Hmong New Year, Glenn Miller, a wild party and more this weekend

The Glenn Miller Orchestra 

Thursday 11/7 | Arts Council, Wisconsin Rapids 

I kind of had to do a double take when I saw that the Glenn Miller Orchestra was coming to Wisconsin Rapids. The band has been touring for — don’t adjust your paper, this is correct — 1956, and that’s the band that formed after Miller’s death in 1944. Glenn Miller received the lifetime achievement Grammy Award posthumously in 2003. Miller started the Glenn Miller and his Orchestra in 1938, but after his disappearance in the 1940s, his wife had a new version of the band formed that lives on to this day. (Remarkably, Ray Anthony is the only surviving member from the original band at 102 years old. He went on to form his own band famous for The Hokey Pokey and the Dragnet theme.) If you want to enjoy the swing era, this is your ticket. 7:30 pm. $54 adults, $10 students. savorthearts.org

First Brigade Band 

Sunday 11/10 | Lucille Tack Center for the Arts, Spencer 

I’ve heard it called The Dad Effect — every man when they reach dad age, regardless of whether or not they’re actually a dad, starts to become unusually interested in history. (Um, guilty!) Though for me it’s the American Revolution, for many it’s the Civil War era. For those in the latter category, this should be right up your alley. The First Brigade Band prides themselves on playing on Civil War-era instruments, wearing period outfits and sharing historic anecdotes. Come see this Watertown-based act in action at the Lucille Tack Center for the Arts. 2 pm. $20. lucilletackcenter.org 

Sister Winchester 

Tuesday 11/12 | Grand Theater, Wausau 

Jenna Lee and Shaun Marie are a pair or sisters who have been singing together since childhood - now this Wisconsin sister act, called Sister Winchester, are touring with their country/Americana style music around the region. They also channel influences from folk, blues and rock, overlaying their vocal harmonies. Both sisters, leading this five-piece band, are accomplished musicians and work in other side projects (one of them is literally called Side Project), but together they shine in this band that is worth checking out as they make their way to Wausau. 7:30 pm. $10. grandtheater.org

Hmong New Year’s Celebration 

Sat.-Sun. 11/9-10 | Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center, Rothschild 

Many of you out there are likely thinking of Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and New Year’s isn’t even on your radar yet. But you Hmong readers out there know, the new year is right around the corner! This weekend is the Hmong New Year’s Celebration, with plenty of music, Hmong traditional dances, crafts and more, all celebrating the rich Hmong culture. This is an event to honor Hmong ancestors and honor the traditional harvest. But it’s also a heck of a good time. $5 each day. Children under 5 years old and under and seniors 65 and over are free.  

11-11 Party 

Saturday 11/9 | Grand Theater, Wausau 

It’s been the hottest party in town, and usually that means I won’t be invited. But you all are, and this year there are actually tickets available! Put on by Evolutions in Design’s Randy Verhasselt, there are exactly 1,111 (get it, 11-11?) tickets to this big themed party where people dress up, there is music from Boogie and the YoYo’z, Miami’s Scott King and Underground DJs not to mention the now-famous balloon drop. The Grand becomes a giant dance party! It’s without a doubt the hottest party of the year, this year the theme is A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, and it’s the first time I have written about it because there are actually still tickets available. For now, at least. $57. grandtheater.org

Charlie Parr 

Friday 11/8 | Whitewater Music Hall, Wausau 

Charlie Parr has been making his way to Wausau for some time now, and when he does, it’s a big treat. Usually armed with his resonator guitar and a raspy, powerful voice, Parr looks like he emerged from a tent somewhere and then blows you away with his mastery of the bluegrass/folk genre. Remarkably, he’s never played Whitewater Music Hall before - but Friday that will change. Joined by Stovepipe Stephens, Parr will undoubtedly put on a performance you won’t soon forget. $20. 21+ whitewatermusichall.com