Wausau events worth checking out for the week of Feb. 16, 2023

By Kayla Zastrow

Roll On: A Tribute to Alabama

FRIDAY 2/17 | CAMPANILE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, MINOCQUA

Based in Minnesota, this band is a top-notch group of musicians having fun with the hits of the iconic country band, Alabama. The harmonies and instrumentation of Roll On create memories of some of the greatest songs of all time including “Dixieland Delight”, “Roll On”, “If You're Gonna Play in Texa”s, “Feels So Right”, “Love in the First Degree” and many more. This group thrills audiences with the American country and southern rock sounds that made Alabama's music hit the charts with 40 number one hits! ​Starts at 7 pm. $30 adult, $15 student. Details at campanilecenter.org.

The Peking Acrobats

FRIDAY 2/17 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

For over 30 years, The Peking Acrobats have brought incredible Chinese acrobatics across the globe and they come to The Grand for the first time. It’s an evening for all ages, as The Peking Acrobats perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. With time-honored Chinese music, high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring feats, it’s an evening with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival. Starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $35. Details at Grandtheater.org.

Simply Classical

SATURDAY 2/18 | SENTRY THEATER, STEVENS POINT

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra is now in their 74th season! They return to the Sentry Theater for their Simply Classical performance. The concert features the “Hebrides Overture” by Mendelssohn, Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” and Beethoven’s “Symphony #1 in C Major.” The concert also features concertmaster Graham Emberton and principal violist Mary Moran. Starts at 7:30 pm. $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $12 for children. Details and tickets at cwso.org. 

Rock Bottom String Band

FRIDAY 2/17 | INTERMISSION, WAUSAU

The Rock Bottom String Band performs music that’s inspired by bluegrass, punk, country, roots, and rock at breakneck speeds with a whole lot of fun. Formed in 2013 from backyard jams in the town of San Marcos, TX, they've become an internationally touring presence in the alternative Americana community. The goal of every show is to enjoy life with good times and new friends. Rock Bottom brings that energy to each performance to guarantee an engaging and immersive experience for the audience. 10 pm. 715-849-9377.

2023 Home Show

FRI.-SUN. 2/17-19 | CENTRAL WISCONSIN CONVENTION & EXPO CENTER, ROTHSCHILD

This annual event showcases area professionals that can help you find ideas, solutions, and the ability to tackle home projects. Throughout the convention center, you’ll find experts from the home building industry who can answer any questions you have about a new home, a remodel, a new addition or repair project you have in mind. Check out some of the vendors supplying the newest styles, colors and innovation in products from flooring to roofing. Friday 4-7 pm; Saturday 9 am-5 pm; Sunday 10 am-3 pm. $5 general admission, free for under 12. Details at wausauareabuilders.com. 

Dry Needle Felt for Teens

WEDNESDAY 2/15 & SATURDAY 2/18 | MARATHON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, WAUSAU

This event is the perfect opportunity for teens to learn a fun and easy craft. Dry needle felting is a method of adorning fabrics with felt and involves some special needles, used by fiber artists like Simon Brown, Elin Thomas, and Wakuneco. The library will provide all the supplies and show you how it works, all you have to do is show up and get creative. Wednesday at 6 pm; Saturday at 10 am. Free. 715-261-7220.c

Rising Star-A South African Astronomy Journey

SUNDAY 2/19 | UWSP ALLEN F. BLOCHER PLANETARIUM AND ARTHUR J. PEJSA OBSERVATORY, STEVENS POINT

Rising Star takes you on an astronomical journey from our beginnings through the development of astronomy research in South Africa and looks at what the future of astronomy holds for the country. In addition to introducing multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy, the planetarium show highlights the many remarkable facilities hosted in South Africa along with some of their latest results. This includes unrestricted views of the 10-meter class Southern African Large Telescope and the most powerful radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, MeerKAT. 2 pm. Free, but donations appreciated. Details at uwsp.edu.