Danstage
May 5-7 | Jenkins Theatre, Stevens Point
This is one of those events that come up every year, but every year it’s totally different, so always worth checking out. The dance department faculty of Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill and Sarah Olson create a show and bring in a guest artist from somewhere around the country to perform with the students. These shows really showcase the talent at the college’s dance department! See uwsp.edu for times and ticket info.
Ruben and Clay
Tuesday 5/16 | Grand Theater, Wausau
American Idol was a giant television sensation in the early aughts, and Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard were a big part of why. The two mezmerized fans during the show’s second season, tripling viewership and making the show the giant hit that it is. Well, that was 20 years ago, and the two have reunited for a tour that is coming to the Grand Theater. Come see this legendary duo right in Wausau’s downtown. 7:30 pm. $48-$78. Grandtheater.org
Nick Anderson and the Skinny Lovers
Saturday, May 6 | Malarkey’s Pub, Wausau
Nick Anderson and the Skinny Lovers once took the stage at the 400 block on the Concerts on the Square a couple of years ago. Somehow they managed to fill up the entire square’s stage, despite being only a three-piece act. (And one of those members is immobile, being on drums.) Since then, this Eau Claire-based three-some has has songs licensed by Netflix, MTV and the Discovery Channel, they’ve charted No. 1 on independent radio, and played Summerfest under the emerging artists series. Their infectious pop-punk is hard not to groove to, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to dance around at their show. 8 pm. Find more at malarkeyspub.com.
Cinco de Mayo Party with Brad Emanuel and Harold Melo
Friday, May 5 | Arrow Sports Club, Weston
If there’s one thing we know about Wausau, it’s that you love Brad Emanuel. The singer/guitarist has been a staple on the Wausau scene for awhile, and last year readers named him best local band/musician in our annual reader survey. Emanuel will take to Arrow Sports Club Friday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. He’ll be joined by Harold Melo, a stellar guitarist who readers may remember from the band Substyle and how has played in Emanual’s band. Arrow Sports Club is calling the duo “Emanuelo.” Expect a raucous celebration filled with good music from these two at the Weston bar. 8 pm. arrowsportsclub.org
Family Bird Walks in the Gardens
Monday, May 8 | Monk Botanical Gardens, Wausau
Sometimes it seems like Monk Gardens has been a staple of the Wausau community for decades, and it’s hard to remember a time when the gardens weren’t there. But in actuality, the gardens were established in 2003 and really have come into their own in the last decade. The programming really ramped up in those years, including its own successful outdoors pre-school. That includes events such as Family Bird Walks in the gardens. Join the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited and bird expert Jennifer Chrudimsky for a walk through the gardens in which you and your children can learn all about the birds you come across. 5 pm. RSVP so the Gardens can have binoculars ready for you. Events also on June 12 and July 10. monkgardens.org or on Facebook.
Humbird
Friday, May 5 | Lamplight Sessions, Mosinee
Lamplight Sessions hasn’t slowed down since it launched last year — the Mosinee live music venue just keeps bringing the heat. This band, called Humbird, is just one more example of the level of talent LS is bringing to the area. Humbird is Siri Undlin, and her voice over her timeliness Americana sound will just knock your socks off. 7 pm. Learn more at lamplightsessions.com.
