Correction: The Alive Again listing has been corrected with the correct ticket information and the website has been corrected. City Pages regrets the errors.
By Devon Welsh
Space Oddity: The David Bowie Experience
Friday, 4/26 | Grand Theater, Wausau
A weekend full of tribute acts begins. David Bowie’s musical career is marked by more stylistic shifts than possibly any other major star of the 20th century, from the early psychedelic folk rock of Space Oddity through the glam of the Ziggy Stardust era, the blue-eyed soul of Young Americans, the Brian Eno art rock of his Berlin Trilogy, and much more. Bowie’s constant evolution of both visual appearance and music is what made his career so singular and captivating. David Brighton takes us through this endless metamorphosis with Space Oddity: The David Bowie Experience, a multimedia concert in which he takes on Bowie’s identity and performs decades of hit songs. Brighton’s stage show is not just a tribute but a full impersonation of the famed musician. 7:30 pm. $30-$58. More at grandtheater.org
Alive Again: A Tribute to Chicago
Friday/Saturday, 4/26-4/27 | UW Center for Civic Engagement, Wausau
Chicago, originally called Chicago Transit Authority before shortening their name in 1969, was a band formed in, well, Chicago. Their music combined rock ‘n roll with jazz and r&b, employed a horn section and saw great success for decades. Alive Again is a Chicago tribute act based out of Green Bay that is composed of experienced and talented musicians, many of whom are music educators themselves. This two-night event is a fundraiser for Community Ambassadors Through Music, a component fund of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin that provides opportunities for music students in the area through scholarships. Big fans of Chicago will enjoy this loving tribute to a legendary band, and get to contribute to the future success of young musicians while they’re at it. 7:30 pm. $40 adults, $35 serniors, $30 students, 10% off blocks of ten or or more tickets, use promo code GROUP at checkout. https://catm.booktix.com/
Riley Downing & Marty O’Reilly
Saturday, 4/27 | Lamplight Sessions, Mosinee
This edition of the Lamplight Sessions features two artisans of Americana. Riley Downing’s music combines Delta blues, folk, rhythm & blues and soul music into something reminiscent of New Orleans – not coincidentally where he performed with his former band the Deslondes. Now based in Missouri, Downing is touring his recently released solo debut Start It Over. He is joined by Marty O’Reilly, who performs a related combination of blues, folk and soul. It all hangs together on O’Reilly’s captivating voice. His most recent album Signal Fires was released in 2021. Lamplight Sessions always bring interesting artists to the area and this edition is no exception. They also tend to sell out, and this one has only a few tickets left at the time of writing.7 pm. $42. More at lamplightsessions.com
Wausau Drag Brunch
Saturday, 4/27 | Arrow Sports Club, Weston
Drag is a form of performance typically focused on exaggerated feminine personas using clothing, makeup and physical movement. It celebrates and has fun with gender roles using music, dance and comedy. This drag brunch features performances by Miss Toto, Xo Carrington and Aria in addition to host Platinum Carrington. As the event title suggests, brunch will be offered along with drink specials. The performers are coming up from Chicago, so they may not be back soon. If you love drag, this is not to be missed. Bring cash! 12 pm. $25 + $15 for brunch. More at Arrow Sports Club on Facebook.
Hmong Heritage Night Concert
Saturday, 4/27 | Stoney Creek Hotel, Rothschild
In Wisconsin, the month of April is Hmong Heritage Month. The designation is a way to highlight and celebrate the culture of the Hmong people and their contributions to the state. The Hmong American Center has organized a special concert event in honor of Hmong Heritage Month that promises a showcase of Hmong music and dance performances by featured artists Supryze, Douachi Yang, GY Yang and Zong Pha Xiong. Described as “a journey through the heart and soul of the Hmong community”, the event looks to be festive and full of celebration. The event also emphasizes that attendees should dress to impress, so wear your best outfit and don’t forget your dancing shoes. 7 pm. $10 advance, $15 at the door. 16+. For more info call (715) 842-8390.
Sconni’s tenth anniversary party
Saturday, 4/27 | Sconni’s Alehouse and Eatery
Hard to believe it’s already been ten years! Sconni’s has great food and a beer menu large enough that you’ll never run out of options. That normally wouldn’t warrant a listing in the highlights, but this is different, since they’re throwing a big party and everyone is invited. That party involves three killer bands: Dig Deep, that eponymous bluegrass act that look almost as if a heavy metal band picked up bluegrass instruments; Reverend Meantooth, with that killer slide guitar and powerful voice; and Warm Wet Rag, a tribute band to the iconic Ween. 7 pm. $10. sconnis.com. (BCK)
