Kansas: 50th Anniversary Tour
Friday, July 21 | Grand Theater, Wausau
We’re used to seeing a lot of tribute acts of bands from this era, so it’s pretty exciting to see one of the originals! Even if you were born long after this band formed 50 years ago, you’re probably already familiar with this band’s work. Songs such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” since you really can’t escape them on the radio. Besides all the hits you know and love, Kansas will be performing some deep cuts that are rarely performed live. Bands of this era are starting to become short in supply, and tickets are starting to sell down so act quick if you want to see this group. 7:30 pm. grandtheater.org.
Bomber and Red
Friday, July 21 | The Intermission, Wausau
OK, so I have to admit this one first caught my attention because of the name. I’m a sucker for a clever or unique name, and Bomber and Red catches your attention. What’ll keep it though is the music – this male/female singing duo have a nice harmonization between the two of them. It was enough to get them invited to the Sconni River Bluegrass Festival and to open at the Levitt Amp series in Stevens Point. Check out this bluesy/folksy duo at Intermission this Friday. 9:30 pm.
Wausau Night Market
Thursday, July 20 | 400 Block, Wausau
Back for another go around, the Wausau Night Market is back, bringing a little life into the downtown on a Thursday evening. The market will feature a variety of vendors, including candle makers, artists, food makers (include a gourmet potato chip maker, a kombucha maker and a baked goods maker), soaps, jewelry, clothing; there’s just a fascinating array of different locally made products. If you miss this one, the River District will host one more on Aug. 17 as well. It’s always nice when there is more to do downtown. 5-9 pm. Wausauriverdistrict.org.
SLAB
Saturday, July 22 | The Garage, Rib Mountain
Hey, sometimes you’re in the mood for original music and sometimes you just want to hear the rock and pop hits you’ve come to know and love. SLAB is one of those bands that has made an art form of rocking out those 70s, 80s and 90s hits and making them sound fresh again. They’ve been doing it for 28 years! And what better place to check them out than at The Garage, which more and more Wausonians are finding to be one of the funnest places in the area. 7 pm. Check out The Garage on Facebook for more.
Jesse and the Medicine Men
Saturday, July 22 | Stoney Acres Farm, Athens
Maybe it’s a little cliche or obvious, but there is something about listening to old school country music while hanging out on the farm as the sun sets, and a pizza rests in front of your table. And folks can do just that this Saturday, as Stoney Acres welcomes Jesse and the Medicine Men to the farm to play during pizza night. Jesse and the Medicine Men bring that old school style country that is starting to reappear a lot, with a dusty, deep voice that ought to go well with a Stoney Pepperoni pizza and Stoney Acres Brewery beer. 4-8:30 pm. stoneyacres.farm
Pedal Point Rally
Fri-Sat., July 21-22 | Hostel Shoppe, Stevens Point
Once upon a time, the Hostel Shoppe hosted the Midwest Recumbent Rally, one of the biggest gatherings of recumbent bicycles around. With this new event, called the Point Pedal Rally, organizers say they’re going back to their roots, with seminars, vendors and rides for both recumbent and regular upright bicycles. Tours this year include a tour of Feltz Farm and of Point Brewery. Also, this year’s rally raises money for Spokes Fighting Strokes, which aims to help stroke survivors gain hope, ability and independence. Packages available for Saturday only or both days of the event. See more details at hostelshoppe.com/pages/pedal-point-rally
