This week I thought it would be a good idea to do a round-up of some of the key festivals and events coming up in Madison, so you can get them on your calendar and maybe buy tickets if you need to. “Calendar round-up” is also code for “I couldn’t find anyone to interview this week.” On that note, if you have an idea for a “Charlie’s Beat” story, please let me know at [email protected].
First up let’s talk about Music in the Park, which is happening this Friday, starting at 6:30. They have two Chicago blues acts for our listening pleasure. Music in the Park has become a much-loved free event among our local residents. Madison Main Street generously produces the event, and Program Manager Lindsay Holley filled in some details, “We have 5 on-site vendors set up with a little something for everyone. The weather is looking really nice so far, so we encourage the community and guests to Madison to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and head down to Music in the Park with their friends and family!”
I should mention that Aayan Niam, the opening act at Music in the Park is also playing earlier in the day at Live Lunch at the Fountain, and also on Saturday at the Taproom. You have 3 chances to catch his electrifying and entertaining performance.
Next up on the schedule is the venerable “grandaddy” of Madison music festivals, Ribberfest, coming up August 15 & 16, now in its 23rd year. The event is under new management this year, in the person of one Jeff Shew, bass player in one of Madison’s favorite visiting bands, King Bee & the Stingers. Jeff has a fresh perspective on the event, and he promises to keep the things that work well, and maybe take a look at improving some things where he can. Headliner this year is Shemekia Copeland, and Ribberfest alumni if I’m not mistaken. MadisonRibberfest.com has tickets.
Coming up on August 30th is our second rendition of Play Music on the Porch Day. Last year was a huge success, with about 9 porches featuring live music all afternoon. This year organizer Jane Vonderheide, of Kindred Folk Society, tells me they have 14 porches lined up, everywhere from the near west end of downtown to far east Vaughn Drive down near the old Bennett’s Marine. This is a free event, but the very best way to enjoy all the spread out porches is aboard a golf cart. If you don’t own one, hurry over to Acree Alley Carts and get a rental reserved right away, before they are gone.
Right on the heels of porch music will be the first annual Unbroken Circle Music Festival on Sept. 4, 5 and 6. It’s safe to say, based on the quality and star power of the music line up, that this is the biggest festival ever staged in Madison. Early ticket sales have come from all over the U.S., and it’s making real waves in the alt-country scene. If you know the names Turnpike Troubadours, Marcus King and Raspberry Smoke, this one is a must attend. Tickets are at UnbrokenCircleFest.com.
And finally, coming up on the first full weekend in November, is one of my personal favorites, Mad Hop Music Fest. It’s produced by a few of my good friends and favorite people, and it’s one of the most music-focused, singularly intense experiences you can have as a music lover. They pack so much music into downtown Madison in a single day that it often makes attendees a little bit anxious, worried about what they are missing as much as what they are seeing! Everyone who attends becomes an instant fan, pledging to be back the next year. Tickets for this one are at Madison’s very own Madtixevents.com. But hurry, this one WILL sell out, it does every year.
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
Friday Live Lunch at the fountain is going to be an especially good one if you like the blues. Also on Fridays, the scene at Vintage Lanes Wine Bar with the jazz trio is just about the hippest and coolest hang-out you can have with a group of friends. And then Mad Paddle has a double bill, starting at 7:30, so check that out if you like Country. Saturday you will find me at Off Broadway Taproom listening to Chicago bluesman Aayan Niam. That little bar was MADE for intimate blues shows, and it will be a night to remember. And finally on Saturday, Mad Paddle has a band called River Valley Sons, who I know nothing about, but I always like to see new names on the schedule and it’s always worth swinging in for a few minutes to check the vibe. Who knows when you might discover your new favorite band!
Wednesday, August 6
Rivertown Grill — Keagan Hatton (8-11PM)
Mad Paddle — Matt Red Moore (7-10PM)
Thursday, August 7
Rivertown Grill — Zach Hackney (8-11PM)
Mad Paddle — Open Mic (7M)
Friday, August 8
Broadway Fountain — Aayan Niam (11:30AM)
Riverboat Inn — Rich Hardesty
Vintage Lanes — Jazz Trio (7-9PM)
Red Bicycle Hall — THROWBACK THURSDAY LIVE (8PM)
1st Street Saloon — Eric Hamblin Band
Timeless LIVE! — Joe & Deano (8-11PM)
Tailgators — DJ Scratchy Karaoke (9P-1A)
Off Broadway Taproom — Vaguely Familiar (8PM)
Rivertown Grill — Highway 9 Blues Band (9P-1A)
Mad Paddle — Bobbie Robbins & Ronnie Greene (7:30PM)
Mad Paddle — Kyle Isamoyer (9PM)
Bicentennial Park — Dave Weld and the Imperial Flame (6:30-9:30PM)
Saturday, August 9
Riverboat Inn — Bee Camp Bottom Boys
Off Broadway Taproom — Aayan Naim
Lanier Mansion Lawn — Midtown Madmen (6-8PM)
Thomas Family Winery — Brook Reindollar (8PM)
1st Street Saloon — DJ Nate
VFW — The Mood (8P-12A)
The Moose — Joe & Deano (7:30-10:30PM)
Tailgators — Ragtop Deluxe (9P-1A)
Madison Farmers Market — Kae Grube (10A-12P)
Rivertown Grill — Cold Steel
Mad Paddle — River Valley Sons (8PM)
Sunday, August 10
Rivertown Grill — Joe & Deano (8-11PM)
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