South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Announces 2025-2026 Performing Arts Season

(South Milwaukee, WI) – We’re not ready to shake off the celebratory feeling of last season’s 20th anniversary, so we’re raising our NEW curtains on a brand new series to keep the excitement going! Nostalgia will be abundant for 2025-2026 as we recognize the timelessness of melodies and the memories they recall. To kick things off, we’re proud to present Welcome Back My Friends: An Evening With Emerson, Lake & Palmer, an incredible opportunity for fans to see drummer Carl Palmer perform alongside “reincarnated” bandmates Keith Emerson and Greg Lake on September 25. On October 19, swing into the theatre for The Rat Pack – an evening of great music, good fun and a bit of tom foolery. Flamenco Night at the Bucyrus Club will be an intimate evening featuring Spanish influenced food, flamenco music and dance from Milwaukee’s own Evan Christian and Kerensa DeMars on November 6. Mark your calendars for the world’s foremost Chicago tribute band Brass Transit bringing A Rockin’ Christmas Show to town on December 13. Take the entire family to see Dinosaur Dimensions Expedition!, a high energy, educational show to one of two matinees on January 24. Enjoy the charismatic and fun Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets performing their new show, Moments to Remember, on January 31. On March 1, World Tango Champion German Cornejo’s superb dance company, singers and musicians will captivate you with their show, Tango After Dark. And, on March 27, plan to join us for Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music, featuring singer/musicians Cristina Vane and Brennan Leigh alongside an incredible band performing favorites from the American songbook. Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the show is presented with full cooperation from the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. THIS IS NOT A TRIBUTE ACT. Through modern technology they reunite the band: Carl with his two bandmates, playing together along with Keith Emerson & Greg Lake, who both passed away in 2016. The show combines video performance of Emerson and Lake from a legendary sold-out ROYAL ALBERT HALL ELP show from 1992 with LIVE, on stage performances of Carl Palmer and his ELP Legacy band (Paul Bielatowicz and Simon Fitzpatrick). Allmusicians play in sync to present a complete and authentic Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) show. The English progressive rock supergroup formed in London in 1970 consisting of Keith Emerson (keyboards) of the Nice, Greg Lake of King Crimson (vocals, bass, guitar, producer), and Carl Palmer of Atomic Rooster (drums, percussion). ELP has nine RIAA-certified gold record albums in the US and 48  million records sold worldwide. A limited number of pre-performance VIP meet and greet tickets are available to add on to your ticket reservation. Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025, 3:00 PM

THE RAT PACK Featuring Brian Duprey, The Undisputed Voice of Frank Sinatra

The Rat Pack is the definitive LIVE Theatrical Production that takes you back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas in the early 1960s to experience the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin accompanied by The Rat Pack Orchestra performing at the famous Sands Hotel along with a special guest appearance by the fabulous Marilyn Monroe! Enjoy hit after hit, including: Witchcraft, The Lady Is A Tramp, Mr Bojangles, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, That’s Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, New York, New York, My Kind Of Town, Fly Me To The Moon, Sway, Volaré, Me And My Shadow, My Way, Ain’t That A Kick In The Head, That’s Life, Come Fly With Me and many more. This supergroup dishes up equal parts suave sophistication mixed with a party atmosphere known as The Rat Pack phenomenon. Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025

5:30 Cash Bar | 6:30 Dinner | 7:30 Show

FLAMENCO NIGHT Featuring Kerensa DeMars & Evan Christian

Join us for an intimate evening of Spanish influenced food followed by flamenco music and

dance featuring Milwaukee’s finest flamenco artists. Evan Christian is a recording artist, music producer, award winning flamenco guitarist and world traveler. He has collaborated and performed with Spain’s top flamenco artists, been featured in multiple publications and is the owner of Gibraltar Milwaukee, a live music lounge in the historic third ward. Kerensa DeMars is a choreographer, performer and educator working in flamenco dance. She lived in Spain, trained intensively with Spain’s foremost artists, and performed internationally in London and Barcelona. Kerensa was the founding director of the San Francisco Flamenco Dance Company and the recipient of major choreography commissions. She is the director of Studio K Flamenco, Milwaukee’s home for the flamenco arts. Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025, 7:30 PM

THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF CHICAGO BRASS TRANSIT in A ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS

Brass Transit is a dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight powerhouse, and the world’s foremost Chicago tribute show! Brass Transit was formed in 2008 with an accomplished, award-winning roster of musicians intent on paying tribute to the decades-long, multi platinum songbook of Chicago. The band has toured North America steadily, dazzling audiences with flawless performances and spectacular attention to detail. Hits like, Saturday In The Park, 25 or 6 To 4, If You Leave Me Now, Feelin’ Stronger Every Day and You’re The Inspiration have left crowds in awe, inspiring multiple standing ovations. A Rockin’ Christmas Show showcases the incredible music of Chicago plus some of your favorite holiday hits performed in Chicago style. Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026, 2 PM & 5 PM

DINOSAUR DIMENSIONS EXPEDITION! Featuring Prof. Curt Courteous and Friends

Bring the whole family for a fun and educational show you’ll never forget! Dinosaur Dimensions Expedition! features full-sized and miniature animatronic dinosaurs, science experiments and special effects to captivate and entertain audiences! Meet the 8 foot tall Dilophosaurus who runs loose across the stage, a 24 foot long Brontosaurus that emerges from backstage and other animatronic puppet dinosaurs, all in an elaborate “Jungle Laboratory” full of color and foliage! Dinosaur Dimensions is an hour-long, high-energy show designed for audiences of all ages. It includes a meet and greet with some of the dinosaurs after the show in our lobby. The run time is approximately 1 hour. All ages are welcome! Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026, 7:30PM

FOUR GUYZ IN DINNER JACKETS 

MOMENTS TO REMEMBER A Heartfelt Tribute to Classic Americana

With their signature style and charisma, the Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets deliver their newest show, Moments to Remember. The Four Guyz consists of Reginald T. Kurschner (High Tenor), Tommy Lueck (Baritone), Joe Fransee (Lead) and Aaron Schmidt (Bass). Moments to Remember is a heartfelt tribute to classic Americana that spans the genres of doo-wop and rock ‘n’roll. Packed with unforgettable

harmonies, infectious humor, and spirited choreography, this high-energy show promises to rekindle fond memories of the musical moments you remember. This show is bound to sell quickly. Don’t miss out. Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026, 4:00PM

TANGO AFTER DARK A Company Full of World-Class Dancers, Singers & Musicians

Direct from Argentina, the intimate and powerful Tango After Dark delves into the world of authentic Argentine tango. World Tango Champion German Cornejo returns to the U.S. in 2026 with his superb dance company, accompanied by sensational singers and musicians playing the great tango composer Astor Piazzolla’s Nuevo Tango, which “lends the dancing an extra drive and sizzle” (The Times). Tango After Dark features a company full of world-class dancers and explores the emotive essence of tango in this breathtaking new show. Inspired by the revolutionary composer Piazzolla, Cornejo transforms tango with his own creative flair that blends tradition with contemporary sophistication. Cornejo’s spectacular choreography has garnered global acclaim, captivating audiences worldwide with sold-out performances. Tango After Dark is set to be an unforgettable evening that will keep your passion for tango long into the night! Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026, 7:30PM

WOMEN OF AMERICANA

A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN MUSIC FROM BOB DYLAN TO BONNIE RAITT

Featuring Cristina Vane and Brennan Leigh

Women of Americana brings together some of today’s most accomplished and expressive female artists for an exuberant exploration of this expansive and singular American genre. Featuring vocalists and instrumentalists, Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh, they will interpret iconic songs, including This Land is Your Land (Woody Guthrie), This Train (Sister Rosetta Tharpe), Just Like a Woman (Bob Dylan), Angel From Montgomery (Bonnie Raitt and John Prine), and Car Wheels On a Gravel Road (Lucinda Williams). Early folk, gospel, and Western swing musicians laid the groundwork for Americana, including Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, and the Carter Family. The outstanding vocal and instrumental talent of Vane and Leigh, and nostalgic American music make this show one that you won’t want to miss.Individual tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 am.

PERFORMANCES PRESENTED BY OTHERS 2025-2026

OCTOBER 2 – Grand Kyiv Ballet presents Swan Lake

OCTOBER 12 – Bel Canto Chorus presents Vibrant Reflections: A Choral Percussion Fusion

OCTOBER 26 FEBRUARY 1 and APRIL 12, 2026 – Knightwind Ensemble

NOVEMBER 21-23 – SMHS Theatre Co. Presents Little Shop of Horrors

DECEMBER 6 – Studio K Presents The Flamenco Nutcracker

FEBRUARY 20-22 – CYT Presents The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

MARCH 13-15 – SMHS Theatre Co. Presents Hello Dolly!

MARCH 18 – ACG Presents Gregorian Pure Chants

Visit southmilwaukeepac.org for details and tickets.

SOUTH MILWAUKEE YOUTH THEATRE PERFORMANCES THIS SUMMER

JULY 19 – SMYT Junior Cast Presents Finding Nemo Kids

AUGUST 1-3 – SMYT Senior Cast Presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame Jr.

Visit southmilwaukeepac.org for details and tickets.

SENIOR LIVING CENTER OUTREACH EVENTS THIS SUMMER

JUNE 3 – Stephen Hull Blues Trio at the Waters

JUNE 26 – Joe Wais Bluegrass Solo at the Oak Creek Place

JULY 8 – Shuga Blu Reggae at Howard Village

AUGUST 26 – Val Sigal at Willowcrest Care Center

Check with each center for times and access.

SMPAC SPONSORED BANDS AT SOUTH MILWAUKEE DOWNTOWN MARKET THIS SUMMER

JUNE 19 – Ivy Ford at the SM Downtown Market Bucyrus Commons Stage, 5-7

JULY 24 – The Whiskeybelles at the SM Downtown Market Bucyrus Commons Stage, 5-7

AUG. 14 – Larry Lynne & Decades Band at the SM Downtown Market Bucyrus Commons Stage, 5-7

Visit smmarket.org/music for the complete SM Downtown Market schedule and more information.

SMPAC SPONSORED BANDS AT OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS

JULY 23 – The Westerlees at South Milwaukee Fire Dept Brat & Tot Fry

JULY 26 – Cameron Webb & His Soul & Blues Revue at South Milwaukee Lions Fest

CHIP FOR THE ARTS

SEPTEMBER 19 – Golf Outing Fundraiser at Grant Park, South Milwaukee, sponsored by the SMPAC Council, a 501c3 organization to benefit South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

Visit southmilwaukeepac.org for details and tickets.

TICKETS 

Visit southmilwaukeepac.org or call (414) 766-5049 Mon-Thurs. from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Students and seniors receive a discount and groups of 10 or more get 10% off. Our Box Office and Will Call open one hour before most events. For the latest health and safety protocols, visit our website. Sign up for notifications at southmilwaukeepac.org.

ABOUT SMPAC
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) has been providing the greater Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin communities with creative, innovative, and diverse performing arts for more than 20 years. Located inside of the South Milwaukee 6-12 campus, we serve the families of South Milwaukee and are a professionally-managed performing arts center for other presenters, community organizations and renters.

[inarticlead ad=”UM-In-Article-3″Past performances on our stage include the The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, SistaStrings, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Texas Tenors, A.J. Croce, The Violent Femmes, Jesse Cook, Flamenco Vivo Carlotta Santana, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Soweto Gospel Choir, Tessa Lark, Edgar Meyer, Josh Roman, The Mark O’Connor Band, Celtic Nights, Tommy Emmanuel, The Vienna Boys Choir, The World of Musicals, Cirque Alfonse, The Official Blues Brothers Revue, John McGivern, Lindsey Buckingham, George Watsky, Turtle Island Quartet, Step Afrika!, Cantus, Donny McCaslin, Robert Glasper, The Zombies, Jean Luc Ponty, Jon Anderson, Arlo Guthrie, The Red Green Show, The Boston Brass, Slim Goodbody, George Winston, Mutts Gone Nuts, Legends Roundtable to Honor Da Crusher, Ex Fabula, and many, many more.

The SMPAC Performing Arts Series and other programming is sponsored in part by the Ken Cook Co., Bucyrus Club & Event Center, Skyline Catering, Cousins Subs (South Milwaukee), Courtyard by Marriott (Milwaukee Airport), Steren McDonald’s Restaurants, Max A Sass & Sons Funeral & Cremation Service, Schlossmann Subaru City, Molthen-Bell Funerals Cremations, Cudahy Dental, South Milwaukee Downtown Market, South Milwaukee Fire Department, South Milwaukee LIONS Club and Parkway Floral. Performances are supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is inside of the South Milwaukee School District’s 6-12 campus, located at 901 15th Avenue in the city of South Milwaukee between College and Rawson Avenues, which are easily accessible from I-94 and 794. Complimentary parking is available in the northwest parking lot and on 15th Avenue. For all SMPAC events, patrons should enter door #9 on the northwest side of the building. For tickets and more information, visit southmilwaukeepac.org or call (414) 766-5049.

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.