Milwaukee summers are absolutely stuffed with outdoor music series. (Need proof? Here you go!) But none of those outdoor music series are quite as cozy—or quite as eclectic—as Musical Mondays. The free summertime series takes place on the Lake Park Summer Stage, near the playground, throughout July and August. And this year’s season—Musical Monday’s 27th!—looks to be another winner.
“We’re proud to continue the tradition of free concerts in Lake Park, which began when the park opened more than 100 years ago,” says Anne Hamilton, president of Lake Park Friends. “We encourage lovers of all types of music to join us this summer, and for everyone to come and enjoy Lake Park all year round.”
Oh, and don’t forget Wonderful Wednesdays! The kid/family-focused series also takes place on the Lake Park Summer Stage throughout July and August.
So without further ado, here are the 2025 lineups for Musical Mondays (co-sponsored by Milwaukee Record!) and Wonderful Wednesdays. All blurbs courtesy of Lake Park Friends. (Shout-out to Musical Mondays series presenter/mastermind Jeff Bentoff for always putting together such a stellar lineup.)
MUSICAL MONDAYS
Lake Park Summer Stage
6:30 – 8 p.m.
July 7 – SINKANE
Sinkane (aka Ahmed Gallab) and his high-energy six-piece band bring ambitious, dazzling sounds of a world of music – from funk to free jazz to pop – set to the foundational soul of the rhythms of his native Sudan.
July 14 – BONERAMA
A legendary New Orleans band featuring three trombones, Bonerama plays a genre-bending gumbo that covers the sound of everything from Crescent City horn bands, soul and gospel to music of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
July 21 – MISSISSIPPI HEAT
A storied Chicago blues band led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat’s name and sound are a reflection of the harp man’s reverence for Mississippi’s blues culture and music.
July 28 – CHLOE KIMES
A Nashville musician with roots in northern Michigan, rising Americana artist Chloe Kimes is actively defining the next generation of troubadours with an old-soul sensibility for storytelling in a spirited alt-country group.
August 4 – THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN
With smooth harmonies and a sound that fuses country storytelling with R&B swagger and pop sensibility, The Kentucky Gentlemen, are led by Bourbon Country twins Derek and Brandon Campbell. The brothers are rewriting the rules of country music and have performed with The Black Opry and been recognized by GLADD as “New Voices in Country.”
August 11 – DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS
Hailing from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world, Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin has been bringing his own high-octane version of this danceable artform to audiences around the world since debuting his own band at age 19.
August 18 – LAURA RAIN AND THE CAESARS
A proud product of the Motor City, hard-driving singer Laura Rain and her hot band pump out soul, R&B and funk originals worthy of the many greats hailing from Detroit, with fearless emotion and excitement.
August 25 – R&B CADETS
Milwaukee’s popular and longest running super group, the R&B Cadets play their unique signature mix of danceable originals and obscure covers, fronted by some of the city’s most cherished voices – Paul Cebar, Robin Pluer and John Sieger.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS
Lake Park Summer Stage
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
July 9 – FOX AND BRANCH
For nearly three 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 alike.
July 16 – MAIN STREET SONG & DANCE TROUPE
A nonprofit show choir comprised of talented teens ages 12 to 18 will perform “The Love Spectrum,” a musical exploration of the many forms of love, from true and unrequited love to self-love and friendship.
July 23 – YID VICIOUS
Engaging and delighting audiences for thirty years, this group brings the party to life with lively Yiddish folk dance music spanning generations from the Old World to our world.
July 30 – LITTLE MISS ANN
Award-winning Chicago musician whose playlist spans different genres with fun, interactive educational songs that inspire kids to sing, jump, dance and let their own lights shine.
August 6 – DUKE OTHERWISE
Playful wordsmith, spirited performer, skilled guitarist and captivating tap dancer from Madison. Using his distinct baritone, he sings hilarious and imaginative songs that delight all ages.
August 13 – SUSAN SALIDOR
Award-winning Chicago children’s music composer, performer and author, with the heart of a teacher, who writes music for children and those who love them.
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