Jay from MKE Shows - Bridging Milwaukee's Music Scene with Gancio - The Lorenzo's Music Podcast
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In this episode of Lorenzo’s Music Podcast, I meet Jay, who runs the music calendar website mkeshows.com, a community calendar dedicated to showcasing live music events in Milwaukee. Jay talks about becoming involved in the DIY music scene and connecting local artists and audiences through this centralized platform. We discuss the challenges of show promotions and the innovative use of Gancio, the open-source federated calendar software that powers his site.
Jay tells me about his history in the music scene over the years, including his work with various bands like Milorganaut and his involvement in the now-defunct Borg Ward venue. He also shares insights into his new project, Fall Tragedy, and his upcoming tour in Japan. We mention the importance of grassroots efforts in promoting local music and the potential for mkeshows.com to become a great resource for both artists and fans.
Key Takeaways
- Gancio Calendar Platform: A community calendar for shows.
- MKE Shows: built for the need for a centralized calendar arose from the chaotic show scene.
- Open-source: Ganchio was chosen for its open-source and decentralized nature.
- Music Community: He emphasizes the importance of community in promoting local shows.
- DIY Music: The DIY ethos is strong in the Milwaukee music scene.
Links Mentioned
- Gancio https://gancio.org/
- MKE Shows https://mkeshows.com
- Milorganaut https://milorganaut.bandcamp.com
- Fall Tragedy https://falltragedy.bandcamp.com
Connect with MKE Shows
- Website https://mkeshows.com
- Mastodon @mkeshows
- Bluesky bsky.app/profile/mkeshows.com
- Instagram @mkeshows
This episode was recorded on March 1, 2026. Special thanks to Jay from MKE Shows for sharing his insights and experiences with me.
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video above.