Events

With a balanced complement of resonant and soulful vocals, taut guitar instrumentation, and introspective songwriting, Ivy Ford has developed into one of the brightest young performers on the Chicago blues stages. Recently, she's been featured with a weekly artist-in-residency show on Wednesdays at Rosa's in Chicago. From singing the blues to being sultry, she is… Read More »Ivy Ford

Always embracing the quirky side of musicianship, Cork 'n Bottle's lengthy Madison heritage traces to the long-gone downtown hole-in-the-wall, Ken's Bar & Grill. The group's fluid bluegrass numbers and audience engagement are part of their trademark presence.

Catch Trivia Night every other Thursday, with Tricia and her skillfully crafted array of stumpers! Bring your own team, or create one with others that evening at the Rooster! The Blues Jam immediately follows Trivia.

The Red Rooster hosts a Blues Jam nearly every Thursday! Musician sign-ups begin at 7 and continue all night. This week’s host is Madison blues legend James Earl Tate, host of blues jams across five decades! The house band starts at 8 and jammers are invited up soon afterward. Professional players are encouraged!

With a powerhouse of combined vocal, instrumental, and songwriting talent, the Blue Olives remain one of Madison’s busiest acts in the soul and funk groove. Expect a hot night on the dance floor to shake off the late autumn chill! https://youtu.be/tCEMvVJ_5ng  

Milwaukee's Blues Disciples have been bringing their blues prowess to clubs and festivals across the Midwest region since 1990.  Founded by harmonica/vocal frontman “Barefoot” Jimmy Schwarz and backed by the jazzy crispness of guitarist Paul "Walnuts" Stilin, the group maintains the respect for the Chicago electric blues of the ’50’s and 60’s. Influenced initially by… Read More »The Blues Disciples

The Hungry Williams is, pure and simple, a band for dancers. The group, all veteran Milwaukee musicians, raids the raucous R&B of 1950's/60's New Orleans with a set list of deep cuts from the Imperial, Specialty, and Minit catalogues. Even if you're not a dancer, you're sure to feel the joyful rhythm and pulse of… Read More »The Hungry Williams

When Travis Ried made his debut at the Rooster a few months ago, he quickly won over the crowd with passionate original lyrics and dynamic, emphatic blues vocals and guitar instrumentation. Hailing from eastern Iowa, Ried has been an established guitarist in James Armstrong's band. In recent years, he's been venturing out with his own… Read More »Travis Ried Band

Karaoke has been rockin' the Red Rooster this fall, courtesy of Tricia and her 50,000-song library of material – covering all genres and eras of music! There's a new theme every show. Join our regular "golden throats," bring your friends for a sing-along – or belt out your own personal anthem!

One of Madison's more eclectic rock bands, this ensemble of musicians champions a collector's stash of obscure tunes in their growing list of covers - seamlessly interspersing them with their original tunes. Their deep repertoire has made them favorites of the region's summer festival circuit.

The Red Rooster hosts a Blues Jam nearly every Thursday! This week’s show will be hosted by the Usual Suspects. Musician sign-ups begin at 7 and continue all night. The house band starts at 8 and jammers are invited up soon afterward. All playing levels are welcome!

With an appropriately named band (as scions of other musicians), Green County's Family Business has garnered recognition both locally and beyond. Their sound draws from the blues music heritage of their lineage, filtered through '70's rock's on-stage theater and technique. In addition to securing opening slots for Rival Sons, Blues Traveler, J Roddy Walston and… Read More »The Family Business

It's an afternoon of outlaw country and rockin' honky tonk as Railhopper  returns to the Red Rooster on Sunday, December 10th, beginning at 3:30 pm. It's also birthday week for Jake! Come down and help him celebrate! Here's a clip of the guys - filmed in the room's previous incarnation, the Knuckledown Saloon! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbR8feuVBeA

For several holiday seasons, Melvis has been entertaining folks with her repertoire of Elvis and Elvisized songs - holiday and otherwise...But always to recorded music... UNTIL THIS YEAR!! Come catch the fun campiness of Melvis - now backed by the professional sounds from members of the Country Pro Jam - as the Red Rooster puts… Read More »MELVIS Xmas – with Full Band!

Karaoke has been rockin' the Red Rooster this fall, courtesy of Tricia and her 50,000-song library of material – covering all genres and eras of music! What better theme after Melvis than to sing Elvis songs - or Elvis holiday songs? Join our regular "velvet throats," bring your friends for a sing-along – or belt… Read More »Karaoke With Tricia – Elvis Special!

Join the ever-witty Bianca Lynn Breeze – Madison’s premier drag queen bingo hostess and Miss Gay Wisconsin US of A for 2023!! – as she returns to the Red Rooster for an evening of Drag Bingo! Feel free to bring your own dauber or you can purchase one from Miss Bianca. A portion of the… Read More »Drag Bingo with Bianca Lynn Breeze!

Catch Trivia Night every other Thursday, with Tricia and her skillfully crafted array of stumpers! Bring your own team, or create one with others that evening at the Rooster! The Blues Jam immediately follows Trivia.

The Red Rooster hosts a Blues Jam nearly every Thursday! Musician sign-ups begin at 7 and continue all night. This week’s host is Madison blues legend James Earl Tate, host of blues jams across five decades! The house band starts at 8 and jammers are invited up soon afterward. Professional players are encouraged!

Enjoy a double-bill with two of Wisconsin's top singer-songwriters, Chris Haise and Sam Ness! The Milwaukee based Chris Haise Band’s (pronounced Hi-zee) music is a blend of hook filled ballads and toe tappers. Mixing Folk and Rock, Haise’s vocals have been described as Dylan meets Springsteen meets Petty, while his lyrics have been described as… Read More »Chris Haise Band and Sam Ness

Come to the Red Rooster and take a 300mph ride on the front-bumper of Circus -- the greatest hard rock sideshow melting faces, making eardrums bleed, and taking you back to the high-energy shenanigans of 1987!

Milwaukee's "Big" Al Dorn may not be as big in size as he once was - but when it comes to harmonica tone and technique, he's living large. With strong influences from both Chicago and West Coast blues styles, Dorn's ensemble has a solid jump and smooth shuffle on the reeds. He's also adept at… Read More »“Big” Al Dorn & the Blues Howlers

Karaoke has been rockin' the Red Rooster this fall, courtesy of Tricia and her 50,000-song library of material – covering all genres and eras of music! For the last Karaoke show before Christmas, bring out your favorite holiday songs - and your ugliest sweaters! Join our regular "golden throats," bring your friends for a sing-along… Read More »Karaoke With Tricia – Holiday / Ugly Sweater Special!!

The Red Rooster welcomes back one of Madison's most accomplished musical units, the Bill Roberts Combo. Shaped by jazz/blues stylings in the tradition of Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell, Roberts is a nuanced master of technique and dynamics. His veteran sidemen - many of whom have played overseas - bring experience and an ear for… Read More »Bill Roberts Combo

The Red Rooster hosts a Blues Jam nearly every Thursday! This week’s show will be hosted by the Usual Suspects. Musician sign-ups begin at 7 and continue all night. The house band starts at 8 and jammers are invited up soon afterward. All playing levels are welcome!

With a balanced complement of resonant and soulful vocals, taut guitar instrumentation, and introspective songwriting, Ivy Ford has developed into one of the brightest young performers on the Chicago blues stages. Recently, she’s been featured with a weekly artist-in-residency show on Wednesdays at Rosa’s in Chicago. From singing the blues to being sultry, she is… Read More »Ivy Ford

The Red Rooster is honored to welcome the return of John Primer to our stage. When last he played here, Primer had just been informed of his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. Now, as he returns from a sold-out European Tour, he has a new honor: his tribute album to his former boss,… Read More »John Primer & the Real Deal Blues Band

What happens when the Red Rooster doorman has a few days off? He sorts records - LOTS of records. And for the So(u)lstice, that means SOUL records - original releases on 45 RPM, roughly covering the decade from 1962 to 1971. Come down to hear stacks of great obscure cuts - and to shake your… Read More »Roadmaster Dave’s Winter SOULstice 45 RPM Dance Party

The Red Rooster hosts a Blues Jam nearly every Thursday! Musician sign-ups begin at 7 and continue all night. This week’s host is Madison blues legend James Earl Tate, host of blues jams across five decades! The house band starts at 8 and jammers are invited up soon afterward. Professional players are encouraged!

One of the region's most intense guitarists returns to the Red Rooster on on December 29th, as Robert Allen Jr. delivers his explosive take on jump blues and early rock 'n roll. He's a 7-time nominee for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards, and was voted Milwaukee's best blues band for two years in… Read More »Robert Allen Jr.

The hot horn sound is back to warm the end of December! With a funky punch of deep rhythm and bright instrumentation. Rare Element has secured a strong reputation for its high-intensity, live shows. The band’s highly talented 7-piece roster, including a 3-piece horn section, brings massive energy to the stage at each performance. The… Read More »Rare Element