By Kayla Zastrow
John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza
FRIDAY 12/16 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU
The holidays are about traditions, and this concert is no exception. With two decades of sold-out shows, this annual event has long been the hottest ticket in town. Wausau-area favorite John Altenburgh returns with a huge all-star lineup for a night of jazz, blues, and the holiday songs you know and love. Nothing says Christmas in Wausau like this show. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $45. Details at grandtheater.org.
Tuck Pence
FRIDAY 12/16 | HUTCH’S BAR, WAUSAU
This Northwoods singer/songwriter has been in the music business for over 30 years. With an outstanding ability to entertain diverse crowds, his tunes will soothe you, cheer you up and bring you out to the dance floor. With a repertoire of over 2,000 songs, he performs an array of Americana, folk, pop country and rock throughout Wisconsin and has had the pleasure of opening for many famed acts such as Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Lee Ann Rimes, Molly Hatchet and many more. You’ll love his witty sense of humor and passion for music. 8 pm. 715-841-0020.
UWSP Tuba Christmas
FRIDAY 12/16 | UWSP NOEL FINE ARTS CENTER MICHELSEN HALL,, STEVENS POINT
Tuba Christmas is a world-wide event, conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day in 1902 and became a principal tuba in the New York Philharmonic. Places all around the globe gather local tuba players for this tradition. Come join in the tradition and hear tubas perform at UWSP. Starts at 7 pm. Free. Tickets at uwsptickets.universitytickets.com.
Marie Osmond
FRIDAY 12/16 | NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO & RESORT, BOWLER
A member of the show business family, The Osmonds, Marie Osmond was never part of the family singing group, but she gained success as a country and pop music artist and television variety show co-host in the 1970s and 1980s. She has since spent over six iconic decades in the entertainment business performing as a successful singer, television performer and talk show host, dancer, actor, author, entrepreneur and public speaker. She has continued to maintain relevance, remaining an instantly recognizable figure across the globe. Starts at 8 pm. Tickets start at $79. Details at northstarcasinoresort.com.
Rodney Carrington
SATURDAY 12/17 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU
Rodney Carrington is coming to the Grand Theater for his current Let Me In national tour! This multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer is playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. His last album Here Comes the Truth (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special. Starts at 7 pm. Tickets start at $50.50. Grandtheater.org,
Holiday Makers Market
SATURDAY 12/17 | WHITEWATER MUSIC HALL, WAUSAU
The Wausau Makers Market is back, just in time for last-minute gift shopping. This modern market expresses a love for all types of artisans and features over 30 local and regional vendors, all carefully selected for quality and creativity. You’ll find stickers, mugs, candles, jewelry, cards, clothing and much more! The market is meant to be an experience, so among your browsing enjoy live music and cocktails. This event is a local favorite and is the perfect time to find one of a kind, locally made gifts for everyone on your list. 4-9 pm. Details on Facebook: Wausau Makers Market Co.
Rafe Carlson
FRIDAY 12/16 | CAMPUS PUB, WAUSAU
Rafe Carlson hails from Northern Minnesota and calls the port city of Duluth home. Growing up in a family of talented musicians, he knew that music was where his heart felt the fullest. He followed his dreams, quit his job as an RV salesman, and is now making his living performing music. In May 2021, Rafe met a producer in Nashville and is now working on his first Nashville produced album! You can expect to hear him perform a mix of his own material and covers by artists like Jason Isabel, Chris Stapleton, Amos Lee, U2, Alice in Chains, 3 doors down, and Bob Seger. 9 pm. Details on Facebook or 715-675-1960.
