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About 11-12 Memberships When you become a Friend of the Opera House, your donation helps to ensure success for our beautiful facility through programming and continued maintenance. If not for the support of our members the continued operation of the theatre would simply not be possible. -Members at all levels get the first chance at the best seats for all of our performances. Additionally, if you increase your tax-deductible donation you may become eligible for other rewards and special offers. > You can become a member at anytime, or at the same time as you are ordering tickets. So if you see some performances you don't want to take a chance on missing - Sign up today! If you sign up online, a special Member Promotional Code will be sent to your email inbox that will allow you to order tickets during the 'early bird member ticket buying period' will be announced soon! Membership Levels: Friend $25 - early bird ticketing! Patron $50 - early bird ticketing! Partner $100 - early bird ticketing and name listed in select SOH publications! Ambassador $250 - all Partner benefits, and TWO complimentary tickets to any show(s) in the regular Opera House series Director $500 - all Ambassador benefits, and FOUR complimentary tickets to any show(s) in the regular Opera House series Producer $1000 - all Director benefits, and TEN complimentary tickets to any show(s) in the regular Opera House series Executive Producer $1500 - all Producer benefits, and Two complimentary tickets to EVERY show in the 11-12 Opera House series Early Ticketing pass codes will be e-mailed at before August 1st! Close Information Box |
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Wed. Feb 8 & Thurs Feb 9 both shows @ 6:30pm Free Will Donation at Door - General Admission |
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About DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR. presented by Fox Prairie Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! Fox Prairie Elementary hits the stage will all your favorite characters, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences' spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning score with songs including A WHOLE NEW WORLD and FRIEND LIKE ME will certainly make this musical a favorite for many years to come! Directed by Paul Otteson. Close Information Box |
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Sat. February 11, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $20 |
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About Xtring Quartet In between the folk and the classical styles there are worlds of exquisite sounds as diverse and intertwined as our own human genes. The Xtring Quartet explores the sounds and expressions of Latin American musical traditions that fit their unique string instrumentation of bandola, mandolin, violin, tiple, guitar and bass. Currently, the quartet is exploring music from the Andean region of Colombia. A history of tragedy and triumph, mistakenly called "Inca Music", the music of the Andes is the product of centuries of cultural and ethnic intermixing. All four musicians share a deep knowledge of Latin American musical expressions - from composing, to performance, to education - they play their own arrangements of traditional music by well-known Colombian composers from the 19th century to the present as well as their own compositions set in Colombian Andean musical styles. Xtring Quartet's music has the ability to take you out of a cold Wisconsin winter and into the depths of the Andes endless valleys, to the peaks and glaciers of untouched mountains and to the greenest of rainforests. Visit the Xtring Quartet Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Fri. February 17, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $30 |
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About Lizz Wright It's a rare thing when an artist's live show surpasses her recordings, especially in today's music industry of marginally talented, packaged performers. But Lizz Wright does just that live in concert. Her natural, beautiful alto voice, which is wrapped up in a beautiful spirit, has established her as one of the jazz world's most celebrated rising stars. She hasn't yet broken out commercially in a big way, but singer Lizz Wright has long seemed poised to follow in the platinum-selling, Grammy-festooned footsteps of Tracy Chapman, Norah Jones and other contemporary singers who infuse elements of blues and folk music with jazzy, smoky soul. But make no mistake: Wright is not a 'sound-alike' - she has a unique, blues- and gospel-tinged jazzy sound and style all her own. With her kittenish presence on stage - part ingenue and part femme fatale - the 31 year old Wright sings with a sense of knowing and intimacy that surpasses her age. Like so many vocal greats, Lizz Wright began her singing in the church and her musical tastes blossomed early on. Her father served as the pianist and musical director at the local church, and he encouraged his daughter to absorb the soulful dispositions of classic hymns. After high school, she studied singing at Georgia State University and went on to receive training at The New School in New York. She first came to national attention in 2002 when she performed in a series of Billie Holiday tribute shows. Since then, she's released Salt (2003), Dreaming Wide Awake (2005) and The Orchard (2008), and most recently Fellowship (2010) which have all come to be critical and fan favorites. Lizz Wright is a beautiful songbird with a crystal clear alto voice that effortlessly floats across notes like a soft summer breeze wafting through the night. Having the opportunity to witness a live concert by her and her talented back-up band is a pleasure not to be missed. Visit Lizz Wright's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. February 18, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $40 |
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About Preservation Hall Jazz Band It only takes a few opening notes for the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band to transport listeners to 1950's New Orleans. With a multigenerational line up that consists of a cross section of seasoned players and younger instrumentalists, the Preservation Hall Jazz band is one of most entertaining and historically exciting bands you are likely to see in these modern times. The band is named after Preservation Hall in New Orleans - the building (circa 1817) has served as a watering hole, art gallery, concert hall, and living museum over the years - but it really all started in 1961 when musical husband-and-wife team Alan and Sandra Jaffe, decided that unless somebody did something to preserve the music of New Orleans, it would disappear into the world of rock 'n' roll. So, with little fanfare, they founded Preservation Hall. From its humble beginnings as the site of a weekly jam session among friends, Preservation Hall has grown to become one of the most famous "pure" music venues in New Orleans, offering no drinks, no air conditioning, no frills: just music. Out of this purity, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was formed and went out on constant tours, spreading the joy of New Orleans jazz around the world. The founding members of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band's played with the likes of Jelly-Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden & Sweet Emma Barrett---these legendary artists and dozens of others passed on the lessons of their music to a younger generation who now follow in their footsteps, like the current lineup. Now, under the leadership of founding members' son, Ben Jaffe, the legacy continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of the Dixieland Jazz tradition that started over 50 years ago. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, on Saturday Night Live or at Bonaroo Music Fest, for the King of Thailand or at your Stoughton Opera House, this music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit that in a way can make audiences feel that the saints are really marching in. "the past and promise of American music..."-Rolling Stone Magazine Visit Preservation Hall Jazz Band's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sun. Feb. 19, 2012 - 3pm Tickets: $12 *Yahara River Coop Fundraiser* |
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About HOLY WATER & WHISKEY - KG & The Ranger opens Holy Water and Whiskey KG & the Ranger opens! Yahara River Grocery Coop Fundraiser Sponsored by Kopke’s Greenhouse and the Stoughton Opera House Reminiscent of American folk combined with a dose of Appalachian country, gospel, old English street songs and just a hint of old Bostonian sailing music, Holy Water and Whiskey will have smiling from ear to ear from the first note that they play. Their music is infused with spirit, beautiful melodies, intricately woven harmonies, class-act musicianship and stories. The group consists of Maggie Washburne on bass, Scott Altenbach on guitar, and Bruce Washburne on guitar and banjo. Bruce and Maggie met in a band in Hawaii in 1977, were married, and have been playing music together ever since. In 2003 they started singing with Scott, Colorado native and musician, and Holy Water and Whiskey was formed. They all got their start playing and performing during the folk movement of the 60's, and their musical tastes have evolved since then to include many other acoustic styles. Their first CD "Better Late than Never" reflects these varied interests. Their second CD "Spirits of All Kinds" was released in July of 2008 and it continues their tradition of fine harmony singing and an eclectic and interesting selection of songs. Their third CD "Miners, Outlaws, and Other Relatives" was released in December, 2010 and was nominated for five 2011 NM Music Association Awards, won in two categories. Their beautifully rendered bluegrass gospel tunes and other tunes with spiritual themes sometimes earn them invitations to perform at church events, but they are just as much at home playing those and their other tunes at pubs, festivals, parties, fund raisers and other concert settings. Audiences can expect a fun, interactive evening, as the band genuinely believes that music and laughter are universally healing. Visit Holy Water and Whiskey website About KG & The Ranger Saddle up your imagination for a ride to the Old West with award-winning cowboy yodelers KG & The Ranger. Their smooth harmony singing will bring back memories of the Sons Of The Pioneers, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and other cowboy stars of the silver screen. They yodel in harmony! They keep the audience entranced with interesting bits of history about the cowboy songs they sing. And Ranger Rick twirls his lariat in a fascinating display of trick rope-spinning. Western entertainment for all ages! Visit KG & The Ranger website Don't miss the opportunity to support the Yahara River Grocery Coop by enjoying this delightful concert at the Opera House. The Yahara River Grocery Coop is a community based, democratically managed, cooperatively owned grocery store that supports local and organic production, fosters conscientious consumption, and builds community connections. Yahar River Grocery Coop Close Information Box |
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Sat. February 25, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $25 |
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About JEFFREY FOUCAULT - John Statz opens Jeffrey Foucault grew up in Wisconsin, becoming serious about music at age 17, borrowing his father's guitar, and playing and singing along with old John Prine records. His biography admits to his having stolen a copy of the late Townes Van Zandt's Live and Obscure from a friend, which no doubt opened a path to his singer-songwriter approach. Foucault attended University of Wisconsin at Madison, but ended up quitting school to work as a farm-hand and carpenter, and during that time took to writing songs. After travelling around for while, he settled in Fort Atkinson, WI, not far from where he grew up, and where he performed regularly at the Café Carpe coffeehouse. In 2001 Foucault released his critically acclaimed debut album, Miles from the Lightning, and since then has built an independent career touring extensively in the United States, Canada, and the UK. He has attracted critical and fan attention, and has toured with such well-known artists such as Chris Smither and Gillian Welch. He also has performed as part of a trio of singer-songwriters called Redbird with Peter Mulvey and Kris Delmhorst. Over the course of a nearly ten-year, seven-album recording career, the southeastern Wisconsin-bred's repertoire is pure Americana poetry. His lyrics are beautiful and thought provoking, and his haunting music gets you in the ears and in the gut. It's hard to put your finger on what genre you'd consider his work -- Folk? Blues? Bluegrass? Americana? Country? We say forget genres - a Jeffrey Foucault performance is a must see for anyone who truly enjoys American music. Visit Jeffery Foucault's Website JOHN STATZ opens John Statz is a world-traveling songwriter, playing shows and writing and recording in places like Budapest, Slovenia, Quebec, and Anchorage. For his new album, Old Fashioned, he is bringing it back home. Whereas the previous album (Ghost Towns) was filled with worldly influences and subject matter, Old Fashioned brings us back to the heartland: Midwestern America. Recorded in Iowa City with revered producer Bo Ramsey -Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown, Pieta Brown- this album is all about deep love, hard-working Midwestern folk, nostalgia for times past and of course, history. http://www.johnstatz.com/ Visit John Statz Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. March 3, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $35 |
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About Riders in the Sky For thirty years Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life "The Cowboy Way!" Riders in the Sky consists of Ranger Doug, the lead singer and guitar; Woody Paul, on fiddle and vocals; Too Slim on string bass and Joey Miskulin on accordion. The group was formed in the mid- '70s. Formerly, Ranger Doug was a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. Woody Paul played with Loggins Messina, and Too Slim was a member of Dickey Lee's band in addition to being a songwriter. They used to play gig at a Nashville nightclub and later that led to a slot on Tumbleweed Theater on cable television's Nashville Network (TNN). In the mid 90's "Cowpolka King" Joey Miskulin joined the band, on accordion. Riders In The Sky are stars of the stage, screen, the Grand Ol' Opry, National Public Radio, XM Satellite Radio, Saturday morning TV, and are the only exclusively Western artist to have won a Grammy Award. They truly are "America's Favorite Cowboys! Visit Riders in the Sky Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sun. March 4, 2012 - 1pm Tickets: $10 Children Under 5 Free(Must Call) |
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About "Presto!" - John Measner Magic Show The John Measner Magic Show is family entertainment at its best. John has been delighting and amazing audiences of all ages for over 25 years as he casts a magical spell with live animals (doves and a toy poodle), music and comedy. He also invites volunteers to share the spotlight and assist in the wonders of magic. Grand Illusions are created when John Measner brings his assistant to perform such popular requests as the Floating Lady, Houdini's Metamorphosis and original illusions. Strolling entertainment such as close-up magic, stilt walking and balloon creations are also part of his repertoire. John has performed at festivals, colleges, theaters and corporate events throughout the U.S. and China. He has appeared on Chicago's "Bozo Show", cable TV, WGN and ABC news and is a regular at Chicago's Navy Pier. With a little bit of mystery and a whole lot of fun - "PRESTO!" You and your family and friends will have made magical memories that will last long after John Measner's performance has ended. Visit John Measner's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Fri. March 9, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $25 |
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About An evening with Jake Shimabukuro It's rare for a young musician to earn comparisons to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis. It's even harder to find an artist who has entirely redefined an instrument by his early thirties. But Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-boo-koo-row) has already accomplished these feats, and more.... If you've ever thought of the ukulele as a simple instrument or even a type of toy instrument, the playing of Jake Shimabukuro will shatter that illusion. Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques Jake is regarded as the world's foremost ukulele player. His virtuosity is demonstrated in his tour-de-force concerts that blend jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock. While the Hawaiian musician has been performing and recording since the late 1990s, with numerous albums to his credit, a ubiquitous YouTube video of Shimabukuro performing George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" raised his profile considerably. In the years since that YouTube clip aired, Shimabukuro has performed with the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Bela Fleck, Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Cyndi Lauper and Ziggy Marley. He's played on shows like "The Late Show with Conan O'Brien," "The Today Show" and "Last Call with Carson Daly," as well as NPR's "Morning Edition" and "World Café." Live, he's landed slots on the Monterey and Playboy Jazz Festivals, performed at the Google campus and the influential TED conference, and played in front of the Queen of England at a benefit show. Despite the success, Jake remains humble and admittedly "awestruck" by how his love of the uke has propelled him to such great heights. For that, he gives full credit to the instrument he's played with a passion since he was 4. "The ukulele is the instrument of peace," he says. "And if everyone played one, the world would be a better place." Visit Jake Shimabukuro's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. March 10, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $25 |
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About Junior Brown Junior Brown is back in town and just like last season, will likely knock your socks off! "A lot of people tell me they don't like country music, but they like what I am doing," says Junior Brown. "I hear that line more than anything else," which is ironic because a couple of licks is all it takes to erase any doubts concerning Junior's stylistic allegiance. His music combines the soul of country and the spirit of rock n' roll. Following years as Austin's best-kept secret, then a few more as the town's one must-see act for visiting musicians and label heads, Junior Brown and his music have since found an audience far beyond the Lone Star border. Junior's first two albums ("12 Shades of Brown" and "Guit With It") have helped establish him as a crowd favorite from Texas roadhouses to the hippest clubs of New York City and Europe. There's usually a wide-eyed look accompanying one who witnesses Junior's unique instrumental prowess for the first time... or the second, or third, for that matter. Junior invented his own guitar, one that combines the standard 6-string guitar and the steel guitar. He calls it the "guit-steel." Junior Brown is a singer and demon guitarist whose raucous blend of Western swing, honky tonk, electrified Bakersfield country, and rock & roll made him the toast of Austin and then the world. Factor in his rumbling, strikingly deep baritone voice, and you've got a true original; an artist who's a sensation in country music and the fringier Americana circles. Visit Junior Brown's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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March 16, 17 & 18 - 2012 * 608PRODUCTIONS * $10 regular, $5 student, children 5 & under free |
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About The Importance of Being Earnest - by Oscar Wilde March 16,17,18 - 2012 Friday and Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2:30 Reserved seats $10 general, $5 student Kids 5 and under are free For advance student or child under 5 purchases, tickets can be obtained by calling our box office 608-877-4400 or stopping by the Opera House "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde - Presented by 608 Productions 608 Productions: is a local theatre company, led almost exclusively by the ten young actors and designers who comprise this year's production. And from the remaining cast of Actor's Factory comes 608 Productions' inaugural performance of Oscar Wild's The Importance of Being Earnest. A company directed rendition of a classic work of theatric comedy about love and all the hitches along the way. Learn more about 608Productions and how they are creating theater for all to enjoy! Visit 608 Productions Website Close Information Box |
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Tues. March 20, 2012 - 3pm & 7pm Tickets: $25 |
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About Jason Petty- Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes, a musical revue, is an unforgettable live show which turns back the clock 50 years to experience the sounds of Hank Williams, his heroes and those he influenced. Star Jason Petty, a veteran actor and singer, began portraying the country music legend in 1996 at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville as well as in Branson, Missouri. Now he appears all over the nation to enthusiastic, sold out houses. He's received rave reviews from all major critics including "The New York Times," "Variety," and "Rolling Stone" and won the Obie Award for "Outstanding Actor" for his Hank tribute. Petty and his authentic country four-piece band recreates such Williams' hits as "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", "Your Cheatin' Heart", "Hey Good Lookin' ", "Kaw-Liga", "Cold Cold Heart", "Lovesick Blues", "You Win Again" and many more. The New York Post stated, "At times it seems as if Petty is not just offering an impersonization of Williams, but channeling his ghost. He does a remarkable job of rendering Williams' famous melodies with the silky warble and sob that recreate their touching simplicity." Petty also pays tribute to those who influenced Hank and those Hank influenced. Some of these artists include: Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, The Carter Family, George Jones, Webb Pierce and more. "Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes" will make you smile, make you cry, and make you clap your hands and stomp your feet with excitement. Don't miss Jason's award-winning performance as he brings Hank's music back to life in these insightful, energetic shows. HANK AND MY HONKY TONK HEROES is a MUST-SEE for all country music fans! Visit Jason Petty's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Thurs. March 22, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $30 |
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About The Seldom Scene Since its inception almost forty years ago, the Seldom Scene has thrived on playing bluegrass a little differently than everyone else. If other bands used a fiddler, the Seldom Scene used a Dobro; if others relied on old standards, they played rock classics like J.J. Cale's "After Midnight." Through skilled musicianship and an urban approach to bluegrass, the Seldom Scene has become one of the most influential - if not the most influential - bluegrass band of their time. After losing their founder and leader John Duffey to a heart attack in 1996, the group disbanded. Banjo player Ben Eldridge, in whose basement the band first formed in 1971, reformed the group. He was joined by former guitarist-turned mandolin player Lou Reid, and the band began performing live again and recorded its return album, Scene It All, in 2000. The band currently consists of Dudley Connell (guitar/lead vocals), Ben Eldridge (banjo), Lou Reid (mandolin/tenor vocals), Fred Travers (dobro/lead vocals) and Ronnie Simpkins (bass/baritone vocals). In 2008 The Seldom Scene was recognized with their third Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for their 20th and latest release, SCENEchronized. The Seldom Scene continues to garner both critical acclaim and adoration from a legion of fans, emerging at the forefront of progressive as well as traditional bluegrass bands, continuing to amaze fans and to influence future generations of musicians. With their masterful musicianship and powerful vocal harmonies this legendary five-piece bluegrass band is a must see live in concert! Visit The Seldom Scene Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Fri. March 23, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $30 |
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About An Evening With Dar Williams Dar Williams makes music that is both easy on the ears and gentle for the soul. Her 20 year career has been full of understated goodness. Without much fanfare-albeit eleven studio albums, a critically acclaimed collaboration with Richard Shindell and Lucy Kaplansky (Cry Cry Cry), two books of young adult fiction, and countless tour dates-she has crept her way into the hearts and souls of a rather large audience. She has been described as a synthesis of the Indigo Girls, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez; in fact, Joan Baez has performed with Dar Williams, as has Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin and Pete Seeger. Dar is a gifted performer and songwriter. Her lyrics are funny, sharp, lively and fresh, yet they include thoughtful insight into life, the environment, gender and other complex issues. She is captivating to watch and has a way of opening herself that makes the space in between feel safe. Between each of her brilliant songs, Dar has an innate ability to share personal stories with an endearing sense of humor and vulnerability. Through each song and anecdote, there's a unique sense of friendship that begins to develop between Dar and her audience. Dar Williams certainly has a body of work that offers abundant evidence that she is one of the best singer/songwriters to come out of the contemporary folk scene in the past two decades, and her material -- heartfelt, soul-searching, and often witty and full of fascinating detail -- is exactly why the packed houses turn out again and again to experience Dar Williams. Visit Dar William's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. March 24, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $25 |
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About Alex Degrassi: A Story of Floating Weeds A Story of Floating Weeds is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed films by the legendary Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu. "Floating Weeds, drifting down the leisurely river of our lives," has long been a favored metaphor in Japanese prose and poetry and, in this 1934 film, it refers to a group of traveling actors who seem to be drifting aimlessly, carried by currents beyond their control. The silent film comes to life with Grammy nominated Alex de Grassi's original acoustic guitar score based on a pentatonic blues motif that also suggests the sound of the koto, a Japanese harp-like instrument. Separate musical themes assigned to each of the five central characters combine and clash as the drama unfolds and the characters' lives become inextricably entwined. Ozu's straight-cut, mosaic style of filmmaking and his use of low camera angles, supported by de Grassi's inventive use of a wide range of sonorities and extended guitar techniques, make for larger-than-life characters and give this timeless tale a contemporary edge. A Story of Floating Weeds revolves around the lovable ne'er-do-well character of Kihachi, the head of an itinerant acting troupe visiting a small town where he fathered a son years before. The son does not know that Kihachi is his father, but the leading lady of the troupe-Kihachi's mistress-finds out and plots her revenge... He has twice been commissioned by the New York Guitar Festival to compose and perform live scores for the festival's Silent Films/Live Guitars series. Festival director David Spelman says "Alex de Grassi is a treasure... his technical wizardry as well as his vibrant and poetic music-making make him one of the most distinctive steel-string guitarists performing today." Visit Alex Degrassi's Website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP8IdsaqYOwAlex de Grassi - Story of Floating Weeds trailer CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Fri. March 30, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets $30 |
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About Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks For over 40 years, Dan and the Hot Licks have blazed a trail across the Americana horizon, working with and influencing legendary artists including Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bette Midler, Brain Setzer, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffett, among others. Three-time cover personality of Rolling Stone magazine, Dan Hicks may be one of the wittiest musicians around, and when he sashays on stage backed by his effervescent Hot Licks, you will know why he one of the most innovative definers of roots music that America has to offer. His performances and albums have earned him a reputation as being a true original with his signature eclecticism and humor and as the originator of lively "folk jazz," Hicks blends the best parts of jazz, gyspy swing, bossa-nova and country into his own unique style that fellow rocker Tom Waits calls "fly, sly, wily, and dry." Don't miss the chance to catch one of the defining figures in American roots music. Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks will unleash a set list of genre-spanning tunes, including his classics "I Scare Myself", "Canned Music" and "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away?" With Dan Licks and the Hot Licks irresistible sense of rhythm, hip lyrical styling, laid-back vocalizing and infamous on-stage wit, they are sure to put on a dynamic performance that will turn those who hear him into fans for life. "So few truly original figures exist in pop music that Dan Hicks should be a national treasure." - San Francisco Chronicle Visit Dan Hicks Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. March 31, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $35 |
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About Del McCoury Band Vince Gill says it simply and maybe best in summarizing Del's appeal..."I'd rather hear Del McCoury sing 'Are You Teasing Me' than just about anything." The Del McCoury Band is a world-class bluegrass ensemble that performs original and traditional compositions with eloquent harmonies and "ferocious, purebred musicianship" (USA Today). Holding more than 30 trophies from the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards (including nine for Entertainer of the Year) and multiple Grammy® Awards, they're the most honored group in bluegrass history, earning the acclaim of music industry colleagues ranging from pop star Björk to jam band favorites Phish. Their fans are equally diverse and unanimously passionate, filling venues from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry (as well as filling the Opera House 4 years in a row!) Del McCoury has been a bluegrass star since joining Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in 1963. This spring, bluegrass veteran Del McCoury celebrates 51 years in the music business! With his trademark high tenor sounding as distinct and sharp as ever, McCoury shows no signs of slowing down. Alongside sons Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle and Alan Bartram on bass, The Del McCoury Band are known as some of the finest bluegrass instrumentalists of their generation. Visit The Del McCoury Band Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Thurs April 12 -2012 - 7:30pm $20 |
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About Special Consensus Bluegrass Band The Special Consensus is a superb bluegrass outfit in a classic vein but with more than enough modern sensibilities to attract every ear in this now pleasantly fractionating genre. The vocals are spotless, the playing as shiny as a newly minted penny, and music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass. Special Consensus approaches this hallowed American musical form with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step in boots and bare feet. For more than 35 years and counting, the Special Consensus is a bluegrass institution that shows no signs of slowing down. Ever since 1974, the band repertoire features traditional bluegrass standards, original compositions by band members and professional songwriters, and songs from other musical genres performed in the bluegrass format. The Special C has released 15 recordings and has appeared on numerous National Public Radio programs and cable television shows, including The Nashville Network and the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. International tours have brought the band to Canada, Europe, South America, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Special C has appeared in concert with many symphony orchestras nationwide and has brought an informative in-school presentation, the Traditional American Music (TAM) Program, to schools nationally and internationally since 1984. Band leader/banjo player Greg Cahill is the current President/Board Chair of the Nashville-based International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Along with Greg, the talented David Thomas (bass), Rick Faris (mandolin) and Dustin Benson (guitar) make up the current configuration of The Special Consensus. Many bands nowadays have masterful musicianship and emotionally-charged vocalizing, but few can steal the show the way that Special Consensus does with its engaging arrangements of superior originals that capture classic bluegrass ideas and themes in new material. "yes, Special Consensus may be Chicago's very own veteran bluegrass band, but talent like this is the property of the world." - Chicago Tribune "O Brother, that's good bluegrass!" - Salt Lake Tribune Visit Special Consensus Websitehttp://www.specialc.com/ Close Information Box |
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Fri. April 13, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $25 |
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About Fred Eaglesmith w/ Fabulous Ginn Sisters An award-winning and music-atuer of the highest order, Fred Eaglesmith has forged a singular and distinctive legacy with his songs, recordings, live performances, achievements and impact unlike that of anyone else in contemporary music. And done so as a fiercely independent and original artist through the sheer power of the music he creates. Eaglesmith's music has been described by reviewers as a "blend of aching country and barroom rock" and a "mixture of hard-edged honky-tonk balanced between rock'n'roll and early '60s country music." His dynamic live shows are "exactly like the sort of music you dream of hearing in some crowded, hot, beery bar near closing time... a truly timeless brand of primitive rock'n'roll," says Amazon.com. Eaglesmith is also known as a between-song raconteur whose pointed and illuminating storytelling and comedic skills are as sharp as his songwriting. Eaglesmith has won a Juno award - the Canadian Grammy - records his own music in his own studio and has had his songs covered by Toby Keith, Cowboy Junkies, Kasey Chambers, Todd Snider and Dar Williams, among others, and featured in films by Martin Scorsese and James Caan - who consider him one of the stellar musical and lyrical talents of our day. Fred Eaglemsith has a large cult following called "Fred-heads" and is one of Canada's most revered veteran road warriors. His most recent release, Cha Cha Cha, is his 18th album, and it percolates with the primal beats, grooves and vibe of rock 'n' roll. "Imagine a duet with Tom Waits and Woody Guthrie... If you're missing out on Fred Eaglesmith... you're really missing out," -The New Yorker Visit The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Show's Website The Fabulous Ginn Sisters Having notched out a place for themselves with their remarkable sibling harmonies and considerable knockabout charm, Austin, Texas roots vocal-duo, the Fabulous Ginn Sisters, continue to surprise and entertain audiences with their energetic live shows. Although the Ginns have been performing since their youth, Tiffiany and Brit Ginn, credit Eaglesmith's tutelage with helping them to both further define and expand their sound. No Depression hails "their head-spinning harmonizing" of these "confidant, soulful vocalists who sing every song like their family's honor depended on it." Visit The Ginn Sisters' Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sun. April 15th 2012 - 4pm Tickets: $20 |
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About Wingra Woodwind Quintet Established in 1965, the Wingra Woodwind Quintet has maintained a tradition of artistic and teaching excellence. Wingra has earned a reputation as a most accessible and dynamic ensemble with its many performances in the Midwest. Their repertoire balances traditional literature with the contemporary and their programming of cross-cultural music has become a focus for many of their concerts. Describing their debut at Carnegie Hall, New York Times critic Peter Davis stated, "The performances were consistently sophisticated, sensitive, and thoroughly vital." The Wingra Quintet has been featured at meetings of the Music Educators National Conference, the Music Teachers National Association and the International Double Reed Society. The ensemble has held residencies at many university campuses nationwide, combining performance and master classes. Wingra's music can be found on the Golden Crest, Spectrum, and School of Music labels, as well as on an educational video entitled Developing Woodwind Ensembles. Wingra's enthusiasm for performance and teaching makes it an ensemble for every generation and every audience. Its faculty artists include Stephanie Jutt, flute; Marc Fink, oboe; Linda Bartley, clarinet; Marc Vallon, bassoon; and Linda Kimball, horn. Visit The Wingra Woodwind Quintet's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Fri. April 20, 2012 - $7:30pm Tickets: 20 |
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About The Pines The music they make is: earthy, stalwart, tender, haunting, true and lasting... just like, well.. Pines. In a world swimming in singer/songwriters, it's difficult to rise above the masses and create a truly unique sound that captures ears and stimulates the mind. The Pines, nevertheless, are doing just that. The grooves they can produce are textured and atmospheric that construct a musical landscape that can "make you feel happy and sad almost simultaneously." Only true art can make you feel that way. Meeting in a Mexican barrio in Arizona, fellow Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey (son of Bo Ramsey) began playing music together, forming The Pines. Both strong writers and musicians, David and Benson have distinct voices that truly complement each other. Their edgy mix of original songwriting, inventive arrangements, and raw blues-groove is causing audiences and critics alike to tout them as a powerful young force in American roots music. Steadily touring around the country, The Pines have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Bon Iver, Mason Jennings, Iris DeMent, Greg Brown, The Holmes Brothers, Split Lip Rayfield, Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, and Spider John Koerner. The show at the Opera House features their all-star Minneapolis-based band, which will include acclaimed drummer J.T. Bates (Michel Portal, John Gorka), jazz bassist James Buckley (Ed Harcourt, Daniel Johnston, Dosh) and Benson's brother Alex Ramsey on keyboards.... with the Pines returning to the Opera House stage, we guarantee a mesmerizing and memorable evening. Visit The Pine's Website Listen to The Pine's song Pray Tell CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Saturday April 21, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $35 |
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About The Music of George Gershwin-Spectrum Brass From the exciting start of Gershwin Overture: Strike Up the Band, to the culminating I Got Rhythm, the Spectrum Brass performance celebrating all things Gershwin will find yourself standing in ovation before intermission and after the final note. The Spectrum Brass Quintet delivers it all in one mind-blowing package playing songs from "Porgy and Bess," "Crazy for You" and other Broadway shows. You will also hear favorites like It Ain't Necessarily So, Embraceable You, Summertime, I Got Plenty of Nothing, and The Man I Love. With a first half suited for the Symphony Hall and a second half perfect for a night on the town, this show promises a wonderful evening of music that will create lasting memories for years to come. Committed to creative collaboration, the Spectrum Brass Quintet works with innovative performers to enrich and enliven the chamber music experience. Their performance at the Opera House will include trumpeters Scott Thornburg and Brian Buerkle, French hornist Eric Reed, trombonist John Rutherford, tubist Jacob Cameron, drummer Alex Trajono and features soprano Elizabeth Stoner and pianist Anthony Patterson. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a brass quintet that commands the stage with power and grace, a concert pianist displaying dazzling virtuosity, and a soprano sweetly singing heartfelt songs... now, Who Could Ask for Anything More? Visit Spectrum Brass Quintet's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sunday April 22, 2012 - 1:30pm Tickets: $5 at door - General Admission |
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About Opera for the Young - "Hansel & Gretel" Does that little house look good enough to eat? BEWARE! Opera for the Young's adaptation of Engelbert Humperdinck's masterpiece, Hansel & Gretel featuring professional Opera Singers and Kegonsa Elementary students, will enlighten kids of all ages about bravery, love, magic and the triumph of good over evil as a brave sister and brother outwit a mean old hag. This entertaining and unforgettable fairy tale-turned opera teaches lessons of ingenuity and courage. In the end, the two children save the day for others as well as themselves. Opera for the Young brings live, professional opera to audiences with their annual Fall and Spring tours. All productions are fully staged, sung in English and adapted especially for kids. Each year OFY brings opera to more than 75,000 children. Winner of the Marvin Rabin Youth Arts Award, OFY focuses on educating children about the value and beauty of the arts. Visit Opera for the Young's Website Close Information Box |
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April/May Date/Time/Theme TBD $5/Family at the Door |
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About PlayTime Productions For almost two decades, Playtime Productions Children's Theatre has been delighting audiences with its creative and spirited renditions of classic tales. When performed by Playtime Productions, each of these endearing stories is retold with an eye to the present, always with a twist and many a surprise. Visit Playtime Production's Website Close Information Box |
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Wed. May 2, 2012 - 1pm Opera House Benefit - Free-will donation at door |
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About Michael Hecht presents "The Magicians of Light"Michael Hecht presents "The Magicians of Light: Edison, Tesla, and Van Gogh"Light is at once both obvious and mysterious. Join local Literary and Visual Artist Michael Hecht as he gives a talk about these artists and scientists of how they used and affected 'light'. Close Information Box |
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Fri. May 4, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $30 |
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About Tony Rice Unit Tony Rice is one of the greatest acoustic guitar players of all time, yet he's virtually unknown outside bluegrass music. He's a genius, a mystery... a legend in his own time. Raised in Southern California, Rice inherited his musical skill from his father, who was heavily influenced by bluegrass groups, including the Dillards and the Kentucky Colonels, which featured influential guitar picker Clarence White. As a member of J.D. Crowe's New South in the early '70s, along with Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas, he continued to promote a new approach to the music of the hill country. After meeting imaginative mandolin player David Grisman during a jam session in 1975, Rice returned to CA and helped to form the David Grisman Quintet. After 5 years, Rice then armed a bluegrass supergroup, the Bluegrass Album Band. Rice's albums as a soloist and with his band, the Tony Rice Unit, have ranged from the jazz-tinged Mar West, which included bluegrass-style treatments of tunes by Miles Davis and John Coltrane, to singer/songwriter-oriented albums, including Cold on the Shoulder, Native American, and Me & My Guitar, which featured his virtuosic guitar picking and soulful vocalizing of songs by Ian Tyson, Phil Ochs, and Gordon Lightfoot. The most recent venture is an autobiography that looks deeper into the life of Tony, this living legend, Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story. Well worth the read. Tony is backed by a tremendously talented band. Picker and singer Josh Williams, rhythm guitarist and brother Wyatt Rice, master fiddler Rickie Simpkins, and Bryn 'bass lady' Davies hone in on Tony's musical vision and style and the music they make playing together is pure magic. Visit Tony Rice's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. May 5th, 2012 - 7:30pm $25 |
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About An evening with Leon Redbone Over the course of his 30+ year, 15+ album career, Leon Redbone has continued his love affair with tunes from the turn-of-the-century (as in the second-to-last century), flapper-era radio ditties, Depression-spawned ragtime and World War II folk-jazz. Redbone's career first gained momentum in the early '70s when Bob Dylan sought him out at the Mariposa Folk Festival. Most folks were introduced to the man during his network debut on Saturday Night Live in 1976, where he showcased his indelible version of "Walkin' Stick." In a year typified by amplified arena rock, Redbone's intimate, low-key delivery proved to be a jolting antonym. Since then the opportunities for this unlikely figure to impose himself on pop culture have been plentiful. He appeared as a wise, animated snowman opposite Will Ferrell in the $173 million-grossing comedy "Elf". His duet with star Zooey Deschanel on the seasonal standard "Baby, It's Cold Outside" served as the picture's theme song. Over the years, Redbone has also provided TV title tunes to Mr. Belvedere and Harry and the Hendersons, and had a memorable guest role as a quixotic, guitar-wielding guardian to the character Corky on ABC's critically acclaimed series Life Goes On. New York choreographer Eliot Feld recently created the ballets Mr. XYZ (featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov) and Paper Tiger, which were woven around Redbone's signature songs. If there is one common element to Redbone's diverse music it's his mastery of his acoustic guitar. It is easy to get lost in his stage exploits (which often gravitate between vaudeville and performance art) and overlook what a truly fine player he is - fingerpicking with a ragtime bounce or jumping between chords with the grace of a hurdler. Maybe the analogy should be with the grace of a card shark, because he makes it look so effortless it can often be deceiving. Visit LEON REDBONE Website Close Information Box |
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May 11 - 7pm and May 12 - 1:30pm Tickets available at St Anns - call 608-873-3343 |
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About St Anns Drama Department St Ann's Drama Club has been delighting audiences of all ages with their colorful musicals at the Opera House. Past performances include Willy Wonka Jr, Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast. Keep and eye out for this year's theme, as it is an end of school year treat for the whole family. Call St Ann's school for ticket information 608-873-3343 Close Information Box |
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Thurs. May 24, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets: $25 |
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About An evening with The Kruger Brothers "Move over Bela Fleck" and "Best concert ever" were two of many favorable comments we heard last spring when the Kruger Brothers performed at the Opera House. They're three of the most creative, spiritually minded, musically gifted, soul enriching and life affirming bands that's ever come down the pike. Originally from Europe, now living in North Carolina, they were first introduced to American audiences in 1997 and quickly caught the attention of fans and the music industry alike. Switzerland's Kruger Brothers' banjo player Jens and guitarist Uwe have been celebrated throughout the world for their musicianship, clever composition and engaging stage presence. But, they also posses a powerful alter-ego trump card that shows off their impressive classical chops, allowing the Krugers to straddle the worlds of traditional European music and the American roots culture. As a result, the trio has been a crowd favorite at famous festivals like Doc Watson's Merlefest and prestigious events like the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards. They have also collaborated with luminaries like Willie Nelson, Bela Fleck, Alison Brown, Doc Watson, Gillian Welch and the late Bill Monroe. When you listen to the music of the Kruger Brothers, you can't help but be amazed by the depth of their artistry. Some call them "Jazz". Some call them "Classical". Some call them "Bluegrass". They are all right. Experience what happens when these innovative and soulful world-class virtuosos put on a musical performance not to be forgotten. Visit The Kruger Brother's Website CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR ONLINE TICKETING POLICIES Close Information Box |
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Sat. June 2, 2012 - 7:00pm Tickets: $5 at door - general admission |
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About Stoughton Chamber Singers "Music For The EveningStoughton Chamber Singers "Music For The Evening" |
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