Kenosha WI– Before taking the stage thousands of miles away across the Atlantic, some of Kenosha’s brightest rising young jazz musicians are giving their hometown a special front-row preview.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, Kenosha Sister Cities presents the Jerome Porter Quintet in an intimate performance and fundraiser at White Lilac in downtown Kenosha. The concert serves as a prelude to the group’s upcoming trip to Wolfenbüttel, Germany, where they will represent Kenosha at the 12th Wolfenbüttel Culture Night.
The partnership between Kenosha and Wolfenbüttel stretches back to 1970, and this trip marks more than five decades of shared culture. Now, a fresh generation of homegrown talent is set to carry that tradition forward.
The ensemble brings together a lineup of emerging regional talent:
- Jerome Porter – Keys
- Emily Dao – Vocals
- Makenna Strebe – Alto Saxophone
- Liam Perotto – Bass
- Michael Alberts – Drums
Born in Chicago and raised in Kenosha, bandleader Jerome Porter is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside studying Contemporary Commercial Music with a focus in composition. A trumpeter, keyboardist, and composer, Porter blends classic jazz traditions with R&B influences to carve out a distinct sound of his own.
UW–Parkside jazz professor Russ Johnson, who has mentored Porter since high school, points to creativity as one of the hallmark qualities defining the young artist. Throughout his time at Parkside, Porter has composed and performed original works, including pieces written for the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Local audiences are already taking notice. Just this past August, Porter led an ensemble of emerging UW–Parkside musicians to open the 2026 HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival, sharing the bill with renowned artists including Chicago trumpeter Corey Wilkes and Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum.
A Concert With a Purpose
Beyond an evening of live music, the Sept. 5 performance is a fundraiser to help the quintet cover incidental travel expenses as they represent Kenosha abroad.
Seating is intentionally limited to preserve the room’s intimate atmosphere. Attendees will also have the opportunity to make additional donations to support the musicians’ journey to Germany.
Don’t miss your chance to see these gifted young musicians up close before they head overseas. Support homegrown talent and help carry Kenosha’s music to an international audience!
Event Details & Tickets
- Event: The Jerome Porter Quintet – From Kenosha to Germany
- Presented by: Kenosha Sister Cities
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Location: White Lilac, Downtown Kenosha
- Tickets & Info: Reserve Tickets on Eventbrite