Civic Music MKE Will Ignite the Local Scene with “LIVE at the IVY” – A Dazzling Celebration of Young Talent

MILWAUKEE, WI – September 29, 2024 – Experience the rhythm of Milwaukee’s thriving music scene as CIVIC MUSIC MKE proudly announces its next “LIVE at the IVY” on Wednesday, October 16. Set against the storied backdrop of The Ivy House, this free event will feature an impressive lineup of the city’s finest young classical musicians from 6 – 9 p.m.

“LIVE at the IVY” is more than an event—it’s a cultural reimagining to make the joy and sophistication of the recital format accessible to all,” said Nancy Herro, executive director of CIVIC MUSIC MKE.

“Attendees will not only experience the joy of live music, but they’ll also contribute to sustaining vital programs that nurture and develop local talent, all of which embodies our mission to make cultural experiences accessible to everyone,” she continued.

 Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
• Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
• Location: The Ivy House, 906 South Barclay Street, Milwaukee
• Admission: Free

Featured Performers:

6:15 – 7:00     Malik Johnson, cello​

7:15-8:00       Milwaukee HS of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble

8:15-9:00       Ben Piette Trio: Nikolas Rehfeld, piano, Jeff Hamann, bass, Ben Piette, drums

 “Gather your loved ones for an evening of spectacular talent and community spirit,” Herro encourages. “This event is the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration, designed for music lovers of all ages to come together and celebrate Milwaukee’s musical heritage.”

For details about the October 16^th “LIVE at the IVY” event and to learn more about CIVIC MUSIC MKE visit https://www.civicmusicmilwaukee.org/live-at-the-ivy-house.

ABOUT CIVIC MUSIC MKE:

For 105 years, CIVIC MUSIC MKE has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural fabric, championing classical music education and appreciation among young musicians. The organization is committed to nurturing the next generation of classical music musicians and audiences, providing a platform where talent and community can thrive together. Through initiatives like “LIVE at the IVY,” it reaches out to a broader audience to ensure that music remains a transforming and enriching part of everyday life.

 THE PERFORMERS

MALIK JOHNSON, cello

Malik Johnson a.k.a. “99TheProducer” is a classically trained cellist, composer, and music producer based in Milwaukee, WI. He is a Grammy nominated producer, for his work on Kirk Franklin’s Grammy award winning album Long Live Love and Masego’s “Studying Abroad, Extended Stay.” He has performed with the Matt Jones Orchestra, which led to a collaborate performance with PJ Morton on NPR’s Tiny Desk series, and worked on John Legend’s Christmas album released in 2018.

In addition to his skill as an outstanding cellist, Malik is a self-taught guitarist, and a formally trained pianist. Malik’s current projects include writing and arranging strings for upcoming projects, teaching, and producing his debut album as 99TheProducer.

​MILWAUKEE HIGH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE

RAYMOND ROBERTS, director

The Milwaukee High School of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an award-winning group comprised of the most advanced singers from the vocal music program. Dedicated to the study and perpetuation of America’s music- jazz, the curricular focus is centered on improvisation, utilizing both solo and ensemble repertoire as the vehicle for spontaneous musical creation.

The Milwaukee High School of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an award-winning group comprised of the most advanced singers from the vocal music program. Dedicated to the study and perpetuation of America’s music- jazz, the curricular focus is centered on improvisation, utilizing both solo and ensemble repertoire as the vehicle for spontaneous musical creation.

This ensemble has performed at numerous conferences and festivals, including the National ACDA conference, the Midwest Region ACDA Conference, and the Wisconsin Choral Director’s Association state convention. The group has been recognized nationally with 12 prestigious DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards since 2014. The group has also performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and has been featured prominently in ABC’s WISN holiday prime time feature, “Season to Celebrate.”

​Individual students from this ensemble have received recognition from several national competitions, including the Grammy Foundation, the YoungArts scholarship competition, the Ravenscroft Jazz Prize, and the NAACP ACT-SO competition.

​Raymond Roberts begins his 34th school year as Choral Director at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. He also serves as ​​World Musics and Cultures R&R Chair for the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association (WCDA). Raymond is CIVIC MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARDS recipient, receiving the 2009 Certificate of Excellence for Choral Instruction.

BEN PIETTE TRIO

Ben Piette, drums, is a performer, composer, educator, and audio engineer, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He holds a B.F.A. in Music Composition and Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. There, he co-founded I/O Composition Collective, which served as a community and platform bridging the social gaps between composers, performers, and audio engineers within the Peck School of the Arts. He served as their first president. Currently, he sits on the Board of Directors for Civic Music Milwaukee, an organization supporting and advancing music education throughout the community, especially to youth who otherwise would not have access to musical training. ​Ben is an active performer and playing percussion – primarily drum set – in rock clubs, jazz bars, and concert halls has made him adaptable to many musical situations and styles. He plays and has played with artists such as Mark Davis, Augie Haas, Jeff Hamann, Clay Schaub, alt-rock band CREDENTIALS?, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee pop ensemble, Carroll University’s choirs, pop band Hewitt., and fusion band Pretendacle, to name a few.

​Jeff Hamann, bass, is an accomplished bassist who has performed for over thirty years. He currently teaches and performs for the Milwaukee Jazz Institute. He has been heard by millions over the last twenty years on the National Public Radio Show, “Michael Feldman‘s Whad’Ya Know?” He has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally with a who’s who of jazz legends that include Charles McPherson, Benny Golson, Phil Woods, Ben Sidran, Frank Morgan, Ray Appleton, Peter Bernstein, Brian Lynch, David Hazeltine, Eric Alexander, and Cheyenne Jackson, to name a few.

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.hamann.9/

 Nikolas Rehfeld will fill out the trio on piano.

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.