Wausau events worth checking out this week: Oct. 6, 2022

by Kayla Zastrow

The Doo Wop Project

FRIDAY 10/7 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

the doo wop project wausau

The Doo Wop Project brings the classic music genre into the 21st century. Love the sounds of Frankie Valli, The Drifters, or The Del-Vikings? Ever wonder what Maroon 5 or Jason Mraz would sound like in the Doo Wop era? That’s the kind of music magic that will happen on stage. The Doo Wop Project traces classical music from its inception of groups singing tight harmonies on a street corner, all the way to the biggest hits on the radio today. The Doo Wop Project uses their vocal excellence to recreate some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history. You’ll be thrilled by their DooWopified versions of modern songs by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5 and even Garth Brooks. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $30. Details at grandtheater.org.

The OK Factor & Jaerv

TUESDAY 10/11 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

The classical-crossover duo The OK Factor returns to The Grand, this time with the award-winning Swedish quintet Jaerv. The two innovative folk groups collaborated in Sweden last summer, and are touring the U.S. together for the first time this fall. Their stop at The Grand to perform their program “Traditions” will culminate in a residency with local music students. With a genre-bending sound described as “pure magic,” this concert will treat you to fresh, creative musicianship that blends vigorous traditional folk with classical, jazz, pop and fascinating instrumentation. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $20. Details at grandtheater.org.

The Ultimate Queen Celebration Starring Marc Martel

THURSDAY 10/13 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

Theatrical and eye-popping, this production incorporates 23 of Queen’s most famous songs. You’ll hear hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “Radio Gaga,” “We are the Champions,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Somebody to Love” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The most remarkable part of the show is Marc Martel as Freddie Mercury. It’s stunning how much his voice and mannerisms are like Mercury—Martel, in fact, did some of the singing for the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, starring Rami Malek. If you love the music of Queen, you’ll love this show. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $43. Details at grandtheater.org.

A Grand Old Time: Celebrating Wausau’s History on the Big Screen

SUNDAY 10/9 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

Take a step back in time at the Grand Theater this weekend. In this event presented by the Marathon County Historical Society,  watch over an hour of rare, historic Wausau film footage with local musician Dan Larson accompanying the film on the historic Kilgen Wonder organ. There will even be cool, vintage advertising shown! Starts at 1 pm. Free admission, no tickets required. Details at marathoncountyhistory.org.

Harvest Fest

SATURDAY 10/8 | 400 BLOCK DOWNTOWN, WAUSAU

Celebrate the fall season with a jam-packed day of fun that’s perfect for families. There’s tons of entertainment on the 400 block, such a petting zoo, fire trucks, kids activities, crafts and more. New this year are potato sack races!  When you work up an appetite, check out the food vendors! All kids 12 and under who donate a non-perishable food item receive a free pumpkin. Most events happen 10 am-1 pm. Details at wausauevents.org.

Brass Differential

FRIDAY 10/7 | BULL FALLS BREWERY, WAUSAU

Brace yourself for a big, BIG New Orleans brass-style evening with this riotous band from Green Bay. Their horn-centered sound sets them apart—how often do you see a large sousaphone on stage? Their repertoire also includes funk, hip-hop, R&B and soul to entertain any kind of crowd. You’ll love their boisterous attitude and abundance of fun solos. Starts at 6 pm. 715-842-2337.

One Year Anniversary Celebration

SATURDAY 10/8 | LIL’ OLE WINEMAKER SHOPPE, WAUSAU

It’s been one year since Paul and Lisa Stuttgen bought the 20-year-old Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe in downtown Wausau, and they are celebrating with a party. There will be live music from The Jerry Schmitt Band’s Schmittkicker Duo from 3-7 pm, food from SmokeHouse BBQ Truck from 3-6 pm, and a pop-up glass painting party with artists Briana Z-Glasel at 3 pm. Details at 715-845-6170.

The Hooten Hallers

FRIDAY 10/7 | LAMPLIGHT SESSIONS, MOSINEE

The Hooten Hallers are the kings of hillbilly soul and one of the best live rock & roll bands around today. For the past fifteen years, the Missouri-based band has been crisscrossing the country, sharing their Americana tunes. The Hooten Hallers are musical colliders, smashing together everything from pre-war jazz to Chicago blues with New Orleans, garage rock and more. Doors open at 6 pm. Show starts at 7 pm. $20. Details at lamplightsessions.com.