Sound Waves 2026: Summer Concerts at Schlitz Audubon
The Sound Waves Winter Concert Series 2026 brings local musicians to the Nature Center’s Great Hall for six Sunday afternoon performances from January 4 through February 8. Concerts run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are designed to be welcoming for the whole family, with beverages and snacks available for purchase. Performances are free for Schlitz Audubon members or included with regular admission.
The series is a cozy way to break up the winter season: come for a hike, stay for music, or simply enjoy an afternoon performance in one of the North Shore’s most beautiful community spaces.
2026 Sound Waves Winter Concert Lineup
January 4 — Julien Kozak
Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Julien Kozak opens the series with a mellow pop-folk sound. His family-friendly music blends soothing vocals, intricate guitar melodies and relatable lyrics, with influences including James Taylor, John Mayer and Ed Sheeran.
January 11 — Noah James Hittner
Madison singer-songwriter Noah James Hittner brings his “Acoustic-Tronic” style to Schlitz Audubon, mixing acoustic, rock, urban and electronic sounds. His live-looping performance creates a full-band feel that should be fun for all ages.
January 18 — Restrung Family Fun
Formerly known as We 3 Ukes, Restrung Family Fun features Tom and Vinn Stemper and Steve Girman. This one is especially geared toward younger listeners, with playful music, audience participation, movement, puppets, scarves and even juggling.
January 25 — Roxie Beane
Roxie Beane performs family- and radio-friendly acoustic covers across pop, rock, alternative and soul. Her “Acoustic Funk Rock” style brings an upbeat, cross-generational sound to the Great Hall.
February 1 — Matt Froelich
Milwaukee singer-songwriter Matt Froelich, also a member of the rock group Halfway Moon Hideaway, performs a mix of original songs and covers. His indie pop and rock style draws from artists including Mac DeMarco, Covet, The Flaming Lips and Elliott Smith.
February 8 — Ben Merens
Bayside acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter Ben Merens closes the series with original songs, covers from the ’70s and a unique interactive twist. A former Wisconsin Public Radio host, Merens creates “songs on the spot” based on audience stories and suggestions.
What to Know Before You Go
What: Sound Waves Winter Concert Series 2026
Where: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee
When: Sundays, January 4–February 8, 2026
Time: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for members or included with admission
Admission: Adults $10; ages 3–17 $7; children 2 and under free; military $7
Best for: Families, music lovers, nature center members and anyone looking for a low-key winter afternoon outing
With six different performances across six winter Sundays, Sound Waves offers an easy reason to get out of the house, enjoy live local music and spend time at Schlitz Audubon during one of the quieter seasons of the year.
Looking for more outdoor summer concerts in the area? We have you covered. Check out our guide to live summer music in Milwaukee’s North Shore.
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