Shaun Johnson and the Big Band Experience
Thursday, 10/12 | Performing Arts Center, Wisconsin Rapids
Shaun Johnson and the Big Band Experience is the kind of band you could listen to with your grandmother, and both of you would probably enjoy the show. Johnson’s band has had its own PBS special, has won two independent Grammys, has had albums reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Jazz charts and has shared the stage with the likes of Jay Leno, Garrison Keilor and other notable figures. From breezy ballads to fast-based bluesy jazz numbers, Shaun Johnson and the Big Band Experince will delight audiences of all ages. 7:30 pm. $10-$44. Savorthearts.com.
Head-bang for Hendryx
Saturday 10/14 | Coral Lanes, Rothschild
To those about to rock, we salute you. A diverse collection of Wausau’s punk and metal bands will be sharing the stage in support of Hendryx, a young local music fan battling multiple kidney diseases. Cashed, whose debut album Breaking the Mold was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, plays high-energy raspy punk rock. Purging Paradise’s crushing nu-metal riffs are anchored by drummer Dallas Delgado, who also performs in Cashed. Un-Broken, formed in 2016, is a melodic metal band with screams complementing sung vocal hooks. Progressive metal outfit Wings of Halcyon is fronted by the soul-influenced voice of Melissa Hartl, supported by uptempo riffs and spastic guitar solos. They are joined by Sunday Rebellion. Come early, doors open at 1 pm. Music at 2 pm. $10 suggested donation at the door. (DW)
Mania: The ABBA Tribute
Friday, 10/13 | Grand Theater, Wausau
People, we have an ABBA battle on our hands! Somehow, The Grand Theater and the Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua have competing ABBA tribute bands on the exact same night, at pretty much the same time. Quite the coincidence. Mania: The ABBA Tribute will take the stage at the Grand Theater, bringing you a bevy of ABBA hits from the 70s and beyond, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mama Mia and more. So put on those bell bottoms and paisley shirts and head on down to the Grand for a night of 70s glory. 7:30 pm. $35-$60. grandthreater.org
ABBA Mania
Friday, 10/13 | Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua
Not to be outdone by The Grand Theater, the Campanile Center for the Arts will have its own ABBA Tribute band playing up in the Northwoods. The nine musicians that form ABBA Mania play 21 of the 70s acts greatest hits, complete with costume changes. It’s too bad the two orgs couldn’t have somehow coordinated, people could have made a disco tour weekend out of it. 7 pm. $30, students $15, gold seats $37. Campanilecenter.org
Them Coulee Boys
Friday, 10/13 | Whitewater Music Hall, Wausau
Whitewater Music Hall has branded itself the center of the local bluegrass scene, and Them Coulee Boys fit the bill perfectly. This Americana Eau Claire act blends bluegrass, punk, folk and rock into a unique offering. Their four-part harmonies are like conversations, and really set the band apart. With three records under their belt, including one produced by Grammy-winner Brian Joseph (who won his Grammy from producing Bon Iver’s self-entitled Album), this is a band you want to put on your radar. 8 pm. $20. Whitewatermusichall.com
Learn to Curl
Saturday 10/14 | Wausau Curling Center, Wausau
If you ever watched curling on the Olympics and wanted to give it a try, Wausau Curling Center has the event for you. Sign up and let the folks at the Wausau Curling Club will teach you all the basic aspects of the sport, including delivery, sweeping, how to keep score and even the history of the sport (as well as proper etiquette). For those who can’t get low, they can teach you stick curling which some older members use. $10, sign up as a group if your group wants to be paired together. 9 am. Wausaucurling.org.
Empty Bowls
Saturday 10/14 | Community Partners Campus
If you want to help fight hunger while also having a good time, Empty Bowls is the even for you. While this one has been around a while, this is the first year it will be held at the Community Partners Campus. This year’s Empty Bowls event will have ceramic bowls for sale, a food truck rally, art on display, a raffle and even a chance to make your own art. Free, but some activities cost money. 11 am. neighborsplace.org
