Sunny War w/ Chastity Brown
Friday, Dec. 1 | Lamplight Sessions, Mosinee
It’s hard to describe Sunny War’s voice – much like her moniker itself, there is a lot of warmth and power mixed together. Her music catches your attention and makes you sit up and notice. And many have, as the Nashville-based singer-songwriter has made her way to Central Wisconsin many times, and has played NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. Joining her will be Chastity Brown, the daughter of a blues musician whose bluesy-rock style should pair perfectly with Sunny War. 7 pm. $34. lamplightsessions.com. THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. However, Lamplight Sessions sometimes keeps additional tickets on hand. (BCK)
Exhibition Opening – Soñadora: Yuyi Morales
Saturday, Dec. 2 | Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau
Yuyi Morales is a Mexican-American children’s author and illustrator. After moving to the United States, Morales taught herself English in part by reading children’s books to her young son at the San Francisco public library. She was inspired to take classes on writing for children, which led to illustrating books and then writing some of her own. She is a recipient of the Randolph Caldecott Medal for children’s book illustrations and is a six-time winner of the Pura Belpré Award. The exhibition features more than sixty mixed-media artworks from fourteen of Morales’ books, and runs until February 25th. Free. See www.lywam.org for opening hours.
The Nutcracker
Sat-Sun 12/2-3 | Grand Theater, Wausau
The Nutcracker, performed by the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet, is a yearly tradition, and it ought to be. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a timeless classic in the canon of Christmas music. I can hear the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy right now as I’m typing this. The Central Wisconsin School of Ballet brings this wonderful creation to life every year, and it’s a part of many central Wisconsin folk’s annual Christmas tradition. Tickets go on sale Sept. 29. Check back with grandtheater.org for ticket info and showtimes. (BCK)
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival
Sat-Sun 12/2-3 | Willow Springs Garden, Wausau
With Thanksgiving behind us, the Christmas season officially begins at Willow Springs Garden. The weekend-long event features a nativity scene, live music, Christmas craft making and food. Saturday’s event includes sleigh rides from 1-3 pm and a Christmas feast buffet from 5-7 pm. On Sunday they will serve a Christmas brunch in the morning, along with craft making. Get an early start to Christmas celebrations with the whole family. Feast costs $17 for adults, $5 for kids 6-10, and children 5 and under are free. $5 for sleigh rides. Willowspringsgardens.com for more info. [Add overall time to the listing]
Special Olympics Wisconsin – State Bowling Tournament
Sat-Sun 12/2-3 | Dale’s Weston Lanes, Weston
Special Olympics Wisconsin organizes a variety of Olympic-type sporting events year round for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Their annual State Bowling Tournament is happening this weekend at Dale’s Weston Lanes. The tournament features bowlers who have advanced from the regionals and will be competing for the state championship. Come cheer on competitors from around Wisconsin. SOWI is also looking for event volunteers for those interested in helping out. Sat. 8:30 am – 8:30 pm. Sunday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Specialolympicswisconsin.org for details.
Celtic Angels Christmas
Wednesday, Dec. 6 | Grand Theater, Wausau
An evening of song, dance and music that celebrates Christmas with a distinct traditional Celtic style. The 5-part female singing group performs a mix of traditional holiday songs along with contemporary and traditional Irish music. They are accompanied by an all-male dance troup that performs a series of Celtic-influenced numbers. The touring group has performed across the country, and comes to Wausau for the night. $30-53. 7:30 pm. tickets.grandtheater.org for more info.
Book Folding Art
Wednesday, Dec. 6 | Marathon County Public Library, Rothschild
Books can be read, but did you know they can be turned into art? This is the idea behind ‘book folding’, a craft that involves folding the pages of a book into any number of words, patterns or designs, all without cutting any paper. These artworks can get surprisingly complex. If you enjoy origami, you may also enjoy book folding. The MCPL in Rothschild is hosting this event which teaches attendees how to perform the craft. You may bring your own book or have one provided by the library. No registration required. Free. 5:30-6:30 pm.
Holiday Parade
Friday, 12/01 | Marathon Park, Wausau
The celebratory kick-off to the holiday season is the Wausau Holiday Parade. The city promises a night full of twinkling lights, winter magic and holiday spirit. The night begins with a warming party inside the lower level of Washington Square. The parade then starts at Marathon Park and finishes up at 400 Block, where floats will be announced by radio sponsors and Mayor Katie Rosenberg will lead the lighting of the holiday tree. The event is free to all, and the whole city is invited. Parade begins at 6:30 pm. Free. Wausauevents.org
Devon Welsh is a freelancer contributor to City Pages.
