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
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
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 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
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Boo Mullarky
“Boo Mullarky is the amazing one-human jug band medicine show, featuring Boo pumping out deep ragtime blues and Cajun tunes on a unique ensemble of old car horns, bells, a half guitar/half bass…guitar, kazoo, an old suitcase for a drum, and a tambourine…all at once! Steeped in the steam of the Gulf Coast marshes, Boo grew up on both sides of the Sabine River, dividing his early world between the lonesome cattle calls of Texas and the high-spirited mournful Cajun wail of Southern Louisiana. With the haunting moan of the swamp and that throbbing Delta backbeat pulse, all peppered up with some fancy finger work and tales of the pavement, Boo colors his songs with a rich homegrown flavor that just can’t be manufactured!”
Ohio Tavern, Madison
“Boo Mullarky is the amazing one-human jug band medicine show, featuring Boo pumping out deep ragtime blues and Cajun tunes on a unique ensemble of old car horns, bells, a half guitar/half bass…guitar, kazoo, an old suitcase for a drum, and a tambourine…all at once! Steeped in the steam of the Gulf Coast marshes, Boo grew up on both sides of the Sabine River, dividing his early world between the lonesome cattle calls of Texas and the high-spirited mournful Cajun wail of Southern Louisiana. With the haunting moan of the swamp and that throbbing Delta backbeat pulse, all peppered up with some fancy finger work and tales of the pavement, Boo colors his songs with a rich homegrown flavor that just can’t be manufactured!”
Ohio Tavern, Madison
7:00 PM- 10:00 PM
“The Red Rooster hosts a Blues Jam nearly every Thursday! Musician sign-ups begin at 7 and continue all night. This week’s host is Madison blues legend James Earl Tate, host of blues jams across five decades! The house band starts at 8 and jammers are invited up soon afterward. Professional and semi-pro players are encouraged!”
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
The melodies he writes reach across musical genres. The lyrics speak to the sadness and beauty and sometimes, even humor, of where he’s been. He’s got the retro cool vibe which not only makes the whiskey taste better, but also makes your troubles seem like one good blues song away from vanishing into the night.
He is often joined by Al Falaschi on Drums, Lacouir Yancey on Bass, and Mel Ford on Guitar to create ‘Johnny Chimes and the Natch’l Blues Band’.
“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
The melodies he writes reach across musical genres. The lyrics speak to the sadness and beauty and sometimes, even humor, of where he’s been. He’s got the retro cool vibe which not only makes the whiskey taste better, but also makes your troubles seem like one good blues song away from vanishing into the night.
He is often joined by Al Falaschi on Drums, Lacouir Yancey on Bass, and Mel Ford on Guitar to create ‘Johnny Chimes and the Natch’l Blues Band’.
Louisiannes, Etc., Middleton
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cafe Coda, Madison
Tani Diakite & the Afro Funkstars
“Tani Diakite, and the Afrofunkstars bring you great west African beats and sounds to put you in the right TGIF mood! Last Friday of each month.
Tani plays the Kamale N’goni, which is an instrument that originates from Wasulu, a region on the border of Mali and Guinea, West Africa. It is derived from the larger Donso N’goni, which means “hunter’s harp”. Throughout the centuries, Malian hunters were also skilled musicians who used their trance-like music to appease the spirits of the animals they hunted, so as not to be plagued by evil spirits.
The Kamale N’goni is a smaller, more popular version of this instrument. It is the centerpiece of a popular style of music from Mali called Wasulu Music. When you hear the blues played by Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars, you’ll understand why it is often said that Mali is the birthplace of the blues. The Kamale N’goni is one of several African instruments that preceded the banjo, so you’ll hear similarities to bluegrass music as well.”
7:00 PM – $15
THURSDAY, MAY 2
Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings
“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.”
Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings
“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
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 Aykroyd
The Fharmacy Public House, Lake Mills
6:00 PM
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
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
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
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 PMSUNDAY, JUNE 2
Verona Hometown Days – Day #3
No blues, but worth checking out anyway…
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
Verona Hometown Days – Day #3
No blues, but worth checking out anyway…
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
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