Hi it’s me, Ben. Yes, it’s true. Unfortunately, the time has come for me to depart Wisconsin Music Ventures as I go full-time at another job while continuing to do some freelance journalism/blogging on the side. Before I go, I’d like to say that I’m truly grateful and appreciative of the opportunity Allison has given … More Spotlight of the Week: Ben Slowey’s Departure
Jenn Leo is a musician based in Milwaukee who primarily covers female singer-songwriters. She performs both solo and with duo Ben & Jenn. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? JENN: Well, I met Allison when she was establishing a community handbell choir in Wauwatosa, so we had a few rehearsals and … More Spotlight of the Week: Jenn Leo
Mie is a singer-songwriter based in Milwaukee whose style encompasses pop, alt and folk. Her debut EP “Alchemie” came out in 2021. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? MIE: I attended the MKE Tech Music Conference in October and had met up with Allison afterwards. Through that interaction and having been … More Spotlight of the Week: Mie
Steven Smith is a singer-songwriter from Milwaukee. His current primary project is duo act Smith & Binder with fellow Wisconsin Music Ventures member Linda Binder. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? STEVEN: I can’t remember where I saw it…it might have been Facebook…and it seemed unusual but also interesting the way … More Spotlight of the Week: Steven Smith
Dusty Pockets is the solo project of Jeffrey Salczenko. Originally a jazz artist, he has been breaking into the Milwaukee music scene as a singer-songwriter the last few years. ME: How did you get involved in Wisconsin Music Ventures? JEFF: I have a mentor that had suggested it who was a friend of Allison’s. He … More Spotlight of the Week: Dusty Pockets
Esquires II were formed to keep the sound of the original Esquires alive, who formed in Milwaukee in 1957 and were active until 1976. They perform as a six-piece band while led by Johnny Moorer, Tammie Moorer Pace and Rudy Jacobs. We spoke to Johnny this week. ME: How did Esquires II get involved with … More Spotlight of the Week: Esquires II
David HB Drake is an artist who’s been called a “gentle troubadour” and an “elemental folk singer.” His music is inspired by Midwest journeys and culture, and he’s been performing for over fifty years. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? DAVID: I have a very good friend, Dean Calin, who is … More Spotlight of the Week: David HB Drake
Steven J. White is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who has done scoring and sound design, working with both electronic and acoustic instruments. His solo album “Breath” is available on Bandcamp; he currently plays with acts Sindoolaa and Yves Francois as well. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? STEVEN: I tripped over … More Spotlight of the Week: Steven White
Canary Reeds are a Milwaukee-based woodwind quintet who play both contemporary and standard chamber music. We spoke to their clarinetist, Lauren LaFond. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? LAUREN: So, it actually started when I was in a reed quintet in my undergraduate, and our coach – who happens to be … More Spotlight of the Week: Canary Reeds
Kristin Sponcia is a pianist, vocalist, composer and teacher who is from Milwaukee but now lives in Chicago. Her career has focused on teaching and performing American jazz. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? KRISTIN: It was through a friend of mine, Marcya Daneille, who was already a member. She suggested … More Spotlight of the Week: Kristin Sponcia
