Wurk & DB Orchestra Present...
The WURKestra
After 10 years of touring the Midwest as a funk-fusion band, Wurk is preparing its most
ambitious project yet as its capstone. In collaboration with the DB Orchestra, a 17-piece big band loaded with
trumpets, trombones, and saxophones plus percussion and sousaphone, Wurk will be presenting the
WURKestra for a limited run of concerts in the fall. Their second event will be hosted in Milwaukee at the
Miramar Theatre on Friday, October 23rd.
Voted the 2019 and 2022 MAMA Artist of the Year by Madison music lovers, Wurk is known for their wide
range of influences including funk, progressive rock, pop and jam band. The DB Orchestra has similarly been
blending genres such as jazz swing, doo-wop, Dixieland and rock ‘n’ roll for over a decade. Daniel Haschke,
saxophonist and member of both groups, noticed how both projects took an innovative approach to arranging
music and decided there was something special to be explored. “I’ve always been inspired by unique musical
collaborations,” Haschke reflects, “especially when popular artists work with big orchestras. I realized that all
of the pieces were in place for me and my bandmates to craft a truly one-of-a-kind experience.”
The WURKestra presentation will come to Milwaukee on Friday, October 23rd, 2026 at the Miramar Theatre
after its debut in Madison the week before. Concertgoers can expect over two hours of bold and brassy
interpretations of Wurk originals, innovative reimaginings of popular covers, and pieces original to the
WURKestra. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 day of show. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins
promptly at 8pm at the Miramar Theatre.
Wurk is a 6-piece funk-fusion group which formed in Madison, WI in 2016. Inspired by Umphrey’s McGee,
Snarky Puppy, Lettuce, Phish and many others, their innovative original songs and ambitious interpretations
of popular covers offer an impressive blend of jazz fusion, prog rock, jam rock and more, all with the
consistent underlying grooves of funk. The DB Orchestra, led by Andy Kerber, combines the nuanced
harmonies of a doo-wop group, the intensity of a marching band, and the flair of great jazz ensembles of
yesteryear. With a roster of nearly 20 musicians, the hot horns, smooth saxes, and driving drums of the DB
Orchestra will keep your head humming and toes tapping long after the show’s over.
