Log Jam
Fri-Sun 8/9-11 | River Park, Mosinee
LogJam is one fascinating event. It combines some very old-school historical reenactment — folks dressed as and working as blacksmiths, pioneers and other early Wisconsin types, some of them truly acting in character, which is always a trip — with fun events that make it a little party in the middle of Mosinee. It’s a great family event that also can be really fun for adults. logjamfestival.org
Friday night: Jerry Schmitt
Saturday afternoon: Handpicked Bluegrass
Saturday night: 49 Deluxe
Sunday: Balsam Road Ramblers
August Kickbusch Celebration
Saturday 8/10 | The 400 Block, Wausau
Wausau has a brand new event – Kickbusching off this weekend is the brand new August Kickbusch event. Operating on the 400 Block from noon to 4 pm Saturday, the new event meant to honor Wausau’s first mayor, August Kickbusch will feature live music from Brad Emanuel, a “busch” kicking contest to see how far someone can kick a can of Busch beer (I hope it’s the light version) and plenty of local food trucks to keep you occupied. August Kickbusch founded one of the first successful stores in Wausau (behind the library where Kickbusch Plaza is located now), walked from Milwaukee to Wausau when he first moved here, and is known for bringing German immigrants over to Wausau when he decided the area needed more people. Put together by the folks behind The Wausau Business Show, this should be an interesting event to be sure. Noon.
History Speaks: Honor in the Air
Saturday 8/10 | Marathon County Historical Society, Wausau
These History Speaks events are a great way to learn about local history — something that can be difficult to find a lot about otherwise. This event’s focus is on Captain Scott Alwin, a helicopter pilot who served five tours of Vietnam, earned 136 air medals and other medals including the Purple Heart and the Silver Star, and the respect of his fellow soldiers. This documentary contains never-before-seen footage of Vietnam, Alwin and his crew, archive footage and interviews with many of his surviving family members and fellow crewmen. The documentary is more moving that you might expect. 2 pm. Free. marathoncountyhistory.org.
Concert in the Clouds: Andy Z and the Swinging Monkeys
Sunday 8/11 | Rib Mountain Amphitheater, Wausau
One of my favorite area concert series is the Concert in the Clouds series – how cool is it to listen to some tunes high atop Rib Mountain? This month’s artist is Andy Z and the Swinging Monkeys, a group specializing in rock, redneck jazz and rockabilly – which sounds like a pretty epic combination. Another option of course is to make an athletic event out of it and hike up the ski hill or up the walking path get get some steps in before you see the show! 5 pm. Free, but a state park pass is required to enter at the top by car. Friends of Rib Mountain on Facebook.
Jazz on the River: Janet Planet
Sunday 8/11 | Kickbusch Plaza, Wausau
It surprised me to learn that Janet Planet is from Oshkosh – she’s been a name around the Wausau area for so long I just assumed she lived here! Janet Planet has been rocking the jazz scene for more than three decades and her voice sounds just as good on recent recordings as it ever has. Her voice is sultry and punchy, and it’ll be a joy to watch her take the stage at Kickbusch Plaza behind the library. 5 pm. Free. rivervalleyjazz.org. Rain location: St. Andrew’s, Rib Mountain.
Adeem The Artist
Thursday 8/8 | Stoney Acres Farm, Athens
Adeem The Artist is a pretty good get for Stoney Acres Farm, which has turned its pizza on the farm into a music venue worth taking note of. Adeem The Artist has played at Grand Ole Opry, comes from Knoxville, Tenn. and is now ready to bring the band’s blend of Americana/country to the farm. $39 gets you all-you-can-eat pizza and a night of pop-style country music. $39. Visit stoneyacres.farm for more info about tickets and the event. 5 pm. Opening act Scott Kirby at 6 pm, main act at 7:30 pm.
