LISA LEBLANC
Lisa LeBlanc is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her energetic fusion of folk, rock, and disco. Rolling Stone Québec praised her ability to “reinvent herself without losing her magic.” Her 2022 album Chiac Disco earned a Polaris Prize shortlist spot and a Juno nomination.
Mark Broom
Mark Broom is a British techno DJ and producer with a career spanning over three decades. Known for his versatility, he’s worked with top labels like Blueprint and Rekids, remixing legends like Robert Hood while keeping dance floors moving worldwide.
Marcia Ball
Marcia Ball is a Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist known for her blend of New Orleans blues, Texas boogie, and Gulf Coast grooves. The New York Times calls her music “two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano,” while the Houston Chronicle praises her as “as perfect as an artist can be.
LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS
Leroy Thomas, affectionately known as “The Jewel of the Bayou,” leads the Zydeco Roadrunners, delivering energetic and authentic zydeco music rooted in Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage. A master of both button and piano-style accordions, Thomas’s performances are lively and engaging, aiming to keep dance floors packed from start to finish.
Le Winston Band
Le Winston Band, a Montreal-based ensemble, fuses French-Canadian roots with zydeco and Cajun influences. Their 2019 album Zig Zag Zydeco Zoo earned nominations for Best World Music Album at both the ADISQ and GAMIQ awards. In 2022, their EP Enwèye à Lafayette won the GAMIQ Award for Best World Music Album. Their dynamic performances continue to captivate audiences across North America and Europe.
Ceri
Ceri is a London-based DJ, producer, and label owner known for her dynamic performances and deep understanding of house and techno music. She has shared stages with artists like Ryan Elliott, Objekt, Mr. G, and Move D. In 2017, she launched Find Your Own Records, featuring sold-out releases with remixes from Fred P and Mr. G. Beyond performing and producing, Ceri mentors emerging talents through her ‘Find Your Own Sound’ masterclasses, focusing on music production, creativity, and wellness.
Robin Pluer
Robin Pluer is a Milwaukee-based singer celebrated for her dynamic performances and rich musical heritage. In the 1980s, she gained prominence as a member of the R&B Cadets alongside Paul Cebar and the Sieger brothers. Pluer’s versatility spans genres from R&B to French chansons, reflecting her diverse musical influences. She has been honored with multiple Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards, including Milwaukee’s Best Female Vocalist.
Sunshine Jones (live)
Sunshine Jones is a talented musician and producer known for his deep, soulful house music. His innovative sound and groove-driven tracks have earned him critical acclaim and recognition from industry experts, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering force in the electronic music scene.
Dee Diggs
Dee Diggs is a DJ, music producer, and creative multi-hyphenate based in Brooklyn, NY. She is unapologetically black, queer, and a lifelong student of the tenets of House Music.
2025 Line Up
FIVE ALARM FUNK
Five Alarm Funk is an eight-piece band from Vancouver known for their high-energy fusion of funk, rock, and world music. Their explosive live shows and collaborations with legends like Bootsy Collins have earned them a reputation for pure musical mayhem.
Southern Avenue
Southern Avenue is a GRAMMY-nominated, Blues Music Award-winning band from Memphis — delivers a powerful mix of soul, blues, and roots music with deep family ties and unshakable groove. Their new album Family is a heartfelt celebration of unity, resilience, and connection, blending church-born harmonies, fiery guitar, and message-driven songs. From Memphis to the world, Southern Avenue invites you into their ever-growing musical family — one soul-stirring song at a time.
Bonerama
Bonerama is a New Orleans-based brass band renowned for their electrifying fusion of rock, funk, and jazz, featuring trombone-led arrangements that push musical boundaries. Rolling Stone’s David Fricke lauded them as “the ultimate in brass balls.” Their dynamic performances and innovative sound have earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
BRASS QUEENS
Brass Queens, an all-female brass band from Brooklyn, blends New Orleans traditions with New York City’s energy. In 2023, they won the MTA’s inaugural Riders’ Choice Award, earning a recording session with Atlantic Records. The New York Times highlighted their vibrant performances, stating, “Brass Queens band, a New Orleans-inspired all-female band, blasted out bright, buoyant tunes…”
Dj Stingray 313
DJ Stingray 313, born Sherard Ingram in Detroit, is a pioneering figure in electronic music, known for his high-speed mixing and innovative electro sounds. In the early 1990s, he co-founded Urban Tribe, contributing to Detroit’s techno legacy. He also served as the official tour DJ for Drexciya, adopting the “Stingray” moniker from James Stinson. In 2017, he received the Best Alternative Artist award at the UK Drum & Bass Awards.
Ko-Thi Dance Company
Ko-Thi Dance Company, established in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is dedicated to preserving and presenting traditional African and Caribbean dance and music. Their performances, such as “Under the Baobab Tree: SPIRIT,” immerse audiences in narratives of love, healing, and triumph, accompanied by live percussion and musicians.
Tracy Nelson
Tracy Nelson is an American singer celebrated for her soulful blend of blues, country, and rock. With a career spanning decades, her powerful voice and emotional depth have made her a standout in the Americana and roots music scenes.
Ian Pooley
Ian Pooley is a pioneering German DJ, producer, and remixer renowned for his inventive blend of house, funk, and world music. His innovative productions and creative remixes have garnered international acclaim, making him a significant influence on the global electronic music scene.
Robert Rich (live)
Robert Rich is a pioneering figure in ambient, dark-ambient, and trance music, known for his innovative use of home-made instruments and microtonal harmonies. With over 50 albums and legendary Sleep Concerts, his work has shaped modern electronic music and earned him international recognition.
Kiisu (live)
Kiisu is a talented DJ known for her dynamic mix of deep house, techno, and ambient sounds. With a keen ear for creating immersive, high-energy sets, she captivates audiences with her seamless blends and ability to craft a unique atmosphere on the dance floor.
Octave One
Octave One, the Detroit-based techno duo of brothers Lenny and Lawrence Burden, are pioneers of electronic music. Known for their electrifying live sets, they blend funk, house, and symphonic beats, with their hit Blackwater selling over a million copies worldwide.
Sonny Landreth
Sonny Landreth, known as “the King of Slydeco,” is a virtuoso guitarist and singer-songwriter renowned for his slide guitar mastery and blend of blues, rock, and zydeco. He has collaborated with legends like Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler, and is recognized as one of the top guitarists in the world.
Todd Terry
Todd Terry, a pioneering figure in New York’s house music scene, is renowned for tracks like “Can You Party” and “Bango (To The Batmobile).” Reflecting on his impact, DJ Mag notes that “he’s one of the architects of New York house music.
DWAYNE DOPSIE & THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS
Dwayne Dopsie, renowned as a dynamic zydeco artist, leads the Zydeco Hellraisers with unparalleled energy and innovation. Rolling Stone has lauded him as “the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion,” highlighting his exceptional talent and influence in the genre.
Campbell Brothers
The Campbell Brothers are pioneers of the “Sacred Steel” tradition, blending African-American gospel music with electric steel guitar and vocals. Originating from the House of God Keith Dominion Church in Rush, New York, their electrifying performances have captivated audiences worldwide.
Trinity Irish Dance Emsemble
For over 40 years, this Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison institution has become the most widely recognized Irish dance program in the world. Shaping the lives of over 10,000 students, Trinity Irish Dance Academy is centered around a powerful philosophy that is a radical departure from typical programs. Founded by Mark Howard in 1982, Trinity has set numerous competitive records, winning America's first world championship team title in 1987, and thrilled audiences worldwide with its innovative approach and attention to detail.
Mozhgan
Mozghan is a rising musician known for her unique fusion of electronic, pop, and world music influences. With captivating vocals and innovative production, she crafts a sound that blends modern sensibilities with rich cultural textures, offering a fresh and immersive listening experience.
New Riverside Ramblers
New Riverside Ramblers are a dynamic band blending folk, blues, and country to create an authentic Americana sound. Known for their energetic live shows and evocative storytelling, they captivate audiences while carving out a unique niche in the roots music scene.
Nola Rave
DJ Nola is a true party authority and local legend. With her time-tested skill and broad experience, Nola wields and weaves her selections from Deep Funk to Slammin’ Disco ; Vocal-Infused House to Banging Techno.
Cajun Strangers
Cajun Strangers is a lively band that blends Cajun, zydeco, and roots music with infectious energy. Known for their foot-stomping rhythms and soulful performances, they bring the vibrant sounds of Louisiana to life, captivating audiences with their authentic, high-energy shows.
Hot Summer Gays
Hot Summer Gays is a fun and energetic DJ collective based in Madison, WI, known for their lively performances and inclusive atmosphere. With a mix of upbeat, danceable tunes across various genres, they create a vibrant space for celebration, diversity, and self-expression, making every event a memorable experience.
Otimo Dance
Otimo Dance is a dynamic dance company based in Madison, WI, known for its innovative choreography and captivating performances. With a focus on contemporary and Latin-inspired dance styles, Otimo Dance creates energetic, expressive shows that engage and inspire audiences through movement and storytelling.
The Jimmys
The Jimmys are a high-energy blues and soul band from Madison, WI, known for their infectious grooves and powerful performances. With a dynamic mix of jazz, R&B, and rock influences, they deliver an electrifying sound that gets audiences dancing and keeps the energy flowing all night.
The Line (trio)
LINE is an indie pop band blending singer-songwriter roots with multigenre flair—think slap bass, folk instruments, and synths, often in the same track. Led by vocalist Maddie Batzli with bandmates Austin Lynch, Esther Chun, and others, LINE creates music that spans wide emotional territory, exploring queer love, personal reflection, and social themes. Their stage presence and lyrics embrace paradox with campy, sincere style, inviting listeners to hold complexity and live more deeply into their own truths.
Jon Irabagon Trio
First-generation Filipino-American saxophonist Jon Irabagon (b. 1978, Chicago) draws from the AACM’s innovative spirit and Chicago’s storied tenor saxophone legacy. Equally skilled in modern jazz and new music, he blends influences from late-period Coltrane and modern classical, composing primarily for mixed chamber ensembles tailored to his musicians' unique voices.
Madison Based Artists
Cyrcropia
Cycropia is a renowned aerial dance company that combines acrobatics, dance, and theater to create captivating performances. Known for their innovative choreography and breathtaking aerial artistry, Cycropia brings a unique and dynamic form of expression to the local arts scene, inspiring audiences with their daring feats and creative storytelling.
Johnny Chimes
Johnny Chimes blends Southern blues, boogie-woogie piano, country guitar, and soulful vocals into a unique sound. A skilled songwriter, he mixes originals with his take on blues, country, and New Orleans R&B classics. Joined by Al Falaschi, Lacouir Yancey, and Mel Ford, his band, Johnny Chimes and the Natch’l Blues Band, brings a retro cool vibe to every performance.
Panchromatic Steel
Founded in 2016 in Madison, WI, Panchromatic Steel blends island styles with pop, rock, and jazz into a high-energy sound that’s both unique and universally appealing. With expert musicianship and a vibrant mix, their music lifts spirits and transports listeners to sun-filled moments, balancing artistry and accessibility.
Rhapsody & Rose
Kat & Benjamin of Kat and the Hurricane
The Earthlings
The Earthlings: Madison’s musical collective that brings eras of electronic sonic rock together with a laid back psychedelic indie emphasis, euphoric space, and positive vibrations from the 60’s, early 70’s, and 90’s.
The Lonesome Cobras
a band from Madison and Milwaukee featuring an unusual take on songwriter music--with violin, accordion, upright bass, multiple vocalists, and a dark, bluesy sound.
Fountain of Life Church Choir
The Fountains of Life Church Choir is a vibrant and passionate group known for their powerful vocal performances and inspiring music. Their uplifting repertoire blends gospel, contemporary, and traditional styles, creating a joyful and soul-stirring atmosphere that resonates with the community.
Kitty Spit
DJ Kitty Spit is a dynamic DJ known for her eclectic mix of electronic, hip-hop, and pop beats. With her high-energy sets and keen ability to read the crowd, she creates an unforgettable atmosphere, making her a standout in the local music scene.
Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance
.Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance in Madison, WI, showcases passionate performances and classes that bring the vibrant rhythms and emotional depth of flamenco and Spanish dance to life, captivating audiences with dynamic artistry.
Lola Mischeif & Friends
Lola Mischief & Friends present a playful, genre-blurring variety show celebrating queer joy, creativity, and performance art.
Elemental Aerial Arts
Elemental Aerial Arts was created by Jess Clark in 2023, connecting her passion for nature and aerial arts together. She draws inspiration from the natural elements of water, air, fire, and earth to connect and inspire others. Elemental performances embody the fluidity of water, the freedom of air, the intensity of fire, and the grounding force of earth. We strive to create awe-inspiring pieces that connect the audience with the power of nature.
Mr. Chair
Mr. Chair is a boundary-pushing Madison piano trio blending jazz, classical, and experimental sounds. Known for dynamic collaborations across genres, they've released acclaimed albums like Nebulebula, Better Days, the operatic Sirena, and hip hop-infused Spectaculous. Their adventurous performances range from A Charlie Brown Christmas to Stravinsky reworks, all marked by bold storytelling and musical precision.
Handphibians
From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the heart of Madison, the Handphibians’ journey is a rhythm that’s pulsed with passion, community, and the spirit of celebration.
What started as a small group of percussion enthusiasts has grown into a cultural force, bringing the infectious energy of Brazilian music to the Midwest.
Mama Digdowns Brass Band
For three decades, Mama Digdown's has traveled the world spreading the gospel of New Orleans music. Mama Digdown's respectively embraces the craft and tradition of New Orleans brass band music and the infectious vibe they bring to the stage has earned them the reputation as one of the most exciting brass bands on the scene today.
VO5
Get ready to boogie with V05, Madison’s ultimate disco inferno! Known for their funky grooves, glittery outfits, and infectious energy, this band brings the best of the '70s to life with a mix of classic disco hits and irresistible originals. V05 guarantees a party you won’t forget!
Beth Kille Band
The Beth Kille Band blends Americana, rock, country, and blues into a high-energy, heartfelt sound. Led by award-winning songwriter Beth Kille, they deliver powerful performances with soul and grit.
Nuggernaut
Instrumental/jazz funk at it's the finest. The group balances a repertoire of original music with an eclectic mix of covers from the likes of Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock and Led Zeppelin. Nuggernaut is comfortable in intense listening concert settings as well nasty dance parties and everything in between.
The Stop and Listen
The Stop and Listen plays old-time stringband music with a unique set of instruments and voices. We specialize in fiddle tunes, old-time songs, jug band numbers, and country blues. They bring some serious drive and groove with harmonicas (sometimes a couple at once), extraordinary improvisation on cello and fiddle, banjos of uncompromising size, and a bass with a chip on its shoulder. Songs are sung with an old-time swagger, harmonies included.
Trio Soleil
Since in 2015, Trio Soleil has delighted Madison area music lovers with joyous renditions of their favorite songs.
We play delightful French tunes with a Django feel, soulful Jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, uptempo New Orleans-influenced covers of Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits and other greats, tender ballads that will make you weep (well, they make US weep), and a smattering of original tunes folks seem to love.
They’re excited to begin our second decade of bringing our town the finest in cognac infused Jazzicana with a Crescent City tinge.