After a prolonged hiatus, Radio Milwaukee’s live jazz celebration Vinyl Comes Alive is returning.
The event will be a fundraiser for 88Nine featuring live performances blended with vinyl recordings from the deep archives of Milwaukee’s longtime jazz station.
“For over 30 years, WYMS was synonymous with quality jazz programming in Milwaukee,” 88Nine Senior Director of Programming Jordan Lee said. “When Radio Milwaukee took over programming on 88.9 FM in 2007, we continued to honor our jazz roots with programming like ‘Rhythm Lab Radio.’”
When it moved to its Walker’s Point studio, it created a memorial for WYMS by including archival storage for the vinyl and CD libraries.
“As we find ourselves in 2024, celebrating a number of up-and-coming Milwaukee artists creating a new sound for jazz, we’re excited to bring that WYMS vinyl library to life,” Lee said.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Vinyl Comes Alive will take place on April 18 at Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Tunes from jazz greats like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Charlie Parker “will flow seamlessly from the vinyl to this year’s lineup of an impressive roster of musicians, which includes established jazz legends and up-and-coming artists,” according to event organizers.
Performers will include Milwaukee All-Star Jazz Band, led by Jamie Breiwick and featuring Mark Davis, Hannah Johnson, John Christensen and Lenard Simpson. Special guest artists include Adekola Adadepo, B-Free, Emmitt James, Klassik, Tiffany Miller, Aya and Kyndal J.
The event is “a testament to the timeless allure of jazz, bridging generations and welcoming newcomers to the genre’s rich legacy, while honoring those who love and enjoy it today,” Radio Milwaukee Executive Director Maxie Jackson said.
“With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, this event honors our past while embracing the endless possibilities of the future,” he said. “It serves as a welcoming gateway for the next generation of listeners to discover and appreciate the beauty of jazz.”
Vinyl Comes Alive will also present its first Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s honoree is legendary Milwaukee jazz drummer, educator and entrepreneur Sam Belton, of Sam’s Place Jazz Café, 3338 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Belton has been a driving force in music in Milwaukee for decades, as a student, educator and musical influencer.
“Receiving a lifetime achievement award is not just an acknowledgment of my past accomplishments, it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance, dedication and passion that drives me forward each day,” Belton said. “I have devoted my career to jazz music, educating and entertaining for decades and I’m thankful to Radio Milwaukee for recognizing my impact on music and Milwaukee.”
