Live Blues Alert (Calendar)
Although we try to keep this page up-to-date, we suggest that you check with festival, venue, and band websites for the most current information. Small business owners and musicians do not always have the capacity to inform us of changes to their schedules, so we can’t guarantee the accuracy of our information. Thanks for your patience.
Remember that you can use YouTube and Facebook to check out bands that you’re unfamiliar with. This will help you make an informed choice, and that’s important, since music is a personal thing!
FANS: Tell us about shows that you learn about so that we can continue to be Madison’s one-stop shop for live Blues music. Contact us at calendarsubmit@madisonbluessociety.org. Please include venue, time, and ticket/cover charge, if known. Thanks!
BANDS AND VENUE OPERATORS: Please submit gigs to calendarsubmit@madisonbluessociety.org.
Please note that we only promote Blues and Blues-related music on this site.
Has this page helped you find what you were looking for? Let us know by contacting us at calendarsubmit@madisonbluessociety.org. It takes a lot of work to keep this page updated and we’d love to know that it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Thanks!
Find Blues festivals from all around the country
THURSDAY, MAY 2
Blues Jam with Tate and The Usual Suspects
A weekly blues jam takes place Thursdays at the Red Rooster. Sign up at 7 pm, house band 8 pm, jam 9 pm. The Usual Suspects host. Featuring Steve Malin – Guitar, Todd Phipps – Hammond Organ, John Mesoloras – Bass, Joe White – Drums.
“Roy Rogers is considered one of the world’s preeminent slide guitarists. With over 20 recordings to his credit, Rogers has garnered 8 Grammy nominations for producing, recording, and as a songwriter. Known both as producer & performer for delivering critically acclaimed recordings for John Lee Hooker, The Healer, Mr. Lucky, BoomBoom & Chill Out and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Friends of Mine and The Long Ride among other collaborations. His career of more than four decades includes movies, TV and commercials as well as recording and performing. Artist collaborations include Allen Toussaint, Bela Fleck, Ray Manzarek, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Linda Ronstadt, and Sammy Hagar among others. He is known worldwide for his searing live performances and continues to tour with his band The Delta Rhythm Kings.”
Blues Jam with Tate and The Usual Suspects
A weekly blues jam takes place Thursdays at the Red Rooster. Sign up at 7 pm, house band 8 pm, jam 9 pm. The Usual Suspects host. Featuring Steve Malin – Guitar, Todd Phipps – Hammond Organ, John Mesoloras – Bass, Joe White – Drums.
Red Rooster, Madison
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – $5
“Roy Rogers is considered one of the world’s preeminent slide guitarists. With over 20 recordings to his credit, Rogers has garnered 8 Grammy nominations for producing, recording, and as a songwriter. Known both as producer & performer for delivering critically acclaimed recordings for John Lee Hooker, The Healer, Mr. Lucky, BoomBoom & Chill Out and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Friends of Mine and The Long Ride among other collaborations. His career of more than four decades includes movies, TV and commercials as well as recording and performing. Artist collaborations include Allen Toussaint, Bela Fleck, Ray Manzarek, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Linda Ronstadt, and Sammy Hagar among others. He is known worldwide for his searing live performances and continues to tour with his band The Delta Rhythm Kings.”
Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – $30
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – $30
Moss has shared stages with Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Gary Clark, Jr., David Hidalgo and many others, and is an in-demand guest, always welcome to sit in with his musician friends around the world. He and the band have crisscrossed the United States and Canada multiple times, and have performed in the UK, Norway, Belgium, France, Spain, Latvia, Poland and other European countries.
Red Rooster, Madison
Red Rooster, Madison
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – $15
Johnny Chimes
Johnny Chimes is a jambalaya of rolling Southern blues and boogie-woogie piano, finger-style country guitar picking and sweet soul-singing. At heart, Chimes is a songwriter—seamlessly weaving his original compositions into a set along with his own unmistakable “cover” versions of blues, country and New Orleans R&B favorites.
Louisiannes, Etc., Middleton
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Johnny Chimes is a jambalaya of rolling Southern blues and boogie-woogie piano, finger-style country guitar picking and sweet soul-singing. At heart, Chimes is a songwriter—seamlessly weaving his original compositions into a set along with his own unmistakable “cover” versions of blues, country and New Orleans R&B favorites.
Louisiannes, Etc., Middleton
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Shaped by jazz/blues stylings in the tradition of George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and Kenny Burrell, Roberts is a nuanced master of technique and dynamics. His veteran sidemen – many of whom have played overseas – bring experience and an ear for improvisation.
Mansion Hill Inn, 424 N. Pinckney St., Madison
Doors open at 5:30, show at 6:30. Admission $15 (purchase tickets in advance)
SATURDAY, MAY 4
Cash Box Kings
“The Cash Box Kings rule the roost! This band has taken old school Chicago blues and brought it jumping and hollering into the 21st century. I’ve seen a lot of bands play this style of music, but I gotta say these guys take that old school sound and go somewhere new with it” – Dan AykroydThe Fharmacy Public House, Lake Mills
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Concert in our outdoor biergarten. Cool Front is an electric guitar, bass & drums trio based in Madison. They play hits by Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, Tom Petty, John Mayer, and many more.
The Boneyard, 1018 Walsh Rd, Madison
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Humans are free — $10 admission for 1-2 dogs.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Jorma Kaukonen With Special Guest John Hurlbut, celebrating their new album release
“In a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and rock. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient, Jorma was at the forefront of popular rock and roll, one of the founders of the San Francisco sound and a progenitor of Psychedelic Rock. He is a founding member of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. Jorma Kaukonen is a music legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters in his field. He continues to tour the world bringing his unique styling to old blues tunes while presenting new songs of weight and dimension. His secret is in playing spontaneous and unfiltered music, with an individual expression of personality. In 2016, Jorma, Jack Casady and the other members of Jefferson Airplane were awarded The GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to American music.”
Jorma Kaukonen With Special Guest John Hurlbut, celebrating their new album release
“In a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and rock. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient, Jorma was at the forefront of popular rock and roll, one of the founders of the San Francisco sound and a progenitor of Psychedelic Rock. He is a founding member of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. Jorma Kaukonen is a music legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters in his field. He continues to tour the world bringing his unique styling to old blues tunes while presenting new songs of weight and dimension. His secret is in playing spontaneous and unfiltered music, with an individual expression of personality. In 2016, Jorma, Jack Casady and the other members of Jefferson Airplane were awarded The GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to American music.”
Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – $40
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – $40
Mark Shanahan with Small Blind Johnny
Mark Shanahan: guitar, vocals; Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr.: electric bass; Ty Steege (Ty Stegosaurus Rex): drums
VFW Post 1318, Madison
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mark Shanahan: guitar, vocals; Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr.: electric bass; Ty Steege (Ty Stegosaurus Rex): drums
VFW Post 1318, Madison
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Blues Jam with Tate and the 008 BandA weekly blues jam takes place Thursdays at the Red Rooster. Sign up at 7 pm, house band 8 pm, jam 9 pm.
Too Sick Charlie
Dirty Dog Tap House, New Glarus
6:00 PM
Blues Jam with Tate and the 008 Band
A weekly blues jam takes place Thursdays at the Red Rooster. Sign up at 7 pm, house band 8 pm, jam 9 pm.
Red Rooster, Madison
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – $5
Too Sick Charlie
Dirty Dog Tap House, New Glarus
6:00 PM
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues
“Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, creator of CHAMBER BLUES and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. Co-founder of the SIEGEL-SCHWALL BAND, and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Corky Siegel has a catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon. His close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues, his essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising success in bringing together blues and classical audiences make him a pivotal (though inconspicuous) figure in modern music history. ” – DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE.
Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – $40
Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues
“Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, creator of CHAMBER BLUES and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. Co-founder of the SIEGEL-SCHWALL BAND, and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Corky Siegel has a catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon. His close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues, his essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising success in bringing together blues and classical audiences make him a pivotal (though inconspicuous) figure in modern music history. ” – DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE.
Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – $40
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Blues Jam with Tate and The Usual SuspectsA weekly blues jam takes place Thursdays at the Red Rooster. Sign up at 7 pm, house band 8 pm, jam 9 pm. The Usual Suspects host. Featuring Steve Malin – Guitar, Todd Phipps – Hammond Organ, John Mesoloras – Bass, Joe White – Drums.
A weekly blues jam takes place Thursdays at the Red Rooster. Sign up at 7 pm, house band 8 pm, jam 9 pm. The Usual Suspects host. Featuring Steve Malin – Guitar, Todd Phipps – Hammond Organ, John Mesoloras – Bass, Joe White – Drums.
Red Rooster, Madison
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – $5
SATURDAY, MAY 18
Middleton Art Walk, Middleton
“ART WALK Middleton will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 10am-5pm in Downtown Middleton
The Middleton Arts Committee will once again be holding ART WALK Middleton in 2024. ART WALK is a free, one-day event featuring the works of fine artists in a variety of media for show and sale.”
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
12:00 PM: Too Sick Charlie at Capital Brewery
Mark Shanahan with Small Blind Johnny
Mark Shanahan: guitar, vocals; Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr.: electric bass; Ty Steege (Ty Stegosaurus Rex): drums
VFW Post 1318, Madison
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mark Shanahan: guitar, vocals; Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr.: electric bass; Ty Steege (Ty Stegosaurus Rex): drums
VFW Post 1318, Madison
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 24
The Jimmys
“The Jimmys are excellent musicians, wildly fun entertainers and perform a slew of strong, original songs. They’re a treat for any fans of roots rock, old school R&B and straight-up blues. And every performance is like a party!” – Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records
Capital Brewery Beer Garden, Middleton
7:00 PM
The Jimmys
“The Jimmys are excellent musicians, wildly fun entertainers and perform a slew of strong, original songs. They’re a treat for any fans of roots rock, old school R&B and straight-up blues. And every performance is like a party!” – Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records
Capital Brewery Beer Garden, Middleton
7:00 PM
MONDAY, MAY 27
The Jimmys
“The Jimmys are excellent musicians, wildly fun entertainers and perform a slew of strong, original songs. They’re a treat for any fans of roots rock, old school R&B and straight-up blues. And every performance is like a party!” – Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records
The East Side Club, Madison
2:00 PM
The Jimmys
“The Jimmys are excellent musicians, wildly fun entertainers and perform a slew of strong, original songs. They’re a treat for any fans of roots rock, old school R&B and straight-up blues. And every performance is like a party!” – Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records
The East Side Club, Madison
2:00 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 31
Verona Hometown Days – Day #1
Small Blind Johnny is scheduled to appear. 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Small Blind Johnny is scheduled to appear. 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
It’s a rare opportunity to catch one of the top blues bands – and bass guitarists – from the Pacific Northwest! Lisa Mann’s decades-long career continues to earn her recognition, building on her 2014 Blues Blast Awards Sean Costello Rising Star Award, her 2015 and 2016 Blues Music Awards as top bass guitar instrumentalist, the Cascade Blues Association’s Hall of Fame, and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Beyond her instrumentation, Mann’s songwriting and vocals are assertive and potent – reminiscent of Texas artists like Lou Ann Barton, Angela Strehli, and Sarah Brown.
Red Rooster, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – $12-$15
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Boo Mullarky
Mickey’s Tavern, Madison
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Mark Shanahan with Small Blind Johnny
Mark Shanahan: guitar, vocals; Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr.: electric bass; Ty Steege (Ty Stegosaurus Rex): drums
VFW Post 1318, Madison
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mickey’s Tavern, Madison
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Mark Shanahan with Small Blind Johnny
Mark Shanahan: guitar, vocals; Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr.: electric bass; Ty Steege (Ty Stegosaurus Rex): drums
VFW Post 1318, Madison
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Keb’ Mo’
The Orpheum, Madison
Doors open at 7:00 PM. Show at 8:00 PM.
$49.50 – $295, plus fees. Purchase tickets here.
Keb’ Mo’
The Orpheum, Madison
Doors open at 7:00 PM. Show at 8:00 PM.
$49.50 – $295, plus fees. Purchase tickets here.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
6th Annual New Glarus Blues, Brews and Food Truck Festival 2024
Madtown Mannish Boys
The Jimmys
Paul Filipowicz Blues Band
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
6th Annual New Glarus Blues, Brews and Food Truck Festival 2024
Madtown Mannish Boys
The Jimmys
Paul Filipowicz Blues Band
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus Village Park
More details to come!
More details to come!
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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THURSDAY, JULY 4 – SATURDAY, JULY 6
Join us JULY 4, 5, and 6 in our great little city of Lincoln, Nebraska to celebrate 51 YEARS of Soul, Love and Music at The Zoo Bar!!!! Event takes place outside on 14th street in front of the bar. (136 N. 14th St.)
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THURSDAY, JULY 4
(Thursday Only Pass-$30 advance/$30 day of show)
Day #1 – Zoo Bar presents Zoofest – Day #1
3:00 PM Blues Project
5:00 PM Chris Cain
7:00 PM Selwyn Birchwood
9:00 PM Shithook and The Shithookers
THURSDAY, JULY 4
(Thursday Only Pass-$30 advance/$30 day of show)
Day #1 – Zoo Bar presents Zoofest – Day #1
3:00 PM Blues Project
5:00 PM Chris Cain
7:00 PM Selwyn Birchwood
9:00 PM Shithook and The Shithookers
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FRIDAY, JULY 5
(Friday Only Pass-$50 advance/$60 day of show)
Day #2 – Zoo Bar presents Zoofest – Day #2
5:00 PM Jimmy Carpenter Band
7:00 PM Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
9:00 PM Ruthie Foster
FRIDAY, JULY 5
(Friday Only Pass-$50 advance/$60 day of show)
Day #2 – Zoo Bar presents Zoofest – Day #2
5:00 PM Jimmy Carpenter Band
7:00 PM Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
9:00 PM Ruthie Foster
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SATURDAY, JULY 6
(Saturday Only Pass-$50 advance/$60 day of show)
Day #3 – Zoo Bar presents Zoofest – Day #3
3:00 PM Lloyd McCarter and The Honky Tonk Revival
5:00 PM Keeshea Pratt feat. Kevin Burt
7:00 PM The Paladins
9:00 PM The Soul Rebels
11:00 PM The Midland Band’s Steely Dan Tribute
SATURDAY, JULY 6
(Saturday Only Pass-$50 advance/$60 day of show)
Day #3 – Zoo Bar presents Zoofest – Day #3
3:00 PM Lloyd McCarter and The Honky Tonk Revival
5:00 PM Keeshea Pratt feat. Kevin Burt
7:00 PM The Paladins
9:00 PM The Soul Rebels
11:00 PM The Midland Band’s Steely Dan Tribute
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SATURDAY, JULY 13
1:00 PM- 9:00 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
DAY 1 – Sugar Maple Fest – Day 1
Family-friendly, free for kids 17 and under. Adults: one-day and two-day festival passes are available, as are camping passes. See the event website for details.
DAY 1 – Sugar Maple Fest – Day 1
“Presented by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC), the Sugar Maple Music Festival is a two-day outdoor festival in Madison, WI exploring American roots music.Performances, workshops, and jams are held concurrently at three stages.
The mainstage features bluegrass, Cajun, Americana, country and old-time music performed by regional and national artists. The Roots & Reasons stage offers a more intimate setting for festival attendees to interact with the artists through interviews, discussions, and workshops. And the jam tents offer festival attendees the opportunity to play music side-by-side with some of the mainstage performers. Attendees of all skill-levels are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in!”
William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, MadisonThe mainstage features bluegrass, Cajun, Americana, country and old-time music performed by regional and national artists. The Roots & Reasons stage offers a more intimate setting for festival attendees to interact with the artists through interviews, discussions, and workshops. And the jam tents offer festival attendees the opportunity to play music side-by-side with some of the mainstage performers. Attendees of all skill-levels are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in!”
Family-friendly, free for kids 17 and under. Adults: one-day and two-day festival passes are available, as are camping passes. See the event website for details.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
DAY 2 – Sugar Maple Fest – Day 2
“Presented by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC), the Sugar Maple Music Festival is a two-day outdoor festival in Madison, WI exploring American roots music.Performances, workshops, and jams are held concurrently at three stages.
Family-friendly, free for kids 17 and under. Adults: one-day and two-day festival passes are available, as are camping passes. See the event website for details.
DAY 2 – Sugar Maple Fest – Day 2
“Presented by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC), the Sugar Maple Music Festival is a two-day outdoor festival in Madison, WI exploring American roots music.Performances, workshops, and jams are held concurrently at three stages. The mainstage features bluegrass, Cajun, Americana, country and old-time music performed by regional and national artists. The Roots & Reasons stage offers a more intimate setting for festival attendees to interact with the artists through interviews, discussions, and workshops. And the jam tents offer festival attendees the opportunity to play music side-by-side with some of the mainstage performers. Attendees of all skill-levels are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in!”
William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, MadisonFamily-friendly, free for kids 17 and under. Adults: one-day and two-day festival passes are available, as are camping passes. See the event website for details.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Save the Date!!
Save the Date!!
Pooley’s, Madison
Details are TBD
Details are TBD