The Arts and Culture News for March 2025 | |
March, Luck of the Irish, and more! | |
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All things Irish in March! This was so cool from last year, we just had to repeat it for 2025...a few great links for you to be authentic in your celebrations of this Spring festivity....and also use if/when you travel to the Emerald isle!
- the True History of St. Patrick's Day: Go here!
- Ireland vs. Northern Ireland: a lesson for you! Go Here!
- Want to do some authentic Irish Baking? Go here!
- Want to read about the potato famine? Go Here!
- Curious about the Irish Influence in America? Go here!
- Irish Music? Go Here!
- How to be a proper tourist in Dublin? Go Here!
- Busking in Dublin: young talent! Go Here!
and, finally:
- Inauthentic "Irish stuff"...read up! Go Here!
We wish everyone a wonderful March, whether you are Irish or not! Enjoy all the wonder that March has to offer, including the return of the Sandhill Cranes, Maple Syruping, March Madness,, and the Spring Equinox on March 20... (happy spring, yes, it is coming!!!) Read on to find great things to do in this blustery month!
Enjoy this newsletter, it is chock-full!!!! As always, we encourage you to browse through: see all the happenings and many opportunities in our community, and if you feel curious, click on the bright blue links to take a deeper dive and get more details, including locations, dates, times, and ticket info!
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Plan to attend
The 25th Annual Irish Wake!
WCAB is once again partnering with HH HINDER BREWERY to bring you a fantastic interactive event...
And let this be the official true accounting of what is going to happen on this WCAB 25th annual Irish Wake...you read it here! No green beer, no lucky charms, but all the coolest stuff that brings respect, love and Waupaca in to the realm of Irish tradition for one day...Hope you can make it.... Slainte!!
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Traditional Irish Music Session (starts around 3-ish) with John Laedtke and friends. Lots of musicians will gather...Bring your instrument (if...IF ... IF you know how to play, otherwise just come to listen) There will be songbooks, so if you want to join in, you can!
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The Reading of the Honor Roll: Whenever you get there, be sure to find the Honor Roll Book (floating about the brewery, just ask someone) and enter your loved ones lost in the past year. WE will be readin' it off periodically throughout the event.
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The Coffin:: Our traditional Coffin, made of pine by local carpenters some 23 years ago, houses all sorts of things people have wanted to let go of: their anger, their mistakes, a tribute to someone they loved, a forgiveness... it's all up to you. we will have little slips of paper for you to write down something you want to let go of, you can toss them in and forgive and let go!
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The Procession: This year, join John Laedtke and friends, along with a live Irish Bagpiper, as volunteers carry the coffin to the Eight10 Building, at 4:30...next door...HH Hinder's newest spacious venue!
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The Bagpiper: Listen to the Bagpiper play some traditional tunes, while you eat, fantastic food...from KRB Klinger's: Corned Beef, Cabbage, and much more!
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The Singalong: Join John Laedtke and friends, including the traditional Waupaca Irish Wake musicians, as they play songs from the tried and true Waupaca Irish Wake Songbook! whistles, drums, violins, mandolins, and more...they will also read the Honor Roll. Sing along!!!
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Doc Kelly's: At around 7pm, John Laedtke and friends will go over to Doc Kelly's Publi use, to bring some Irish Wake cheer: songs, poems and more...
- Meanwhile back at the Eight10, get ready for a real old fashioned traditional Irish Ceili, with the great Irish band, Flip O the Coin! there will be a caller to help everyone with the Irish steps. Be ready for fun!
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Enjoy the live Irish music in the HH Hinder Taproom starting at 2pm with John Laed=tke and frineds! Fllow them to the Eight10 building, where they will be joined by Waupaca's Irish Wake musicians, and sing along (songbook here!)
WCAB's 25th Irish Wake
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The Flip O' The Coin Band plays traditional Celtic (Irish and Scottish) and Old Time dance banjo and fiddle music. In high demand, especially around St. Pat's Day, we are so lucky to have them as part of our Annual Irish Wake. This year they will not disappoint! Don't miss this great event! WCAB's 25th Irish Wake | | | |
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Attention Artists:
Applications for Arts on the Square are now open.
Artists! If you’d like to be in our August 16 Arts on the Square Fine Arts & Crafts Show on City Square in Downtown Waupaca, apply today. Spots are limited. Last year we filled before the May 15 deadline! Online and by-mail applications accepted. Click this linkto learn more.
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No Rhyme or Reason: A Poetry Contest! | |
WCAB has partnered once again with the Waupaca Public Library, to host a Poetry Contest!
Submissions are accepted March 1 through April 4!
Send us your original poems written in English, or original non-English poems with accompanying English translation. This month-long contest is open to ages 6-adult. Submission deadline is April 4.
Winners will be announced by April 14, and then given the opportunity to read their poem at the Poetic Voices Poetry Reading, April 23, at Waupaca Library.
For contest details, criteria, and our online submission form, Go HERE! Happy writing!
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There will also be a poetry reading in April... Go HERE for more information! | |
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March and April Poetry Prompts:
Stone and Draw
Go HERE for more info
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We are combining March and April. We made this choice for 2 reasons-
First, we're hoping that with 2 prompt words, you as poets might be able to find more inspiration- Give the mind a little more scope for the imagination.
Secondly, with the poetry contest running through March and into April, we hope this temporary format will allow you all a little more space to work on multiple pieces, if you so choose.
And believe us when we tell you that the members of the poetry committee are SO excited to see what you all have brewing!
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WCAB's Waupaca Local Live
and the
Thursday Night
Music Club
is taking the month of March off.
Please save the date for April's show when we will have extraordinary musician, Jeff La Marche on the program and at the Grand National Lounge! What a treat that will be!
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View previous programs from the past 5 years here! Great musicians, interesting dialogue and great music!
Waupaca Local Live Archives
Waupaca Local Live is collaborative venture between the WCAB, Waupaca's 96.3 FM radio and WAUP 99.1 fm radio.
We seek to bring local and regional musical excellence to the airwaves! Waupaca Local Live is now available on the "Chain to Main" Podcast. It's available on Apple, Google, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and all major podcast platforms.
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The Second Annual Jazz and Cocktails!
We are excited to announce that we will onc e again be hosting Jazz Fest here in Waupaca this summer! Called "Jazz and Cocktails," this event brings a great line-up of regional award-winning jazz artists to our community, to a great variety of settings over a fun filled weekend. Last year we sold out for the cruise and the preferred seating, so GO HERE to get your tickets early!!!
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The Waupaca Community Arts HUB
a program of the Waupaca Community Arts Board
located in the First United Methodist Church, 720 Demerast St, Waupaca
ART (and stuff, including cooking and Improv!) NEWS
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We have such a great variety of classes for spring, and all are open for registration...Some are filling fast so don't delay signing up! GO HERE to see all our classes, there is something for every age!!!
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Creative Exploration Summer Camp is filling up!!! | |
Don't miss your chanc e to sign your kids up for the Arts Hub's Creative Exploration Summer Camp!
This summer, embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Arts Hub Creative Exploration Camp! Designed to spark creativity and ignite imagination, our camp offers an exciting journey into the world of art. Campers will explore papermaking, cyanotypes, bubble art, and more, making each session a blend of learning, laughter, fun, and creativity.
Go HERE for more info!
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The Adult Ukulele Group is getting better and better...stay tuned to hear them play! It'll make you want to join up! | |
Kathy Hammond with one of her many talented and happy piano students... | |
HThe Cheese Curds have new members, and they are doing some killer songs!!! | |
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**Make Up Music Lessons during the week of March 3-7...che ck with your teacher!
**No Music Lessons during the week of March 10-14: Spring Break!!!
As Always, we have:
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Save the Dates!!!!! This April, the Hub will be celebrating 3 years in Waupaca! More on that in April, but Save the dates for a couple special events: our Birthday Open House on April 3 from 3:00-5:00: come see what we are all about! and our Fun-Raiser, featuring the band Boomboxx, to support the Arts Hub Tuition Assistance, on April 26! ! Tickets available soon!!! | |
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The Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network
(WAACN)
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The Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network meets Quarterly. Benefits to joining the Network include:
- Collaboration with area arts and culture groups: discover partnerships and mutual support!
- cross promoting through the WAACN FB page
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Access to promoting your event in the centrally located WAACN Notice case and our active WAACN FB page
- Take part in WAACN events like the successful Yuletide Celebration and Arts Summits
- Access to learning opportunities such as Social Media tips and Grant writing workshops
- Creative ideas through networking with other organizations. Join in helping to build a thriving Arts and Culture-minded community!
Go to our Facebook Page for updates on what we and our partners are doing!
Our Next Meeting will be Thursday, May 1 at 6:30 at the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce office for our next Quarterly meeting! GO HERE for our agenda! All are welcome to attend!!!
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News from our WAACN Partners | |
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YOUTH ART
MONTH
Exhibit runs through March 29.
Youth Art Month is an annual exhibit and collaboration between the School District of Waupaca, the Waupaca Area Public Library, and Waupaca Public Library Foundation, to show off the best artwork from Kindergarten-12th grade students.
Please take the time to celebrate the hard work of the students and their many talents. We hope you enjoy!
Waupaca Art Teachers:
Mackenzie Burns – WLC and CEC
Art Schulz – Middle School
Mathew Lawniczak- WLC
Tricia Price- High School
Library Exhibit Room
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History in Hiding: Author talk
with Ruta Sepetys
March 6 at 6:30
Waupaca High School Auditoriuum
The Waupaca Area Public Library, the Waupaca Library Foundation, and the School District of Waupaca are proud to host Ruta Sepetys at the Waupaca High School Auditorium, March 6 at 6.30p. Ruta Sepetys (Rūta Šepetys) is an internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages.Ruta will share Hiding in History: Uncovering the Past to Find Context to the Present, followed by a Q&A and book signing (books will be available for purchase). This event is free and open to the public.
GO HERE to learn more about Ruta!
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The Waupaca Area Public Library |
Lunch and Learn
Children's Library International
March 4, noon - 1pm
Hear from Chuck Theusch, who founded Children’s Library International. Their mission: building libraries in Vietnam and Cambodia
REGISTER HERE
More info HERE
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Waupaca Mini Job Fair
Monday, March 101-3pm
Mini Job Fair - Connecting Talent with Opportunity!
Looking for a new job or career change? Don't miss our upcoming Mini Job Fair, featuring opportunities from top employers and community resources to help you succeed!
What to Expect:
• Up to 10 employers actively hiring
• Up to 2 community resources offering career guidance and support
• Opportunities to network and connect with recruiters
Interested in being an employer or community resource?
Sign up today to secure your spot!
More info HERE
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Saturday, March 8, 11AM
Film Series: The Parent Trap
Join us for a Saturday Matinee of The Parent Trap, a modern classic, enjoyable for the whole family! Movie snacks and light refreshments provided.
Waupaca Area Public Library
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Vintage Shop Hop
March 7-8
10am-5pm
Waupaca
Stop at 6 different shops in Waupaca, who are part of a huge vintage shop weekend throughout Wisconsin and Illinois!
Check out the map... Waupaca has 8 shops participating!
Shop Local and Have Fun! GO HERE for more info
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Don't forget about the Indoor Farmers Market at the ICC! March 8 and 22, 10 am -2pm! Go HERE for more info!
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The Waupaca Historical Society | |
March 20 at 6pm:
Brownie the War Dog: Veterans' Best Friend
Held at the Holly Center,
321 S. Main St. Waupaca
Author Kelly Nelson presents the story of Brownie, a service dog from King who served in World War II and lived out his days after the war around the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
During World War II, families all over the country volunteered their pet dogs to serve in the Dogs for Defense Program. Nelson tells the true story of a family and their beloved dog, Brownie, who served alongside the troops and returned home to become a companion to wounded vets.
GO HERE for more information.
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Take a wintery hike—with or without snow—on the Shambeau Hill and Shambeau Park trails on Sunday, March 2 from 3-5 p.m. The Self-Guided Winter Hike includes two hiking options—Shambeau Hill toward the Depot and the Shambeau Park Loop and trail leading to the Depot. Sponsored by Waupaca Historical Society, Waupaca Library and Waupaca Park and Rec.
Waupaca Historical Society
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The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival: Summer Musical auditions, Choir, and enter the Art Show! | |
The Waupaca Community Theater
will be holding auditions for their summer performance of
Hello Dolly
Saturday, March 2, 2024
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Waupaca Middle School’s Knoepfel Auditorium
Waupaca Middle School Auditorium
GO HERE for audition info!
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ATTENTION ARTISTS!
Artist Registration:
Open through
April 6th
The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival Art Show
will return to Danes Hall. on April 20-24
GO HERE for all of the details!
Save the Date!
the 61st Annual Community Concert will take place on
Sunday, April 6, 2:30 p.m., Waupaca High School PAC
at the Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center.
Go Here for more info.
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March is Music In Our Schools Month, so our school music department has a few choice events taking place!
- Our HS Students will be participating in District Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday, March 1st. We have about 90 students participating. Solo & Ensemble is at Clintonville HS this year and all events are open to the public. Events are 8am-4pm.
- On Thursday, March 20th we will hold our first ever 6th-12th grade Music In Our Schools Month Concert. This concert will showcase all of the bands and choirs from the Middle & High Schools including a combined performance. The concert will be held in the HS Gym beginning at 6:00pm. All are welcome to come celebrate all of the amazing musicians we have in our schools!
- Thursday March 27th-April 1st the HS Band and Choir students will be traveling to New Orleans to perform and explore. We are excited to experience jazz music where it was born!
- On March 28th at 5:30pm CEC Middle School students will present two short comedic plays based on the life of middle school students. Free admission! (not music but still arts :)
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The Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce | |
Even though it's STILLWINTER (as of Feb. 28), the Chamber is planning Strawberry Fest! Strawberry Fest is a family festival that features an arts/craft fair with more than 100 vendors from across the Midwest, strawberry shortcake, great food, kid’s activities and more!
Strawberry Fest is a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer! We are accepting applications for arts, crafts, and reseller vendors. The application is available online:
https://visitwaupacachainolakes.com/event/strawberry-fest-2025
Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce
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Children's Library International: Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia
March 3 at 6:30
In 1999, Vietnam Veteran Chuck Theusch founded Children’s Library International with the mission of building libraries in Vietnam and Cambodia. The task was daunting, fraught with logistical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles. Yet, he remained undeterred and gradually turned his vision into reality, one library at a time.
Go Here for more info.
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Martha Washington and 18th Century Women's Historyv
March 17 at 6:30
Becky Liegl teaches 3rd grade at the Waupaca Learning Center. Have you ever wondered about the lives of women during the 18th Century? Becky spent a week at the George Washington Teacher Institute at Mount Vernon in 2023. She will share her experience learning about Martha Washington and the lives of women during the 18th century using primary sources, research from top female historians, and ways to engage young women and men through picture books. What a great way to celebrate Women's History Month!
Go HERE for more info.
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From Wood to Watercraft: Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin
March 24 at 6:30
The Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey Project highlights the persistence of cultural traditions and technological ingenuity. It embodies the Wisconsin Idea by engaging local and national museums, historical societies, and tribal museums in this project that is documenting an important yet relatively rare form of material culture.
Sissel Schroeder, Phd is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UW-Madison. Her research focuses on cultural-environmental systems and the archaeology of climate change on ancient peoples of the southeastern United States and the Midwest. Tamara Thomsen has worked as a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society's Maritime Preservation and Archaeology program. Her research has resulted in the nomination of more than sixty submerged sites to the National Register of Historic Places. The Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey Project highlights the persistence of cultural traditions and technological ingenuity. It embodies the Wisconsin Idea by engaging local and national museums, historical societies, and tribal museums in this project that is documenting an important yet relatively rare form of material culture.
GO HERE for more info.
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All Winchester
Academy programs are free to the puclic. They take place on Mondays at 6:30 at the Waupaca Public Library unless otherwise noted.
Winchester Academy
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Always busy doing or supporting!!! In April they will be putting on another edition of the fabulous Professor Pinkerton and the Deadman's Carnival, This is a fantastical evening of vaudeville, circus-like acts, and wonder....tickets are already on sale, go here. Don't miss this great show, and stay tuned to WEGA Arts for more good stuff!
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Good News Radio
The Waupaca Good News Radio show is a source of, well, good news, in the community! DJ Wayne Netzler co hosts with a couple of Rotary folks who are co-sponsoring this show. Listen in every first and third Wednesday morning, as they interview various local folks who tell us of all the cool stuff that is happening. Are you doing good things, or do you have good news?
Go HERE if you would like to be on the show!
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Spring Break Shamrock Shenanigans!
Join the fun!
March 7-17
Find the 15 special shamrocks near the storybook walk trails at Swan Park.
See how many you can spot, take a pic and post on FB or IG!
Waupaca Park and Rec Department
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Other Happenings In and Around Waupaca | | |
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The Filling Station and Waupaca Amoco's Monthly Giving continues! | |
The Filling Station (where there's great pizza BTW) and Waupaca Amoco donate a portion of their sales monthly to charitable orgs in Waupaca.
Thursday March 6: Waupaca Nomads Thursday March 20th Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
If weather is bad, date gets postponed to following Thursday. Thanks Filling Station and Waupaca Amoco!
The Filling Station
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As always, great and interesting offerings at the Jensen Center in Amherst. Check out their website for more information!!!
Jensen Community Center
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The Tomorrow River Variety Show....
Needs YOU!!!
Enter your act by March 20!!!
Now is the tiome to start thinking about signing up for this annual fun-fest! Currently welcoming all types of talent! Start brainstorming, and sign up today! contact the Jensen Center by March 20!!!
Email Nikki or call 715- 824-5202
The show takes place Saturday, April 6 at 7pm
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March Jazz Coterie
featuring
Jazzmeia Horn
March 5
Great Northern Distilling, Stevens Point
March 6
The Howard, Oshkosh
6:00 & 8:00 Showtimes
Don't miss 3X Grammy Nominee Jazzmeia Horn, she's going to be in our area!: in both Stevens Point and Oshkosh.
“Horn is among the most exciting young vocalists in jazz.” — The New York Times
Jazzmeia Horn is a winner of both the Sarah Vaughan and Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competitions. And she's a perennial pick in the DownBeat Critics and Readers Poll.
“Her singing is exuberant, her original songs reveal a sturdy intellect, and her message is nothing less than everything the title implies.” — National Public Radio
Check out Jazzmeia Horn.
Get tickets at the website!
Jazz Coterie
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A few of Ireland's most creative and influential | |
Just a few hyper-local things.... in the Waupaca area! | |
AKA More cool Waupaca area stuff.... | |
The Good Times Comedy Show, hosted by Waupaca's own
Ben Warren
Friday, March 21 at 8pm
Chain O Lakes Bar and Grill
J Tyler Menz is a stand up comedian from the American Midwest. He started doing comedy in 2011. Tyler is a regular performer at Milwaukee’s Laughing Tap and the Milwaukee Improv. He has done many festivals including High Plains, 10000 Laughs, Flyover Comedy Fest, and Vans Warped Tour. In 2022 Tyler went viral and currently has over 7 Million views on a instagram reel and hates that this fact is relevant. Tyler has worked with many well know headliners.
Ben Warren Comedy Clubhouse
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Irene's Garden
Amherst Opera House
March 29 at 7PM
For years, Irene’s Garden has been their own original music in the Central Wisconsin area. The vocal harmonies mixed with keys, bass, guitar, percussion, and violin create what’s been dubbed “organic rock and roll,” and “hippie disco.”
go here for tix and info
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| And down the road, in Plover.... | |
Saturday, March 22, 4PM
Once in a Lifetime: A Portage County All-star ReunionConcert
Springville Sportsbarn, Plover
Don’t miss this unforgettable night filled with nostalgia, as beloved local bands reunite for one epic evening! Headlining the event are Circus and Daddy Whiskers, with performances from Generic Blues and Boogie, Safety Last String Band, Tom Pease, Can’t Lie Low Trio, Stevens Point Barbershoppers, Music Express, and more!
GO HERE for info!
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Live Music Emotionally Moves Us More than Streamed Music
How does listening to live music affect the emotional center of our brain? A study carried out at the University of Zurich has found that live performances trigger a stronger emotional response than listening to music from a device. Concerts connect performers with their audience, which may also have to do with evolutionary factors.
So....here you go, a few excellent live music opportunities in our own little corner of the world!!!
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Music Heals
Community Love Jam:
a gathering to celebrate community and togetherness through music!
Saturday, March 29
7pm at the
Grand National Lounge
Because Music Heals, and we could all use a little bit of that!
This is a jam session, NOT an open mic! Hosted by Little Baba, be prepared to sing and play together!
We are putting together a songlist so you can learn the songs...
We might even have a songbook, who knows? (bring your phonbe so you can look up words and sing along in case we don't get the songbooks done)
We invite musicians to bring their guitars, ukes, mandolins, hand drums, harmonicas, violins, flutes, whistles, voices and selves to join in the mighty jam session!
GO HERE for more info.
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Odin and Freja's Place up in Scandinavia has been developing a great music venue. Their open mics are beautiful, Gordon, the owner, welcomes all and gives gentle encouragement to musicians at all levels. It is a safe place to play your music, a truly loving environment, with cocktails! Check out their impressive music schedule for March!
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Little Wolf Gallery is hosting
Marbin on
Friday, March 23 at 7PM
Progressive Jazz from Chicago
Go here for tix and info, this show will sell out fast. Worth the trip to Iola!!!
They also have a regular Main Street Jam every 2nd Saturday at 5pm, join the stage!
Little Wolf Gallery
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Let's continue to build our community, through the arts. | |
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We can get through March, with its non-stop "weather" and other "stuff..." But How?
Go down to the Library; go listen to some live music; watch for the Crane return; take in a lecture; eat some pancakes...click on all those WCAB links in the first paragraph and learn some stuff...write some poetry, take an art class, be grateful, let go and reach out...always reach out, and love.
Waupaca Community Arts Board
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