Actor, musician and humanitarian Gary Sinise is bringing a deeply personal musical tribute to Milwaukee with the world premiere of Graceful Warrior, a concert experience honoring his late son, Mac Sinise.
The performances will take place August 28 and 29 at the Cabot Theatre inside Skylight Music Theatre. The program will feature an orchestra, members of Gary Sinise’s Lieutenant Dan Band and selections from Mac’s three albums of original music.
During an interview on 620 WTMJ’s What’s on Tap with Sandy Maxx, Sinise reflected on Mac’s journey from a young drummer to a composer and songwriter.
Mac attended the University of Southern California’s music school before joining the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017. There, he worked with veterans, managed the foundation’s Education and Outreach Center and helped preserve Gary’s archive of memorabilia.
Mac was later diagnosed with chordoma, a rare cancer that eventually left him unable to walk or play the drums. Despite those challenges, he returned to composing in 2023 and completed a piece titled “Arctic Circles” with longtime friend Oliver Schnee.
That recording inspired Mac to complete an album called Resurrection & Revival. The project was sent to production just weeks before his death on January 5, 2024.
After Mac’s passing, Gary discovered additional compositions, demos and lyrics stored on his son’s phone and laptop. He worked with Mac’s friends and collaborators to complete the unfinished material, eventually producing two more albums.
Gary said preserving the music has helped him process his grief while introducing audiences to his son’s talent.
The Graceful Warrior concert will feature selections from Mac’s catalog, performed primarily by an orchestra conducted by Jeff Saver. Gary will also appear onstage to share stories about Mac, the music and the family’s journey.
Graceful Warrior will be presented August 28 and 29 at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee.
