Diverse Lineup Set for Free Musical Mondays Concerts In Lake Park in July and August

Milwaukee, Wis. (May 8, 2025) – This summer’s Musical Mondays concert series in Lake Park will feature diverse styles ranging from Sudan-based world music to new and alt country, Zydeco, Chicago Blues and more, the nonprofit group Lake Park Friends has announced.

The free shows run over eight Mondays on the Lake Park Summer Stage near the playground 6:30-8 p.m. July 7 through Aug. 25.

Lake Park Friends Board President Anne Hamilton said the group is bringing free music to the park for the 27th year as a service to the community. “We’re proud to continue the tradition of free concerts in Lake Park, which began when the park opened more than 100 years ago,” she said. “We encourage lovers of all types of music to join us this summer, and for everyone to come and enjoy Lake Park all year round.”

Lake Park Friends presents Musical Mondays in cooperation with Milwaukee County Parks and with generous support from the Coles Family Foundation, Potawatomi Casino Hotel, Radio Milwaukee, WMSE Radio 91.7FM, OnMilwaukee, Milwaukee Record and member volunteers.

The group also announced the lineup for another free summer series, Wonderful Wednesdays, focused on children and families. The shows run on the Summer Stage 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 9 through Aug. 13.

These are the 2025 Musical Mondays and Wonderful Wednesdays lineups:

Musical Mondays
Shows are 6:30-8 p.m. The series is for music lovers of all ages.

· July 7 – SINKANE. Sinkane (aka Ahmed Gallab) and his high-energy six-piece band bring ambitious, dazzling sounds of a world of music – from funk to free jazz to pop – set to the foundational soul of the rhythms of his native Sudan.

· July 14 – BONERAMA. A legendary New Orleans band featuring three trombones, Bonerama plays a genre-bending gumbo that covers the sound of everything from Crescent City horn bands, soul and gospel to music of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

· July 21 – MISSISSIPPI HEAT. A storied Chicago blues band led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat’s name and sound are a reflection of the harp man’s reverence for Mississippi’s blues culture and music.

· July 28 – CHLOE KIMES. A Nashville musician with roots in northern Michigan, rising Americana artist Chloe Kimes is actively defining the next generation of troubadours with an old-soul sensibility for storytelling in a spirited alt-country group.

· Aug. 4 – THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN. With smooth harmonies and a sound that fuses country storytelling with R&B swagger and pop sensibility, The Kentucky Gentlemen, are led by Bourbon Country twins Derek and Brandon Campbell. The brothers are rewriting the rules of country music and have performed with The Black Opry and been recognized by GLADD as “New Voices in Country.”

· Aug. 11 – DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS. Hailing from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world, Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin has been bringing his own high-octane version of this danceable artform to audiences around the world since debuting his own band at age 19.

· Aug. 18 – LAURA RAIN AND THE CAESARS. A proud product of the Motor City, hard-driving singer Laura Rain and her hot band pump out soul, R&B and funk originals worthy of the many greats hailing from Detroit, with fearless emotion and excitement.

· Aug. 25 – R&B CADETS. Milwaukee’s popular and longest running super group, the R&B Cadets play their unique signature mix of danceable originals and obscure covers, fronted by some of the city’s most cherished voices – Paul Cebar, Robin Pluer and John Sieger.

Wonderful Wednesdays
Shows are 6:30-7:30 p.m. The series is aimed at children and their families.

· July 9 – FOX AND BRANCH. For nearly three decades, this award-winning duo has performed a dynamic mix of old-time music, original songs and family folk tunes that appeal to children and adults alike.

· July 16 – MAIN STREET SONG & DANCE TROUPE. A nonprofit show choir comprised of talented teens ages 12 to 18 will perform “The Love Spectrum,” a musical exploration of the many forms of love, from true and unrequited love to self-love and friendship.

· July 23 – YID VICIOUS. Engaging and delighting audiences for thirty years, this group brings the party to life with lively Yiddish folk dance music spanning generations from the Old World to our world.

· July 30 – LITTLE MISS ANN. Award-winning Chicago musician whose playlist spans different genres with fun, interactive educational songs that inspire kids to sing, jump, dance and let their own lights shine.

· August 6 – DUKE OTHERWISE. Playful wordsmith, spirited performer, skilled guitarist and captivating tap dancer from Madison. Using his distinct baritone, he sings hilarious and imaginative songs that delight all ages.

· August 13 – SUSAN SALIDOR. Award-winning Chicago children’s music composer, performer and author, with the heart of a teacher, who writes music for children and those who love them.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the park only from July 23 through Aug. 3 at Milwaukee County’s Traveling Beer Garden, near the Summer Stage.

For more info and updates about both series, visit https://lakeparkfriends.org/visit/events/music-in-the-park/ and https://www.facebook.com/lLakeParkFriends.

Visit www.lakeparkfriends.org to learn more about Lake Park and Lake Park Friends.

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.