dancer from Madison. Using his distinct baritone, he sings his hilarious and imaginative songs that will delight all ages.
August 14: Little Miss Ann
Award-winning Chicago musician whose playlist spans different genres with fun, interactive educational songs that will inspire kids to sing, jump, dance and let their own lights shine.
August 21: Fox And Branch
For over two decades, this award-winning duo has performed a dynamic mix of old-time music, original songs and family folk tunes that appeal to children and adults, giving everyone a chance to actively participate.
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