Music in the Park

In 2022, Lake Park Friends is proud to present the 24th season of Musical Mondays. Presenter Jeff Bentoff has arranged another fantastic roster of talented musicians to make Monday a day to look forward to in the summer. Eight Monday concerts will be held from July 11 to August 29. 

Wonderful Wednesdays is a series of six concerts geared for children and their families. These presentations will be held on Wednesdays from July 13 to August 17. 

In the event of inclement weather, Monday concerts may move indoors to the Marcia Coles Community Room, which is in the lower level of the Lake Park Pavilion, beneath the Lake Park Bistro Restaurant (3133 E. Newberry Blvd.). Wednesday concerts will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

For current updates, check the Lake Park Friends Facebook page: Lake Park Friends Facebook.

Please bring your own chairs, blankets, food and beverages. The Sprecher Traveling Beer Garden will be in the park from July 13 – 31. Musa Ice Cream Truck will be at Wonderful Wednesdays concerts.

These concerts are FREE and open to the public.

These enjoyable concerts are presented in cooperation with Milwaukee County Parks, with a generous donation from the Coles Family Foundation and with support from Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, WMSE Radio 91.7FM, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and member volunteers.

All concerts take place at the Lake Park Summer Stage, just south of the playground and tennis courts, near 2975 N. Lake Park Rd., which is the restroom building and Lake Park Friends office.

Musical Mondays concerts are from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 

The Musical Mondays lineup 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 was founded by David Wake (keyboards, arrangements) and Cecilio Negron Jr. (congas/percussion).

    • 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 on King Drive, and his band will present a night honoring the late Montgomery’s music.

      Wonderful Wednesdays concerts are from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

      The Wonderful Wednesdays lineup is:

    • 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 and 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.