WMSE’s Big Band Grandstand & Gala Returns for Its 11th Year Featuring Sweden’s Queen of Swing, Gunhild Carling

MILWAUKEE – November 4, 2025 – WMSE 91.7FM is thrilled to announce the return of Big Band Grandstand & Gala for its 11th year, once again featuring Sweden’s Queen of Swing, Gunhild Carling. This beloved holiday tradition will take place Sunday, December 7, at 4 p.m. at Turner Hall Ballroom.

Presented annually by Bob and Jenny Hillis in honor of Bob and Genie Friedman, Big Band Grandstand has become one of Milwaukee’s most anticipated holiday music events. Each year, the celebration brings together families, music lovers, and swing enthusiasts for an evening of joy, nostalgia, and world-class entertainment.

The event begins with a lively DJ set from WMSE’s own Dewey Gill, host of the station’s legendary big band and jazz programs. Then, prepare to be amazed as Gunhild Carling, the internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist known for her mastery of the trombone, trumpet, bagpipes, recorder, and strings, takes center stage. Backed by her dynamic big band, Carling delivers a high-energy performance that blends instrumentals, vocals, and tap dance into an unforgettable showcase celebrating the golden age of swing.

“The Big Band Grandstand has become a cherished part of Milwaukee’s holiday season,” said WMSE Station Manager Tom Crawford. “Gunhild brings an unmatched spirit and showmanship to the stage, and her performances continue to captivate audiences year after year.”

As always, there will be a silent auction boasting unique items and experiences for guests to bid on. Guests can also dance, mingle, and peruse the auction while enjoying the festivities.

This year’s event offers both reserved four-top tables and general admission tickets. Proceeds from the Big Band Grandstand support the upkeep of WMSE’s studios, the digitization of the station’s jazz library, and power the WMSE Live Jazz stream 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tickets and table reservations are available at wmse.org/bigbandgrandstand.

WMSE’s Big Band Grandstand is supported by Direct Supply, Locker’s Florist, Melt Chocolates, Ticket King, MSOE, and The Argo.

About WMSE
“Anti-established” in 1981, WMSE 91.7 FM – Frontier Radio has grown into Milwaukee’s truest and longest-standing music radio institution. A financially independent department of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), WMSE – with a 24-hour free-form format representing every musical genre – has been primarily funded by listening supporters and community partners since 1997. The station’s vision is to educate the listening community by providing a wide selection of musical programming not heard anywhere else in the market. WMSE is Milwaukee’s champion for the city’s diverse community of musicians and artists. For more information, visit www.wmse.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.