Smith & Binder Jazz offers a tasteful selection of jazz and pop standards and Jazz Manouche tunes.  Steve (vocals, guitar) and Linda (violin and mandolin) create a vintage, yet updated and accessible blend of music that will please discriminating ears.  

Steve Smith is a Milwaukee born and raised singer/songwriter who has performed a variety of musical styles ranging from folk/rock to choral music to jazz and pop standards.  His smooth and resonant vocal style is ideal for performing classic jazz tunes made popular by great singers, such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Joe Williams.  As a guitarist, Steve has lately been working on perfecting his technique as a swing rhythm guitarist to accompany his vocals.  He is particularly interested in learning and performing the music of jazz guitar legend Django Reinhardt.

Linda Binder performs actively in Milwaukee and Chicago on both violin and mandolin.  After working as a violinist with the Omaha Symphony, and continuing to pursue orchestral and chamber music work and study in NYC, she took a left turn into the world of improvisation.  These days she's enjoying playing jazz, free improvisation, and other contemporary styles as well as indulging her interest in Brazilian Choro music.

Carol Lee Hopkins has been a respected member of the Milwaukee acoustic music community for many years. Her heartfelt vocals have enhanced recordings by Larry Penn, Barb & Tom Webber, and, most prominently, her husband Jym Mooney and the popular band The Moxie Chicks.

Backing up Carol Lee on guitar (and writing the songs!), Brett Kemnitz has been writing and singing wonderfully crafted songs for decades. Living in the heart of the city, he has been a guiding light for The Coffee House from the beginning, and has been an inspiration and support for Milwaukee's folk scene.

Joining in on dobro is Andy Jehly, whose musical loves are old traditional folk, R&B, and country, including Pete Seeger, Doc Watson, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding. She has a passion for music with great harmonies and evocative lyrics.

Inspired by the winds of Lake Michigan, Green Sails sets an entertaining course of rousing tunes and delightful melodies fueled by Amy Otis-Wilborn's Irish fiddle and Sandy Weisto's guitar and vocals. Their performances offer Irish/Celtic luscious melodies and rousing dance tunes as well as delightful songs, intriguing stories, and engaging opportunities for audience participation. Their name, Green Sails, represents "Green" for Irish music as well as ecological sustainability and "Sails" for the winds that are the spirit Celtic sailing tales and tunes. They can be found performing at local Farmer's Markets and various Irish themed events including Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Opening is Jim Winston, a native Milwaukee singer songwriter, living in Bay View. He has appeared in holiday and benefit concerts and faithfully participated in the “Play Music on the Porch” international event each August for the past 7 years. Winston’s music could be categorized as finger-style, but does not fit a particular mold. Influenced by blues, bluegrass, classical, folk, jazz, and world music, it incorporates a wide range of styles, and includes old standbys, original songs and musical inventions.

Joe DeLucia is a self taught, gifted singer/songwriter who brings to you his heartfelt spirit through his lyrics and melodies. He's a James Taylor style guitarist and singer and he would love to share his gift of music with you. Joe is also well-known for his work in running The Wisconsin Singer Songwriter Series, one of the great venues for seeing great creative folk artists.

Opener John Higgins, a United States Navy veteran, is a member of the Stringalong Band and plays solo shows of original songs and covers. We’re glad to say that John is also a long-time Coffee House volunteer. "The power of music is incredible. I believe music is the great peacemaker and allows us to experience creative hope”. https://jphiggins.weebly.com/home.html

Our 14th annual Community Sing features Midwest folk singers and song leaders Will Branch, Julie Thompson, and Craig Siemsen. Julie, Craig, and Will will lead the audience in a group sing featuring well known and loved songs. The Community Sing is part of a movement that started at the Ten Pound Fiddle in East Lansing, Michigan, and has spread throughout the country. We hope that all listeners — in-person and virtual — will join in singing. Our song leaders are each accomplished musicians, songwriters, and humorists. Will Branch is a singer, guitarist, banjoist, and teacher, beloved by both big and little people. Noted folk singer Joe Jencks has said Julie Thompson sings with a style that is silky and soulful. Craig Siemsen has been called “(an) acclaimed performer on the Midwest’s burgeoning acoustic folk scene” by Albuquerque’s The Weekly Alibi. The lyrics and chords will be available and shared as we get closer to the concert date.

Will Branch http://www.willbranch.com/

Julie Thompson http://www.julievoice.com

Craig Siemsen www.craigtunes.com

Earth Poets & Musicians Holly Haebig Wake, Suzanne Rosenblatt, and Harvey Taylor welcome you to their 38th Annual Earthstravaganza, joined by other special guests TBA, all celebrating Mother Earth, doing their best to defend Her. Join us for an evening of inspiration, enlightenment, humor, and joy.