Photo by Paul Reitano
Peter Mulvey
Chicken Wire Empire, Sam Llanas Band, Carlos Adames Group, The Firm, Derek Byrne and Paddygrass, Peter Mulvey and more—This Week in Milwaukee Music!
Thursday, December 26
Chicken Wire Empire @ The Bend Theater (125 N. Main St., West Bend), 7:30 p.m.
Chicken Wire Empire’s recent collaboration with Trapper Schoepp, a cover of John Prine’s “Christmas in Prison” may be outdated until next year, but expect the band’s mix of traditional and updated bluegrass sounds.
Friday, December 27
Sam Llanas Band @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
Sam Llanas promises to “rock my ass off” on his new digital single “I’m Not a Robot.” Llanas reunites with drummer Guy Hoffman and bassist Bob Griffin, former BoDeans with whom Llanas hasn’t recorded since 1987.
Saturday, December 28
Still No Tomatoes w/ Chris Haise @ Café Carpe, 8 p.m.
The eclectic sound of Still No Tomatoes was documented on the recently released Demo Listen Derby EP which includes the haunting “Reconstructing You.” This will be the last performance for the group as a trio, as they will be adding a drummer to the lineup. So, if you are purist, this might be like seeing Dylan before he went electric. Opener Chris Haise often appears with a full band. Here’s a chance to hear his songcraft in an intimate setting.
Carlos Adames Group @ The Jazz Estate, 8 p.m.
The Carlos Adames Group brings a powerful fusion of traditional and modern Latin rhythms blended with dynamic jazz harmonies. Known for his innovative percussion style, Adames infuses each performance with the influence of his South American and Caribbean roots, as well as his mastery of global rhythms and jazz.
Joining the percussionist on this vibrant musical journey are Milwaukee’s finest: Tony Ayala on timbales, John Simons on bass, Elías Holman on piano, and Jason Goldsmith on saxophone.
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Sunday, December 29
Gerrit Hatcher - Erez Dessel Duo @ Sugar Maple, 4 p.m.
Improvisational duo Gerrit Hatcher (tenor sax) and Erez Dessel (piano) present a new project rooted in the tradition but looking ahead, never bound by aesthetics and deeply grounded by an improvisatory practice that spans space and time. Their duo music includes free improvisation as well as compositions: original, repertory, lesser-known and traditional.
Monday, December 30
The Firm @ Transfer Pizza, 6:30 p.m.
Vivamus musica et pizza.
Usually Thursdays are reserved for jazz at Transfer, but this “New Years Eve Eve” show grants an exception. The Firm is guitarist Steve Peplin, bassist Clay Schaub (the stage mayor for years of Transfer Martini Jazz Lounge seasons), drummer Jeremy Kuzniar and Aaron Van Oudenallen, on sax and the flute. Peplin, Schaub, Kuzniar & Van Oudenallen, a cohort of names worthy of a law firm. Their musical arguments will be irrefutable.
Tuesday, December 31
Derek Byrne and Paddygrass @ Explorium Brewpub (143 W. St. Paul Ave.), 5 p.m.
After touring the world with Riverdance, Derek Byrne married and settled in Milwaukee. Get an early start on 2025 and celebrate the Irish New Year with Paddygrass.
Peter Mulvey @ Schauer Arts Center (147 N. Rural St., Hartford), 7:30 p.m.
“Arthur McBride” by Peter Mulvey
Peter Mulvey, a seasoned songwriter, performer, and storyteller with a career spanning over three decades, began his musical journey by busking on the streets of Dublin and performing in bars in Milwaukee before settling in Boston. His career has included 20 albums, live performances, collaborations with well-known artists, and even a TEDx talk. Peter will share his distinct brand of modern folk music richly infused with his life lessons, observations and wit.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Polar Plunge @ Bradford Beach, noon
Who decided it would be a good idea to act like a polar bear on the first day of the year? Is the idea to wash away 2024 or make sure you are awake for 2025? It doesn’t matter. Take the plunge and you will be surrounded by like-minded individuals and secure bragging rights, at least for 364 days.
