Where can you go to enjoy unique and gorgeously staged performances from classical musicians, jazz icons, bluegrass bands, and the guy who sang “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin'” with Travis Tritt? The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, that’s where. And you’ll find all of the above—and much, much more—in the Wilson Center’s just-announced 2025-2026 Performing Arts Season.
Three distinct but equally compelling series make up the season: the up-and-coming Studio Series, the crowd-pleasing Matinee Series, and the marquee Mainstage Series. The latter has plenty of highlights this year, including Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives on October 24 (Stuart’s the one who sang “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin'” with Travis Tritt), saxophonist Joshua Redman on November 8, California bluegrass band AJ Lee & Blue Summit on January 16, and a tribute to David Grisman and Jerry Garcia (from Grisman’s son Sam) on May 1.
“This season, we’re honoring legacy and embracing innovation,” says Wilson Center Artistic Manager Tyler Nikolas. “From jazz legends and Broadway stars to powerful cultural collaborations and genre-bending rising artists, there’s truly something for everyone.”
Subscriptions for the 2025-2026 season are on sale NOW. Individual tickets go on sale June 10. Here’s the full season lineup, with blurbs courtesy of the Wilson Center:
MAINSTAGE SERIES
Julian Lage Trio (August 15) – The Grammy-nominated guitar prodigy returns to the Wilson Center, showcasing his evolution as one of modern jazz’s most exciting voices.
Live from Laurel Canyon: James and Joni Their Songs Their Stories (October 3) – A multimedia tribute to James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, featuring two performances due to popular demand.
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives (October 24) – Country music royalty comes to the Wilson Center for an unforgettable night of Americana.
Joshua Redman Quartet (November 8) – The iconic saxophonist performs selections from his upcoming Blue Note Records release.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (December 12) – A cherished holiday tradition returns with the MSO’s festive performance.
Voctave (December 20) – The a cappella sensation brings an all-new holiday performance to the SLWC.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit (January 16) – California’s rising bluegrass stars make their Wilson Center debut.
Emmet Cohen presents Miles and Coltrane at 100 (February 27) – In honor of the centennial birthdays of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane, this acclaimed group delivers a celebratory tribute.
Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp “30 Years of Friendship and RENT” (April 11) – Original stars of RENT reunite to reflect on three decades of friendship and perform hits from the groundbreaking musical.
The Sam Grisman Project (May 1) – The season closes with this explosive bluegrass group honoring the legacy of David Grisman and Jerry Garcia.
STUDIO SERIES
Phillip Daniel (September 26)– The season begins with this emotive pianist and film composer, fresh from scoring modern ballet for the Seoul Metropolitan Ballet. His cinematic compositions blend classical and minimalist influences.
Gabrielle Cavassa (October 8) – A rising jazz vocalist and recent Blue Note Records signee, Cavassa is known for her captivating voice and acclaimed collaborations with Joshua Redman.
Juan Pablo Horcasitas (November 14) – The celebrated Mexican pianist presents Songs and Dances from Around the World, bringing global repertoire to the Wilson Center stage.
The Violins of Hope (January 11) – In collaboration with Milwaukee Musaik and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, this moving concert features Holocaust-era instruments, each with a powerful history.
Cecil and Ari Alexander (March 27) – Jazz guitarist Cecil Alexander, a former Wilson Center Guitar Festival winner, joins vocalist Ari Alexander for a soulful fusion of jazz and folk.
The Donna Woodall Group (April 17) – Milwaukee favorite Donna Woodall returns with A Touch of Tapestry: The Music of Carole King. Expect a preview performance at the season announcement event.
MATINEE SERIES
Wisconsin Philharmonic (November 5) – Mostly Mozart Matinee showcases Mozart’s masterworks and a few surprises.
Hollywood Revisited (February 4) – A musical revue celebrating Hollywood’s Golden Age with original film costumes and unforgettable songs.
I’ve Gotta Be Me: Celebrating Sammy Davis Jr. (March 11) – Tony-nominated performer Sydney DuPont presents, a tribute to a trailblazing American entertainer.
Valjean, Cosette, and a String Quartet (May 13) – Broadway’s Josh Young and Emily Padgett perform hits from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and more.
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