UPCOMING SHOWS
Funky Mondays
The JB3's
1224 Williamson Street
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Weekly Funky Fun Show featuring Joey B. Banks on drums, Chris Clemente on bass, and Todd Phipps on B3 organ.
Funky Mondays featuring Joey Banks
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Join us for Weekly Funky Fun Show featuring Joey B. Banks on drums, Chris Clemente on bass, and Todd Phipps on B3 organ. $5
Thursday Tango Drop-in class
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
THURSDAYS Drop-in Beginner Class at Cafe Coda Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Cost: $10 per person Hosted by Joe Yang, founder of Wisconsin Tango. When it comes to learning Argentine Tango, the smartest question to ask is: “What if I give it a try?” Behind the passionate, mysterious, and exotic reputation of Tango is a fun, fulfilling, and accessible social activity that anyone can enjoy. Learning tango doesn’t have to be a daydream, or something you only wish you could do. With over a decade of professional teaching experience, Joe Yang - the founder of Wisconsin Tango - is known for removing the intimidation factor out of social dancing. He’s committed to providing a fun, supportive, and encouraging learning atmosphere as you take your first steps. So cross off another item on your bucket list, and join us! No partner required. Website: www.wisconsintango.com Podcast: www.joetangopodcast.com Blog: www.wisconsin-tango.com/blog/
Hot Summer Nights On Willy Street
We are Willy
1300 williamson st
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Numerous small businesses in the 'hood will be open until 9pm Friday, July 26th! Celebrate summer with your favorite Willy Street neighborhood business! Snacks, libations and special sales galore! #shopwillystreet
Marimba Man - Kevin Lucas
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Cafe Coda proudly brings Kevin Lucas for our "Bright Moment" show. Join us to enjoy the "Kevin Lucas Experience" and our drinks special on 7/26, Friday, 5-7 PM. "The first thing you notice when you talk to Kevin Lucas, is his passion for music. It oozes out of every pore of his body. He lives and breathes music and his passion is even more prevalent when you experience the intensity of his live performances." "Kevin Lucas, an accomplished composer and music producer, is also an award-winning percussionist who specializes in marimba and vibraphone. While he has many accolades to his credit, including a 2003 performance with 1980’s legend, Christopher Cross (SAILING) on a Mississippi River Barge in Cape Girardeau, MO, what is most important to him is that he uses the power of music to inspire and communicate. Kevin has many years of experience with percussion and music in general, however “Echoes in the Sand“ marked a turning point for him. It was his collaboration on this recording with Grammy Winning producer and composer and owner of Raveolution Studios in Bangalore, India, Ricky Kej, that helped take Kevin’s music to a whole new level." Kevin Lucas in the Huffington Post https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kevin-lucas_b_10960000 https://youtu.be/2-4uAUG_1bc Www.kevinlucasexperience.com No cover.
Chris Greene Quartet
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
The Chris Greene Quartet has been a highly visible part of Chicago’s jazz scene since 2005, and has maintained a stable lineup from the beginning, with the exception of Steve Corley, who has held the drum chair since 2011. Damian Espinosa on piano and keyboards and Marc Piane on acoustic and electric basses have been onboard since the beginning. Unique among Chicago bands, most of whom feature, by necessity, constantly shifting personnel, the CGQ has been able to develop a true group sound and feel, harking back to bands from the classic age of jazz when groups could stay together for long periods of time. While honoring the tradition, the CGQ incorporates elements of funk, hip-hop, rock, pop, the blues and reggae, reflecting their diverse backgrounds. CGQ was also recently honored at the 2018 Chicago Music Awards with an award for “Best Jazz Entertainer” and recently won the “Best Jazz Band” category in the Chicago Reader “Best of Chicago” Poll. Cover $15
Sam Pilnick's Nonet Project
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Sam Pilnick’s Nonet Project is a new and exciting large ensemble lead by Music Educator and Saxophonist Sam Pilnick. Stemming from his original Quartet, The Nonet Project provides Sam Pilnick and his band of young Chicago musicians, the ability to perform original compositions and arrangements that derive from the traditions of modern jazz. This group is heavily influenced by Sam’s love of big band music, small group improvisations and the want to explore different timbral experiences, while utilizing traditional jazz instruments. The Nonet Project has performed throughout Chicago at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Elastic Arts and the Fulton Street Collective, among other locations. Buy tickets online (hurry up, limited seating): https://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/4186178/event/4303391 Door/bar open at 5 PM. Cover $20
Natty Nation Acoustic Album Recording & Cool School Bnft Concert
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Natty Nation acoustic album recording & Cool School Benefit Concert Doors 5pm / Show 7pm All ages Cover $10 only! To buy tickets online (hurry up, tickets would be gone fast)! ▶ bit.ly/NattyCoda Natty Nation, the area's premier Reggae band, appears on this evening in support of the education and artistic development of children. Cafe Coda proudly hosts a weekly opportunity for young players to workshop and study the art of music improvisation with Hanah Jon Taylor and other iconic personalities of the Madison Jazz community. The Youth Jazz Expo or what the young participants affectionately call "Cool School", is free to any young aspiring player ages 9 to 20, every Saturday from 9 AM to Noon. This promises to be a most exciting and well attended event for a great cause! To support "Cool School", please consider a donation to the "GoFundMe" address below: ▶ gofundme.com/youth-jazz-expo Thank you very much! Cafe Coda
Saturday Mornings 'Cool School’ kids jammin’ with a Jazz Master
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Every Saturday morning from 9 AM to Noon, musician/educator Hanah Jon Taylor engages with young musicians in the art of improvisation at Cafe Coda’s Youth Jazz Expo “Cool School”. Young people ages 8 - 12 are encouraged to attend from 9 to 10:30 AM; high school musicians or older, 10:30 to Noon. Pastries and beverages are generously provided by Tim Tynan, another dedicated community educator, to complete as a memorable morning experience for all. Tuition is free. For more information about 'Cool School', please contact Hanah directly at hanahvision@gmail.com. To offer financial support for this important artistic initiative, go to https://www.gofundme.com/youth-jazz-expo #jazzmusic #madisonjazz #coolschool #cafecoda #youngartists #youthjazzexpo Thank you!
Carlos Adames Group
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
The Milwaukee-based Carlos Adames Group follows in the footsteps of great Latin jazz innovators, combining elements of traditional and modern Latin rhythms with dynamic jazz harmonies to create an exciting new sound. Panamanian-born percussionist Carlos Adames leads the group, drawing from his encyclopedic knowledge of the rhythms of the world in his compositions and performance. A talent on the congas, batá, and drum-set among some, Adames is joined by percussionist Tony Ayala, Oberlin-trained Milwaukee native pianist Elias Holman, and Milwaukee’s Conway Powell on the upright and electric bass. Sponsored by Blue Stem Jazz $20
Mambo Blue
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Mambo Blue $10
Milonga Matinee Tango Social
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Cafe Coda proudly presents "Milonga Matinee Tango Social"- hosted by the best Tango teacher in town, Joe Yang. On July 13th, we kicked off the series of event by the wonderful harmonica musician, Joe Powers. The magical harmonica music made you feel like you were dancing along romantic streets in Paris! Wanna see what Joe Yang brings to you in this series of events? Come see it yourself! JULY 2019 THURSDAYS Drop-in Beginner Class Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Cost: $10 per person SATURDAY, July 20 Milonga Matinee Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Host & DJ: Joe Yang Cover per person: $5 (pay at bar) AUGUST 2019* THURSDAYS Drop-in Beginner Class Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Cost: $10 per person SATURDAY, August 10 Milonga Matinee Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Host & DJ: Joe Yang Cover per person: $5 (pay at bar) SATURDAY, August 17 Milonga Matinee Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Host & DJ: Joe Yang Cover per person: $5 (pay at bar) *Note: No classes on Thursday, August 29 - September 12 as Joe will be out of town. Website: www.wisconsintango.com Podcast: www.joetangopodcast.com Blog: www.wisconsin-tango.com/blog/
Ladies Must Swing Big Band
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Come enjoy big band music brought by the steaming hot big band - Ladies Must Swing. Come early to get the best seat and don't forget your dancing shoes! Cover $20
David Bixler/Russ Johnson Quartet
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler is a multi-faceted artist, having received critical acclaim for both his playing and his writing. He actively leads several projects that serve as platforms for his diverse musical interests. As a sideman David has performed and toured the world with the orchestras of Chico O'Farrill, Lionel Hampton, and Toshiko Akiyoshi. He is also active as a composer in both the jazz and classical worlds, and recently premiered The Hughes Project, musical ruminations on the poems of Langston Hughes for jazz quintet and string quartet. He is the host of Liner Notes with David Bixler, a new podcast centered on conversations with jazz musicians. Bixler is the Director of Jazz Studies at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. As both a Selmer and Vandoren Artist he is active as a clinician throughout the world. $15
Milonga Matinee Tango Social
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Cafe Coda proudly presents "Milonga Matinee Tango Social"- hosted by the best Tango teacher in town, Joe Yang. On July 13th, we kicked off the series of event by the wonderful harmonica musician, Joe Powers. The magical harmonica music made you feel like you were dancing along romantic streets in Paris! Wanna see what Joe Yang brings to you in this series of events? Come see it yourself! JULY 2019 THURSDAYS Drop-in Beginner Class Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Cost: $10 per person SATURDAY, July 20 Milonga Matinee Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Host & DJ: Joe Yang Cover per person: $5 (pay at bar) AUGUST 2019* THURSDAYS Drop-in Beginner Class Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Cost: $10 per person SATURDAY, August 10 Milonga Matinee Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Host & DJ: Joe Yang Cover per person: $5 (pay at bar) SATURDAY, August 17 Milonga Matinee Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Host & DJ: Joe Yang Cover per person: $5 (pay at bar) *Note: No classes on Thursday, August 29 - September 12 as Joe will be out of town. Website: www.wisconsintango.com Podcast: www.joetangopodcast.com Blog: www.wisconsin-tango.com/blog/
Eric Jacobson Quartet featuring Steve Einerson (NYC)
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
"Eric maintains a focused but broad lexicon exhibiting his mastery of both classic and contemporary "straight-ahead" trumpet style. Eric plays strong, assured technique, a hip dark sound on the trumpet, and expressive without gimmicks. Eric has now taken his place among the elite of modern mainstream jazz trumpeters." — Brian Lynch - Grammy© Award Winning Trumpeter Eric Jacobson Trumpet Steve Einerson Piano John Christensen Bass Dave Bayles Drums $10
Ken Vandermark Trio
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Saxophonists Mars Williams and Ken Vandermark met in Chicago during the early 1990s and were part of a new wave of activity taking place in the city during that decade, one that involved the work of a diverse number of projects and musicians based around significant venues for adventurous music at the time, Hothouse and the Empty Bottle. As part of that activity, which included legendary improvised music groups the NRG Ensemble and Vandermark Five, Mars and Ken formed the duo Cinghiale, both composing for the group and building off the rapport that they had been developing through their various collaborations at that time. In February of 2019 they reconvened the project, composing a new book of material together and presenting it in Chicago and at the Instigation Festival in New Orleans. The music, solidly grounded in foundations built over decades also projected into future possibilities, based on projects and developments in their individual work. The excitement over this potential quickly led to a decision to put Cinghiale on the road later in the year, working on the new material, composing some additional pieces, and recording the music at the end of that tour. Steve Marquette is part of a contemporary evolution taking place on the Chicago music scene, one that is again cross-pollinating between categories and genres, combining improvisation with new and experimental music, underground rock, and noise. He belongs to the trio, The Few, which has been an instrumental part of the resurgence of individuality among younger players in the city. Steve's solo music builds off of that trio's activity and collaborations with many other artists, particularly musicians based in New Orleans. The time feels right to bring these generations of creative musicians together to present new work. The energy and commitment toward the tradition of searching for personal languages- so integral to Chicago's music history going back to the early 20th century, continuing toward the landmark work of the AACM, and going further forward from there- puts their attitude toward the artistic search completely in common and on target in these times. Cover $20
Juli Wood Quartet
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
The new CD from the Juli Wood Quartet is a follow-up to the highly acclaimed " Synkkä Metsä /Dark Forest " recording from 2015. "The melodies are tender and earthy, and the direct arrangements present the essence of the songs with little fuss. The performances have a classic postbop approach; in fact, if the liner notes didn't explain the provenance of the material, you might not have any idea these are Finnish songs. But sometimes novelty or originality don't matter when the playing is strong and heartfelt. Wood's tenor is marked by a warm, grainy sound smeared by a lovely breathiness ..." Peter Margasak - Chicago Reader This new recording " Suomen Salossa " ( In the Finnish woods ) was made due to a grant from the Finlandia foundation. It draws inspiration from other jazz artists who have taken folk songs and reimagined them as jazz music. For example; Art Farmer's album " To Sweden With Love ", Johnny Griffin's " The Kerry Dancers ", John Coltrane's " Dear Old Stockholm " " Suomen Salossa " features Juli Wood - tenor sax / vocals, Mike Schlick - drums, Chicago Blujazz label recording artists, Paul Silbergleit - guitar, and Clay Schaub - bass. The folk songs are given jazz treatments a la Brubeck, Coltrane, Jobim, and Art Blakey. And of course the weekend will be filled with tunes from our favorite jazz composers ; Monk, Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Grant Green and wonderful jazz standards from the great American songbook. CD's will be for sale , just $10 !
Rare Element at Cafe Coda
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
“Horn-driven instrumental funk & grooves PERFORMED LIVE” The new Madison, Wisconsin based horn band, RARE ELEMENT, performs high-energy instrumental funk music in a truly unique manner. The band’s highly talented roster coupled with it’s creative and intricate arrangements make Rare Element a must-see act. Chad Whittinghill (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Bryan Husk (tenor, baritone sax) first met in 2003 as members of the urban neo-soul band, VIBE SYNDICATE. Unbeknownst to them, they would spend the next 16 years playing side by side at hundreds of shows with some of Wisconsin’s finest funk and blues bands. For years, they honed their skilled working together with CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD’s weekly Funky Monday shows. Later, the two would team up with Hammond B-3 ace Jimmy Voegeli and his blues supergroup, THE JIMMYS. A while later, they crossed paths with Nat McIntosh (trombone) and the horn section was born. Nat is a long-time member and composer for the phenomenal YOUNGBLOOD BRASS BAND. Over the years, they shared a common goal to create a band where this horn section could be pushed to it's limit. Finally, in 2018, a roster of highly skilled musicians was assembled to make this goal a reality They named that band...RARE ELEMENT. Todd Phipps (keyboards, B3 organ) of THE BLUE OLIVES (and many other bands) was the first join. Longtime Madison talent, Joe Niesen(guitar), also got in early. Joe liked what he heard and recruited quietly infamous bassist, Brett Farrey, formerly with SMOKIN’ WITH SUPERMAN. The critical piece of the puzzle was finding the right drummer to keep it funky. Enter Mark Marsh, 2016 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Award Winning Drummer of the Year. Mark brings relentless energy and deep groves to every performance. Take a peek at their previous performance: https://youtu.be/1frXLcQgrFs $20
Paroaria
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Jonathan Greenstein, tenor sax Chris Rottmayer, piano John Christensen, bass Tim Cieplowski, drums The jazz group Paroaria came together in 2017, setting aside their fake books for the mission of performing the music of living artists. While previous performances featured music of Terence Blanchard and Dave Holland, Paroaria comes to Café Coda on September 27 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Joshua Redman’s album MoodSwing. Jonathan Greenstein, Chris Rottmayer, John Christensen, and Tim Cieplowski perform the compositions of Joshua Redman originally recorded by Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Brian Blade. Originally from Tel-Aviv, saxophonist Jonathan Greenstein regularly performs in Wisconsin and NYC. Following an active performance schedule in Orlando, pianist Chris Rottmayer is pursuing a DMA at UW-Madison. John Christensen is a first-call bassist residing in Madison. Tim Cieplowski is a Madison-based jazz drummer.
Chris Madsen Quartet
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Chris Madsen-tenor sax Dave Miller-guitar John Christensen-bass Devin Drobka-drums This special iteration of the Chris Madsen Quartet finds equal parts Chicago (Madsen, Miller) and Milwaukee (Drobka, Christensen). A mix of originals and jazz standards will make up the program for the evening.
Janet Evra Quartet
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
Janet Evra is a jazz vocalist, bassist, and composer now based in the USA. She blends traditional bossa nova and samba with modern influences to produce fresh, lush jazz.
Jeb Bishop group
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
"This new quartet debuted in the spring of 2019 with a series of concerts in the Northeast. The band features the great Dutch sound poet and improvisor Jaap Blonk, trombone virtuoso Jeb Bishop, and the versatile and powerful "rhythm section" of Damon Smith and Weasel Walter. Jaap Blonk is unique for his powerful stage presence and playful freedom in improvisation, combined with a keen grasp of structure. The frenetically prolific bandleader/composer/multiinstrumentalist Weasel Walter summons myriad timbres from a (mostly) conventional drum kit, while also bringing a strong performative element to the proceedings. Jeb Bishop is an extraordinary improviser, composer, and simply one of the finest living trombonists, and has been a major voice in improvised music for more than 20 years. Tireless organizer and Balance Point Acoustics label head Damon Smith expands both the sound world of the double bass and the roles it can play in an ensemble. What happens or doesn't with this quartet is anyone's guess. The performances so far have run a gamut from delicate chamber textures to all-out electronic meltdowns."
Alex Mercado Trio
Cafe CODA
1224 Williamson st.
Madison, WI 53703 Map
A pianist with astounding technique and boundless imagination, Alex Mercado is acclaimed for his ability to write striking compositions and create vibrant sonic landscapes that have resonated with critics and audiences alike in his native Mexico. On Symbiosis, his second trio recording after 2012’s The Watcher, Mercado takes us on a journey through a vibrant musical world full of engaging melodies and the dynamic improvisations that typify the finest in contemporary modern jazz. Featuring Antonio Sanchez & Scott Colley, and being selected as one of Downbeat Magazine Editors’ Picks for 2014, the album will introduce jazz aficionados outside Mexico to a virtuoso instrumentalist without peer in his homeland where he is the “1st Call” pianist of choice for Magos Herrera, Sachal Vasandani, Bryan Lynch, Camila Meza and other visiting artists. Mercado’s career highlights to date include being commissioned in 2010 to arrange and perform as the featured soloist in the orchestral opening to Sir Elton John’s concert at Chichen Itza with the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra; participating in 2011 as an arranger/composer on singer Magos Herrera’s album Mexico Azul, recorded in NYC with John Patitucci, Adam Rogers, Tim Hagans and Luis Perdomo; and being chosen in 2012 by the Mexican government to inaugurate with a solo piano concert the iconic City Of The Books, one of Mexico City’s most important and historic landmarks.
FEATURED COCKTAILS
Coda Margarita
Agavales Reposado Tequilla, Goodland Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice$10
Coda Sour
Cooper & Kings Brandy or Medley Bro. Bourbon, Fresh Lemon Juice, Egg Whites, Simple Syrup$11
Coda Old Fashioned
Brandy Station, Bitter Truth Old Time & Orange Bitters, Sugar, Seltzer.$9
ABOUT US
Café CODA is Madison’s premier new jazz space dedicated to the presentation of traditional, contemporary and creative music. Café CODA facilitates the long-desired manifestation of a space with suitable staging, a tuned concert piano, and state of the art drum kit, to inspire great music to be played by great artists. Café CODA maintains an arts-centric program of musical performances, workshops and master classes available to residents and patrons of the Madison Arts and Culture District. Located at 1224 Williamson St. Café CODA is in the heart of the Willy St. corridor; the creative and cultural hub of Madison. Café CODA presents the musical works of local, regional and world-class musicians as it offers a sizable contribution to the Midwest American music scene.
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