2026 Summer Performance Series

The 2026 Jazz at Five Performance Series! Enjoy an evening of Jazz at the Capitol. Terrific music and fine Wisconsin evenings. Conversation and comradery are encouraged.

The season kicks off on Wednesday, August 5th with a local favorite, Tom Gullion – Doug White Quartet with fresh versions of classic modern jazz at 5pm, followed by the infectious high energy fund band, Rare Element

On the 12th, the Michael Hackett Sextet is bringing original music and new arrangements of not-so-standards at 5pm. Followed by the Hornado, one of Madison’s newest groove music super-groups with their typhoon jazz at 6:45pm.

The 2025 series continues August 19th with Brazilian inspired, bossa nova jazz from Canção at 5pm followed by Milwaukee native, highly versatile jazz pianist, Tim Whalen Trio at 6:45pm.

August 26th is Jazz at Five’s UW Night, kicking off with from the UW Jazz Ensemble All Stars featuring a special guest at 5 pm. And the UW Faculty Band led by composer and pianist Dan Cavanagh at 6:45pm.

Ending out the series on September 2nd is Jazz at Five’s Summit of the Big Bands featuring Ladies Must Swing and the Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra performing two sets from 5pm – 8pm.

“Our mission is to make Madison a better place to be and visit by providing live jazz events free to the public. We promote awareness of the jazz art form and increase local community culture with performer diversity, enhanced visibility for our local jazz artists and public performance opportunities for youth musical groups.”