Radio Milwaukee honors jazz roots with Vinyl Comes Alive event

After a prolonged hiatus, Radio Milwaukee’s premier fundraising event, Vinyl Comes Alive, will triumphantly return on Thursday, April 18, at Turner Hall Ballroom. This celebration of jazz promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together music lovers from across the city to immerse themselves in the golden age of jazz while embracing the genre’s innovative future.

The event’s lineup features an impressive roster of established jazz legends and up-and-coming artists, including the Milwaukee All-Star Jazz Band led by Jamie Breiwick, with special guest artists such as Adekola Adadepo, B-Free, Emmitt James, Klassik, Tiffany Miller, Aya, and Kyndal J. Attendees can expect captivating performances that seamlessly blend the timeless tunes of jazz greats like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Charlie Parker with the unique styles and interpretations of these talented musicians.

Radio Milwaukee’s commitment to honoring its jazz roots is evident in the event’s programming. As Jordan Lee, 88Nine Senior Director of Programming, states, “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 we moved to our Walkers Point Studio, we created a memorial for Milwaukee’s jazz station WYMS FM 89 by including archive storage for the vinyl and CD libraries.”

In addition to the live performances, Vinyl Comes Alive will present its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Sam Belton, the legendary Milwaukee jazz drummer, educator, and entrepreneur of Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe. This well-deserved honor highlights Belton’s decades-long commitment to jazz, music, and his legacy in Milwaukee. “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,” says Belton.

Radio Milwaukee Executive Director Maxie Jackson emphasizes the event’s significance in bridging generations and welcoming newcomers to the genre’s rich legacy. “Vinyl Comes Alive 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,” Jackson states. “With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, this event honors our past while embracing the endless possibilities of the future.”

Proceeds from Vinyl Comes Alive will benefit Radio Milwaukee and its brands, 88Nine and HYFIN, as they continue to bring the past, present, and future of Milwaukee’s jazz together. This event serves as a welcoming gateway for the next generation of listeners to discover and appreciate the beauty of jazz, while showcasing Radio Milwaukee’s dedication to the preservation and forward progression of improvisational music rooted in the ideal of democratic virtuosity.