On June 12, 2009, Paul Jonas opened The Tonic Tavern on Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View. The neighborhood has changed immensely in the 12 years since the bar came to be, but Tonic has remained a popular place to grab a drink, kick back on the swanky patio, and enjoy some live music. In honor of the bar’s golden anniversary and as a means of spreading good will in the community after the most difficult year in the business’ history, Tonic Tavern decided to start a new charitable summer music series.
“Gigs 4 Good” will feature a wide range of Milwaukee musicians performing at Tonic on select Saturdays between June and September. Proceeds from the concerts (brought in through audience donations and from the bar donating a portion of that night’s sales) will benefit Milwaukee Center For Children And Youth and The Women’s Center. Fittingly, the series will kick off on June 12 with an “Golden Anniversary” set by Derek Pritzl Trio from 4-6 p.m. Other acts booked to play this summer include Long Mama, Field Report mastermind Christopher Porterfield, Mario Lanza, Dramatic Lovers singer B.J. Seidel, and more.
Check Tonic Tavern’s social media accounts for more information on individual shows as they approach and take a glance the full lineup below.
June 12 — Derek Pritzl Trio
June 19 — Anthony Deutch
June 26 — Long Mama
July 10 — Christopher Porterfield
July 24 — Alex Wilson
August 7 — Tommy Odetta
August 21 — Mario Lanza
September 4 — B.J. Seidel + Chris DeMay (split set)
September 18 — TBD