Enjoy Diverse Mix of New Offerings and Favorites at Lake Park’s Musical Mondays Series Over Eight Nights in July and August

Milwaukee (May 18, 2022) – This year’s lineups for the long running Musical Mondays and Wonderful Wednesdays series in Lake Park were announced Wednesday, with a diverse mix of new and familiar artists on tap for summer fun this July and August.

The 24th season of Musical Mondays, geared for music lovers of all ages, will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. on eight Mondays from July 11 – Aug. 29. The Musical Mondays line-up is:

• July 11: Robbie Fulks. The Grammy-nominated songwriter, singer and guitarist’s early solo work helped define the “alternative country” movement of the 1990s. His music from the last several years hews mainly to acoustic instrumentation; it returns him in part to his earlier bluegrass days, and extends the boundaries of that tradition.
• July 18: De La Buena. This Milwaukee favorite performs with a lively and unique Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz sound, exploring the textures and rhythms of Latin musics of the Americas with roots planted firmly in African Diasporic traditions. The group is led by keyboardist and composer David Wake, who also arranges the band’s repertoire.
• July 25: R&B Cadets. Led by Paul Cebar, Robin Pluer and John Sieger, the Cadets were a top Milwaukee group in the 1980s before its members went on to lead and play in other renowned bands. Back together for occasional gigs, the Cadets continue to excite audiences with their upbeat mix of originals and obscure covers.
• Aug. 1: SistaStrings. It’ll be a homecoming and celebration of the Milwaukee-bred Ross sisters, singers and string players Chauntee (violin) and Monique (cello), who recently relocated to Nashville. Their move has led to major touring gigs, TV appearances and Grammy performances behind the likes of Allison Russell and Brandi Carlile, who they’ll be backing up later in the week at Fiserv Forum.
• Aug. 8: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. Bandleader and accordionist Nathan Williams formed The Cha Chas in 1985 and since then has brought his unique take on this regional South Louisiana music to every corner of the globe. From Lincoln Center in New York to The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Nathan’s music has crossed all barriers to speak to the very heart of his audience.
• Aug. 15: Caribbo. The eclectic and colorful music of Caribbo is based on Surinamese rhythms, with a touch of jazz. Drummer Harvey Wirht and keyboardist Etienne Stadwijk, who are both from Suriname, are joined by renowned steel panist Andy Narell, vocalist Philip Hamilton and bassist Ron Reid. Members have played with Antonio Hart, Angelique Kidjo, Pat Metheny and other noted artists.
• Aug. 22: Fareed Haque Trio. World-renowned Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, he has played to audiences around the world and with multiple top musicians including Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Joe Zawinul and Sting. In 2009 Haque was voted ‘Best World Guitarist’ by Guitar Player Magazine’s Readers’ poll.
• Aug. 29: The Sam Belton Experience. Milwaukee jazz drummer Sam Belton played with acclaimed pianist and vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery (brother of the great Wes) during his years in Milwaukee. Belton, an award-winning businessman who owns Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe on King Drive, and his band will present a night honoring the late Montgomery’s music.

This year’s Wonderful Wednesdays, which focuses on children and their families, is set for six Wednesdays starting July 13 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The Wonderful Wednesdays shows are:

• July 13: Extra Crispy Brass Band. Eight-piece ensemble playing New Orleans-style brass band music, incorporating street funk, traditional jazz and the Afro-Caribbean traditions.
• July 20: Susan Salidor. Susan is an award-winning children’s music composer and performer who will be joined onstage by longtime collaborator Matt Yanny-Tillar.
• July 27: Ms. Jen and the Jellyfish. The popular Ms. Jen and the Jellyfish feature David Weinstone’s Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals music along with many other family-friendly tunes.
• Aug. 3: Duke Otherwise. A playful wordsmith, spirited performer, skilled guitarist and captivating tap-dancer, Duke sings his hilarious and imaginative songs in his distinct baritone.
• Aug. 10: Fox & Branch. This family folk duo has been captivating audiences around the world for over two decades and has won five Parent’s Choice Awards.
• Aug. 17: Little Miss Ann. Ann Torralba, who has made five family-music albums, performs reinvented classics and soulful originals aimed at the entire family.

Musical Mondays and Wonderful Wednesdays shows take place at Lake Park’s Summer Stage, just south of the playground and tennis courts and near the park building at 2975 N. Lake Park Rd.

In case of inclement weather, Musical Mondays concerts will be canceled or moved inside to Lake Park Pavilion’s Marcia Coles Community Room below Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro. Wonderful Wednesdays shows will be canceled if bad weather is expected. For weather-related updates, visit Lake Park Friends’ Facebook page.

Lake Park Friends, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the preservation and enjoyment of Milwaukee County’s historic Lake Park, presents the concert series in cooperation with Milwaukee County Parks and with generous support from Coles Family Foundation, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, WMSE Radio 91.7FM, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and member volunteers.

Lake Park is one of the many Frederick Law Olmsted-design parks celebrating the famed landscape architect’s birth 200 years ago. Visit http://lakeparkfriends.org/ for more information on Olmsted events in Milwaukee, Lake Park Friends and Lake Park, one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks.

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.

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