HIGHLIGHTS: Marshfield Fair & More

Jessie Garcia: Going for Wisconsin Gold

Monday, 8/29, Marathon Co. Public Library, Wausau

At the close of the Olympics in Rio, it seems like the perfect time to hear stories about athletes who’ve spent time in Wisconsin or grew up in the state while on their journey towards the games. Garcia, from Madison, a sportscaster for 20 years, has covered the Green Bay Packers, their Super Bowl matchups and even traveled with the team to the White House. In her new book, Garcia looks at Olympic athletes from Wisconsin, including the story of Alvin Kraenzlein, a hurdler from Milwaukee. He got his start in high school and college in the 1890s and went on to become “the father of the modern hurdling technique.” Garcia also touches on West Allis speed skater Dan Jansen’s heartbreaking losses (falling during his events at the 1988 Winter Olympics) and huge, world record-breaking wins (finishing first during the 1994 Winter Olympics, winning his first and only medal). Learn even more reasons why you should be proud to be a Wisconsinite. 6 pm. 715-261-7230, mcpl.us/events.

Marshfield Fair

Wed.–Mon. 8/31–9/5, Marshfield Fairgrounds

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Before the summer’s end, be sure to check out the fair for deliciously greasy food, live music, rides, tractor pulls, a demolition derby and more. Also take a tour of the World’s Largest Round Barn, which was constructed 100 years ago this year.

Grandstand entertainment lineup (all 7:30 pm):

Wed.: Home Free  Winners of Season 4’s The Sing-Off in 2013, this a cappella country band was formed in the early 2000s by brothers Chris and Adam Rupp. Before their huge opportunity to perform on television, these guys have been performing all over the place.  

Thurs.: Eric Paslay  This country singer and songwriter, with distinct red hair, has been called “flat-out brilliant” by USA Today. He was nominated for a Grammy this year for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley for their performance of “The Driver.”

Fri.: Blue Oyster Cult  This classic rock band has performed at the Wisconsin Valley Fair in Wausau in 2009, and they’re still gracing us with awesome performances of favorites like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You.”

Sun.: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band  Now is your chance to belt out all the words to “Fishin’ in the Dark” right along with the band. This year marks their 50th anniversary, so come celebrate the guys who have been cited by many as one of the bands to start the country rock and American roots movement.

Other details  General admission: $9 adults, $6 teens, $3 children ages 6–12, free children ages 5 & under. Gate prices: $25 adults, $18 teens, $10 children ages 6–12. Grandstand entertainment free with gate admission. Special deals throughout the week. See centralwisconsinstatefair.com for details.

Stephanie Calvert, featuring The Local Heroes Band

Wednesday 8/31, The 400 Block, Wausau

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Before Calvert joined Starship in 2012 as vocalist—like, a few decades before—there was Jefferson Airplane. Grace Slick crooned “Go Ask Alice,” and she and the rest of the band solidified their place in music history. In the early 70s the members split into other bands, one of them being Jefferson Starship (which gave us the tune “We Built This City”). After many lineup changes and a hiatus, the band reformed in 1992 as Starship, featuring vocalist Mickey Thomas. In 2013, the band released Loveless Fascination, its first album since 1989’s Love Among the Cannibals. Calvert comes to Wausau as a solo act, joining local musicians on stage. She includes covers of songs like Heart’s “Alone” in her set list. With black hair and awesome leather pants, she looks like rock ‘n’ roll—and sure sounds like it, too. Also taking the stage is Malarkey’s own Tyler Vogt with The Local Heroes Band. The event is also a food drive for Peyton’s Promise, so bring a nonperishable food items to help stock the local pantries. 6 pm. See the Facebook event page: An Evening with Stephanie Calvert & Local Heroes featuring Tyler Vogt.