Brass Differential
Thursday 5/9 | Center for Civic Engagement Veninga Theater, Wausau
One of the highlights of the summer Concert on the Square series is the near-annual appearance of Brass Differential. But now you don’t have to wait for that summer series to kick off to see them. Put on by the Central Wisconsin Musicians group, which strives to “cultivate educational and entertaining experiences for our musicians and audience,” Wausau area folks can enjoy this early preview of the horn-heavy, entertaining sound of this Green Bay-based group. 7 pm. $10. uwsptickets.universitytickets.com/
The Texas Tenors
Thursday, 5/16 | Grand Theater, Wausau
This is a different set of three tenors – three acclaimed, classically-trained singers with extensive performance backgrounds who joined together as The Texas Tenors and have since performed over 2000 concerts, released five albums, and have even written a couple of award-winning children’s books. Their repertoire spans country, rock and Broadway hits as well as patriotic songs. 7:30 pm. $39-66. More at grandtheater.org (DW)
NEW Dueling Pianos
Saturday, 5/11 | bantr, Rothschild
What’s better than one piano? Of course, it’s two pianos! Seriously, if you’ve never been to a piano bar, they’re really fun. I had a blast at a piano bar in Milwaukee where the pianist roasted my friend on her birthday, which caused all of us including her to roar with laughter. This piano show includes singing along, interaction and comedy while they take requests that cover thousands of songs. These guys are quickly becoming one of the hottest shows in Wisconsin. $25 limited pre-sale, $30 general admission, with tables starting at $85. 8 pm. bantrliving.com
Timekeeper Lounge and Distillery Grand Re-opening Party
Saturday 5/11 | Timekeeper Lounge and Distillery, Wausau
Timekeeper is not only changing things up a bit — but they’re making it into a fun party with live music! Timekeeper Distillery is changing its name to Timekeeper Lounge and Distillery, they’re adding all kinds of drinks to the menu (not just those delicious fancy cocktails made from their own spirits) and they’re adding a full food menu. To celebrate they’re throwing a party with food from the WISH Steakhouse food truck starting at 3 pm, music from Mia Brown at 7 pm, tours and wine samples. Brown, a Wausau native, is a signed Nashville recording artist. Her powerful vocals lend well to her pop and multi-genre style. timekeeperdistillery.com
Carden International Circus
Thursday 5/10 | Marathon Park Ice Arena, Wausau
The circus is here! There’s something about a circus that comes to town that evokes a connection with history — back to a time when the circus coming to town would have been the talk of the community and one of the biggest things happening when it occurred. Carden International Circus attempts to capture that experience with elephants, camels, acrobats, fire jugglers and plenty of “never-before-seen acts.” Pre-sale tickets start at $10, general admission $20, with family packages and deals on its website. 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm shows. spectacularcircus.com.
Wausau Children’s Festival
Saturday 5/11 | Marathon Park Ice Arena, Wausau
If you’ve got a child or three, this is the place you want to be on Saturday! The Wausau Children’s Festival is now in its 50th year, which is pretty amazing. The event features bouncy houses, arts and crafts, therapy dogs, magic shows — the list goes on, and it includes just about everything you can think of that would entertain a child. Plus this year’s theme is Splish Splash and its Underwater Bash. Free, but bring cash for the food trucks if you want to eat there. 10 am—1 pm. Find the event under the Wausau/Marathon County Parks and Recreation Facebook Page.
Comedian Luke Thayer
Saturday 5/11 | Bullheads, Stevens Point
Luke Thayer is distinct for a couple of reasons. One, he has bright blue Rayban Wayfarer-style glasses, and that’s surely going to set him apart in Wisconsin. But he’s also incredibly funny. Thayer has appeared on Fox, TruTV, College Humor and Funny or Die. He has an album and a comedy special out. Thayer’s comedic themes include parenting (in one line he says “I parented a three-year-old through the pandemic… where’s my medal?” neighbors, relationships and the weird choices people make. Thayer has toured the country with his comedy and now he’s bringing the laughs to Bullheads. $15. 9 pm, doors open at 8 pm. bullheadsbargrill.com.
