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Monday Profile: Renowned portrait artist draws a crowd to La Crosse La Crosse Tribune
“A group of artists quietly paints as the downtown traffic buzzes by two
stories below. Among the group is Talbot Cox, an established portrait
artist, who traveled from his home in South Africa to learn from Peggy
Baumgaertner in her La Crosse studio. On his last day in La Crosse, Cox said
he sought out Baumgaertner because her work stood out from the hundreds of
other portrait artists he has seen at the best galleries around the world.”
Business in
Wisconsin Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Retail - Utrecht art supply store has opened a second store on the
campus of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and will be located at 143
N. Broadway. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to
6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. It opens the week of Aug. 11
and will offer fine art materials and supplies.”
Arts Education
Beach creatures Superior Daily Telegram
“Taking a summer stroll along the beach at Wisconsin Point, a Diminutive
Duiker takes a break from his daily travels to pose for some photos. The
photographer, Åke (pronounced Oak-ee) Carlson is very familiar with this
specific species of Duiker — he created it. Spawned from the hands of
Carlson, the Duiker is a small African antelope that is built from a few
small sticks, some birch bark and dry grass.”
Arty kids - Instill art appreciation, museum manners and the pure joy of
creation in your children The Isthmus
“Madison is justly famous for its bicycle paths, lakes and world-class
university. Money magazine named Middleton the best place to live in America
in 2007, an award Madison took in 1997. Best Life magazine ranked Madison as
the eighth best place to raise a family in 2007; if you ask parents why they
love the city, chances are they will name the school system as a reason. In
1997 Utne Reader ranked Madison America's fifth most enlightened city to
live in. But one aspect of Madison that is frequently, and unjustly,
overlooked is the wealth of artistic opportunities for children of all
ages.”
UW-Madison
finishes chancellor's home renovations GM Today MADISON – “The University of Wisconsin-Madison will welcome its new
chancellor this month with a newly renovated home. Cornell University
provost Biddy Martin is expected to arrive mid-month. She will move into
Olin House, which has just undergone a $2.4 million renovation.”
Community Arts
ArtCast:
Episode 6 Americans for the Arts “Bob Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, discusses the
importance of building partnerships when it comes to advocating for the
arts.”
Places to Visit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: The Multicultural Delight Blog: Regional Directory
“Milwaukee, Wisconsin is by far the largest city in the state. It is located
on the shore of Lake Michigan and is densely populated. Milwaukee is an
extremely multicultural city, especially in the Metropolitan regions. The
city was once renowned for its manufacturing industry, but has had to take
giant steps to reshape its image when the industry found cheaper
accommodation elsewhere. Milwaukee is now a modern city which is home to a
whole multitude of activities, museums, and other points of interest. It is
exciting, dynamic, and lively, and there are activities and entertainment
for all.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
Circus
Parade seeks donors to get wagons rolling again in Milwaukee Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Milwaukee’s Great Circus Parade organizers have launched a grass-roots
campaign to raise money for the 2009 parade. A new Web site, at
www.greatcircusparade.org, asks parade fans to make small donations to help
fund the parade's return on July 12, parade co-chairs Bill Fox and Jack
McKeithan have announced. Parade organizers 'conceived of a grass-roots Web
site as a measuring stick for Milwaukee interest in the parade,' Fox said.”
Literary
Libraries see pay-off of sour economy - Families on a scaled-back budget
find alternatives at local branch GM Today WAUKESHA – “With the economy continuing to flounder and families finding
it harder and harder to make ends meet, more people are turning to their
local libraries for budget-friendly entertainment options. The Waukesha
County Federated Library System is seeing an increase in usage from
residents looking for an inexpensive way to have fun and educate
themselves.”
Audio books allow 'readers' to get up and go Appleton Post-Crescent “Cruising down the interstate, Shanna Buettner often pops an audio book
in the car stereo and settles in for a long ride. Then she gets detoured. 'I
was listening to a CD once that was an interactive dramatic story with
helicopters and police sirens,' the 28-year-old Appleton woman recalled. 'I
was looking around like, "Oh my gosh, what did I do?" You really kind of
lose yourself in the books.' Although Buettner always will prefer holding a
novel in her hands, on travels, performing mundane tasks around the house or
when exercising, she has another option — appreciating literature with her
ears.”
Public libraries are keeping up - Fox Cities facilities evolving with
technology, patrons' needs Appleton Post-Crescent “Over the past two decades, Wendy McMorrow has seen the public library
grow and change alongside her four children, who range in age from 20 to 12.
When McMorrow's two oldest were young, the family waited in line for
librarians to check out their materials. Now, McMorrow and her two youngest,
who visit the Appleton Public Library together a few times per month,
typically scan their items at a self-check machine. 'There'll be a line
waiting for the actual person to do it for you. We just go over there,' said
McMorrow, 47, of Darboy. 'It's faster and very easy, and the directions are
right there.'"
Media Arts
Local videographer
shows dramatic footage of lake Wisconsin Dells Events
“Phillip White got the day off Monday, June 9 and happened to catch Lake
Delton draining on film. Wednesday night, he showed that film to the public.
Endless barrels of ink have been spilled describing what happened at Lake
Delton June 9, and countless hours of footage have been broadcast on CNN and
FOX News showing homes and trees floating down the Wisconsin River. Yet
despite the seemingly over saturation of media coverage about the event,
more than 100 local residents still felt the need to watch 36 more
breathtaking minutes of footage Wednesday night at Kilbourn Public Library.
Local photographer and videographer Phillip White videotaped the historic
draining of Lake Delton from the end of Bowman Road. After more than a month
of editing, White showed his final cut in public for the first time
Wednesday to a reverent crowd of viewers.”
Performing Arts
Music
If Dar
Williams defines roots music, count me as a fan (with photo gallery) The Capital Times
“The Madison Roots Festival ran for nine hours at Willow Island at the
Alliant Energy Center on Saturday, Aug. 2. And after nine hours, nobody came
away with a better sense of what the heck roots music was. Based on the mix
of national and local talent that took over the festival's two stages, roots
music is acoustic, electric, folky, funky, Americana, world music,
neo-feminist, testosterone-charged, thrilling, snoozy. Maybe the genre
shouldn't be defined by a sound or a style so much as a tempo, a mellow but
upbeat pace; a Frappuccino buzz rather than an espresso high.”
Gas prices
grounding local bands Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “If you think gas prices have put a damper on your plans for a summer
getaway, consider what it’s like to be a band trying to plan a tour. Earlier
this summer, Daniel Bullock, accordion player for Milwaukee indie band The
Scarring Party, was booking shows for a 10-date East Coast tour that would
have made stops in New York, Boston and Canada. But after calculating costs,
Bullock and his band realized the trip would be impossible to afford.”
Theater
AirVenture 2008 comes to a close Oshkosh Northwestern “By AirVenture’s close Sunday, John B. Bailey was one saturated sponge.
The Richmond, Va., area resident arrived one week ago at his first
AirVenture as 'an empty sponge here to suck up information' as he prepared
to build his Falconer F-11 aircraft from scratch… 'The expectation was that
this would be less than a banner year, but this has been an overwhelming
week,' Poberezny said Sunday afternoon. 'This has been the shot in the arm
aviation needed.' Poberezny said one of the convention’s deepest programs
ever – performers included comic Jeff Dunham, actor Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan
Band, rockers Foreigner and movies at the Fly-In Theater nightly – was
supported by strong sales reports from many exhibitors and a good variety of
display aircraft and new product announcements. He said attendance at
Theater in the Woods events ranged from 4,000 to 10,000 each night while
5,000 to 6,000 people watched movies at the Fly-In Theater each night.”
Other
Back on
Track NBC-15 Madison “It's been almost two months and for hundreds, lives and livelihoods
affected by the June floods are still far from normal. But, a sign of hope
Saturday as one of the area's oldest attractions gets back on track. Through
a lot of sweat and tears, they keep chugging along. All aboard is a simple
command, but one that hasn't been uttered in North Freedom for quite some
time. It's only drowned out by a whistle. Music to the ears of those who
made sure this engine would once again purr. Mid-Continent Railway Museum
General Manager Don Meyer says, 'Somethings been going on every day since
the flood with people out volunteering.' As passengers climb aboard the 100
year old train museum volunteers need only think back a few months in
history to remember their darkest days.”
Wauwatosa Jeweler and Grammy Award Winner Work to Create Beautiful Music and
WauwatosaNOW.com “Shawn Stockman, whose multi-Grammy Award winning group, Boyz II Men is
scheduled to play at the Wisconsin State Fair on August 8, will make another
stop while he's in Milwaukee. Stockman and Harry Glinberg, aka, the 'Baron
of Bling' and the owner of Harry C. Glinberg Jewelers (2675 N. Mayfair Road,
#305; www.harryglinbergjewelers.com) are collaborating on a line of
custom-designed jewelry. Glinberg resides in Mequon. 'This is an exciting
opportunity for us,' Stockman said. 'When Harry's creativity is at work,
jewelry is nothing but spectacular. I think we could have a lot of fun and
an attractive product line on which I'd be proud to put my name.'”
Kara Patterson: Dogs come to life for K-9 fundraiser Appleton Post Crescent
“Menasha third-grader Claire Reuss has found some new favorite dogs in town,
and they're all decked out for a cause. Claire's mom, Terri Reuss, is a
volunteer with K-9 Corps, a nonprofit group formed in January to raise funds
for the start-up costs of acquiring a K-9 unit for the Menasha Police
Department. Together mom and daughter have gone throughout the city to see
the concrete yet lifelike German Shepherd statues that businesses and groups
are sponsoring through K-9 Corps' latest fundraiser, K-9 Creations. Artists
and some groups are decorating 37 dog statues, plus 15 concrete fire hydrant
statues. They'll be on display outside businesses and at the Menasha Public
Library until Sept. 13.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt: The Absent City at Madison Museum Artdaily.org
Now through November 16
MADISON, WI “A three-part installation by Roberto Behar and Rosario
Marquardt opens in the State Street Gallery and lobby of the Madison Museum
of Contemporary Art from August 2 to November 16, 2008. Roberto Behar and
Rosario Marquardt: The Absent City examines scale, transparency, and
language while drawing attention to the function of the museum and its
relationship to the community.”
Main Events Eau Claire Leader Telegram August 9
“Pepin County Paintings: Two paintings commissioned for Pepin
County's sesquicentennial will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Saturday at Washington
Square in Durand. Rozan Henning of Augusta has created an acrylic painting
titled 'Campaign Speeches' of the Old Pepin County Courthouse in Durand.
Midge Bolt of Pepin has produced an illustration that combines a century-old
black-and-white photograph superimposed over a modern day color photograph
of the old Durand depot.”
Main Events Eau Claire Leader Telegram Through August 31
“SCULPTURE: Eau Claire artist Bob Heller will display his motorcycle
sculptures next month at Just Local Food Co-op, 772 First Ave. The exhibit
opens Friday and will remain on view through Sunday, Aug. 31. There will be
a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday.”
Arts Education
UW-Madison dean to host biofuels talk Ashland Daily Press August 14
“A University of Wisconsin-Madison dean will highlight the latest in
university research about bioenergy and biofuels at a public talk on Aug.
14. The event will feature Molly Jahn, dean of the College of Agricultural
and Life Sciences at UW-Madison, who will discuss current UW research on
finding new, renewable sources of energy and its implications for the
Chequamegon Bay area.”
Shawano fest has touch of Hollywood Green Bay Press Gazette
August 8 – 10
“For its 30th anniversary, the Shawano Music Festival will have a bit
of Hollywood luster in its lineup. Actor Ronny Cox will perform in the
Saturday evening concert with his band from South Carolina. 'Most people
don't know he was a singer-songwriter before he got into movies,' said Dori
Jeger, festival co-director. 'In Deliverance, he was the person who
played in the (famous) "Dueling Banjos" part. He got the role because he was
a musician.' Cox's movies include Bound for Glory, Taps,
The Onion Field, RoboCop and Beverly Hills Cop. Among his
TV credits are the series 'Apple's Way' and 'St. Elsewhere' and the movie
Perfect Murder, Perfect Town, on the Jon Benet Ramsey murder case.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
Popular demand brings Gaelic Storm back to Irishfest for two performances La Crosse Tribune August 9-10
“The lads and lass of Gaelic Storm are back and because they’ve been
so popular with La Crosse audiences, Irishfest has booked them for two days.
They will perform at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug.
10. Since its inception nearly 10 years ago, Gaelic Storm continues to
broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre by writing original
songs and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and
acoustic instrumentation combined with their blend of world rhythms. The
band is rowdy, raucous and just plain fun. You’ll likely find yourself
singing along and getting up to dance.”
German traditions to come to life with Blas Fest Wausau Daily Herald August 9
“Billed as a 'one-day trip to Germany,' the Bull Falls Blas Fest will
feature old country traditions including food, music, dancing and, of
course, das bier. The Blas Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on
Saturday, Aug. 9 at Isle of Ferns Park in Wausau.”
Wauwatosa Bodran Player to Teach at Irish Fest Summer School WauwatosaNOW.com August 11 - 15
“Patrick Roe will pass along more than the skills needed for playing
the bodhran (bow-rawn) when he teaches two classes on the hand held drum
during the Irish Fest Summer School, Aug. 11-15 at the Milwaukee School of
Engineering, 1025 N. Broadway. Roe, of Wauwatosa, will teach a class for
absolute beginners as well as co-teach a class in transitioning from
traditional to 'top-end' and hybrid styles during the school, which is
celebrating its 22nd year with a move to MSOE. The school is a complement to
Milwaukee Irish Fest, the world's largest festival of Irish music and
culture, which celebrates its 28th anniversary from Aug. 14-17.”
Tombstone tour is Aug. 13-14 Green Bay Press-Gazette
August 13 – 14
ALLOUEZ — “Visitors will get a flavor of local history in two 'If
Tombstones Could Talk' tours Aug. 13-14 at Allouez Catholic Cemetery, 2121
Riverside Drive. The Brown County Historical Society event offers a step
back in time to hear the stories of prominent and not-so-prominent citizens
at their gravesites.”
Literary
National Poetry Slam The Isthmus Through August 9
“Who said August was the off-season? The granddaddy of spoken word
events, the National Poetry Slam, is coming to Madison this August 3-9.
Poets representing 80 teams from all over North America and Europe will
converge on Madison for a week's worth of competitions, workshops, and
themed open mic's. It all culminates in the Grand Slam Finals at the
beautiful, 2,000-seat Overture Theater on Saturday, August 9. Organized by
our friends over at Urban Spoken Word and the Still Waters Collective,
please visit the website if you are interested in volunteering at NPS. And
don't be surprised if you see a few First Wave students and mentors slamming
on their respective Madison and Milwaukee teams.”
A buzzy week ahead at
the Beaver Dam Community Library Beaver Dam Daily Citizen August 7
“Honeybee is the buzz word at Beaver Dam Community Library, and there
are a number of buzz-worthy programs planned, including a bee-themed
storytime from 10 to 10:30 on Thursday. On Thursday at 2 p.m., people of all
ages are invited to meet Madison beekeeper Markie Pendleton and her
honeybees. Pendelton, who has been performing at public libraries for 15
years, will talk about the lifecycle of the honeybee, their bee hives,
pollination and products made by honeybees. He will bring an observation
hive to the library. Two movies will be shown this week.”
Performing Arts
Dance
'Dance Theatre Workshop' begins Monday Green Bay Press-Gazette August 4 – 7
“Green Bay School of Dance will offer 'Dance Theatre Workshop' Monday
through Thursday at its studio, 129 S. Washington St. Participants will
explore styles, techniques and choreographers of theater dance. Basic styles
class will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and is for dancers with minimal to
no experience. Intermediate/advanced class will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and
is for dancers with strong training. The cost is $75. Information is at
(920) 433-9510 or GBSDBALLET@aol.com.”
Several sessions of belly dancing scheduled at Plymouth Arts Center Sheboygan Press August 7 – 28
“Instructor Nikka Pamenter will teach three sessions of 'The Art of
Belly Dancing' Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m., Aug. 7-28; and Saturdays
from 9 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., Aug. 9-30 at the Plymouth Arts Center.
The class is intended for teens ages 13 and older and adults of all shapes
and sizes who enjoy a hard workout and like to dance. The classes will be
held at the Arts Center, 520 E. Mill St., downtown Plymouth.”
Music
We Are Scientists tell fibs about themselves The Isthmus
August 6
“On a dusty plain, We Are Scientists dress up like cowboys. They
demonstrate their macho zeal by wrestling down a herd of finely groomed
Pomeranian pups. In a swank restaurant, We Are Scientists date a beautiful
blond. They stare at her with creepy infatuation and pour syrup on their
frontman's lap.”
Local group develops hip-hop scene in Eau Claire Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
August 9
“Eau Town wasn't ready for Frozen Tundra. To break into the music
scene, the local hip-hop group became a regular during Wednesday open mic
night at The Stones Throw, rapping to a handful of barflies. Word spread.
Before long, dozens of fans were attending the open mic sessions to watch
the b-boys throw it down.”
Gonzalez back in La Crosse for one concert La Crosse Tribune August 9
“Singer-songwriter Ron Gonzalez returns to La Crosse for one concert
only at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Pump House Regional Arts Center,
119 King St. It is the first performance in La Crosse for Gonzalez since he
left the city to live and work in Los Angeles three months ago. Gonzalez
recently spent three weeks in England, where he had meetings with several UK
record company executives, including Simon Cowell of Sony BMG and 'American
Idol' fame.”
Presenting
Chicago,’ ‘Hairspray’ coming to La Crosse Center La Crosse Tribune September 21
“Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Monday for a two-show season of
theater at the La Crosse Center. The Roberts Group is bringing the Bob Fosse
musical Chicago for a 7 p.m. show Sept. 21 and the musical
Hairspray (pictured) for a 7:30 p.m. show March 18.”
Theater
Curtain rises on East grad’s theater troupe Wausau Daily Herald August 7 - 8
“An experimental and avant-garde play will be performed by a brand
new theater troupe Thursday and Friday at Wausau East High School. The play,
Bobrauschenbergamerica, will be the first production of Silver
Sparrow Productions, a company founded by the play’s director and producer,
19-year-old Laura Lamansky of Wausau. Bobrauschenbergamerica will be
performed at 7:30 p.m. in East’s Black Box Theater, 2607 N. 18th St.,
Wausau. The play’s title is a reference to Robert Rauschenberg, an
influential artist who helped usher in the pop artist era, a precursor to
Andy Warhol.”
Strong
female voices clash over illness in Chamber Theatre comedy Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
August 8 – 24
“Blink an eye and summer is half over. Here's the evidence: Next
theater season's first major production opens Friday at the Broadway Theatre
Center. The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is mounting Well, an
unconventional stage piece that was an off-Broadway hit in 2004 and had a
brief Broadway run two years later. In a nutshell, Well is an
autobiographical comedy about illness. I told you it's unusual.”
Other
Out of this world: Manitowoc artist creates Sputnikfest poster Manitowoc Herald Times
September 5-6
MANITOWOC — “Tina Kugler's campy Sputnikfest poster captures the fun
essence of the inaugural Sept. 5-6 celebration. 'I came up with this funny
sketch of this lady riding Sputnik with a beehive and ray gun,' said the
Manitowoc artist. 'It's kind of kitschy, campy — keeping in the spirit of
Spunikfest.' The 'Sputnik Girl' poster was Kugler's way of supporting the
event, which will commemorate the day in 1962 when a piece of the Russian
satellite Sputnik IV came hurdling from outer space, landing in the middle
of Manitowoc's North Eighth Street.”
VIDEO OF THE DAY
Danceworks IMAP YouTube.com This video clip introduces the viewer to Danceworks Intergenrational
Multi-Arts Project.
Tuesday, 8/5
IN THE NEWS
Visual Arts/Museums
Chazen Art Museum expansion Capital Times
“Also Monday night the commission OK'd plans for a $9 million, 70,000 square
foot expansion of the Chazen Museum of Art at 750 University Ave. The project
consists of a new four-story museum building linked to the existing Chazen via
an enclosed bridge. The third-floor bridge will serve as an art gallery and span
Murray Street, which is being converted into the east campus pedestrian mall.
The planned expansion would include gallery space, storage, study rooms, a
160-seat auditorium and a freight elevator for large art pieces. Visitors would
enter from University Avenue through a main lobby in the southwest corner of the
new building. Work is expected to begin in 2009 with an opening in February
2011. The site is the former A.W. Peterson office building that is being
demolished.”
Arts Education
La Crosse Boychoir back from concert tour of Austria and Germany La Crosse Tribune
“Logan Peter ended his career with the La Crosse Boychoir on the perfect note.
His graduation gift — a European tour. Logan, who will be a freshman at Central
High School in the fall, and 20 other members of the La Crosse Boychoir‘s
Touring Choir gave nine performances during a two-week concert tour of Austria
and Germany in June. 'The cathedrals and churches were amazing, and the
acoustics were unbelievable,' Logan said. 'The acoustics really let us open our
voices.' Logan, who sang with the choir for 41/2 years, said he enjoyed the
cultural experiences, from staying with host families to visiting the historical
sites. 'I had a chance to shoot bow and arrow with a dad who was a big archer
with a bunch of medals,' he said. 'My favorite memory is probably learning about
the culture and experiencing it all with my good friends.'”
COLUMN: Students get start on teaching careers Wausau Daily Herald
“When students return to Wausau West High School this fall, some of them
won't spend the year just as students. They will be working to become teachers.
Students have found that family and consumer education teacher Deb
Schweickhardt's popular childcare classes can lead them to state certification,
jobs and satisfying careers in the childcare and teaching fields.”
Singing to the music - Conservatory hones musical skills through summer Wausau Daily Herald
“For years, summer school classes and sports camps have been some of the most
typical activities for kids during their vacation months. But thanks to the
Wausau Conservatory of Music, 15 students recently tuned their summers to the
sound of a different type of education. At the middle level choral camp, held
from July 21 to 25, campers from grades four through eight gathered every
morning for three-hour singing sessions. Under the direction of choir director
Julie Burgess, the students came together to develop a strong, collective group
sound and to improve choral singing dynamics.”
Summer camp stresses imagination, ingenuity
Sussex Sun “In a classroom at Merton Intermediate School last week, children huddled
over old household appliances that, on first glance, seemed like nothing more
than pieces of junk. But on closer inspection and explanation from students, it
was easy to see how a milk jug and circuit board could convert into a
high-powered jet pack and a cardboard box and vacuum attachment would naturally
transform into a mighty rocket. Students’ imaginations ran wild as they
participated in a whirlwind adventure called Camp Invention held at the school
July 28-Aug. 1.”
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee unveils 8 possible dorm sites Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Real Estate Foundation on Monday
released a list of eight proposed locations for the school’s new dorm in
Milwaukee’s east side and Riverwest neighborhoods, with sites as far west as the
Holton Terrace apartments and as far east as the old Prospect Mall.”
Community Arts
Music business grows again The Daily Telegram
“After years of blending in, Scott Johnson is ready to stand out. His business,
Northwoods Guitar, moves into the center of three buildings that were the former
Louis Cafe on Sept. 1. A bold canopy highlights the site as Northwoods Music,
and a blue neon sign will soon do the same. Johnson’s expanding business began
as a coffee shop in the storefront area of the Nottingham Apartments building on
Tower Avenue’s 1800 block. The store offered lattes and cappuccinos, and Johnson
taught guitar lessons on the side. Despite a front sign that blended in with the
other businesses in the building, the number of people interested in lessons
grew. So in 2003, the store changed its focus from Java to music.”
2008 Riverfest most successful in recent years Watertown Daily Times
“The perfect weather, diverse bands, great food and entertainment for people of
all ages helped make the 22nd annual Riverfest celebration at Riverside Park one
of the most successful in recent years, according to festival Chairman Tom
Schultz. 'This was an incredible year with the weather being perfect,' Schultz
said. 'The best laid plans of music and everything else doesn't work if you
don't have good weather and with the good weather this has been one of the best
ones we've had in recent years.'”
Literary
'Wild' West-ern Wisconsin Dunn County News
“Think about it, where was the 'Wild West' in the United States? I suspect that
most of us living in this land of forests and verdant prairies of Wisconsin have
the vague idea that those cowboy and Indian lands of the prairie west of the
Mississippi deserved the title of the 'Wild West.' We have a tendency to forget
that the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock must have had some second thoughts
when they saw that first sunset over a truly wild west. After the American
Revolution ended in 1783 and the subsequent Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the 'wild west' had a new horizon — the nation west of the Mississippi River. It was
then the gentrified press of eastern newspapers featured stories about the bad
men of the plains, paying scant attention to the still 'wild' Wisconsin.”
Paper Cuts Blog: Every Word New York Times “We are, no surprise, surrounded by books in our office. But in
readying a review for publication, the one volume we still turn to more than any
other is that old standby, Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Over the
years, flipping through its thin and scalloped pages to determine (for instance)
whether there’s a hyphen in 'dog-eared' or whether 'crapulence' will fly here,
we have come to imagine a playful intelligence at work among the anonymous
clerks and typesetters who tease each new edition of this thing into being, and
who must do whatever they can to relieve their drudgery amid a treasure trove —
the treasure trove — of words.”
Media Arts
Whitewater's "Witches" Subject of Movie Trailer
WMTV, Madison “One local community alleged to have a dark past is the subject of a feature
film. But is there any truth behind the plot? Behind lock and key, in the old
wing of the university library sit shelves, stocked full of history. Karen
Weston, UW Whitewater's archivist, has fielded questions about one specific book
for years. 'Certainly it's a regular reference question,' Weston says. It's also
mentioned in a movie trailer.” For the trailer, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCWLed98QFM
Is Mukwonago soccer coach a finalist . . . or is he ‘The Mole’? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Mukwonago soccer coach Mark Lambrecht could be 'The Mole.' 'I’m here, and
that’s an amazing feeling,' the 42-year-old Lambrecht said as one of the final
three competitors in ABC’s summertime 'reality' competition. Completing the trio
of finalists are Nicole Williams, 32, a doctor from Chicago; and Craig Silke,
30, a graphic designer from San Diego. One of them is a fake, one will lose and
the third will pick up a pot that’s nearing $500,000.”
Performing Arts
Music
The Heart of Lead Belly - A Singer to Be Reckoned With Milwaukee Shepherd Express
“Take out the amateur, needlessly placed poems by Tyehimba Jess in mawkish,
embarrassing praise of Lead Belly and we have a perfect book. Lead Belly: A Life inPictures (Steidl) is not merely a picture book at all, but is rife with
brilliant essays and era-specific memorabilia that portray the complexity of the
man who just might be America’s finest folksinger – because he sang anything and
was no purist.”
Oh, say can you sing? - Teams have to be choosy when it comes to hard-to-sing
national anthem Capital Times
“With all the talk that swirls about what it means to be a patriot, someone
should salute Koby Schellenger. The Madison Mallards' marketing manager thinks
the national anthem should be treated with respect. That's why, on one very long
day last May, he held a tryout for people who wanted to sing 'The Star-Spangled
Banner' before Mallards' games this summer. Thirty-four spots were open; 120
people tried out. All in one day.”
Theater
What a phoole! - Her Majesty's jester jokes arounde at the Faire Kenosha News
BRISTOL – “It takes smarts to play stupid. And Ann-Elizabeth Shapera is a genius
when it comes to portraying an idiot. A sly one at that. Shapera, a Milwaukee
resident, has played Jane the Phoole, jester to Queen Elizabeth, at the Bristol
Renaissance Faire in Kenosha County since 1990. She circulates around the
grounds and interacts with those in attendance, telling corny jokes, offering
wacky observations and, well, making an endearing fool of herself - much to the
delight of onlookers.”
Other
Fantasy games - Elves and warriors do battle with villains and creatures at
role-playing event at Petrifying Springs Kenosha News
“Fantasy came to life as medieval warriors battled giant beetles, aided by
sorcerers and mystic healers on a recent Saturday at Petrifying Springs Park.
The members of Wisconsin's NERO (New England Role Playing Organization) chapter
aren't content to roll the dice and move pawns on a game board. They came
prepared for a day of live action role-playing, with costumes and alternate
identities. Organizer Christopher Brimmer of Greendale, Wis., explained, 'It's
like going to the Renaissance Faire but being an active participant instead of
just walking around.'"
Jargon in the Nonprofit World: Contributions From Readers Blog: Give and Take, The Chronicle of Philanthropy “Readers throughout the nonprofit world are joining our quest to collect
your favorite jargon words. We asked The Chronicle’s followers on the
social-networking site Twitter to point out their least-favorite jargon words.
Here is what some of them had to say:”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
Photography: Joined and Committed Milwaukee Shepherd Express August 14 – November 30; Reception August 14
“It would be an error to say photographers Johnie Shimon and Julie Lindemann are
the 'J & J' of Manitowoc, Wis., even though, like G & G (British art duo Gilbert
& George), they’re close as twins. The pair got together during their student
years in Madison, and they stuck together after graduation, setting off to bite
the Big Apple. After a year, they returned to Wisconsin. Following their careers
for 25 years tempts me to say that their show in the Koss Gallery at the
Milwaukee Art Museum (Aug. 14 through Nov. 30) will be the peak of their combined
efforts.”
Summer reading program winds down The Daily Telegram August 6, 7
“Our Summer Reading Program, 'Catch the Reading Bug,' is winding down after a
whirlwind of activities and programs. There are two programs left. The first one
is Wednesday when Amy Mack will offer a craft program teaching kids to make
Bella Coola masks, which are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, especially
British Columbia. The second is on Thursday when the Douglas County Genealogy
Club introduces children (preferably 4th grade and older) to the tools used in
learning family history. They will have an opportunity to start their own family
tree and 'Catch the Genealogy Bug.' Both of these programs will be held from 2-3
p.m. in the large meeting room. There is no fee or registration. Just come.”
Band students perform Thursday at Washington Park Manitowoc Herald Times August 7
MANITOWOC — “The Summer Band Bash, a summer school band consisting of public and
private school students in grades 6-8, will give a free concert at 2 p.m.
Thursday at Washington Park in Manitowoc. In case of rain, the concert will move
to the Washington Junior High School auditorium. The concert will feature music
from Pirates of the Caribbean, 'Smoke on the Water,' 'Clarinet Jive' and
more.”
High school all-star band to kick off Jazz Fest La Crosse Tribune August 8
“Andrew Appold can’t think of a better gig than playing with an all-star
ensemble of high school musicians at the Great River Jazz Fest in La Crosse. 'It
is just a blast to play with instrumentalists with so much talent,' Appold said.
'We have great music to play, and we’re at a jazz festival.' Appold, a recent
Onalaska Luther High School graduate who plans to study instrumental music at
Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn., has played tenor saxophone with the
Coulee Region High School Jazz All-Stars since the group was formed two years
ago for the Great River Jazz Fest. The 20-member ensemble will open this year’s
jazz fest with a concert at 5 p.m. Friday in the La Crosse Center Ballroom.”
Redikulus Dae set for Aug. 6 Rhinelander Daily News August 6 “For more than 25 years, downtown Rhinelander merchants have been hauling
out their biggest bargains for a one day street sale. This year is no exception.
The street sale is known as Redikulus Dae and will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown Rhinelander.”
Auditions set for ‘Sound of Music’ Hudson Star-Observer August 18-20
“Auditions for The Sound of Music, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by
Oscar Hammerstein II, are scheduled Monday-Wednesday, Aug. 18-20, from 6:30 to
9:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater of The Phipps Center for the Arts.”
Keeping It Local - The ‘people’ behind People’s Books Cooperative Milwaukee Shepherd Express September 1 “There’s no denying it: We live in a world ruled by huge multinational
corporations increasingly estranged from their places of origin. Perhaps the
best any of us can hope for is that they outpace even themselves and eventually
run out of steam. Luckily, Milwaukee is home to a growing number of enterprises
taking a more active stance, seeking egalitarian alternatives to the corporate
model in a bid to give community building more important role than investment
seeking. Among them is People’s Books Cooperative, an independent bookstore that
marks its first anniversary as a cooperative enterprise on Sept. 1.”
Literary
Madison National Poetry Slam team ready for the spotlight The Isthmus August 6
“Whether it's their first or their third national slam, all five Madison team
members admit to being nervous about the competition. Gathering in a muggy UW
Red Gym last Tuesday night, the five spoken word performers representing Madison
in the National Poetry Slam were intent on their final preparations for the big
show this week. At this point, it’s almost all repetition. The Madison team has
been meeting for months, starting shortly after city finals competition back in
May. Since that time, they’ve been collectively choosing the strongest pieces
from each performer and amassing their verbal ammunition. As the national
competition approached, they started meeting more frequently, using the time to
practice their pieces, get team feedback, and tweak their performances. Slam.
Critique. Repeat.”
Media Arts
Tickets on sale for Rubber Chicken Radio Hour show Superior Daily Telegram August 16
“Crank up the radio for the next live broadcast of the Rubber Chicken Radio
Hour, or better yet, see the broadcast performed live. The show starts at 7-8
p.m. Aug. 16, at the Proctor Area Community Center, located at 100 Pionk Drive.”
Performing Arts
Music
Peninsula Musical Festival Green Bay Press Gazette August 5 - 23 FISH CREEK — “The Peninsula Music Festival heads into its 56th season
today with new offerings – free downloadable podcasts on iTunes as well as video
on YouTube. Victor Yampolsky, conductor, and Stephen Alltop, associate
conductor, recorded themselves talking about all the music on each of nine
concerts on the 2008 season. The 10-minute talks give the conductor's insight
into the music chosen for each concert. On YouTube is a video sampler from the
Aug. 16, 2007, concert at Door Community Auditorium. The videos and podcasts
also are accessible through the festival's Web site, www.musicfestival.com.
Click on 'August Symphonic Concerts.'"
Hartford band’s ‘world premiere’ to honor longtime member Wilbert Roemer, who
died a year ago, was key in re-forming group after WW II GM Today August 6 HARTFORD – “Before succumbing to complications of Alzheimer’s
disease last summer, Wilbert Roemer left strict instructions to his family,
friends and band mates - anyone that would listen, really. No statues. 'When we
talked to my dad when he was still fairly cognizant of his surroundings, we
asked him what he would like as a tribute to the time and effort of keeping the
band going,' said his son, George Roemer. 'He said he didn’t want a statue. That
was not of interest to him.' To that end, The Hartford City Band - the very
group he helped reboot in the years following World War II - next Wednesday will
present the world premiere of 'Wilbert’s Pasture,' a suite of music commissioned
by Wilbert’s family to honor the legacy of a man who put family and community
first.”
FdL Military Band celebrated in concert Fond du Lac Reporter August 6
“The Fond du Lac Symphonic Band will present a concert on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to
celebrate 110 years since the organization of the Fond du Lac Military Band in
1898. The performance is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Buttermilk Creek Park in
Fond du Lac. The Fond du Lac Military Band was organized on May 27, 1898, and
has enjoyed a continuous presence in the community since.”
Film, television star Ronny Cox heads array of performers at Folk Music Festival Shawano Leader Reporter August 8 – 11
“If you visit the Shawano Folk Music Festival this year, chances are you’ll hear
actor and folk musician Ronny Cox spinning a yarn. 'My band makes fun of me
because there’s always a question of whether I’m going to sing more than I
talk,' Cox jokes. A storyteller to the core, Cox is noted as an actor for his
roles in films like Deliverance, Bound for Glory and Beverly Hills Cop.
On Aug. 10 and 11, Cox will make his debut appearance at the Shawano Folk Music
Festival, participating in workshops all weekend and Saturday’s evening concert
at the Mielke Arts Center.”
If you like acoustic music Green Bay Press Gazette August 16 & September 12
“Those wacky singer/songwriters. What will they think of next? Two tunesmiths
from the region have come up with a couple of inventive ways to promote
themselves. Milwaukee-based Peter Mulvey will reprise last year's 'No Gasoline
Tour' in September. Mulvey will play six shows in southeast and east-central
Wisconsin, transporting himself from gig to gig on a recumbent bike. One of the
stops is Sept. 12 at New Moon Cafe in Oshkosh. Cover charge is $10. (Myspace
link.) -- Dan Vaillancourt, a singer-songwriter from Midland, Mich., will play
at noon Aug. 16 at Brewed Awakenings in downtown Appleton. Vaillancourt is
attempting a Ramones-like feat of writing 50 songs in 90 days. Admission is
free, but according to a news release, those who attend should 'bring a few
extra dollars to get a CD or to buy Dan a gallon of gas.' Maybe he could get
some advice from Mulvey on how to cut his fuel bills.”
BoDeans come home to play Harley event in Waukesha GM Today August 31
WAUKESHA – “The BoDeans will be back in their hometown to perform a free concert
at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 in Cutler Park, 321 Wisconsin Ave., as part of the
entertainment lineup for the Weekend in Waukesha, a celebration that coincides
with the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Drew Vallozzi, one of
the promoters of the Aug. 28-31 event, confirmed the BoDeans, now on tour, will
be performing.”
Downtown concert series extends into fall - Four more dates have been added to
the Downtown Appleton Summer Concert Series. Green Bay Press Gazette September 4,11, 18, 26
“Three concerts, like other shows in the series, will take place Thursdays in
Houdini Plaza in downtown Appleton. The performers are Unity the band (Sept. 4),
Greg Waters and the Broad Street Boogie (Sept. 11) and Saturday Morning (Sept.
18). The free shows run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition, a Friday concert
will be held Sept. 26 featuring Boxkar and 1st Degree. That show will take place
in the parking lot behind Emmett's Bar and Grill, 139 N. Richmond St. The bands
will play from 5:30 p.m. to midnight.”
Theater
Renegade Comedy Theatre performs Simon’s ‘Last Of The Red Hot Lovers’ Superior Daily Telegram August 7 – 9
“Beat the August heat by sitting in a cool theater watching Renegade Comedy
Theatre’s latest production, Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Neil Simon’s Last of
the Red Hot Lovers tells the story of Barney Cashman, a married man determined
not to let the sexual revolution pass him by. Trouble is, he’s awful at
adultery.”
Local playwright pens sequel to classic Irish play La Crosse Tribune August 8
“Along with the wild shenanigans of Gaelic Storm and the other Irish bands
scheduled to perform at Irishfest, you can see Irish dancers, listen to
storytellers and experience a bit of theater. The pub scene from local
playwright David Marcou’s original play Song of Joy — Or The Old Reliables
will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. 'My play is a sequel to Sean O’Casey’s classic Dublin tenement tragicomedy set in 1922,
Juno and the Paycock,' Marcou said. 'I’ve brought the five main characters ahead 18 years and partially
redeemed two of the ne’er-do-wells, Captain Boyle and Joxer Daly, bosom buddies
who do nothing but pub crawl in O’Casey’s play.'”
Dinner theater plans for new season Hudson Star-Observer New Season Beginning September 5
“In 1973, when June and Jack Erdman starred in the premiere of dinner theater at
the Hudson House Inn, audiences packed the theater each night throughout the
show’s two-week run, but the concept of dinner theater was short lived. The
production was Garson Kanin’s comedy Born Yesterday. Perhaps it ran before its
time. Flash forward to 2008.”
VIDEO OF THE DAY
Drip by Craig Knitt YouTube.com “A leaking faucet can drive almost anyone crazy... there has to be an easier
way to get things done. My entry for the January Wis-Kino showing in Madison,
WI. The theme was 'drip'.”
Wednesday, 8/6
IN THE NEWS
Visual Arts/Museums
Old post office mural was always controversial Hudson Star-Observer
“Nobody cared much for it in 1943, nobody wanted it when the post office moved
in 1996, and a famous mural now is owned by The Museum of Wisconsin Art in
West Bend. The historical mural, measuring 12 feet wide and 6 feet high, was
painted in the early 1940s, hung in the old post office at 225 Locust St.
until the facility moved to the hill in 1996. When the U.S. Government sold
the building in 1999, it commissioned Art Conservator Anton Rajer, Madison, to
touch up and move the large painting. Rajer soon discovered, however, that
local governmental agencies and The Phipps Center for the Arts are not jumping
at the chance to display the piece of art.”
MMoCA’s ‘Absent City’ distorts reality The Badger Herald
“If the massive multi-colored streamers on the outside of the Madison Museum
of Contemporary Art look like the invitation to a party, you’d be right. If,
on the other hand, you felt they were meant as a sort of reality-bending
filter of some sort, you’d also be right.”
Art Display
Expected To Be Approved By City Council WISC-TV, Madison “Another piece of public art is expected to pass the Madison City Council
Tuesday without much debate. That's despite three different selections by
three different city committees. And like the committees, not everybody agrees
on the proposed 'water sculpture' for mid-State Street, WISC-TV reported.
However, one alderman said it's the most appropriate, partly because it'll
cause the least controversy. As the city has seen before with the
controversial football sculpture near Camp Randall people have plenty of
opinions about public art. The same is true of the latest city
recommendation.” Video Stream:
http://www.c3ktogo.com/news-video/?mgid=17718
Literary
Express Lane Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Getting a book deal - Love to read but hate to pay? ShopSmart hears you, dear
book lover. The September issue of the magazine focuses on Web sites with
super deals on books - even freebies. Consider: • Booksamillion.com: It has
fabulous deals, and shipping is free on orders of $25 or more. • Gutenberg.org:
Free downloads! Choose from more than 100,000 free e-book titles, including
classics. • Dearreader.com: They'll e-mail you short excerpts from books for
free. They also have online forums and book clubs.”
Dave Wood's Book Report, Aug. 6, 2008 New Richmond News
“Many years ago a Star Tribune colleague and I co-published a book of stories
that had earlier appeared in our newspaper. We were surprised to learn that
the Twin Cities Reader, an 'alternative' newspaper wanted to do a story about
us and our new book. Surprised because the Reader never had much good to say
about the biggest newspaper in town. Surprised and a bit worried. Was this
going to be a hatchet job?”
Media Arts
Music Downloading Trial WKBT La Crosse
(AP) – “A decision isn't expected until next month on whether a Brainerd woman
convicted of pirating music files will get a new trial. Jammie Thomas was
convicted last October in the first-ever file-sharing trial. At a hearing
Monday, attorneys argued for and against a new trial for Thomas. U.S. District
Judge Michael J. Davis says he's leaning toward granting a new trial. He says
he might have made a 'manifest error of law' by possibly giving the jury
incorrect information. Before Thomas was convicted, Davis told the jury that
making copyrighted recordings available for distribution without a license
from the copyright owners violates the owners' rights. He said it didn't
matter if actual distribution had been shown. But Davis has since found a 1993
ruling from a federal appeals court that says proof that the item was
downloaded by a third party must be shown.”
WUD Films lays out plans for fall The Badger Herald
“For new students strolling Madison while searching for the nearest megaplex,
the answer to that movie craving is closer than you think. Nestled in the
Wisconsin Union, the Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee plays host to
a wide variety of films, from current releases to independent films to cult
classics. Committee director Kelsey Field told The Badger Herald the program
offers a lot to new students.”
Performing Arts
Music
Small venues worth a look Badger Herald
“In Madison, the music scene reigns. Nearly every weekend, some nationally, or
even internationally, known band or musical troupe takes to one of the
capital’s many stages, wowing concert-goers at the Majestic, The Annex, the
Barrymore Theatre, the Orpheum, the Alliant Energy Center or even the Memorial
Union Terrace. In the last academic year alone, these Madison venues have been
visited by the New Pornographers, Aesop Rock, The Flaming Lips, Vampire
Weekend, and the list goes on.”
Peasall Sisters sing and bring family together Wisconsin Dells Events
"'I didn't know we had anyone so famous in our family,' one member of the
extended Peasall and Rodwell families commented after hearing the Peasall
Sisters give a free concert in Bowman Park Sunday, and the Peasall Sisters did
not know they had so many Wisconsin relatives. The Peasall family's
performance drew a crowd of 200 to 300 to Bowman Park, and while quite a few
were relatives, most were not. Most came to hear the talented trio sing and
play gospel and bluegrass.”
Dance
Fall
Registration for Classes at Kanopy School Begin Verve eMagazine August 11-15
“Through a curriculum of dance training for ages , 4-adult, beginners through
professionals, students can experience dance, grow in health through dances’
physicality, grow in creativity, life skills, and if so choose, pursue
professional dance careers. Kanopy’s faculty have extensive professional dance
careers and are dedicated to the education of the art form. Curriculum include
classes in modern (graham, horton, hawkins, post-modern), repertory,
choreography, jazz, improvisation, ballet, variations and partnering. School
performances feature the students' own dances, plus dances created by the
faculty.”
Other
Devilish duct
tape Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 18 – October 10
“It’s never too early to plan your Halloween costume. And since the winning
costume is worth $500, you better get cracking. Of course, there’s a caveat.
Beginning Aug. 18, you can submit a photo of your costume — created with and
accessorized with Duck brand duct tape — at www.stickortreat.com. The winner
doesn’t just get cash: He or she also qualifies for a year’s worth of duct
tape. Accepted entries will be posted online, and winners will be announced in
late October. There’s some precedent for Wisconsinites. Last year, Stan
Johnson of Waukesha won first place for his 'Tape Measure' costume made from
rolls of gray, yellow and black duct tape. All entries must be received by
Oct. 10.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
At a Moment’s
Notice: Photographs by John Heymann Charles Allis Art Museum August 6 – September 21 – Opening Reception August
6 “Opening Reception: Wednesday, August 6 5:30-8:30 p.m. Using color and
black and white photography, John Heymann shows the contrasts of light and
shadow in space and emphasizes spatial relationships between objects.
Unexpected designs and forms of nature and landscapes show how our environment
is always changing.”
Painter Pat
Frederick will exhibit recent work at Carroll University in August Press Release – Carroll University August 8 Opening Reception
WAUKESHA, WIS.— “Patricia Frederick will display her recent paintings, 'Hand
and Spirit,' in the Carroll University Rowe Art Gallery in the Humphrey
Memorial Chapel and Art Center, 238 N. East Ave., Waukesha, Aug. 8-27, 2008.
An opening reception will be Friday, Aug. 8, from 6-9 p.m. In 'Hand and
Spirit,' Frederick explores her interest in underlying order to apparent
randomness. She said, 'In my paintings, I am questioning the nature of intent
in creating ordered relationships among time, space and light.'”
Exhibit revives old works The Badger Herald Through September 16
“For Nicole Rodriguez, Sara Woldt and Lynette Davis, curating an exhibit at
the Wisconsin Student Union was an insightful venture. It was also a painful
one. 'We both bled on matting utensils… and thank goodness not on the
artwork,' Woldt exclaimed as she continued to mat the artworks to be presented
in 'Selections from the Wisconsin Union Art Collection' just hours before the
collection’s opening reception on Aug. 1. Over the past few weeks, Woldt and
Rodriguez, along with her boyfriend, had spent over 20 hours simply matting,
framing and wiring the 15 or more works now exhibited in Memorial Union’s
Lakefront on Langdon.”
Exhibition: Robert
Schultz Drawings, 1980-2006 Verve e-Magazine September 20 to November 16, 2008
“Robert Schultz’s figures, mostly nudes, are meticulously drawn, resulting in
exquisite textures, highlights, and shadows. This selection of his closely
observed and delicately wrought works shows the development of the artist’s
style and technique. Many of the drawings are borrowed from private
collections across the country. Shultz is a native of Madison, WI.”
Arts Education
MIAD
presents 2008 Juried Senior Exhibition Historic Third Ward Association Closing August 10
“Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) - [273 E. Erie St.] presents
MIAD 2008 Juried Senior Exhibition. Twenty-four members of MIAD's graduating
class of 2008 were juried into this summer exhibition by MIAD's faculty from
the excellence of their senior work. Representing all of the school's eleven
majors, this diverse exhibition in the Frederick Layton Gallery showcases the
future designers and artists who have just graduated from the state's only
independent college of art and design. Also on exhibit in the Brooks Stevens
Gallery will be artifacts and graphics from the college's extensive design
collections. Exhibition through August 10. Gallery open 10am to 5pm Tuesday
through Saturday. For more information, call 414.847.3200 or visit
www.miad.edu.”
Cardinal Stritch Offering Grant Proposal Writing Workshop August 13 - 15, 2008
“The Grant Institute's Grants 101 course is an intensive and detailed
introduction to the process, structure, and skill of professional proposal
writing. This course is characterized by its ability to act as a thorough
overview, introduction, and refresher at the same time. In this course,
participants will learn the entire proposal writing process and complete the
course with a solid understanding of not only the ideal proposal structure,
but a holistic understanding of the essential factors, which determine whether
or not a program gets funded. Through the completion of interactive exercises
and activities, participants will complement expert lectures by putting proven
techniques into practice. This course is designed for both the beginner
looking for a thorough introduction and the intermediate looking for a
refresher course that will strengthen their grant acquisition skills. This
class, simply put, is designed to get results by creating professional grant
proposal writers.”
‘Spider Invasion’ to be shown at Cosmo Wausau Daily Herald August 6
MERRILL — “The Crazy Daze celebration is reviving a film with local history
with the primiere showing of the remastered director’s cut of the Bill Rebane
classic “The Giant Spider Invasion.” The film will be shown at the Cosmo
Theatre at 813 East Main St. as part of the first Reel Wisconsin Film
Festival. Also playing in the festival are another Rebane film “Twister’s
Revenge,” documentaries by local filmmakers and randomly selected films
currently playing in theaters.”
Teens may audition for choirs Wausau Daily Herald August 14 – 15
“The Wausau Conservatory of Music will hold auditions for its youth vocal
groups, Choraliers for grades five to eight and Choralation for grades nine to
12. Auditions will be scheduled between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 14 and 15.
Interested singers should reserve a time by calling the conservatory office,
845-6279, or stopping in at 404 Seymour St., Wausau.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
Sussex fiddler to teach at Irish Fest Summer School Sussex Sun August 11 – 15
“For the fifth year in a row, Kaitlin Hahn of Sussex will pass along the
ancient tradition of the Irish fiddle, as well as the basics of playing it, to
her beginning adult fiddle class Aug. 11-15 at Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer
School. The school will open during Milwaukee’s Irish Fest, which celebrates
its 28th anniversary Aug. 14-17.”
Literary
The Dells through
Bennett's lens Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 7 Signing/Reception
“Steven D. Hoelscher's grandfather used to be a bus driver on the
Minneapolis-to-Chicago run. As a child, Hoelscher would sometimes go along for
the ride. 'It was a great run,' he recalls. 'I remember at 2 p.m. the bus
stopped in the Dells, and I'd think this is a strange place.' Today, at age
45, Hoelscher tells the story of these same Dells, explaining how the nascent
art of photography together with the native Ho-Chunk population made this
hauntingly beautiful wilderness along the Wisconsin River a hot tourist
destination, and transformed the region and its economy. In Picturing
Indians: Photographic Encounters and Tourist Fantasies in H.H. Bennett's
Wisconsin Dells, Hoelscher superbly braids three threads - a photographer,
a native people, an economy - to portray an important part of our national
story.”
Ten
things to do at the 2008 National Poetry Slam in Madison - Be a judge, stay
out late, and be loud all this week The Isthmus Through August 9
“The National Poetry Slam, or NPS, is the Super Bowl of spoken word. For
months, slams featuring thousands of poets are held across the country,
building up to late spring when teams are selected at scores of city
championships. These squads then practice all summer for a shot at glory at
the national competition, which will be held this week for the first time ever
in Madison. In short, spectators will see the top active performance poets in
the country, as sharpened and powerful as they can be. Slam is the art and
sport of competitive performance poetry. At a team slam, four squads face off
against one another, each with four opportunities to share their work. The
audience will hear sixteen poems -- individual pieces and/or team pieces --
before the night is through. Judges are picked at random from the audience and
give scores based on content, presentation, originality or whatever else they
feel like assigning value to. The randomness of the scoring makes slam both
very democratic and very unpredictable. There is, quite literally, nothing
like this anywhere else.”
Performing Arts
Dance
Porch
Dances: Orton Park Festival Free Dance Performance - An Art Walk with
movement! Verve eMagazine August 24
“PORCH DANCES is a music and dance performance created by choreographer
Georgia Corner, that puts a live twist into an Art Walk style happening.
Viewers in Orton Park will be guided on a walking tour around the park to four
sites during the piece; dancers will perform, with live music, on porches
bordering the park. The dances are inspired by the indoor/outdoor,
public/private nature of the neighborhood's porches and inflected with the
architectural style of each site.”
Music
Jazz at Five Verve eMagazine August 6
“Jazz at Five, now looking forward to its 15th season in 2008, has become a
downtown Madison tradition. The series has consistently provided exceptional
free concerts in a stunning locale - the 100 block of State Street, where
State Street meets the Capitol Square. When the sun is shining, and the music
is flowing, there is no better place to be than State Street. Think blue skies
and the setting sun reflected onto the Capitol dome.”
Concert in
the Park The Isthmus August 6
“The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra with Maestro Andrew Sewell to perform under
the beautiful setting sun. Adults and families can share the joy of science
and learn about combustion, exploding balloons, and the science of music and
fireworks. You will sit at the edge of your seat! A demonstration provided by
Professor Bassam Shakashiri and Dr. Rod Schreiner, Wisconsin Initiative for
Science Literacy.”
Sevendust guitarist grateful to be back in band, back in U.S. and back in La
Crosse La Crosse Tribune August 15
“The guitarist helped found the Atlanta-based band in 1995 but left in 2004 to
pursue Dark New Day. In March, he returned to Sevendust and the friends he had
made music with for more than a decade. 'We gelled together so quickly,'
Lowery said. 'It was like playing your favorite band’s songs with your
favorite band. It sounded like home again.'”
Presenting
Next
Act Theatre presents the Third Annual Milwaukee Sketch & Improv Festival Historic Third Ward Association August 7 – 9
“Next Act Theatre (342 N. Water St., Second Floor) presents the Third Annual
Milwaukee Sketch & Improv Festival, a three-day celebration of sketch and
improv comedy, will take place August 7, 8 and 9 at the Off-Broadway Theater.
Eight shows will offer audiences 23 professional sketch comedy and improv
groups from across the country. Each of the six Mainstage shows will be
unique, offering four different comedy groups per ticket. Mainstage tickets
are $12 pre-sale, or $15 at the door. Late-night Second Stage shows offer
reduced admission prices of $5. Visit online for more information. Tickets may
be purchased at the Off-Broadway Theatre Box Office or by calling
414-278-0765.”
Party Star Tour coming to The Warehouse La Crosse Tribune August 10
“The Party Star Tour brings Secret and Whisper (pictured) along with Dance
Gavin Dance, Lower Definition, A Static Lullaby and Four Letter Lie to The
Warehouse, 328 Pearl St., for a 6 p.m. show Sunday, Aug. 10. That’s a lot of
music for $15. Tickets are available at Deaf Ear Records. Want to sample the
bands before the concert? Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/dancegavindance
or http://www.myspace.com/lowerdefinition or
http://www.myspace.com/secretandwhisper.”
Theater
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre presents Well, August 7-24 Historic Third Ward Association August 7 – 24
“Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (158 N. Broadway) kicks off the theatre season with
the Milwaukee premiere of Well, by Lisa Kron, August 7-24. A riotously funny
play, Well focuses on the anecdotes of performance artist Lisa and her
overbearing mother, who failed to diagnose her own physical ailments yet
succeeded in curing a community-wide plague of segregation and intolerance.
Performances take place in the Cabot Theatre of the Broadway Theatre Center.
Tickets are available at the box office noon to 6pm, Monday through Saturday,
by phone at 414.291.7800 or online at www.chamber-theatre.com.”
VIDEO OF THE DAY
Seffy D (Part 1 of 2) YouTube.com “A short mock-documentary about Nick 'Seffy D' Sefiddashti by Kyle
Richards. Featured in the 10th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival.”
Thursday 8/7
IN THE NEWS
Visual Arts/Museums
Christiansen: creative designers featured Hudson Star-Observer
“For the past five years, christiansen : creative has been adding their design
flair to several local establishments such as Bricks Neapolitan Pizza, La Rue
Marché, Hudson Flower Shop and more. Now others outside of Hudson will see
their work in several books sold in national book stores. 'We focus on our
client’s goals first and foremost,' said Tricia Christiansen, owner and
creative director of the local firm, 'but it is always good for our team to
see their work held in high regard by industry professionals.'”
Seasons on St. Croix crosses Second Street to new home Hudson Star-Observer
“The work was just starting when Seasons on St. Croix closed its doors at 301
Second St. Saturday around 5 p.m. That’s when a contingent of more than 50
friends, family, customers and artists got their marching orders to make the
move into the gallery’s new home at 401 Second St.”
Arts Education
More Districts
Looking to Teach Chinese NBC-15 TV- Madison
“While the world watches the Olympic Games in China, Wisconsin is working to
better prepare its workforce for increased business with the Asian nation.
Preparing Wisconsin students for a global economy is behind an effort to bring
Chinese language and culture classes to local schools. This exercise is
teaching Chinese numbers through a traditional dance. But all of these
students already know the language.”VIDEO: Teaching Chinese 08-06-08.
Arts Minded: Sustainability applies to the arts too River Falls Journal
“'What we need is here': The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson launched
that initiative about three years ago. The concept was relevant then. It is so
much more relevant now. The program emphasized the idea that we need not
travel to have our needs met — food, entertainment, companionship, and most
relevant here, our innate human need for the arts. In the intervening years,
programs sponsored by The Phipps as well as the River Falls Community Arts
Base, and other entities in and around River Falls, have made clear that 'what
we need is here.' We are learning that staying near home is not only as
satisfying as seeking stimulation in distant places, but much more healthy for
us and our planet. AND seeking our necessities here is becoming increasingly
clear as we see evidence of 'climate change:' Bouts of extreme weather, the
inability of the media to predict conditions (Sunday was supposed to be in the
mid 80s. It stayed cloudy and cool all day), economic stresses and high gas
prices.”
Community Arts
Overcoming Hurdles to Fund Raising in a Small Town Blog: Give and Take, The Chronicle of Philanthropy “For Holly Lillis, raising money in her hometown of Sarasota, Fla., has
some distinct advantages over fund raising in a big city. As she described in
a post last month on the Future Leaders in Philanthropy blog, highlighted on
Give and Take, the advantages include the accessibility of lawmakers and
news-media organizations, and the approachability of strangers. Now Ms. Lillis
tackles how to overcome challenges of working as a development officer in a
small city. Writing on the Future Leaders in Philanthropy blog, she says that
collective memory is longer in smaller communities.””
Literary
Dian Page column: Former WPS CEO takes turn at writing Green Bay Press Gazette
“After his sister Lola Bollom Schroeder and brother Bill Bollom wrote a book
about their family, Dan Bollom of Green Bay decided to pen one, too. With
Lola's help, he wrote What Makes Dan Bollom So Tall: A Memoir of Life
Experiences and Advice from a Retired CEO. He says he hopes others will
recall their own memories when reading his book. Interspersed with photos, the
book chronicles his childhood in Oshkosh, his college years at Oshkosh State
Teachers College (now the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh) and the University
of Wisconsin-Madison and his rise to become president and CEO of Wisconsin
Public Corp.”
Dian Page column: Maszka writes book on terrorism Green Bay Press Gazette
“Former Green Bay resident John Maszka — student, teacher and musician — has
added 'author' to his resume. His book, Terrorism and the Bush Doctrine,
was inspired by his study of terrorism and the impact the United States has
had in fighting it. Maszka has devised a model for combating terrorism based
on eliminating its popular support. He puts forth what he calls a theory of
'popular sovereignty.' It addresses globalization's increasing pressure
against state sovereignty, which he identifies as a cause for terrorism's
popular support.”
Blogging day
one of National Poetry Slam 2008 in Madison The Isthmus
“Spoken word artists are naturally a loquacious bunch, so it’s only natural
that more than a few are sharing their experiences at the National Poetry Slam
in Madison this week. The five-day showdown opened on Tuesday with a series of
12 bouts between 48 teams, less than a third of the total in the two
preliminary rounds of competition. Poets from several teams competing on this
opening night have plenty to say about their own and others’ bouts on the
first night of the slam. One member of the Worcester Poets Asylum team
reported the scores from his bout at the Brink Lounge, in which the squad from
central Massachusetts finished second to Chicago Mental Graffiti and ahead of
Boston Lizard Lounge and Accident Slam from Eureka, California. The poet also
provides the score and comments on the winning effort put in by Boston Cantab
at the same location earlier in the evening. 'New England had a very good
night tonight,' he declares, 'and I hope it will continue for the rest of the
week.'”
Day one
scores from National Poetry Slam 2008 in Madison - Two-thirds of teams
compete in Tuesday night bouts The Isthmus
“Nearly two-thirds of the 76 teams in the National Poetry Slam competed in
their first bouts on Tuesday night at multiple venues throughout downtown
Madison. The bout winners on Tuesday were Boston Cantab, SlamCharlotte,
Austin Poetry Slam, NoCoast Writers Collective from Lincoln, Hayti Heritage
Center from Durham, The City Slam from San Francisco, Chicago Mental
Graffiti, New York Urbana Poetry Slam, San Diego Slam, New York louderARTS,
Art Amok in Atlanta, and Denver Nuba.”
Media Arts
Opinion: Tired
of TV’s excessive Favre coverage? Like the Packers, move on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“It’s time to stop being surprised about how TV covers things like the endless
Brett Favre saga. This is the kind of story that television 'news' is all
about these days. It’s that simple. Of course, that doesn’t stop viewers from
grousing about it, like the self-described 'militant news junkie' and 'avid
Packers fan' who e-mailed this week after the coverage pre-empted network
newscasts on two Milwaukee affiliates asking about the 'news judgment' of such
a move. Here’s a simple answer to that one: This has nothing to do with 'news
judgment,' whatever that may be. This is business.”
Performing Arts
Theater
Life in the 'swamp' a rich life indeed Chippewa Herald
“It all started years ago, the summer before my freshman year at Cadott High
School. I was recruited by Jerry Way to join an ensemble of musicians to
perform as part of the historical musical, Pioneers at the Falls,
written by Jerry himself. The show told of how Chippewa Falls came to be and
what happened after that. It took the audience from the early settling days to
about the year 1900 with dialogue, projected slides and music. The show had
made its debut the previous summer and opened to a wonderful reception. I
would be joining to perform in an encore performance. When the show sold out
every night, I knew I was part of something very special. Now as I am about to
enter my second year of college, I look back on the years since then.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
Textiles and Glass in
the James Watrous Gallery Capital Times August 8
“A new opening in the James Watrous Gallery on the third floor of the Overture
Center features textiles chosen, created and arranged by Marna Goldstein
Brauner and large glass sculptures by UW-Madison professor and glass artist
Steve Feren. Goldstein Brauner, a textiles professor at UW-Milwaukee with an
extensive exhibiting career, has contributed works that highlight her interest
in celluloid as a material (both film-type images and collars) as well as
artificial imitations of reality. Ivoroid is a plastic ivory substitute. 'For
over 30 years I have been creating work that is thematically based on the
absurdity of life in the face of inevitable death,' she wrote in an artist
statement. In previous work she has used cemetery statuary -- Goldstein
confessed that she is 'fascinated' with cemeteries -- and in this exhibit she
uses Victorian cemetery sculpture depicting parts of the human body.”
Artwork reflects Pepin County birthday celebration Eau Claire Leader Telegram August 9
DURAND – “Through a special process, a Pepin photographer is able to capture
the present and give glimpses of the past with her Time and Again series of
photography. Her latest piece will be on display Saturday at the Pepin County
Sesquicentennial celebration in Durand. When Midge Bolt learned how to print
photos on fabric with an inkjet printer, she began taking pictures of sites
she saw in historical black-and-white pictures, always shooting from the same
angle and height. She printed the present-day photo on cotton and the
historical photo on silk. When she placed the silk in front of the cotton,
ghostly images from the past appeared in the present day picture to create
what she calls her Time and Again series. 'I wanted it to be an experience for
the viewers so they could look through the past,' she said. 'The challenge is
finding the right spot to take the current photo.'"
Waukesha museum
to have sneak preview of Beatles exhibit Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 15
Waukesha – “Planners of a museum exhibit on the Beatles are inviting the
general public to a special Aug. 15 sneak preview. Tickets are $50 for the
event, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include hors d’oeuvres,
beverages and Beatles music. Known as 'Coming Together Through the Art of John
Lennon,' the exhibit features several original pieces of art created by
Lennon, as well as other Beatles memorabilia and the microphone that Lennon
used to record the song, 'Imagine.'”
Dunn County Fair runs through Sunday Eau Claire Leader Telegram Through August 10
MENOMONIE – “The annual Dunn County Fair got under way Wednesday and runs
through Sunday at the Dunn County Rec Park. Grandstand events planned this
year include a garden tractor pull at 7 tonight. Friday night is the Red Cedar
Pullers Truck and Tractor Pull at 7. The JS Rodeo is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Saturday. A draft horse pull is planned for 11 a.m. Sunday, and the Menomonie
Lions Club demolition derby is at 2 p.m. The fair includes a free stage, live
music, animal exhibits, a carnival and commercial exhibitors. The fair opens
at 8 a.m. through Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Admission is $1 to walk in, $5
with parking.”
To meet record need, benefit must draw record crowds Chetek Alert August 9
“There aren't a lot of concerts folks can attend for $1. Unless they live in
Chetek. At the Evening of Acoustic Music, a concert to benefit the Chetek Food
Shelf, locals can enjoy a relaxing evening on the town for the cost of one can
of Our Family black beans at Kirkwoods-95 cents, plus tax. The benefit, now in
its seventh year, includes a concert and silent auction to be held at Chetek
Lutheran Church Saturday night. The cost of admission is donation of one or
more food or personal care items. This year's silent auction, organized by
Laurie Adams, will include donations by local artists and writer Michael
Perry.”
Johnny
Winston Jr. Streetball & Block Party The Isthmus August 9
“This event will be held on Saturday August 9th from 12 noon to 6 pm at Penn
Park in South Madison. Activities include an adult men's basketball
tournament; youth dance team competition, music, free bingo, entertainment and
food. The Streetball and Block Party is an excellent way to reach the
community, particularly persons of color.”
Girls
Nite Out is Aug. 14 mystery Hudson Star-Observer August 14
“The theme for Girls Nite Out, scheduled from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, is
'Hudson Whodunit' with a mystery waiting to be solved at local downtown
businesses Back to Books, Digital Garage, Grapevine Interiors 'At Home,'
Kelley Frame & Fine Art, Lavender Thymes, Little New York and My Sister’s
Garden.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
A chance to learn
about Arab world - Event hopes to smash stereotypes Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 8-10
“Arab World Fest celebrates some of the world’s oldest civilizations — 22
countries that stretch across the globe from Africa to the Arabian Sea. And
yet the festival, now 10 years old, has always had the feel of the here and
now, too. In the decade since the festival's founding, maps of Arab nations
have repeatedly been a fixture on the nightly news, at the heart of stories
about conflict, controversy and strife. People often come to Arab World Fest
with world events on their minds, organizers say, from the war in Iraq, the
Sept. 11 attacks, the Israel-Lebanon conflict and even the Indonesian tsunami
(Somalia was among the affected countries).”
24th annual Threshing Bee and Barn Dance near River Falls River Falls Journal August 16 – 17
“The St. Croix Valley Collectors Association will hold its 24th annual
Threshing Bee and Barn Dance on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17. The barn
dance begins at 8 p.m. Saturday with 'Trigger Happy' playing.”
Walk back in time with tour of homes Rhinelander Daily News September 20 & November 8 “The Oneida County Courthouse is celebrating 100 years in 2008. Events
have been going on since the first of the year, beard growing contests, poster
contests involving the area’s fourth graders as well as an essay contest
involving high school students. Two Centennial quilts have been fashioned and
there was a float in the 4th of July parade. The Centennial culminates with
two significant dates: Saturday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 8. Guy Hansen,
Co-chair of the Centennial Celebration, talked about plans. 'On Sept. 20,
we’ll be celebrating by recreating 1908. On Nov. 8, the focus is the
re-dedication of the courthouse, with a reenactment of the laying of the
cornerstone by the Masons, as was done in 1908.'”
Performing Arts
Dance
Dance classes begin Sept. 13 Hudson Star-Observer September 13
“The Phipps Center for the Arts offers dance technique classes for children
and adults beginning in September and continuing through May. Students can now
register for ballroom dance, swing and salsa, jazz/hip-hop, musical theater,
tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, preballet/tap and bharatanatyam (South Indian
classical dance). The class year is divided into four quarters of eight weeks
each. All instructors are experienced as both educators and performers.”
Music
Visual show helps propel Blue Stars La Crosse Tribune August 7
“Brad Furlano knows exactly why the La Crosse Blue Stars will qualify for the
finals of the Drum Corps International World Championships this week. So do
the fans, alumni and judges. 'The difference is the show, the design and
visual,' said Furlano, a former Blue Stars’ drum major and now the corps’
executive director. 'The talent is better, but the biggest change is the
design — and especially the drill and color guard.' The color guard finished
17th last season but is ranked No. 7 going into the quarterfinals. 'For the
color guard to improve 10 places, that’s unheard of,' Furlano said. The Blue
Stars take the field at 6:39 p.m. today in the championship quarterfinals at
the University of Indiana Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. The top 17
world-class corps qualify for Friday’s semifinals, with the top 12 corps
making the Saturday finals. The quarterfinals will be aired at more than 340
theaters across the country. The nearest broadcast is in Madison.”
Local drum
corps battle it out on local screens Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 7
“It’s called 'Big, Loud & Live 5' — and it’s also local. Drum Corps
International’s 2008 world championship quarterfinals are showing at select
movie theaters tonight at 5. Among the corps battling for top honors are the
Pioneer from Milwaukee, Madison Scouts from Madison and the Blue Stars from
La Crosse. In the Milwaukee area, 'Big, Loud & Live 5' is showing at Marcus
Majestic Cinema, 770 Springdale Road, Brookfield; South Shore Cinema, 7261
S. 13th St., Oak Creek; and North Shore Cinema, 11700 N. Port Washington
Road, Mequon. Tickets are available at the theaters’ box offices and at
www.fathomevents.com, where you can also find information about other
locations and the competition.”
Willy Porter The Isthmus August 8
“The Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee presents Willy Porter on
Friday, August 8 at 9:30 pm on the Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St. as
part of the Hot Summer Nights music series. The Tim Whalen Trio will kick off
the evening's music during Behind the Beat from 5 to 7 pm. A singer,
songwriter, storyteller, entertainer and extraordinary guitarist, Willy Porter
defies labels and bends genres. He moves between slide blues, acoustic folk,
grooving rock and soulful pop with grace and equipoise. They all combine to
create the uniqueness that is his sound. A Wisconsin native and national
success, Willy Porter will make this evening a can't-miss experience on the
Terrace. This free show is intended for UW-Madison students, faculty, staff,
Union members and their guests. Anyone can become a Union member, however;
visit
www.union.wisc.edu/membership for more information.”
Gilbertson to headline benefit concert Chippewa Herald August 9
“Chippewa Falls finger-style guitar wizard Greg Gilbertson will be the
featured performer at the seventh annual Evening of Acoustic Music benefit
concert on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Chetek Lutheran Church, 1419 Second St.,
Chetek. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission to this special 'unplugged'
concert is by one or more non-perishable food or personal hygiene item for the
Chetek Food Shelf. There will also be a free-will offering and silent auction
to benefit the food shelf. Refreshments will be available during
intermission.”
Organist plays Broadway hits Hudson Star-Observer August 23
“Chris Gorsuch will highlight the music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and
other Broadway greats on the Wurlitzer theater pipe organ on Saturday, Aug.
23, at 8 p.m. in his premiere performance at The Phipps Center for the Arts.
Also featured will be reminiscences of acclaimed organists George Wright and
Tom Hazelton as well as a few surprises.”
Presenting
Waterfest has become tradition for Gin Blossoms Appleton Post Crescent August 7
“Six years after the Gin Blossoms reunited, songs such as 'Hey Jealousy,'
'Follow You Down' and '’Til I Hear It From You' still draw crowds. They shout,
clap and reminisce as frontman Robin Wilson sings songs that defined the sound
of ’90s pop rock along with bands like Matchbox Twenty and Toad the Wet
Sprocket. Wilson and the band are back at Leach Amphitheater tonight as part
of Waterfest. 'It might be six years in a row we’ve been to Oshkosh,' Wilson
said by phone during some downtime at home in Tempe, Ariz. 'If not six,
certainly like four or five of the last six years.'”
Theater
Middleton Players Theatre's "The Rocky Horror Show" The Isthmus August 7
“Middleton Player's Theatre presents Richard O'Brien's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW,
the musical cult thriller that will not die! Known as an outrageous assemblage
of the most stereotypical science- fiction movies, Glam Rock Icons and
superhero comic books, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW has a thirty-five year reputation
for being an infectious crowd-pleaser. The live stage show version has been
announced by several Madison community theatre's within the last two seasons,
but has inevitably been dropped. On August 7, Middleton Players Theatre will
fulfill the long awaited promise.”
American Players Theatre's "Widowers' Houses" The Isthmus August 7 – 9
“A sparkling comic gem. We begin with a delightful romantic fling. Two budding
Brits meet abroad, fall in love. She's the hot-blooded child of excessive
wealth. He is a penniless doc with healthy principles. Mighty turbulence lies
ahead back in London as right before they're to wed, the doc makes a shocking
discovery about his fiancee and her father. The outcome is well worth thinking
about as issues arise as relevant today as when this work first appeared a
hundred years ago.”
Broom Street Theater's "Shiny Things" The Isthmus August 8 – September 14
“ADHD on the 'wicked, wicked stage!' The sparkle and shine of vaudeville
glimmers once more on the Broom Street Theater stage in Heather Renken's new
serio-comic play, Shiny Things. Delight your senses with Dr. Backwards,
Mae West, and even a trained seal amid song & dance and a few surprises Mr.
Ziegfeld would envy (if only he'd lived to see this show). Shiny Things
explores the twists and turns of living and coping with Attention Deficit
Disorder. It opens August 8th 2008 and continues its engagement until
September 14th.”
