By Devon Welsh
WMOCA Art Opening
Friday, 11/10 | Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Wausau
The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a reception for its Seventh Annual National Juried Exhibition, which opened last Saturday. The exhibition features many different styles of visual art from across the country. Meet the artists and check out their work while enjoying live music and appetizers. The exhibition is free and open to the public. 6-8 pm. Free.
The Highwaymen Live
Friday, 11/10 | Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua
Speaking of Johnny Cash, there was once a super group considered one of the greatest to every play country. It was called The Highwaymen and featured Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Featuring songs that include “Ring of Fire,” “Dukes of Hazzard” and other great country hits, this The Highwaymen Tribute brings those legends to life for an evening of country entertainment. 7 pm. $30 adults, $15 students. campanilecenter.org (BCK)
Wausau Belly Dance Hafla
Friday, 11/10 | Whitewater Music Hall, Wausau
Belly dancing is a style of dance that originated centuries ago in Egypt, but you can find it today here in Wausau. Anna Kirsti and Pamela Luedtke teach the practice at Wausau Belly Dance, where they emphasize women’s empowerment, body positivity and community. On Friday they invite the public to an informal evening of dancing and drumming. Known in Arabic as a “hafla”, the group will be sharing the dances they have been working on, and they welcome dances that others would like to share. The event is a potluck, so bring some food to share. No watermelon, avocado or mango due to allergies in the group. 6pm. Free.
Armchair Boogie
Saturday, 11/11 | Sentry Theater, Stevens Point
Formed nearby in Stevens Point but now based in Madison, Armchair Boogie is a self-described ‘newgrass’ band that brings together banjo, acoustic guitar, drums and bass. The band formed in 2018 and has been touring regionally and nationally for the past few years. Their music puts a spin on bluegrass, incorporating funk and folk elements. The band plays their own original music as well as covers. They will be performing at Sentry Theater, which is part of the SentryWorld golf course. 7 pm. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. uwsptickets.universitytickets.com
Mark Twain Revisited
Sunday, 11/12 | Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua
Some people say Mark Twain was the original standup comedian. When Twain was active toward the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th, Twain as many of his contemporaries went on national lecture tours. But the difference is Twain was actually funny, and had audiences laughing in person as much if not more than his writing. Parker Drew in this production channels Twain’s performance as much as possible, creating a fascinating show bringing Mark Twain to life. 2 pm. $27 adults, $15 children. campanilecenter.org (BCK)
Melody Angel
Tuesday, 11/14 | Grand Theater, Wausau
A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from southside Chicago, Melody Angel performs music that incorporates and updates many of the most influential genres of 20th century American music, including blues, folk, funk, rhythm & blues and rock. Angel has recently released her fourth album and is a regular performer at the Chicago Blues Festival and other international festivals. For all fans of rock ‘n roll, blues and balladry. 7:30 pm. $10 in advance. More information at grandtheater.org
Croce Plays Croce
Thursday, 11/16 | Grand Theater, Wausau
Jim Croce was an American folk singer-songwriter whose breakthrough to success came shortly before his tragic death in an airplane crash in 1973. His music achieved major posthumous popularity, on multiple occasions topping the Billboard charts. His son A.J. Croce went on to have a successful career of his own as a singer-songwriter. He is now bringing the music of his late father to life through Croce Plays Croce, a night of music featuring a complete set of Jim Croce’s most popular songs as well as A.J. Croce’s music and some covers that inspired both father and son. The evening includes a full band and a visual accompaniment to the music. 7:30 pm. Tickets $35-67. More information at grandtheater.org
