By Kayla Zastrow
South Beach Up North
Since 2006, Miami’s South Beach Chamber Ensemble has come north for a summer music festival, as Wausau is the hometown of executive director and cellist, Michael Andrews. They return this summer playing at four different locations in the central Wisconsin area. For details visit sobechamberensemble.org.
Schedule:
Mozart on the Move · Saturday 8/6 at UU Church, Wausau. Begins with a tribute to Ukraine and features a high school string quartet, along with soprano Angela Sedrak singing a Vivaldi aria. Enjoy selections from Mozart, Bach, Brahms, the Beatles, Ed Sheeran and more. 6 pm.
String Quintets by Cherubini, Barber and Torrente · Sunday 8/7 at Wausau Conservatory of Music, Wausau. Features the world premiere of Al Torrente’s “As the Earth Burns,” a string quintet composed with climate change in mind. 6 pm.
Smetana Piano Trio and Mozart Piano Quartet · Thursday 8/11 at Woodson Art Museum, Wausau; Friday 8/12 at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Minocqua; Saturday 8/13 at Chestnut Center for the Arts, Marshfield. Features Wausau native Michael Andrews, on cello, performing with violinist Sheena Gutierrez, coming from Miami, Rochelle Pearson, Wausau Conservatory string faculty, and Japanese pianist Rie Tanaka. 7 pm.
Levitt Amp Concert Series: Empire Strikes Brass
THURSDAY 8/4 | PFIFFNER PARK, STEVENS POINT
From Asheville, North Carolina, the brass, funk, and rock band Empire Strikes Brass has a lot to say with a big sound. Founded in 2012, the group has grown from a party band of friends playing New Orleans inspired funk tunes. Now it consists of a collective of players, singers, songwriters and producers who have an original sound that fuses their individual musical influences. Chock-full of serious grooves from a thumping rhythm section highlighted by lush horn arrangements, the band’s creative and collaborative soul contribute lots of depth. When Empire Strikes Brass comes together, the sound is undeniably strong and solid. Starts at 6 pm. Details at Createportagecounty.org.
Willy Wonka
FRI.-SUN. 8/5-7 | CRESKE CENTER, MOSINEE
The adventures of Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory comes to the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, as well as new songs, this musical is guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. The story follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. On the tour, the children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory… or suffer the consequences. Presented by Mosinee Community Theatre. Starts at 7 pm on Fri. & Sat. & 2 pm on Sat. & Sun. $15 adult, $8 youth under 18, $12 seniors 55+, free for 3 and under. Tickets and more info here.
Marshfield Cultural Fair
SATURDAY 8/6 | UNIVERSITY OF STEVENS POINT-MARSHFIELD
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of world cultures this weekend. This event has been held annually each February since 2004, but due to the persisting uncertainties with the COVID pandemic, the event has moved to summertime this year allowing for an outdoor setting on campus with entertainment, exhibits, music, dance, food trucks, exhibitors, kids activities and much more. Starts at 11 am. Free. Marshfieldculturalfair.com.
Dog Gone Pool Party
SUNDAY 8/7 | MEMORIAL POOL, WAUSAU
Swimming pool season is over, but the Wausau & Marathon Co. Parks Department is having one last pool party—for the dogs! Bring your four-footed family members to splash around in the water and cool off from the summer heat. No dogs under 10 pounds, must have proof of current vaccinations. No more than two dogs per person. Dog must be leashed until it enters pool fence. For ages 13+. Starts at 10 am or 1 pm. $10. Space is limited, advance registration recommended. Details at the registration page.
Wausau Under the Stars
MONDAY 8/8 | SUNNYVALE PARK, WAUSAU
Ever wondered what was out there in space? Join the Wausau & Marathon County Parks Department for a night under the stars. Enjoy a 20-minute candle-lit walk around the lake in Sunnyvale County Park. After the walk, lay out blankets to learn about space. Away from the city lights, enjoy the dark sky, learn about constellations and their mythology and quiet down with night-time stories before bed. Starts at 8 pm. Bring a blanket, flashlight and bug spray. Details on the event page.
