Midseason Brochure | Season 4 - Re-Imagine | Re-Emerge

RE-IMAGINE | RE-EMERGE

SEASON 4 FEBRUARY - JULY 2022

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RE-IMAGINE | RE-EMERGE Wisconsin winters provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy and explore the incredible audience experience that is Pablo Center. Now halfway into our fourth season we continue to listen, grow, refine, and respond to you, our audience. We have expanded our performances to over 300 unique show experiences; whether it is with your family, friends, or as a solo adventurer, Pablo Center has an incredible experience just for you. Please come and be a part of the endless possibilities of Pablo Center. We look forward to continue hosting you soon!

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: LEE BUTTERWORTH 2 OPENING WORDS PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE HOWARD

Best Art Exhibit

Best Place For Live Music

Best Touring Theatrical Productions

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F E B R U A R Y F E AT U R E D E V E N T S

MAKIN’ CAKE WITH DASHA KELLY HAMILTON FEBRUARY 17 | JAMF THEATRE Slice into a community conversation on culture, class, race, and cake. With the aid of two bakers on the Jamf stage, Wisconsin and Milwaukee Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton explores the story of America through a history of cake.

BESSIE, BILLIE & NINA:

PIONEERING WOMEN IN JAZZ FEBRUARY 26 | RCU THEATRE

Celebrate the enduring legacies of Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone with performances of their most iconic songs.

Featuring three dynamic vocalists, Charenée Wade, Vanisha Gould, and Tahira Clayton, Bessie, Billie & Nina will entertain and inspire you through its commemoration of the artistry of these trailblazing singers.

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WISCONSIN SINGERS FEBRUARY 25 | RCU THEATRE Wisconsin Singers, UW-Madison’s premier Broadway caliber touring production, is taking the stage for its 54th season in Come Alive! Featuring captivating vocals, stunning choreography, big band sound, and Badger spirit performed by UW’s most talented students at Pablo Center for one night only.

This is a must-see show that will entertain the entire family!

THE BIAS INSIDE US A Smithsonian Institution Exhibit

JAMES W HANSEN GALLERY | FEB. 26 - MAR. 27, 2022 Through compelling images, hands-on interactives and powerful testimonials and videos, the exhibition unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias.

The Bias Inside Us — an exhibition and community engagement project from the Smithsonian — is an exploration of the social science, psychology and consequences of implicit bias. Bias is an innate human trait; we all have it. Being aware of our bias can help us recognize their influence and impact on our behaviors and worldview. The Bias Inside Us offers an opportunity to learn how to challenge bias in the world through awareness of one’s own bias.

The Bias Inside Us is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Major support is provided by The Otto Bremer Trust.

PHOTOS BY THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA

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FEBRUARY FULL EVENT LISTING ECCT: DISNEY’S THE DESCENDANTS FEBRUARY 18 | RCU THEATRE

CVJO: FRANK SINATRA AND COUNT BASIE AT THE SANDS

All of Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are safely living in Auradon. When the trouble-making children of the evilest villains are invited to attend Auradon Prep, they must decide whether to follow in their parents’ footsteps or learn to be good.

FEBRUARY 19 | JAMF THEATRE

ECCT PRESENTS: THE RAINBOW FISH

UWEC: THE MUSIC OF JOSEPH BOLOGNE

FEBRUARY 19 | RCU THEATRE

Refusing to share his vibrant, shimmering scales, Rainbow fish is outcast. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus, who helps him learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.

With Adrian Klenz at the helm, the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra will perform the entire Sinatra at the Sands album as a tribute to an amazing singer backed by an equally amazing big band!

FEBRUARY 25 | JAMF THEATRE

Professor of Music Tulio Rondón leads two student string quartets, the Eileen Phillips Cohen String Quartet and the Blugold String Quartet, in a performance of the music of Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799).

M A R C H F E AT U R E D E V E N T S

A TRIBUTE TO ARE THA FRANKLIN MARCH 11 | RCU THEATRE Enjoy a night of music in tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin featuring musician and composer Damien Seed and Karen Clark Sheard. A gospel music legend, Clark Sheard is renowned throughout the music industry for her one-of-a-kind multi-octave vocal range and ability.

Sponsored by Royal Credit Union

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M A R C H F E AT U R E D E V E N T S

RUSSIAN BALLE T THEATRE: SWAN L AKE MARCH 3 | RCU THEATRE Experience the Russian Ballet Theatre’s production of this classic tale filled with good versus evil, temptation, tragedy, and love.

Choreographed by Nadezhda Kalinina with a new prologue, 150 hand-sewn costumes, and exquisite hand-painted sets, this rendition of Swan Lake is one you don’t want to miss.

THE BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTE T MARCH 26 | JAMF THEATRE Cutting their first track together back in 1966, Chris and Dan Brubeck, Mike DeMicco, and Chuck Lamb attain a “rarefied level where music is both relaxed and expressive, and their joy in its creation is contagious. There’s really nothing out there that comes close to their unique brand of inventiveness.”

GAELIC STORM MARCH 12 | RCU THEATRE After nearly two decades and more than 3,000 live shows, Gaelic Storm, the charttopping, multi-national Celtic band, is looking sharper than ever with their latest release, Matching Sweaters. The new album mixes traditional Irish music with modern influences, creating a sound that’s as wide-ranging as the band’s own audience.

KILLER QUEEN MARCH 30 | RCU THEATRE Bringing the music of Queen to life since 1993, Killer Queen’s expert musicianship and extraordinary energy has thrilled soldout audiences across the globe from the UK to Moscow. In 1999 they won the award for “Worldwide Best Tribute Band”and scored a #1 when they were asked to recreate Queen’s harmonies for “The Real Life” with Fatboy Slim in 2001.

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MARCH 25 - 27 • RCU THEATRE 4 SHOWTIMES TO CHOOSE FROM! STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique — an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows.

The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo™ lighters, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding, electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!”

STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

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MARCH FULL EVENT LISTING UWEC: FIRST FRIDAYS, REED TRIOS

CVSO: ANTHONY ROSS PLAYS ELGAR

MARCH 4 | CLEARWATER

MARCH 5 | RCU THEATRE

This concert features UW-Eau Claire faculty members Jennifer Fraley (clarinet), Christa Garvey (oboe), and Trent Jacobs (bassoon) in a program of chamber music written for Reed Trios.

Welcome Anthony Ross, principal cellist of the Minnesota Orchestra, for a performance of Cello Concerto in E Minor

by Edward Elgar. The orchestra will also play Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2.

Sponsored by Brady and Jeanne Foust.

GINGER BILLY: BACKWOODS COMEDY TOUR MARCH 10 | JAMF THEATRE

Shirtless and tattooed, Ginger Billy gives viewers a unfiltered and humorous look into life in rural Upstate South Carolina. Based in Union South Caroline, Ginger Billy is one of the fastest rising comedians boasting sold out shows. The new face of redneck comedy is taking over the genre.

BANFF WORLD TOUR MARCH 13 | RCU THEATRE

JOHN BERRY MARCH 12 | RCU THEATRE

GRAMMY® Award-winning country star John Berry continues to celebrate 40 years as a music performer and songwriter. Overcoming throat cancer, His unique soulful brand of music has produced mega hits including “Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” and “She’s Taken a Shine.

ECCT: THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Experience high adrenaline action with films that transport you across the globe. Awardwinning films and audience favorites are among those chosen for the World Tour featuring a collection of the most inspiring action, environmental and adventure films. It is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the world.

MARCH 18-20 | RCU THEATRE

ECCO: BAROQUE TREASURES

ECCT: CABARET

MARCH 19 | JAMF THEATRE

This March, Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra will be performing several pieces by Vivaldi, Bach, and Händel from the Baroque period including Vivaldi’s choir piece, Magnificat, combining Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra with the Schola Cantorum choir. Featuring soloist Laurie Craig on piccolo.

A young nun becomes governess to the seven children of a widowed naval captain.

The family’s narrow escape from the Nazis over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II is one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented on the stage.

MARCH 31 - April 2 | JAMF THEATRE

Set in 1930s Berlin, a young English performer strikes up a relationship with an American writer, all while the zealous Master of Ceremonies commands the action at the seedy Kit Kat Klub. Forget all your troubles at the Cabaret with this multiple Tony® Awardwinner for Best Musical (1966-67) and Best Revival (1997-98).

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A P R I L F E AT U R E D E V E N T S

CHURCH BASEMENT L ADIES APRIL 3 | RCU THEATRE 2 SHOWTIMES TO CHOOSE FROM. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this wickedly funny show features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and problems of a rural Minnesota church. Audiences will delight in its funny and down-to-earth portrayal of the church kitchen and the women who work there.

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

STEELY DANE

APRIL 1 | RCU THEATRE

APRIL 9 | JAMF THEATRE

Cast members Ryan Stiles, Jeff B. Davis, Dave Foley, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the witty scenes they invent before your eyes! Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage!

Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the longrunning TV show and some exciting new ones.

Winner of the MAMA award for best cover band and Madison Magazine’s Best Cover Band, Steely Dane is dedicated to not only faithfully reproducing the Steely Dan and Donald Fagen songbook, but to bringing an energetic live-show experience to the crowd.

Enjoy a night of the complete Aja album and other hits!

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A P R I L F E AT U R E D E V E N T S

THE BRITISH INVASION APRIL 20 | RCU THEATRE The British Invasion is an immersive multimedia show that will place you at the front and center of pop culture history. Huge projection period photos and original film footage recreate the era’s excitement, fashion, and headlines; all the while a full live band performs all of the hits of the Swingin’ 60s; the iconic British pop sound that swept across America and the world.

BIG SING: LE T THERE BE MUSIC APRIL 30 | RCU THEATRE Three hundred singers representing male choruses from Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota as individual and mass choirs promise a spectacular evening of brotherhood in song. Featuring local groups the Eau Claire Male Chorus and The Singing Statesmen.

APRIL 27 | RCU THEATRE Founded in 2005, Third Coast Percussion is an award-winning quartet that has forged a unique path in the musical landscape with virtuosic and energetic performances that celebrate the extraordinary depth and breadth of musical possibilities in the world of percussion.

Accompanied by Movement Artists Cameron Murphy and Quentin Robinson, featuring choreography by Movement Art Is—Jon Boogz and Lil Buck.

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APRIL FULL EVENT LISTING UWEC: FIRST FRIDAYS, REMEMBERING BRAHMS

ECCT: AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME

APRIL 1 | CLEARWATER

APRIL 2 | JAMF THEATRE

The music of Brahms remains incredibly popular with performers and audiences alike.

Celebrate the 125th anniversary of his death with UW-Eau Claire featuring chamber music including the Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Gestillte Sehnsucht (Op. 91, no.1) and other gems.

This powerful play combines videotaped interviews with Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg, and Eva Schloss, with actors recreating scenes from their lives during World War II. The Schloss family went into hiding the same day as Anne Frank, and like the Frank family, they were betrayed.

SHAUN JOHNSON AND THE BIG BAND EXPERIENCE

UWEC: CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

APRIL 10 | JAMF THEATRE

APRIL 12 | RCU THEATRE

Fusing the big band spirit with inventive vocals from Emmy-Award winning artist Shaun Johnson (Tonic Sol-fa), this performance will delight both traditionalists and newcomers with its unique contemporary punch of jazz and swing.

Featuring performances and clinics throughout the day by various high school bands, participants will perform on stage and then receive a clinic. The festival will conclude with a performance by the UWEC Wind Symphony and Symphony Band.

UWEC: UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

EAU CLAIRE JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT SERIES

APRIL 14 | RCU THEATRE

APRIL 22 - 23 | RCU THEATRE

Feel the passion of conductor, Nobuyoshi Yasuda, as he leads the 70 - 80 student musicians in the performance. The University Symphony Orchestra is known for its dramatic performances of symphonic classics of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Enjoy an evening of high-energy jazz music from one of the nation’s largest and oldest student-run jazz festivals featuring two-time GRAMMY®-Award winner Diane Schuur and GRAMMY®-Award nominee Donny McCaslin, backed by the Grammy-nominated University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire Jazz Ensemble 1.

UWEC: STUDENT RECITAL

UWEC: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

APRIL 28 | CLEARWATER

An evening of from music UW-Eau Claire’s talented music students performing solo and chamber works in the intimate and beautiful space of the Market & Johnson Clearwater Room overlooking the lights of the bridge and the confluence of the rivers.

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APRIL 29 - MAY 1 & MAY 4 - 8 | JAMF THEATRE

The story of Peter Pan is turned on its head in this wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels.

Accompanied by music by Wayne Baker.

M AY F E A T U R E D E V E N T S

UKULELE WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE

CHARLIE HUNTER AND SCOT T AMENDOL A

MAY 7 | LARSON PERFORMANCE GALLERY

MAY 19 | JAMF THEATRE

Lil Rev is an award-winning ukulele author, instructor, and entertainer based in Wisconsin that has over twenty years of working on the ukulele circuit, cruise ships, schools, festivals, and more.

Enjoy a night of rhythmic and melodic music showcasing the mastery of Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola in a unique, fun, and engaging performance. Charlie Hunter is widely considered the authority on the seven and eight-string guitar and continues to stun audiences with his ability to simultaneously bust out tasty bass parts, melodic leads and swinging rhythms. Scott Amendola is a ambitious composer that applies his rhythmic virtuosity to a vast array of settings.

Workshops: - 12 Essential Strum Patterns Class (10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

- Blues Styles for Ukulele Class (2 - 3:30 p.m.)

CAMPAIGN TO

TURN IT UP TO

ELEVEN L AUNCHING TWO NEW ENDOWMENTS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING & ACCESSIBILIT Y

Your support has the power to infuse energy and life into our region and beyond www.pablocenter.org/support/donate

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BILL ENGVALL MAY 19 | RCU THEATRE 2 SHOWTIMES Bill Engvall is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country. Bill can regularly be seen in a recurring role on the hit FOX sitcom Last Man Standing playing Reverend Paul.

He was awarded “Casino Comedian” of the year at the 2019 Casino Entertainment Awards in Las Vegas, NV. Since 2016, Bill has hosted a weekly podcast “My 2 Cents” with PodcastOne which offers his funny, thought-provoking and unique perspective on just about everything. Bill’s latest comedy special “Just Sell Him For Parts” is currently available on VUDU streaming service.

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M AY F U L L E V E N T L I S T I N G CVSO: BRAHMS IN SPRING MAY 6 | RCU THEATRE

The centerpiece for this concert is Piano Concerto No. 2 by Johannes Brahms, featuring Pianist Kenny Broberg, silver medalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The concert will open with Tchaidovsky’s Marche Slave and Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture.

Sponsored by Mel and Leann Breed.

UWEC: WIND SYMPHONY MAY 7 | RCU THEATRE

UWEC: FIRST FRIDAY’S, SONATAS FOR CELLO AND PIANO MAY 6 | CLEARWATER

Tulio Rondón (cello) and Nicholas Phillips (piano) perform a concert celebrating the music of women composers from the Romantic era. The program will include sonatas for cello and piano by Ethel Smyth, Louise Farrenc, and Dora Pejačević.

UWEC: CHORAL UNION CONCERT

The consortium premiere of Dana Wilson’s Concerto for Jazz Piano and Wind Ensemble on their final concert of the academic year.

Joined by composer in residence Dana Wilson, and pianist Dr. Nick Weiser, Wind Symphony will feature performances by the 2022 concerto and student conductor competition winners.

MAY 8 | RCU THEATRE

CVTG: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

UWEC: CONFLUENCE DANCE PROJECT

MAY 12-15 | JAMF THEATRE

MAY 13-14 | RCU THEATRE

Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance, is the story of Frederic, mistakenly apprenticed to a gentlemanly band of pirates as a child. Now 21, he attempts to disavow the pirate way of life when he falls in love with beautiful daughter of the Pirate King’s nemesis - the Major General.

Showcasing faculty, guest, and student choreography, Confluence Dance Project will demonstrate an array of choreography and the versatility of students in the dance program. For two nights only, enjoy the breadth of talented dancers on stage.

Join UW-Eau Claire Choirs and the University Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of combined artistry. This program will feature musicians from Concert Choir, Symphonic Choir, and the University Symphony Orchestra.

ECCO: AMERICAN DREAMS MAY 15 | RCU THEATRE

With special guest and bassoon soloist Trent Jacobs, the evening will feature pieces by William Grant Still, Jessie Montogomery, Florence Price, and more! In addition, the evening will include a commissioned Bassoon Concerto by John Steinmetz.

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M AY - J U L Y F U L L E V E N T L I S T I N G IT’S ABOUT TIME! THE CVJO WELCOMES ROXY CROSS!

ECCT: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

MAY 20 | JAMF THEATRE

JUNE 9 - 12 | JAMF THEATRE

After two years of delays due to the pandemic, the CVJO is thrilled to finally welcome Roxy Cross to Eau Claire! Widely considered to be one of the most important saxophone performers of her generation, Coss has won the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer award.

Featuring songs from the Disney animated feature, Quasimodo escapes from Notre Dame, only to be treated cruelly by everyone but the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. As the evil Frollo plots to destroy the gypsies, it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

CVTG: MATILDA THE MUSICAL

ECCT: DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID

JUNE 23 - 26 | RCU THEATRE

JULY 27 - 31 | RCU THEATRE

Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, the Tony Award-winning stage musical Matilda is the inspiring story of a young girl dreaming of a better life as she fights injustices at home and at school. Children and adults alike will be captivated and delighted by this fun, highenergy show!

Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above with the handsome Prince Eric. When a bargain with the evil sea witch Ursula isn’t what it seems, Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian must come to the rescue in this love story for the ages.

VISUAL ARTS With three year-round galleries and a resident art collection on display throughout the building, Pablo Center at the Confluence invites you to explore the visual arts. Free, open to the public, and highlighting the best of regional and national artists across a variety of media; the visual arts shine at the Confluence.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

ART TALK: MARCH 11 6 P.M.

WE SEE YOU JANUARY 28 - JULY 10

LAURIE BIEZE GALLERY We Will Tell Your Story

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THE BIAS INSIDE US

HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBIT

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 27

MARCH 4 - MARCH 27

JAMES W HANSEN GALLERY A Smithsonian Institution Exhibit

BRADY & JEANNE FOUST GALLERY

Everything You Can Imagine is Real

VISUAL ARTS

ART TALK: APRIL 14 6 P.M.

BARBARA & ANDERS SHAFER

D O N ’ T M I SS A THING

ART TALK: MAY 13 6 P.M.

REFLECTED LIGHT

APRIL 8 - JUNE 19

MAY 13 - AUGUST 7

JAMES W HANSEN GALLERY Two Artists From Eau Claire

BRADY & JEANNE FOUST GALLERY

The Plein Air Art of GO Paint!

With a Pablo Center membership, you show your support for the arts in Eau Claire and the region, it also ensures you never miss out on the diverse performances and experiences we have to offer.

Memberships are available at a variety of price points with unique benefits to ensure that there is an option for everyone.

Join as a Member today by calling 715-832-ARTS or visiting our website.

MEMB ER SH IP LEVELS SUPPORTER

ART TALK: JUNE 24 6 P.M.

IN BY 10 ART BY 5

$55

RECENT ACQUISITIONS

JUNE 24 - AUGUST 28

JULY 15 - SEPTEMBER 11

JAMES W HANSEN GALLERY A Larry Stark Photography Retrospective

LAURIE BIEZE GALLERY Gifts For Our Community

A D VO CAT E

$125

PA R T N E R

$250

A R T I ST C I R C L E

$500

DESIGNER CIRCLE

$1,000

D I R E C TO R C I R C L E

$2,500

MAY 7 - 13, 2022 | EXHIBIT OPENS MAY 13 Artists from across the Midwest paint the beautiful towns, rolling rivers, and scenic countryside of the Chippewa Valley in these exciting arts festivals.

The resulting artwork is on view and available for purchase at Pablo Center. Capture your very own timeless scene of the Chippewa Valley.

For more information on GO paint!, visit pablocenter.org/visual-arts/ gopaint.

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INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT Pablo Center at the Confluence will not remain silent when what the community needs is for its local organizations to represent them. Pablo Center at the Confluence, while listening to and learning from the community, pledges to: address structural and historical inequities in the arts, identify and address implicit biases and practices throughout the organizational structures of Pablo Center, and respond to the events of our time that test relationships within the community through dialogue, educational and artistic programming, and care.

Our first act towards this pledge is the creation of the Committee for Inclusive and Just Engagement and Practices, which is dedicated to the resolution of issues and the creation of opportunities related to social justice.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT We acknowledge that Pablo Center at the Confluence occupies the sacred and ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples. We honor the land of the Ojibwe and Dakota Nations.

CONTACT US BMO Harris Box Office Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. + two hours before every show Call us at 715.832.ARTS

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