May 2021 | 1 May 2021
THE ALLNEW
2022
The most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history.
ACURA OF BROOKFIELD 19180 W Bluemound Rd Brookfield, WI 53045 262-565-6501 www.AcuraBrookfield.com
2 | artsscene
ZIMBRICK ACURA 7525 Century Ave Middleton, WI 53562 608-371-1484 www.ZimbrickAcura.com
We Join Our Community In Supporting The Arts. UW Credit Union is proud to support all of our fellow Wisconsin community members, whether it’s on the stage or in our branches. If you’d like to join our mission, visit us online or in-branch to open your low or no fee checking account today.
Here For Every You. | uwcu.org
Federally Insured by NCUA
May2021 | 3
CONTENTS 06
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
08
MILWAUKEE | Let the Sun Shine In
18
MAY 2021
Volume 1, Number 5
By Mike Fischer
MILWAUKEE | Your Path. Your Pace. Your Reward. A Look at the UPAF Ride for the Arts By Ryan Albrechtson
22
WAUKESHA | Friday Night Live Breaths Life into Downtown
30 32
OVERTURE | Mother’s Day Singalong with Lullaby Project
By Ryan Albrechtson
ABOUT THE COVER | Tallulah Rapsody By Anna Fasshauer
34
MADISON | Bringing the Music Back: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Announces 2021 Concerts on the Square Plans
40
WISCONSIN | The Hills Come Alive Again: American Players Theatre
44 50
By Ryan Albrechtson
By Amanda Finn
ART SUBMISSIONS EVENT LISTINGS
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE to ArtsScene Magazine
STAFF Steve Marcus Matt Thiele DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Greg Widener ART DIRECTOR Nicolette Bealhen VENUE RELATIONS/EDITOR Ryan Albrechtson
Karin Marcus Will M. McAuliffe ADVERTISING SALES // WISCONSIN Barbara Kluth ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Allyson Imig
PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER
COMPANY COMPTROLLER
VICE PRESIDENT
ADVERTISING SALES // ILLINOIS
ArtsScene is published by Marcus Promotions, Inc. The content of any article in this publication is based solely on the opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Marcus Promotions, Inc., or its staff.
4 | artsscene
www.footlights.com | www.marcuspromotions.com
COVER PHOTO: Tallulah Rapsody by Anna Fasshauer | Photo by: Kevin J. Miyazaki / Sculpture Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s largest selection of quality patio furniture!
Davenport 7-Piece Flame Bar Set
SAVE 35-50% ON PATIO FURNITURE Shop our 2020 Patio Lookbook @ www.steinhafels.com/current-ads
May2021 | 5
From The Publisher Who doesn’t want to get out and play right now?! Especially after a long Wisconsin winter…or a year of quarantine and social distancing? Who doesn’t want to put that big straw on cover of ArtsScene into an equally large red solo cup and drink themselves silly? Whether it be sitting on State Street in Madison people watching, sitting on Bradford Beach in Milwaukee watching sailboats in the harbor, or hanging out in one of the many beer gardens Southern Wisconsin has to offer, there’s never a shortage of things to do outdoors in the summer. We are ready for a real Wisconsin summer! Give us our outdoor theater, festivals, concerts, parades, fairs, rides, gardens, and the like. Some of this is coming back, and it’s all here…in ArtsScene. Check out the interesting Summerfest history, get out to Waukesha for their Friday night street concerts, plan on attending Concerts on the Square at Breeze Stevens Field, go and ride your bike in the UPAF Ride For the Arts series with reward stations, and check out the many other events in the calendar section. The Arts have gotten very creative over the last year in how and where events can still happen safely. They have not been silenced. They have not been off. They have been reenergized and working hard on new channels to reach, provoke, and entertain their patrons all along. So, get out and play! subscribe to artsscene 6 | artsscene
FOR FREE
1901
1881
r
The best path forward. P R E E M I N E N T L E G A L R E P R E S E N TAT I O N For over a century, we have worked side-by-side with our clients to navigate the complex legal issues affecting their lives. We know the best counsel comes with a wide lens and the perspective to see all available options. Together, we can chart the best path forward.
BOARDMANCLARK.COM
May2021 | 7
Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, WI
Let the Sun Shine In By Mike Fischer Who could possibly be opposed to a celebration like Summerfest? But back when it all began in the tumultuous summer of 1968, powerful voices opposed the very concept of ordinary people gathering together. In the aftermath of Milwaukee’s 1967 civil rights marches and uprising – and just two weeks after Dr. King was murdered in Memphis – Schlitz Brewing announced it was cancelling the annual circus parade because of “the mood of the country.” Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Army blocked Summerfest 68 (as the first Festival was named) from using the lakefront land that would later become Summerfest’s home. The Army’s reason? “Increased civil disturbances erupting throughout our country.” Undeterred, the organizers pressed on, with a nine-day festival in late July that unfolded in locations throughout Milwaukee, from a “tent city” on the lakefront involving activities for the young to Bob Hope at County Stadium. 8 | artsscene
Recounting that exuberant first Summerfest in The Making of Milwaukee, John Gurda gives a sense of the dizzying range of activities. There was, Gurda writes, “a folk festival at the Arena, clay-court tennis playoffs at the Town Club, stock car races at State Fair Park, German band concerts in what is now Zeidler Union Square, a seminar on ‘Women’s Progress’ at Mount Mary College, a national polka festival, the Miss Milwaukee pageant, and a ‘Negro musical and cultural show.’”
Ferrante & Teicher brought their piano act to South Shore Park. Marquette University Players staged Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in Humboldt Park. There was an American Indian exhibit at the new Milwaukee Public Museum. An international film festival at the Palace Theater. An air show and parachutejumping. A midway. And, of course, fireworks. Mayor Henry Maier’s decade-long dream had come true: He’d effectively resurrected the Milwaukee Midsummer Festival, which had brought Milwaukee together each summer between 1933 and 1941. What Mayor Dan Hoan had said of the Midsummer Festival during the 1930s has repeatedly proven true since Summerfest 1968: At their best, Festival crowds constitute “one large, happy family, playing together as we work together for the greater glory of the city we all love.” And what Mayor Hoan said during the Depression had in turn been true since the heyday of classical Greek theater, when multiple annual festivals brought Athenians together to not only watch plays, but also reaffirm and deepen their understanding of their civic identity. Greek play festivals, writes Paul Cartledge, “meant exploring and confirming but also questioning what it was to be a citizen of a democracy.” Darkness at Noon All by way of saying that Milwaukee lost a lot more than good music and tasty food when the pandemic stole last year’s Democratic Party National Convention and all the 2020 block parties that have earned Milwaukee its moniker as the City of Festivals. And with virus variants surging despite a vigorous vaccination campaign, the song remains the same through midsummer 2021.
May2021 | 9
There will be no Bastille Days, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Locust Street Festival, Milwaukee Highland Games, or Polish Fest in 2021. Like many summer music festivals around the country, Summerfest postponed its traditional midsummer run, while hoping for a more modest event come September. PrideFest threw in the towel on its customary June events and is hoping for October. There’ll be no Jazz in the Park concerts in June, July, or August. Sure, we can still consume music and art on the couch and in the dark, peering at our screens in isolation from one another. And don’t get me wrong: I’ll be forever grateful that I’ve been able to spend the past year in watching musicians, dancers, and actors from coast to coast and from Auckland to London. I’ve written nearly 50 weekly virtual arts guides in that time for Forward Theater in Madison, using them to profile hundreds of the thousand-plus shows I’ve seen since last March. I’m also mindful of how streaming has allowed all of us to go places and watch performances we’d never otherwise see. It has made theater fans of people too young or old to safely venture out. And it has increased accessibility for people with disabilities who have long been excluded from most theaters, few of which have been designed or modified with their needs in mind.
MILWAUKEE’S HEARTBEAT On-air. Online. And in the community. 88.9FM | radiomilwaukee.org 10 | artsscene
Vintage photo of Summerfest 1972.
Technology has also allowed me to gather for weekly theater club meetings with new friends in Britain I’ve yet to meet in person. Thanks to Court Theatre in Chicago, it’s allowed me to peer into the face of actor Deanna Reed-Foster, who could see me as she delivered an intimate, one-on-one performance from her kitchen of a new Lydia Diamond script. And under the auspices of the New York Theatre Workshop, it has allowed me to participate in a town hall meeting about the future of democracy in America. As playwright Caridad Svich recently tweeted, “Theatre ppl: stop saying ‘when we are back.’ We’re here. And lots of us are making things. Against all odds.” So stipulated, and count me among those who believe arts streaming is here to stay. On grounds of accessibility and fairness alone, it absolutely should be. So Happy Together But streaming concerts and plays will never be nearly as satisfying as experiencing such events live; there’s simply no substitute for sharing the same space while joined in communion, watching and listening together. That’s why people drive to Lambeau and freeze in January rather than tuning in from the comfort of home. “Only in the theatre,” wrote legendary director Tyrone Guthrie, “can there be established the spontaneous, personal relation between the artists and the audience, varying with scarcely perceptible technical, but quite considerable psychic variation, from performance to performance. For my part,” he May2021 | 11
continued, “I believe this reciprocity to be essential to the full enjoyment of comedy or pathos or the emotional side of tragedy.” Guthrie was speaking as the first Artistic Director of Canada’s Stratford Festival, which is now the best play festival in North America. The Stratford Festival began in 1953 under a tent; it was so hot and humid on opening night (a performance of Richard III starring Alec Guinness) that people were fainting. Those who did “were being passed along the row . . . like hotdogs at a football game,” actor Don Harron later recalled. “But the thing that struck me as I looked out, was that the people passing them along were not looking at the bodies. They were looking straight at the stage and I knew we were there.” Anyone who’s attended an outdoor theater festival knows what Harron means and has such stories to tell; when Wisconsin’s American Players Theatre published its sumptuous Book of Lore in 2004 to commemorate APT’s 25th anniversary, it was stuffed with similar anecdotes and reflections. “The wonderful audience, with tarps over their heads, stayed to the bitter end for our soggy curtain call,” remembered actor Julia Kiley of an opening season APT performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which she played Hermia. A quarter century later, Geddeth Smith – Oberon in that production – still recalled the audience’s “roaring, stirring, standing ovation” on APT’s opening night.
12 | artsscene
“On certain cold, black, starry nights,” remembered APT actor Darragh Kennan, with “the wind rustling through the trees, the sound of the audience’s breath . . . there is almost a sublime quality achieved.” “As an actor in those moments,” Kennan continued, “I truly believed, in that split second, that I could ascend to the heavens.” The Road Back I’m holding fast to similar memories now, in this false spring during which we await the coming of the light. They comfort and sustain me, as does the knowledge that the world has been down this road many times before. The day-long mystery play pageants that sparked the rebirth of European theater arose 30 years after and in direct response to the Black Death. Presented through 12 to 16 separate pageants collectively telling one story and unfolding simultaneously throughout a city, they were festivals promising an awakening resurrection from the nightmare of human history. Plague closed the theaters in Shakespeare’s London for all but 68 days between June 1592 and February 1594. Theaters closed again for parts of 1596 as well as parts of every year excepting 1608 between 1604 and 1613; each time, theaters like Shakespeare’s Globe came roaring back.
AT YOUR SERVICE. AT YOUR SIDE. For over 80 years, we have helped the families of Milwaukee and New Berlin honor their loved ones. Being a family owned funeral home, we understand the importance of family values. That’s why we take pride in fulfilling your wishes with kindness, compassion and respect. We devote ourselves to the complete care of you and your family, guiding you every step of the way through one of life’s most difficult times. When you need us most, we’ll be right there by your side. That’s our promise. Mark Krause, Owner
Milwaukee
“Stop by anytime and see everything we have to offer.”
Brookfield
414-354-9400
262-432-8300
Milwaukee
New Berlin
414-464-4640
262-786-8009
May2021 | 13
Dan Hoan’s Milwaukee Midsummer Festival arose during the Depression; Summerfest began in the July following one of the most fractious and violent years in Milwaukee’s history. Despite the current pandemic, one can now see similar glimmers on the horizon, even as we continue slouching through Spring 2021. As of when I write these words in mid-April, Black Arts Fest MKE (August 7), Irish Fest (August 20-22), and Mexican Fiesta (August 27-29) are still on the books, hopefully paving the way for Summerfest and PrideFest come Fall. The Milwaukee Rep is planning outdoor concerts at Peck Pavilion. Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha will reopen in mid-July. Further afield, Door Shakespeare will mount an adaptation of Hamlet for one actor (Milwaukee favorite Ryan Schabach) on its outdoor stage; APT has announced a season of six plays running from May to October. Across the border, Stratford has announced a season of six plays and five cabarets, running from June to September. All of these productions will involve limited attendance, strict social distancing, and safety protocols; all of the Stratford shows will be staged outside under canopies, returning the Festival to its roots under the big top. Appropriately enough, the final Stratford show to open will be a new cabaret about resilience; it’s titled Finally There’s Sun.
Logo from the Statford Festival.
14 | artsscene
Long Night’s Journey Into Day Which brings me to a final story. Early in the morning of Saturday, June 27, 1970, people began forming a line that snaked through New York City’s Central Park and continued down Fifth Avenue. The New York Shakespeare Festival’s Joe Papp had announced a dusk-to-dawn marathon for that evening: the three parts of Henry VI as well as Richard III, collectively billed as The Wars of the Roses. Papp wasn’t sure his 15-year-old company had the money to last a week, let alone complete a summer season scheduled to run through late August. His marathon was designed to call attention to the theater’s needs and put pressure on New York City. The night was cold, reported Alfred E. Clark of the New York Times, in a frontpage story that ran on Monday, June 29. But what Clark referred to as an “enthralled 3,000 spectators” spread blankets and opened picnic hampers, braving the weather and sipping coffee while 65 actors donned and doffed 600 costumes to tell a riveting story of kingdoms lost and won. It was binge entertainment at its finest, written 400 years before Game of Thrones. And it was live. “I got awfully tired as the night went on,” Papp admitted in his published oral history. “But you’d hear these gorgeous things going on, and the continuity of actors going from one play into another made the thing so vivid. And there was never an empty seat in the house. Some people would leave and others would come in and replace them. They kept feeding it all night long.” “At the very moment when the audience was applauding,” Papp recalled of show’s end, “and dawn broke out all over the stage, suddenly all these people from Hair came on the stage to sing ‘Let the Sun Shine In.’ It was so gorgeous, we hugged and kissed. You couldn’t have planned anything like that . . . It certainly made it clear that we were there to stay.” So they were. So we are. A Milwaukee-based writer and dramaturg, Mike Fischer is a member of the Advisory Company of Artists for Forward Theater Company in Madison and Third Avenue Playhouse in Sturgeon Bay. On behalf of Forward, he co-hosts a bimonthly podcast and writes a weekly visual arts guide. You can reach him directly at mjfischer1985@gmail.com. May2021 | 15
2020-2021 SeasoN
Entertainment begins at Sunset! Musical MainStage Concert Series
SGT. PEPPER ON ABBEY ROAD - June 7 -8, 2021 JOHNNY CASH & FRIENDS - July 19-20, 2021 DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ - August 9-10, 2021
Special Events
KERRY SINGS CARLY & KAREN - May 22 – 23, 2021 FOUR GUYZ IN DINNER JACKETS - August 19 – September 5, 2021
Sundays at Sunset Outdoor Concerts
THE BEST IS YET TO COME: SINATRA & FRIENDS - June 13, 2021 BROADWAY HITS - June 27, 2021 ROCK HITS - July 11, 2021 DISCO DIVAS: EVERYBODY DANCE! - July 25, 2021 A WINDOW OF OPPROTUNITY: SHOW TUNES - August 8, 2021
Put more life into
your L ifestyle!
Put more life into
• Warm-Water Pools at our premier properties* • On-Site Restaurant Style Dining • Fitness Centers with on-site Therapy Services • Outdoor Grills and Firepits • Housekeeping Services • Entertainment Theaters at our premier properties* • Transportation provided for scheduled events & activities • Spacious Floor Plans
We can help you with the Next
more life into LPut ifestyle! your Lifestyle!
Put more life into your
your L ifestyle!
• Warm-Water Pools at our premier properties* • Warm-Water Pools at our premier properties* • On-Site Restaurant Style Dining
Step!
••Independent Independent ••Assisted AssistedLiving Living • Memory Care • MemoryProgram: Care Safety, Security & Peace of Mind • Pendant • Pendant Program: Safety, Security & Peace of Mind
Heritage Elm Grove 800 Wall Street Elm Grove, WI 53122
Heritage Middleton 6234 Maywood Ave. Middleton, WI 53562
Heritage West Allis Lincoln Village 7901 West National Ave. 1330 West Lincoln Ave. West Allis, WI 53214 Port Washington, WI 53074 Heritage Monona 111 Owen Road Aspire* Monona, WI 53716 825 Cobblestone Lane Kimberly, WI 54136
• On-Site Restaurant Dining • Warm-Water Pools at our premierStyle properties* • Fitness Centers with on-site Therapy Services • Fitness Centers with on-site Services • On-Site Restaurant Style Dining • OutdoorTherapy Grills and Firepits • Fitness Centers with on-site Therapy •Services Housekeeping Services • Outdoor Grills and Firepits • Entertainment Theaters at our premier properties* • Outdoor Grills and Firepits • Housekeeping Services • Transportation provided for scheduled events & activities • Housekeeping Services • Spacious Plans properties* • Entertainment Theaters at our premier properties* • Entertainment Theaters at ourFloor premier • Transportation provided for scheduled events & activities • Transportation provided for scheduled events & activities We can help you with the • Spacious Floor Plans • Spacious Floor Plans
We can help you with the Living Next • Assisted
Step!
Next Step!
We can help •you with the Next Memory Care
• Independent
Step!
• AssistedHeritage Living Lake Country* • Pendant Program: Safety,Waukesha Security & Peace of Mind Heritage Heritage Muskego* • Independent • Memory Care Village Square Drive 1831 Meadow Lane S64 W13780 Janesville 2975 Pendant Program:Living Safety, Security & Peace ofPewaukee, Mind WI 53072 • Assisted Rd. Muskego, WI•53150 Hartland, WI 53029
• Memory Care Heritage Oakwood Hills Heritage Deer Creek Heritage Court 3606 Damon St. of Mind • Pendant Program: Safety, Security & Peace 3585 147th Street N48W14250 W. Hampton Ave. New Berlin, WI 53151 Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Eau Claire, WI 54701 Lexington Heritage Heritage Court 5020 South 107th Street 3515 East Hamilton Ave. Greenfield, WI 53228 Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit us at heritagesenior.com 16 | artsscene
• Independent
Heritage Oshkosh* Coming Summer 2021! 2080 Witzel Avenue Oshkosh, WI 54904
May2021 | 17
Your Path. Your Pace. Your Reward.
A Look at the UPAF Ride for the Arts By Ryan Albrechtson
UPAF supporters ride over Hoan Bridge.
“The bike ride has been around for 40 years,” said Katie Korek, Public Relations & Digital Media Senior Specialist for the United Performing Arts Fund. “It has really transformed during that time.” The ride started in 1981 as a fundraising event for the nonprofit called the Uecker’s Ride for the Arts, and was led by Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster Bob Uecker. Since then, the event has grown into the UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite with almost 8,000 riders during some of its busiest years. “For the last couple of years, we’ve had about 3,000-4,000 riders,” said Korek. “Usually our routes range anywhere from 5 miles all the way to 70. We’re the only recreational event to go over the Hoan Bridge. Well… in normal times.” 18 | artsscene
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced UPAF to rethink the event in a virtual format. Riders could register, pick up their shirts, and then participate in the ride from home. While they aren’t headed back over the big yellow bridge quite yet, they’ve got plans in place to bring riders together again safely. “It was clear to us early on that bringing thousands of people together at the Summerfest grounds was not going to be feasible,” said Korek. “So we’ve created a ride series. We’ve got three different dates and three different Reward Stations. Riders can pick whatever route they’d like to get to the Reward Station. Your route. Your pace. Your reward.”
May2021 | 19
Riders can choose between the three events: June 6 (Reward Station at Veterans Park in Milwaukee), June 13 (Reward Station at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield), or June 27 (Reward Station at Coal Dock Park in Port Washington). At each of the Reward Stations, riders will be greeted by appreciative, enthusiastic volunteers, UPAF members and sponsors who will usher you through the high energy reward experience. As you walk your bike through the station, you’ll receive the treasured Miller Lite drawstring backpack, full of gifts. Children receive a special backpack just for them. Water and snacks will be handed out to keep your energy up on your trip home. A variety of UPAF artists will perform to show their appreciation for your efforts and support. And don’t forget to take a selfie with the UPAF Big Bike mascot! “People can pick whatever route they like to get to one of the three ending destinations,” said Korek. “They can park from a certain point and ride, ride from home, or whatever they want to do. When they get to the destination they’ll be able to get their swag bag, take pictures with our giant inflatable bike, member group performances, and then they can continue on their way.”
“It’s designed so there isn’t a reason to gather or to stop,” said Korek. “However, if things look brighter in the next couple of months, we have the ability to change the scale and add a beer tent or food trucks or things like that. We’ve been working very closely with the Milwaukee Health Department. They are in full support of what it is right now.” Registration is now open! Riders can register, and learn more information, by visiting the UPAF website. 20 | artsscene
UPAF supporters ride over Hoan Bridge.
“We have been very lucky, in that while we have had to reinvent a lot of what we do, we are still able to function,” said Korek. “It is because of the great community support that we can ensure that our member groups can keep their doors open and thrive.”
May2021 | 21
Waukesha Friday Night Live Breathes Life into Downtown By Ryan Albrechtson
22 | artsscene
What do a group of small local businesses do when their streets look like a ghost town on a Friday night? They turn it into a music festival. “It started over 15 years ago,” said Susie Taylor, who coordinates Friday Night Live and is the owner of Taylor’s People’s Park Downtown Waukesha. “A group of businesses thought ‘This is such a quaint downtown. Why are we not busier on Friday nights? We need to tap into the arts.’” The event started as just a few musicians performing on the sidewalk, but quickly grew into something much larger. “It started to grab the attention of people, and that was bringing more people into the restaurants and shops,” said Taylor. “Fast forward a few years, and now we’ve got bands and musicians playing on nine different stages throughout Downtown Waukesha.” The city now closes Main Street to traffic on Friday nights for the event. This year’s lineup starts on June 4th, and runs through September 3rd. “It’s almost put Waukesha back on the map in a way,” said Taylor. “It brings people to Waukesha who probably wouldn’t come here otherwise. The goal is to get people to come to Downtown Waukesha and then want to come back again.” There’s no shortage of things to see in Downtown Waukesha. From the wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, there’s always plenty to do. And after a tough year for these businesses with Covid, Friday Night Live aims to breathe some life back into downtown.
May2021 | 23
“It has brought a sense of community to Waukesha, and I really found out how many people missed it last year,” said Taylor. “So many people were disappointed when it had to be cancelled because of Covid. I’ve never heard so many people in my life tell me how much they love coming to Downtown Waukesha and just how much they missed being with people.” Being an outdoor event with plenty of room to space out and vaccines continuing to roll out, the Waukesha Downtown Business Association is confident in pulling off a safe, successful event. “It’s so fun to walk down Main Street and get such a variety of music,” said Taylor. “There can be a country band, then a string quartet, classic rock. No matter who you are there is something for everyone.” The nine stages, and wide variety of music choices, are hosted by many of the local businesses downtown. This year’s hosts include: Crush Wine Bar, Guitar for Life Studio & Café, Hannon’s, Magellan’s, Martha Merrell’s Books, Mia’s Italian Cuisine, Salty Toad, Taylor’s People’s Park, and Waukesha Civic Theatre. Waukesha has a rich music history. Nicknamed “Guitar Town” by the Gibson Guitartown Project, Waukesha is the birthplace of Les Paul, known as the inventor of the electric guitar. “I am sure Les Paul is smiling down at Downtown Waukesha on Friday nights,” said Taylor. Check out the 2021 Season Line Up!
24 | artsscene
Friday Night Live 2021 Season Line Up! JUNE June 4, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Sandi Tibbetts Guitar for Life Studio & Café - Dirty Boogie Hannon’s - Sound Therapy Magellan’s - Andrew Gallas Band Martha Merrell’s Books - O’Connors & Theiss Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Billy Lethal Salty Toad - Robert Allen Jr. Band Taylor’s People’s Park - Waterdogs Waukesha Civic Theatre Waukesha Civic Theatre Broadway Singers
June 11, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Emmett Mulrooney Guitar for Life Studio & Café - G n’ R Hannon’s - Outta Line Magellan’s - Freddy and the Cruzers Martha Merrell’s Books - Aspenglow Band Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Rick D’Amore Salty Toad - Tony Inzeo Taylor’s People’s Park - Ugga Bugga Waukesha Civic Theatre - Dan Albrechtson and Rob Moore
June 18, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Mike Cascio/Joe Perano Guitar for Life Studio & Café Michael Woelfel Hannon’s - Trouble Makers Magellan’s - Bail Jumpers Martha Merrell’s Books - Post Turtles Mia’s Italian Cuisine - The Sidewinderz Salty Toad - Room to Move Taylor’s People’s Park - Sawdust Symphony Waukesha Civic Theatre - Vasi Katina
June 25, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Pete Llanas Guitar for Life Studio & Café - Killer Clowns Hannon’s - Sliver Magellan’s - Last Bee’s Martha Merrell’s Books - Off the Record Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Dean Richard Salty Toad - Robert Allen Jr. Band Taylor’s People’s Park - Fuzznuckle Waukesha Civic Theatre - Emilie Grunfelder
JULY July 9, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Sandi Tibbets Guitar for Life Studio & Café - Phil Norby Hannon’s - Shut The Front Door Magellan’s - Trouble Makers Martha Merrell’s Books - Fair Webber Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Fuzznuckle Salty Toad - Bail Jumpers Taylor’s People’s Park - Sidewinderz Waukesha Civic Theatre - The Stangs
July 16, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Joey Leal Guitar for Life Studio & Café - Bail Jumpers Hannon’s Jennifer Andrea and the Drive Down Magellan’s - Robert Allen Jr. Martha Merrell’s Books - Post Turtles Mia’s Italian Cuisine - The B-Side Salty Toad - Room to Move Taylor’s People’s Park - Block Party Waukesha Civic Theatre - The Keystones
July 23, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Jake Warne Guitar for Life Studio & Café Chaos Theory
May2021 | 25
2021 SEAS ON L I NE UP!
Hannon’s - Abracadabra Band Magellan’s - Los Guys Martha Merrell’s Books O’Connors & Theiss Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Peter D’Amore Salty Toad - Bail Jumpers Taylor’s People’s Park - Insane Octane Waukesha Civic Theatre - Cole Brandt
July 30, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Mike Cascio/Joe Perano Guitar for Life Studio & Café - TNTS Project Hannon’s - Dirty Boogie Magellan’s - JJ Eckl Martha Merrell’s Books - Sawyer Road Mia’s Italian Cuisine - The Spectaculars Salty Toad - Mission River Band Taylor’s People’s Park - Cactus Bros. Waukesha Civic Theatre - Kirsten Grace
AUGUST August 6, 2021
City of Waukesha 125th Anniversary Crush Wine Bar - Sandi Tibbetts Guitar for Life Studio & Café Tacoma Washington Weekday Club Hannon’s - Vinyl Road Magellan’s - After Hours Bands Martha Merrell’s Books - Aspenglow Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Kevin Wypiszynski Salty Toad - Robert Allen Jr. Band Taylor’s People’s Park - Stray Voltage Waukesha Civic Theatre - The Dolce Duo
August 13, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Pete Lange Jazz Guitar for Life Studio & Café - G n’ R Hannon’s - Mother Earth Magellan’s Nick Bacardi and the Rum Runners Martha Merrell’s Books - Fair Webber
Mia’s Italian Cuisine - The Hitmen Salty Toad - TNTS Project Taylor’s People’s Park - Fat Andy Waukesha Civic Theatre - Joseph Krechel
August 20, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Pete Llanas Guitar for Life Studio & Café - Trainwreck Hannon’s - Kilroy Magellan’s - The Burgandy Ties Martha Merrell’s Books - Post Turtles Mia’s Italian Cuisine - TNTS Project Salty Toad - TBA Taylor’s People’s Park - COLO Waukesha Civic Theatre - Catelyn Picco
August 27, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Jake Warne Guitar for Life Studio & Café - Hitmen Hannon’s - Shut the Front Door Magellan’s - B-Side Band Martha Merrell’s Books O’Connors & Theiss Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Higbee Higbee Salty Toad - Robert Allen Jr. Band Taylor’s People’s Park - Scott E. Berendt Waukesha Civic Theatre Emmet Mulrooney
SEPTEMBER September 3, 2021
Crush Wine Bar - Sandi Tibbetts Guitar for Life Studio & Café Chaos Theory Hannon’s - Sound Therapy Magellan’s - Ryan McIntyre Martha Merrell’s Books - Off the Record Mia’s Italian Cuisine - Peter & Rick D’Amore Salty Toad - Vintage Groove Taylor’s People’s Park - Stray Voltage Waukesha Civic Theatre - Ted Cefalu
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE
26 | artsscene
OCONOMOWOC ARTS CENTER
The OAC is the place to go in Lake Country and features a variety of shows for all ages, offering music and dance concerts, theatrical performances, comedy, special events, visual arts, community forums, and more. The OAC features comfortable unobstructed seating for over 750, state of the art acoustics, a convenient location, and free parking. Check our website for current event listings.
641 E. Forest St. Oconomowoc, WI 53066
May2021 | 27
M A D I S O N M E D I C A L A F F I L I AT E S
Taking better care of yourself starts with finding the best doctors to take care of you.
When it comes to healthcare, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the perfect fit. You need physicians who are engaged. Who listen. Who spend time with you. We want to make a difference in your life, and the lives of your family. INTERNAL MEDICINE
Kathleen Baugrud, M.D.
John Betz, M.D.
Matthew Connolly, M.D.
Kevin DiNapoli, M.D.
Deidre Faust, M.D.
Scott Jorgensen, M.D.
Unchu Ko, M.D.
Jay Balachandran, M.D.
Burak Gurses, M.D.
Brent Jones, M.D.
David Lucke, M.D.
PULMONARY
Rachel Oosterbaan, M.D.
John Sanidas, M.D.
Abraham Varghese, M.D.
UROLOGY
Kevin Gee, M.D.
James Volberding, M.D.
Dima Adl, M.D.
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Christopher Kearns, M.D.
Peter Slocum, M.D.
Amy DeGueme, M.D.
Elaine Drobny, M.D.
Antoni Gofron, M.D.
Gene Kligman, M.D.
Venelin Kounev, M.D.
Srihari Ramanujam, M.D.
Chad Stepke, M.D.
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Vincents Dindzans, M.D.
28 | artsscene
Vijay Khiani, M.D.
Kawaljeet Kaur, M.D.
M A D I S O N M E D I C A L A F F I L I AT E S
MILWAUKEE • MEQUON
MadisonMedical.com | 414.272.8950
SURGERY
Daniel Butz, M.D.
ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Richard Cattey, M.D.
Jasna Coralic, M.D.
MOHS SURGERY
Carmen Balding, M.D.
Alysandra Lal, M.D.
Joseph Regan, M.D.
Craig Siverhus, M.D.
Anne Lent, M.D.
Kristin Schroederus, M.D.
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
Manish Gharia, M.D.
Camile Hexsel, M.D.
Jonathan Berkoff, M.D.
Patricia Dolhun, M.D.
Katya Frantskevich, M.D.
Shireen Jayne, D.O.
Jennifer Moralez, M.D.
Tracy Donahue, M.D.
Valerie Lyon, M.D.
Jack Maloney, M.D.
Jason Rosenberg, M.D.
Debra Scarlett, M.D.
Thorsteinn Skulason, M.D.
Heather Wells, M.D.
DERMATOLOGY
Amanda Cooper, M.D.
COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE
Lisa Bennett, M.D.
Thomas Bloom, M.D.
James Ivanoski, O.D.
Fred Shafrin, M.D.
Visit MadisonMedical.com to learn more about our doctors and their specialties.
May2021 | 29
presents
Mother’s Day Singalong with Lullaby Project Madison, Wis. (April 26, 2021) — Our next Overture Forum showcases the benefits of music and the Lullaby Project. Please join us Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. to celebrate Mother’s Day and the special bond of caregivers and young children. This free virtual concert will feature Madison musicians playing familiar singalong lullaby favorites and original songs by local parents participating in this year’s Lullaby Project. Encourage your children to dress up and play along with their own shakers, hand drums or noisemakers! The concert will be hosted by Overture’s Director of Education and Community Engagement Alanna Medearis, who will share about this year’s Lullaby Project in partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District’s School Age Parent Program. Featured musicians include Laura Lang, Dana Perry, Angela Puerta and surprise guests.
30 | artsscene
Please join us for this free forum, open to the public: Mother’s Day Singalong with Lullaby Project. Registration is required. About the Lullaby Project: A program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, the Lullaby Project uses the creative process of songwriting to help new and expectant parents express their hopes and dreams for the future through music. Overture Center is pleased to be one of more than 30 organizations across the country and the world to be a Lullaby Project partner. The Lullaby Project is supported in part by Stephen & Carey Weiler. About Overture Forums: This past summer, Overture began hosting a series of virtual forums to address questions and share updates about the future of the arts in our community. Forums cover a variety of topics with input from Overture’s executive team as well as community and industry leaders. OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Madison, Wis. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, featuring seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and four galleries where national and international touring artists, 10 resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in nearly 700,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. With the vision to provide “Extraordinary Experiences for All,” Overture’s mission is to support and elevate our community’s creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts.
May2021 | 31
ABOUT THE COVE R
32 | by: arts scene Photo Kevin J. Miyazaki / Sculpture Milwaukee
ABOUT THE COVE R
Anna Fasshauer Tallulah Rapsody | 2019
aluminum, car lacquer | 80 x 40 x 50 inches Courtesy of the artist and Nino Mier Gallery, Los Angeles German artist Anna Fasshauer makes Pop-ish, colorful works that bring to mind childhood games of pickup sticks, and the performative, process-based works of first generation feminist artists like Lynda Benglis. Fasshauer’s work also smacks of the cheerful soft sculptures of Swedish/American artist Claes Oldenburg, who found meaningful forms in the every day. Fasshauer’s works can resemble totems, or industrial cast-offs, or machines ill-suited for their roles. While the works enchant us with their peppy colors, they strike a weighty balance between heavy and light, abstract and figurative, masculine and feminine. Get outside and PLAY! Milwaukee is known for our many outdoor art installations. Next month, we’ll give you an inside look at all of the sculptures that are a part of Sculpture MKE, as well as show you some pieces at the Lynden Sculpture Garden! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!
May2021 | 33
MAD I S ON
BRINGING THE MUSIC BACK: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Announces 2021 Concerts on the Square Plans By Ryan Albrechtson In 2020, artists and patrons missed out on a lot of the experiences we often look forward to. One of Madison’s most loved events is Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square. Started in 1984, this free event typically moved the orchestra from inside of the Overture Center to the lawn of the beautiful Wisconsin State Capitol. With the help of community leader Pleasant Roland, this annual tradition brings over 200,000 patrons to the Square for music each summer. 2020 saw much of this tradition paused, but the orchestra worked hard to still reach their audiences. In August, WCO played live to just a few dozen donors seated at tables at the Breese Stevens field. The concert was then broadcast to a screen at the Warner Park Duck Pond Drive-In. At the time, they were just one of three orchestras in the nation to pull something like that off. “It’s my belief that what we do is a vital function to our community,” said Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra CEO Joe Loehnis.
34 | artsscene
MAD I S ON Nothing was about to stop Loehnis and his team from getting back on their feet in 2021. After many careful considerations, WCO has announced the return of the series, in a slightly different format. Five concerts will be performed at Breese Stevens Field on Wednesday evenings at 7pm beginning July 7. The capacity will be limited to 1,500 patrons, with options for table seating, blankets, and some bleacher seating in the back. In addition, all concerts will be livestreamed for free so more can experience the music. “We can’t wait to get back on the Square in 2022. But in the meantime, to protect our neighbors in this community, we’re thrilled to broadcast all five concerts live from Breese Stevens Field this summer,” said Loehnis. Loehnis grew up in Appleton, WI and graduated from Lawrence University, where he attended as a cellist performance major. Also a collegiate golfer, he went on to spend a few years playing professional golf in Florida, while also serving as the principal cellist for the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra and opening a studio to offer music education to kids in the area. Loehnis moved to Madison in 2013, first serving as Executive Director of The First Tee, a youth development nonprofit before accepting the position of CEO.
May2021 | 35
MAD I S ON
“It is important for our orchestra and community that we keep our musicians employed and working through COVID-19,” said Loehnis. “Charging a nominal fee to reserve a spot at Breese Stevens Field gives us an opportunity to bring together our community to support the musicians that provide so much joy to all of us. 100% of our ticket sales for Concerts on the Square this summer will directly support our musicians.” While this format might not be the same COTS so many have come to love and enjoy, it’s impressive what Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is able to do. Whether it be from a table, a blanket, a bleacher, or home – these concerts are definitely something to look forward to.
36 | artsscene
centuryhouseinc.com
art is everywhere
Sorel Etrog,The Source, 1964
40 A CRE S, 5 0 SCUL P TURE S, 15 MINUTE S F R OM DO WNTO WN LYNDENSCULPTUREGARDEN.ORG 2145 W BROWN DEER RD, MILWAUKEE, WI 53217
3029 university ave, madison
FREE SOCIAL DISTANCE WALKING May2021 | 37
MAD I S ON
THE LINEUP July 7 at 7pm: “Summon the Heroes” The WCO’s annual Independence Day celebration featuring Sousa, John Williams, and the 1812 Overture Will also feature Antonio Wu (piano), winner of the 2020 WCO Young Artist Concert Competition
July 14 at 7pm: “Bringing Us Together - Put A Little Love in Your Heart” A journey through classical to modern, with emphasis on black composers from the ‘30s to today Featuring special guests Leotha Stanley and Friends with gospel favorites
July 21 at 7pm: “Shakespeare in Love” A tour of classical repertoire inspired by the works of Shakespeare Featuring special guest Xavier Foley, an award-winning young double bassist representing the next generation of great classical performers
July 28 at 7pm: “Disco Inferno” Frequent collaborators Jeans ‘n Classics join us for their 8th Concert on the Square Featuring disco and funk favorites, such as Disco Inferno, Boogie Wonderland, and The Hustle
August 4 at 7pm: “Tchaikovsky Rocks” Featuring world-class young pianist with Madison roots, Maxim Lando Performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 1 in addition to other classic Tchaikovsky works
NO MORE TRIPS TO THE CLEANERS! ZERO COST AND TIME EMPLOYEE COMPANY BENEFIT! • • • • •
We supply the office with bags and invoices Orders are picked up and returned on a weekly basis Billing is sent directly to the employees home once a month We handle all questions and comments with your employees' We honor all competitors cleaning coupons
Simply call us at 414-223-4078 or visit wolfscleaners.com to get started today!
50% Off all cleaning orders for first-time customers! 38 | artsscene
LIVE PERFORMANCES RETURN TO OVERTURE CENTER THIS FALL Join us for our virtual 2021/22 Season Announcement on MON, MAY 10, 7 PM or visit our website after the event.
OVERTURE.ORG/ SEASONANNOUNCE
21 22
SEASON
A NEW BEGINNING IS ON THE HORIZON Our 21/22 symphony season is scheduled to begin in September 2021 — a joyous celebration of Beethoven that will feature many of the artists and programs we had anticipated experiencing throughout this season.
RENEW & SUBSCRIBE SPRING 2021
We are planning to open 21/22 season renewals and new subscriptions in the Spring. We’re excited to be together with you again feeling the thrill of live music with our orchestra and John DeMain in beautiful Overture Hall.
madison symphony.org/21-22 May2021 | 39
WI SCONSI N
THE HILLS COME ALIVE AGAIN:
American Players Theatre By: Amanda Finn
The Hill at American Players Theatre (APT) went strangely quiet last year, save for the resident critters scurrying about their home. The artists of APT, like thousands across the country, had to pivot in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, after a long year of isolation and other creative making, the Hill will come alive once again. “I just can’t wait to have people up the Hill,” Brenda DeVita, artistic director, said. “If you go up there and feel it, you can feel the Hill [as] if the hills are alive.” Starting May 14 APT will launch their six-show season, at 25% capacity, until October 3. Three shows Up the Hill and three shows in The Touchstone. Audiences will be masked and APT is still deciding what their performers will do. They may very well create NBA style quarantine bubbles so their actors can perform, safely, without masks. But, as things are constantly evolving, that is yet to be determined.
40 | artsscene
WI SCONSI N
Although some artists have been engaged in virtual productions, others have taken this ghostlight time to step away. Regardless of how folks have chosen to spend this time, DeVita says APT is better for this time of reflection and changing pace. “It’s a weird thing to say and I’m surprising myself by saying this but I think, as scary as all of it is, there has been [growth] in the confidence in our audience,” she said. “They’ve been with us every step of the way.” DeVita added that there is greater confidence in the community of actors as well and the theater’s ability to pivot and make rapid changes when needed. There was a surge of confidence that succinctly said APT could thrive for another 40 years because of the people that surround it. This summer those pivotal folks include directors such as Ron OJ Parson, William Brown and Marti Lyons with works by William Shakespeare, Katori Hall, and Christopher Fry. Audiences can revel in the performances of Gavin Lawrence, Melisa Pereyra and Jim DeVita with a reinvigorated love of the theater which has been a tender loss for more than a year.
May2021 | 41
WI SCONSI N
A pandemic may have drawn the curtain on a year of theater, but like a marriage, the relationship between the people and the art can get stronger in the face of misfortune. “It’s the hard parts of your marriage that are gonna really solidify your marriage,” DeVita said. “When you’re newlywed you’re like, ‘don’t tell me that!’ But when you’re married for 30 years, I hate to be cliche, it’s absolutely true...You learn who you are in crisis and how you love in crisis.” In that sense, APT hasn’t just survived the pandemic, it has recommitted to the values it was founded in. Those same values that keep the theater company going year after year. DeVita said the company remains focused on who they are as well as the audiences, artists and actors that make APT what it is. It’s easy to get “distracted” from the things that matter, particularly in the chaos of the pandemic. So the company made a conscious decision to stay connected to their audience and see what they could offer until they could take the stage again in front of a live audience. “We produced, I think, 15 discrete pieces of art last year, and we employed dozens of artists,” she said. “We got all of our company enough working weeks to have their health insurance and made that a priority. We did a series of things on zoom that we’ve never done before...We hooked up with PBS Wisconsin and then we did the walk in the woods. That was a glorious and completely surprising and progressive idea that I’m so proud we made. We aren’t receding in our ideas about what we ought to be when we come out of this.” In spite of the triumphs and pitfalls of the last year, the pivots from in person to virtual, APT has paved a way for itself out of the bleak dystopia of 2020. With a handful of plays to look forward to in the summer, patrons and artists at the helm of support, DeVita had one word to consistently sum up how she was feeling in all of this: “grateful.”
42 | artsscene
front back
etsy.com/shop/ACTLikeYouCare May2021 | 43
ART SUBM I SSI ONS
Peggy Thiele
44 | artsscene
ART SUBM I SSI ONS
Some people favor the colors of autumn, others warm up to winter; every year I accept these seasons cheerlessly, my heart is with summer. Summer means the spring work of planning, propagating plants and pruning comes to fruition in our gardens. It’s not gardening I love, it’s the outcome. Home-grown vegetables are a treat, but I’m captivated by my flower garden, so much so, that, returning to my roots as a graphic designer, I’ve written and illustrated a children’s book based on a garden adventure and created a line of greeting cards depicting many of the same plant cultivars my husband and I tend to each year. Our gardens aren’t extraordinary, we get the usual visitors, common Wisconsin species of insects, birds, and animals – especially my dog. Visitors of the human species may think a garden box of zucchini, or a patch of Blue Balloon flowers is quite simple. But, for me, our garden is inspiration for art!
May2021 | 45
ART SUBM I SSI ONS
Philip Silver Ankney Integrate: A Mini Furniture Series
46 | artsscene
ART SUBM I SSI ONS
A few years ago, I had a pothos plant in my bedroom. I got in the habit of letting it grow so low that I would walk into it, at which point I would pin the next section to the ceiling, and let it keep going. It grew to be over 200 feet long. My walls were consumed by it, and I never felt so at home. This mini series of furniture is inspired by that memory, and all the ways we work to keep the living world “out of our way.” Instead of reserving our living room corners and desk shelves for plants, what if we put them in the center of the setting? These furniture pieces invite the user to work with nature, instead of pushing it to the side. With these tables, when you set your coffee down, maybe you have to move a leaf out of the way. And maybe that’s OK. Maybe you’ll start to notice more about it. Nature isn’t in the way; it is the setting we all live and die in. As the climate crisis grows, it is time to admit that maybe the natural world knows more about determining the space than we do. The least we can do is give it a seat at the table. May2021 | 47
Bravo! The Burish Group supports the arts Whether it be in person or virtual, the arts help economies thrive, communities flourish and individuals connect with each other while educating and enriching societies. We are proud to support ArtsScene and look forward to enjoying the arts together in person again soon. The Burish Group UBS Financial Services Inc. Madison 8020 Excelsior Drive, Suite 400 Madison, WI 53717 608-831-4282
Brookfield 17775 West Bluemound Road Brookfield, WI 53045 262-794-0872
Milwaukee 411 East Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1700 Milwaukee, WI 53202 262-794-0872 ubs.com/burishgroup
As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business, that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the PDF document at ubs.com/relationshipsummary. © UBS 2020. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. VIP_12082020-1 Exp.: 12/31/2021
48 | artsscene
Be included in our June issue of ArtsScene!
Painting, Performing, and PRIDE! We’re looking for art submissions
both performing and visual
from local LGBTQIA+ artists! Submissions due May 21st! We’re highlighting prominent local LGBTQIA+ artists in our June issue is there someone you’d like to see celebrated?
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE THEM! May2021 | 49
E VE N T L I ST I NGS Check out some of Southern Wisconsin's best upcoming virtual and in-person arts offerings! Want to see your event in an upcoming issue? Click here!
See an event you like?
All events are clickable, click to get more information!
Events marked with DEAR RUTH BY THE EVERYDAY FEMINIST
☀ are outdoors.
UP CLOSE BUT NOT TOO CLOSE WITH JOHN MCGIVERN
Saint Kate Arts Hotel Pabst Theater Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee, WI Through May 9 Through May 16 To celebrate the Honorable Ruth Bader The shows will still include a fresh mix of old Ginsburg, The Everyday Feminist invites you and new tales, from John’s childhood days on to join our community, near and far, in writing Milwaukee’s Eastside to recent events in the letters to archive our thoughts, feelings, and midst of the pandemic. memories of our dearly departed Notorious RBG. 2021 MILWAUKEE FILM FESTIVAL
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD Waukesha Civic Theatre Waukesha, WI Through May 15 Composer Jason Robert Brown describes Songs for a New World as being, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.”
9 CIRCLES Next Act Theatre Virtual Event Through May 16 Honorably discharged but later accused of a war crime in Iraq, American soldier Daniel Reeves must navigate an onslaught of commanding officers, public defenders, lawyers, preachers, and psychiatrists who seek answers, excuses, or culpability.
Milwaukee Film Festival Virtual Event Through May 20 Get ready: Your 2021 calendar is going to look a little different. That’s because the 13th annual Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by Associated Bank, will be held in spring ... and passes for access to all virtual screenings are on sale now.
ELLA FITZGERALD: FIRST LADY OF SONG Milwaukee Rep, Quadracci Powerhouse Milwaukee, WI Through May 23 Award-winning actress Alexis J Roston salutes America’s favorite jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
THE THANKSGIVING PLAY Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Virtual Event Through May 23 A team of terminally woke teaching artists’ good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this blistering satire.
E VE N T L I ST I NGS
THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY SPRING FLORAL SHOW: SEASONS OF LEGEND Lake Country Playhouse
Hartland, WI Mitchell Park Domes Through May 23 Milwaukee, WI Four unique Southern women, all needing Through May 29 to escape the sameness of their day-to-day A look at the ways different cultures used routines, are drawn together by Fate—and an folklore to explain the changing of the impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high seasons. Legends are told with props and time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve more than 3,000 brightly colored plants. lost through the years.
REAR VIEW MEMORIES EXHIBIT Ubuntu Art Space Fon du Lac, WI Through May 28 “My body of artwork is made up of a wide array of materials I have been salvaging and collecting since I was a child.”
ARTISTS WITHOUT BORDERS: REFLECTIONS ON ART AND PLACE Museum of Wisconsin Art West Bend, WI Through July 3 OR AT Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel Milwaukee, WI May 12 – August 1 The exhibition is a testament to the diversity—of backgrounds, interests, and styles—that is representative of Wisconsin art today.
LIVE PERFORMANCE | IN-PERSON! • JOIN US! TICKETS START AT J UST
$20*
AND GO O N S ALE PRESENTED BY ARTISTS
STARRING
MARCH 1 5
LOUNGE LIVE
ALEXIS J ROSTON
APRIL 27 — MAY 23, 2021 Q UA D R A C C I P O W E R H O U S E
Corporate Sponsor
Media Sponsor
www.MilwaukeeRep.com
|
414-224-9490 *Tax and fees apply.
E VE N T L I ST I NGS
VULNERABLE BODIES: A POP-UP EXHIBITION Garver Feed Mill Madison, WI Through July 24 Vulnerable Bodies features six artists — Erica Hess, Masako Onodera, Yevgeniya Kaganovich, Demitra Copoulos, J. Myska Lewis, and Valaria Tatera — whose work speaks to the paradox of fragility and resilience.
☀ MUSIC ON THE LAKE
East Side Club Madison, WI Through September Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the casual, backyard setting. The lineup features national touring acts paired with some of Madison’s best local bands.
☀ FPC LIVE
Multiple Locations Madison, WI Starting May 6 FPC Live is planning nine more shows for the summer.
WEILL'S LITTLE MAHAGONNY The Florentine Opera at Uihlein Hall Milwaukee, WI May 7 – June 7 Revel in the talented Baumgartner Studio Artists as they explore Weill’s 25-minute semi-staged cabaret cantata in German and English.
☀ SPRING MAKER'S MARKET
Stonewood Village Brookfield, WI May 8 Local artists | food trucks | live music | free admission
☀ SUMMER CRAFTERNOONS
West Allis Downtown West Allis, WI May 8 Arts and Crafts lovers, rejoice! Every second Saturday this Summer, West Allis Downtown will be hosting our Summer Crafternoons, a series of art and craft fairs on the side streets.
FOUREVER FAB PERFORMS THE BEATLES Fireside Theatre Fort Atkinson, WI May 8 – 9, May 15 – 16 Fourever Fab and its founding members have been performing the hits of the world’s mostloved lads, The Beatles, for over twenty years.
46 PLAYS FOR AMERICA'S FIRST LADIES Forward Theater Virtual Event May 8 – May 23 Forty-six plays. Forty-six First Ladies. This 110-minute journey through American history utilizes comedy, drama, music, dance and more as it surveys the lives of the women who have served (and avoided serving) as First Lady.
WORKING: A MUSICAL Theatre Fest ‘21 Virtual Event May 13 – May 19 Working is based on real-life stories collected by Studs Terkel and includes songs by LinManuel Miranda, James Taylor, and Micki Grant. Our concert version is a testament to strength, tenacity, and pride of the people who keep America running.
2021 WISCONSIN FILM FESTIVAL Wisconsin Film Festival Virtual Event May 13 – May 20 The 23rd annual Wisconsin Film Festival will be presented May 13-20 online at wifilmfest. eventive.org, featuring over 100 shorts and feature films.
E VE N T L I ST I NGS
☀ AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE ☀ FITZSIMMONS WOODS WALK SEASON OPEN
On The Hill Spring Green, WI May 14 Check out APT’s 6-show summer season! Tickets for An Improbable Fiction are on sale now.
☀ TODD CLOUSEN TRIO
AND ALEX MERCADO TRIO
Fitzsimmons Woods Franklin, WI May 15 View the beauty and eco-diversity of Fitzsimmons Woods through the lens of both art and science.
THE SINATRA EXPERIENCE WITH DAVE HALSTON
BlueStem Jazz at Garver Feed Mill Madison, WI May 14 BlueStem Jazz is back on the Garver Patio with two trios beginning at 7pm.
The Grand Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI May 15 Returning to Oshkosh from Las Vegas - “The Sinatra Experience” - a brilliant tribute starring Dave Halston.
WISCONSIN STATE POLKA FESTIVAL
SPRINGTIME IN THE GROVE ART FESTIVAL
Sterling Chalet Richfield, WI May 14 – May 16 A celebration of the polka as the official state dance of Wisconsin.
MAMA DIGDOWN'S BRASS BAND Garver Atrium at Garver Feed Mill Madison, WI May 15 Madison’s favorite American brass band comes to the Garver atrium for 2 sets of socially-distanced fun with cocktail seating, full bar, lounge fare, and room to dance available to all ticket holders.
☀ FREEDOM MUSIC SERIES
House of Harley-Davidson Greenfield, WI May 15 Help us kick off the 2021 summer outdoor concert season with music, shopping, food, and beverages at Milwaukee’s premier motorcycle dealership!
Elm Grove Woman’s Club Elm Grove, WI May 15 It’s the Springtime in the Grove Art Festival offering a selection of art, gifts, collectables, delectable treats and more. Check out a bountiful sale of bakery and colorful planters.
MUSIC SHE WROTE Wisconsin Chamber Choir Virtual Event May 15 Wisconsin Chamber Choir presents: Music She Wrote—Singing in our cars to honor music by women, featuring Grammy Award winner Sarah Brailey.
DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW DoubleTree Hilton Madison East Madison, WI May 15 The Dinner Detective is an interactive murder mystery set in present day and based on real cold cases.
E VE N T L I ST I NGS
☀ ART AND ARTISAN FAIR
The Yard at Bayshore Glendale, WI May 15 – May 16 The festival will feature live music, food, and entertainment, and more than 75 artists, artisans, and makers with selections from art to food, clothing to lotions, stationary to furniture, and candles to home decor.
☀ TOO SICK CHARLIE
Lone Girl Brewing Company Waunakee, WI May 16 Come out and enjoy live music by Too Sick Charlie
WINE & ART: VIKING KNIT BRACELET
TIM HARMSTON & MARY MACK HUSBAND AND WIFE COMEDY DUO The Grand Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI May 21 Tim Harmston and Mary Mack are each comedy headliners by their own merits! Two national comedy headliners—who happen to be married to one another—hash it out playfully on stage! This husband-and-wife powerhouse is teaming up to co-headline an amazing night of comedy bliss!
DRAG BRUNCH The Rigby Pub Madison, WI May 22 Join us at The Rigby for brunch on Saturday, May 22nd featuring local drag queens.
Schauer Arts Center Hartford, WI MAY CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR May 20 Wendland Nursery Learn the Viking knit technique, an ancient form of circular wire weaving, to create a one- Germantown, WI of-a-kind bracelet to accent your spring and May 22 summer style! This is the 4th year offering this event. We will be running three different dates throughout the summer/fall. MAX BESSESEN
☀
☀
BlueStem Jazz at Garver Feed Mill Madison, WI May 21 BlueStem Jazz is back on the Garver Patio featuring Max Bessesen with Russ Johnson, Devin Drobka, Dave Miller, and Ethan Philon.
☀ MADCITY RADIATORS
Lone Girl Brewing Company Waunakee, WI May 21 Come out and enjoy live music by MadCity Radiators
☀ SPRING ART WALK
Delafield Chamber Delafield, WI May 21 The sidewalks of downtown Delafield come alive with color and music during the (spring and fall) art walks.
RARE ELEMENT Garver Atrium at Garver Feed Mill Madison, WI May 22 Local music in the Garver atrium continues with Rare Element. Socially-distanced cocktail seating, full bar, lounge fare, and room to dance is available to all ticket holders.
KERRY SINGS CARLY& KAREN: FAVORITES FROM CARLY SIMON & KAREN CARPENTER Sunset Playhouse Elm Grove, WI May 22 Sunset veteran Kerry Hart Bieneman pays tribute to two of her favorite artists of all time, Carly Simon, and Karen Carpenter.
E VE N T L I ST I NGS
BREWCITY CRAFTERS SPRING FLING ART & CRAFT FAIR Washington County Fair Park West Bend, WI May 22 – May 23 This indoor art, craft & vendor fair features more than 100 booths in total with approximately 85% of the booths consisting of handmade arts & crafts.
☀ BLUEGRASS BRUNCH WITH SOGGY PRAIRIE
Patio at Garver Feed Mill Madison, WI May 23 Bluegrass Brunch is back with Soggy Prairie from 11am - 2pm on the patio!
☀ DAVID HECHT
Lone Girl Brewing Company Waunakee, WI May 23 Drop in for #rooftopfun and enjoy The Lone Girl Sunday Summer Sessions.
NATURAL SHOCKS
☀ RYAN MCGRATH BAND
Lone Girl Brewing Company Waunakee, WI May 28 Come out and enjoy live music by Ryan McGrath Band. His first performance of 2021 @ The Lone Girl
☀ ANIMAL SUPER POWERS MADE WITH LEGO BRICKS
Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee, WI May 29 – September 6 The larger-than-life sculptures and exhibits in Animal Super Powers invite visitors to explore the evolutionary, biological, and environmental reasons for these adaptations and asks Zoo visitors to imagine themselves with the same abilities.
☀ KATIE SCULLIN
Lone Girl Brewing Company Waunakee, WI May 30 Come out and enjoy live music by Katie Scullin! Her first visit in 2021!
Next Act Theatre TRIXIE AND KATYA Virtual Event THIS IS IT! May 24 – June 13 As the violent storm bears down, NATURAL Milwaukee, WI SHOCKS finds humor in dire circumstances as May 30 only Lauren Gunderson can. Trixie returns home to This is It! - this time with her partner in crime Katya! The show is FREE, but Meet & Greet tickets are available in WATERTOWN ART WALK advance! Watertown, WI May 25 Historic downtown Watertown is the site for the 10th annual Art Walk.
☀
WANT TO SEE YOUR EVENT
CLICK HERE
to submit your events May2021 | 55
Dance With Madison Ballet
Experience creative classes with professional faculty right from your home. Open to all ages and abilities. Click to sign up today!
VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE NOW
56 | artsscene
Hard work. Determination. Sacrifices. At American Family Insurance, we know what it takes to make your dreams a reality. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. From behind the scenes to center stage, we’ll surround you with support every step of the way. Learn more at amfam.com
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 © 2021 017611 – 1/12 58 | artsscene