The Price is Right Live
Friday, 3/15 | Grand Theater, Wausau
Having grown up with Bob Barker on my TV every summer, I was sad to learn of his recent passing. That’s because The Price is Right was such an important part of my early childhood memories. I suspect it was for a lot of you guys as well, since this production, called The Price is Right Live, always draws a line outside the Grand Theater whenever tickets go on sale. It’s just like the show – come up on stage, spin the big wheel, win crazy prizes. The only difference is that the whole thing isn’t televised. This live version has been going on for 20 years, it’s come to the Grand many times, and it never fails to draw excitement. As of this writing there are still a limited number of tickets available. 7:30 pm. Starting at $45. grandtheater.org
Rucksack Revolution
Friday, 3/15 | Lamplight Sessions, Mosinee
Lamplight Session is becoming known for being a music venue that brings a lot of bands to town that otherwise wouldn’t probably stop in central Wisconsin. But Rucksack Revolution is different. It’s the combination of Adam Greuel of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, and Sarah Vos from Dead Horses. Both bands have played around central Wisconsin a lot, while also being nationally known, and their project Rucksack Revolution has done the same. This bluegrass supergroup sells out shows, so you’ll want to get your tickets early. Their two made-for-bluegrass voices blend well together, and create something unique. Joining them is the finger-picking folk musician Dandy Freling. 7 pm. $36. lamplightsessions.com
Swan Lake
Tuesday, 3/19 | Grand Theater, Wausau
The Nutcracker is of course a classic Tchaikovsky ballet, but so is Swan Lake. And this production brings his powerful music to life, with elaborate sets and talented ballet performers who dance across the stage in pure delightful spectacle. Brought to you by the World Series, which attracts some of the top talent in the ballet world, their hand-painted sets and 150 unique costumes in this ballet will simply dazzle you. 7 pm. Starts at $45. grandtheater.org
Powerman 5000
Wednesday, 3/20 | Q&Z Expo Center, Ringle
If there is one phrase you could use to describe Powerman 5000, it would be “high-energy.” The band’s industrial-metal sound is like Filter on speed, and frankly its name really fits the band well. It’s not hard to conjure their hit song “When Worlds Collide” from memory as it kind of punches its way into your consciousness. Amazingly this band formed way back in 1991, dating back to a nearly pre-grunge era, and really found its stride in 1999 with the release “Tonight the Stars Revolt!” which made it to No. 29 on the Billboard’s charts. Now they’re making their way to the Q&Z Expo Center. They’ll be joined by September Mourning and The Great Alone. 7 pm. $20. www.qzexpocenter.com
Bandstock
Thursday, March 14 | Grand Theater, Wausau
Bandstock is probably unlike anything you’ve seen before. Combining the talents of local group The Third Wheels and emerging country star Brady Lee with the bands of Wausau West, Bandstock lays out an evening of electrifying performances and visual extravaganza. Playing everything from Radiohead to Lucky Chops and The Meute, to Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, audiences will find something they resonate with. 7:30 pm. $13. grandtheater.org
The Tamaracks
Sunday, March 17 | Sawmill Brewing Company, Merrill
It might be a little surprising to hear a band of college-aged musicians channeling influences your dad probably listened to, but that’s just what the Tamaracks bring. This Tomahawk-originating duo brings a southern style bluesy rock that’s just fast and fun, with the grit to match. The band just released their first album last summer, Fool Me Once, after releasing an EP in 2022. They’ve been playing around Wisconsin a lot since, and will make their way to the Sawmill Brewing Company, built recently in a former DNR ranger station. 1 pm. sawmillbrewing.net
