Demun Jones
Friday, 5/17 | Q&Z Expo Center, Ringle
A practitioner of the kind of country-rap hybrid that has become so popular in recent years, Demun Jones is a prolific musician from Georgia with a strong internet presence. Jones tours nationally and has released 11 albums in the last decade. His music reflects on themes of rural life, national identity and working-class life. A worthwhile concert for fans of new country music and americana. 7 pm. $25 advance, $30 door. More at qzexpocenter.com (DW)
Wonderfunk
Friday, 5/17 | Intermission Bar, Wausau
For those who are lovers of Armchair Boogie, The Intermission Bar has a treat for you. Armchair Boogie guitarist Ben Majeska and Trevor Northsoul have put together a new band called Wonderfunk. The funky combination is set to make its debut at The Intermission Bar. The band is slated to play the Milwaukee River Round Up, and has been making its way around the state. The Mish folks promise this will be one funky show, so if you’re ready to feel the funk, this is the place to be. 9:30 pm. Intermission Bar on Facebook.
38 Special
Sunday, 5/19 | Grand Theater, Wausau
38 Special falls into that category of bands one might call “70s rock ballads” much in line with bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd. In fact, those two bands share a connection as 38 Special frontman Donnie Van Zant is the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Remarkably neither band is on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, which famously celebrated the genre, but 38 Special, with hit songs including “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You” frankly should have been. Check out this classic rock band right in your backyard. 7:30 pm. $55-$98. grandtheater.org
Artifactory Outdoor Market
Saturday 5/18 | Grand Avenue Artifactory, Wausau
It’s starting to become outdoor shopping season! The Grand Avenue Artifactory didn’t open all that long ago, but the shop that specializes in upcycles, recycled, antique and refurbished goods is hosting its first outdoor market. Come check out more than 20 vendors with all kinds of fun things on offer. With the outdoor Wausau Farmers Market now open, one could make a real outdoor shopping day of it. 10 am to 3 pm. Check out Grand Avenue Artifactory on Facebook or at grandaveartifactory.com.
Mid-State Roller Derby Home Opener
Saturday, 5/18 | Marathon Park Ice Arena, Wausau
Roller derby used to be the stuff of late-night TV in the 80s – then it became a source of women empowerment and a fun time for those in the stands looking on. Central Wisconsin’s own Mid-State Roller Derby team are ready to kick off another season, with its home opener at Marathon Park. If you’ve never been, it’s a blast watching these ladies skate around the track, bash each other and take some harrowing lines through defenders to score for their team. It’s a bit confusing at first but after a couple of rounds you’ll start getting the hang of it.
Kylar Kuzio
Saturday 5/18 | The Garage, Wausau
Kylar Kuzio is an interesting singer. She can cover a variety of genres but her original music is solidly country, and her voice lends itself well to the genre. Kuzio has a powerful voice that channels a little bit of Patsy Cline and is backed with pedal steel bends and fiddle as you might expect from a country singer. Right now Kuzio has released four singles, the Fond du Lac singer is an up-and-coming star and worth checking out. 7 pm. thegaragewausau.com
