Tony Rice Unit
Fri. May, 6 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $30
About Tony Rice Unit
We’re willing to bet that most flatpickers remember the first time they heard Tony Rice play their reaction was similar to ours — a mouth opened in astonishment. Such power, tone, timing, and fluidity coming from one acoustic guitar, thus the reason for asking him to return to the Opera House. Even today, after hearing countless great flatpickers, there’s still something about Tony Rice’s playing that sets him apart. Tony Rice spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. Over the course of his career, he has played alongside J.D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman, led his own groups, collaborated with fellow picker Norman Blake, Peter Rowan and recorded with his brothers. With grace, technical skill, and exquisite taste and timing, Rice is still growing. The Current Tony Rice Unit line-up: Tony and Wyatt Rice, guitars; Rickie Simpkins, fiddle; Josh Williams, mandolin; Bryn Davies, bass

Michael Hecht presents: Walt Whitman and Norman Rcokwell
Sat. May 7, 2011 1:00pm
Free-will donation at door – General Admission
About Michael Hecht presents: Walt Whitman and Norman
Are they so popular that we ignore them? A soft talk about these two great artists and their creative expressions about American and its citizens. An introduction to ‘reading’ both a poem and a picture.

St Anns Drama Club
Friday May 20, Sat May 21st 7pm
theme & price tbd.
About St Anns Drama Club
Call St Ann’s School for ticket information (608) 873-3343

For the last few years, St Anns Drama Club has been delighting audiences of all ages with their colorful end of year musicals at the Opera House. Past performances include Willy Wonka Jr, Alladin & Alice in Wonderland. Keep an eye out for this years theme, as it is an end of school-year treat for the whole family.

Stoughton Chamber Singers – America Sings
Sun. May 22, 2011 7pm
Tickets TBA – General Admission
About Stoughton Chamber Singers – America Sings
From the original anthems of William Billings during the American Revolution to the 20th Century’s George Hershwin, the United States has given rise to its own unique style of music. Come join the singers to listen to, to learn about, and to celebrate our American musical heritage.

Fox Prairie School presents: A Wisconsin History
Wed May 25 & Thurs May 26, 2011 6:30pm
Free Will Donation at the Door
About Fox Prairie School presents: A Wisconsin History
Performed by the talented 5th grade students from Fox Prairie, this will be a musical performance celebrating the people and the in history of Wisconsin

Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society
June 10 & 24, 2010 7:30pm
Tickets sold by Bach Dancing and Dynamite Societ
About Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society
Chamber Music with a Bang

Tickets available from Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society
Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society’s Website

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On Tuesday, March 15th, the Stoughton High School Band Department invites you its spring concert.

Both bands will perform, as well as several chamber ensembles and solos.

It is at 7pm in the high school performing arts center, this concert is free and open to the public.

Featured composers are Clifton Williams, Richard Saucedo, Wisconsin composer Pierre La Plante, and others.

These kids are great, you’ll enjoy them.

Iris DeMent
Sat. April 2, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $30
About Iris DeMent
Artists like Iris DeMent aren’t supposed to exist anymore in this cynical world. Singing unironically about family, forgiveness, and other real-life mysteries, DeMent has established herself as a straightforward singer/songwriter with the ability to touch the heart and soul of an audience.

Her songs, performed on piano and guitar, are punctuated by humorous anecdotes which intensify an audience’s vulnerability to the gripping message of those songs.

You might say that DeMent came by her lonesome-country-gospel sound naturally. She was born in Arkansas, but when she was just 3, her family moved to California after their farm failed. But her Pentecostal parents were steeped in the country, gospel and folk music of the South, so at times it seems that DeMent’s heart-rending vocals seem like they almost stem from ancestral memory. And her songs overflow with the yearning and hopefulness of the gospel hymns she sang as a child.

DeMent has confirmed that, when she was growing up, “I was around singers: my parents, their friends, my family members who would dig down, and go as far down as you can, and let it all come out and my mother was one of those kinds of singers.” (and so is Iris)

She sings about life’s inescapable beginnings and endings: its meaning, our social fabric and our shortcomings. Her albums, marked by great songwriting, honest presentation and resonant vocals, have received wide critical acclaim. Iris has toured extensively in the United States and Europe to enthusiastic receptions. She has appeared in support of John Prine, Nanci Griffith, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin and Tom Petty. Her television and radio appearances include The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Conan O’Brien Show, Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion.

Don’t miss Iris. She is a brilliant songwriter and heart-piercing singer

Visit Iris DeMent’s Website

Emmitt-Nershi Band
Fri. April 8, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $30
About Emmitt-Nershi Band
With years of collective experience under their belts, Drew Emmitt and Bill Nershi exemplify the forward-thinking modern bluegrass musician. As linchpins of two legendary jam-bands -Drew with Leftover Salmon, Bill with the String Cheese Incident-both men have done the stadium-filling, high-profile rock ‘n’ roll thing to perfection. Along the way, however, they’ve honed their songwriting and playing chops and studied the bluegrass, rock and jazz masters they admire. Their newest quartet – with Emmitt on mandolin, Nershi on guitar, Tyler Grant on bass and Andy Thorn on banjo – is a bluegrass band that’s much more grassroots – Think less stadium show, more up-close-and-intimate-with-your-fans.

Above all, Drew and Bill have shared a commitment to keeping music human-scaled and honest. Those qualities are found in abundance on their latest and greatest collaboration, “New Country Blues.” On this album and in concert, ENB delivers a dynamic blend of bluegrass, newgrass, country and Americana that appeals to fans of these genres and more.

Visit The Emmitt-Nershi Band’s Website

Adrian Legg
Sat. April 9, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $25
About Adrian Legg
If you are not familiar with Adrian Legg, allow us to describe to you what kind of player he is. First of all, he is unlike any guitarist you have ever heard. He uses various tunings and quite often changes tunings mid-song. He may be described as a finger style player, but he incorporates virtually every genre on his guitar in a virtuosic instrumental style with effects. He plays custom guitars that are a hybrid of electric and acoustic, and his fingerstyle picking technique has been acknowledged by the readers of Guitar Player who voted Legg the “best acoustic fingerstyle” player four years in a row (1993-1996) and has been Voted “Guitarist of the Decade” by Guitarist magazine. Adrian is one of the few guitarists that you could describe as a technical wizard but still has the uncanny ability to write tender and touching music, definitely a lost art. From his early start as a bench technician customising electric guitars, he’s played at the Montreux Jazz Festival and toured with Richard Thompson, David Lindley, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai.

He’s also shared the wealth of his talent and experience with teaching DVDs, videos and books. In recent years, he has also been a commentator-at-large for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered”, and even more recently, regular listeners have heard his guitar versions of the show’s theme music Vai called Legg “Uncle Adrian” and Satriani said of Legg’s musicianship “He’s simply the best acoustic guitar player I’ve ever heard. I don’t know anyone else who can create such a cascade of beautiful notes… Adrian plays like he’s got hammers for fingers.”

Visit Adrian Legg’s Website

Opera for the Young presents Pirates of Penzance
With Kegonsa Elementary
Sun. April 10, 2011 1:30pm – $5 at the door
About Opera for the Young presents Pirates of Penzance
Welcome aboard, matey! Join in the fun as the Pirate King, Ruth, and Frederic meet Mabel and the Major General for some olde English merriment. Romance blossoms, loyalty is put to the test and mistakes are forgiven in this “jolly good” adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic masterpiece. With its zany word play and physical comedy, The Pirates of Penzance is an excellent springboard for discussion of time-honored values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for commitment. Local Kegonsa Elementary students from will perform on stage as the chorus of rollicking pirates, carefree wards, and timid police constables.

Opera for the Young brings live, professional opera to audiences with an annual Fall and Spring tours. All productions are fully staged, sung in English and adapted especially for kids.

Visit Opera For the Young’s Website

The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Thurs. April 14, 2011: 3pm & 7pm
Tickets: $30
About The Glenn Miller Orchestra
With its unique jazz sound, The Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The band was originally formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller and was arranged around a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. The band became very popular and recorded a number of chart successes – among these were the ever-popular, “Moonlight Serenade”, “In the Mood”, “Tuxedo Junction”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “(I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo.” In 1944, while traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller’s plane disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel and was never to be found.

The music lives on as the present orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. They seem to open a portal to the past, evoking the spirit of Miller who loved nothing more than great music. Glenn Miller’s music reconfirms that great music has no time limitations and good things just don’t end! Trombonist Larry O’Brien is the orchestra’s present musical director. Don’t miss these shows with the masters of swing. It will be a memory to last a lifetime.

Visit the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s Website

Harry Manx
Fri. April 15, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $25
About Harry Manx
He’s been called the “Mysticssippi blues man” and the “essential link” between the music of East and the West.” Whatever you call Harry Manx, he’s a one-of-a-kind musician. Combining the sensuality of traditional blues with transcendent Eastern sounds, Harry creates a unique sound and atmosphere that is hard to resist and deliciously addictive, which is precisely the reason we asked him to return to the Opera House for yet another one of his exceptional performances.

Born on the Isle of Man, he immigrated to Canada as a child, played blues slide guitar all over Europe, lived in Japan, and then studied and toured with the great Indian mohan-veena player V.M. Bhatt. He also plays a lap-slide guitar, a modified banjo or cigar-box guitar and he sings with a rich, warm, and soulful voice. He covers everything from Muddy Waters to Jimi Hendrix and writes intelligent and compassionate songs. Now he lives in British Columbia and writes original songs — short stories that use the essence of the blues and the depth of Indian melody to draw you in. It’s in the live setting, Harry says, that the bridge between “heavenly” India and “earthy” American blues is most effectively built.

“Indian music moves inward,” Harry Manx explains. “It’s traditionally used in religious ceremonies and meditation, because it puts you into this whole other place. But Western music has the ability to move out, into celebration and dance. So when we play the Indian material on stage, it has the tendency to draw people into something really deep; they’ll get kind of quiet and spacey. Then we’ll play some more Western music, and it grounds them once more, they sort of come out of the mood the Indian music had put them in and get into the performance. I love to see that working — that effect on an audience”

Visit Harry Manx’s Website

Janis Ian and Tom Paxton
Sat. April 30, 2010 7:30pm
Tickets: $30
About Janis Ian and Tom Paxton
Tom Paxton: Tom Paxton has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends, and community. In describing Tom Paxton’s influence on his fellow musicians, Pete Seeger has said: “Tom’s songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You find yourself humming them, whistling them, and singing a verse to a friend. Like the songs of Woody Guthrie, they’re becoming part of America.”

An internationally recognized and loved cultural figure, he has always chosen goodwill over commercial success. Over the past half-century, his songs have experienced enduring appeal, including modern standards such as “The Last Thing on My Mind”, “Bottle of Wine”, “Whose Garden Was This?”, “The Marvelous Toy”, and “Ramblin’ Boy”. Paxton’s songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger and The Weavers, Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Doc Watson, Harry Belafonte, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, The Chad Mitchell Trio, John Denver, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Flatt & Scruggs, and many others. Tom received a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award, was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2007 and in 2006.

Paxton’s place in folk music is secured not just by hit records and awards, but by the admiration of three generations of fellow musicians. Don’t miss the chance to experience to this legendary musician who wrote and lives the words, “Peace will come, and let it begin with me.”
Visit Tom Paxton’s Website

Janis Ian: The life and experience of a songwriter like Janis Ian is forever woven into the fabric of her songs, and Janis has proven time and time again that what she feels and thinks and writes touches the hearts of those who listen. Janis Ian recorded “Society’s Child” in 1965 when she was just 14 years old. This song of interracial romance was a huge hit but was also very controversial in its time. By the 1970′s Janis Ian had become a respected and brilliant singer/songwriter who produced a series of excellent albums and single releases. Her song, “At Seventeen,” earned her five Grammy nominations in 1975 and she performed the song on the first episode of Saturday Night Live. At times her music can lull you and at other times make you think. To experience Janis Ian live will take an audience on a thoughtful and creative journey through her musical life and mind. It is a journey that is well worth the time.
Visit Janis Ian’s Website

Hand picked by Janis to open the show, Natalia Zukerman’s slithery bottleneck slide will lure you in with the very first lick-and once you’ve heard the tender resonance of her blues-folk melodies, you’ll sink even deeper into the intimate, sweetly sophisticated lyrics that layer her dexterously played tunes with tales of discovery, love, irreverence, and reinvention.

Natalia Zukerman, the daughter of classical musicians Eugenia and Pinchas Zukerman, found her musical self when she took up slide guitar. You can call her songs folk music if you like, but there’s jazz there too, and some sultry blues. She’s a real triple threat who combines a unique slide guitar sound with some extremely seductive vocals and fresh original songs that tie everything together into a real, honest whole. Says Andy Friedman of the New Yorker of Natalia’s multiple talents: “Natalia’s voice could send an orchid into bloom while her guitar playing can open a beer bottle with its teeth.”
Visit Natalia Zukerman’s Website

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Winter's End River Sunset by Steven Kozar

Get out of the cold and meet the artist Steven Kozar at Robert Rae Gallery, Friday – February 21, 2011, 5-9 pm.

Many Wisconsinites and people from all over the world know the great realist paintings of Steven Kozar.  Now you can see all of his remaining originals,  and meet Steven at Robert Rae Gallery.  All of the paintings are for sale and prints are also available.  This wonderful show and sale runs through February 20th, if you don’t get a chance to get there tonight.

This versitale artist will also be entertaining you with live music, accompanied by his son Andrew Kozar.

Refreshments will be served, so you can snack while you decide on which painting to purchase.

Robert Rae Gallery
184 W. Main Street
Stoughton, WI
608-577-0177
Open 7 days a week for you!

If you need something for the Scandinavian cook in you, they have a great grouping of jams and spreads.  Lefsa grills and rollers,Krumkake bakers and more. 

So weather you live in or make a trip to  Stoughton don’t miss the Winter Sale at Nordic Nook, 176 W. Main Street in Historic Downtown  Stoughton.

Patrice and Ardis in front of Nordic Nook

Del McCoury Band
Fri. March 4, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $35
About Del McCoury Band
It’s hard to imagine that the Del McCoury Band can continue to get better and better. Could it be that Del’s 50+ years of experience make him one of the most skilled in the business? Could it be that his singing epitomizes the heart and soul of bluegrass music? Could it be that the band includes some of the best and engaging instrumentalists today? Could it be that the group navigated head-on into the new millennium with snappy material that is eclectic and tastefully rendered? The answers to all of the above are an undeniable “YES!”

You couldn’t ask for much better playing and singing, which is why we asked them to return to the Opera House for the third year in a row. It’s amazing to hear a familiar old Gospel number as much as it is to hear them deliver, with impeccable musicianship, tunes from contemporary country, bluegrass and folk songsmiths. Hands down, one of the best bluegrass outfits in the world.

Visit Del McCoury Band’s Website

The Actors Factory presents “Novel Ideas”
Fri. & Sat. March 11 & 12 – 7:30pm
Sun. March 13 2:30pm – $5 at the Door
About The Actors Factory presents “Novel Ideas”
Actor’s Factory presents “Novel Ideas,” new works by 7 talented writers, including both established local playwrights and young alumni of Actor’s Factory. The show features new takes on classic literature by Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Miguel de Cervantes. The Actor’s Factory is a youth performance group seeking to produce vibrant and sophisticated theater for audiences of all ages.

“It is not just good youth theater, it’s good theater, period!” ~ Jerry Shenk, Channel 3 Movie Critic

Visit the Actors Factory Website

Chris Smither in concert
Fri. March 18, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $25
About Chris Smither in concert
Chris Smither has been around the block a few times. You can hear it in his voice. And you can hear it in his songs, where over four decades of experience and hope mingle. Chris’s music draws as deeply from the blues as it does from American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers. Over the years he has made timeless art with just voice, guitar and a stomping foot. Smither considers himself a performer first and foremost, though the strength of his songwriting skills is clear from the multitude of artists who have covered his songs – from Bonnie Raitt to the Dixie Chicks and Diana Krall

Smither’s charm is that he never needs to hide behind metaphors and images – he’s so direct that he goes straight through and connects quickly. He’s a poet of the big and broken heart, a sublime ragtime-flavoured country blues guitarist with a metronomic tapping foot that just nails his comic timing right into your soul.

“If you’ve ever caught one of Chris Smither’s live performances, you know it’s hard not to come away knocked out by the amount of music that comes out of one man. His guitar playing is remarkably fluid. His songs are gleaming bits of gold performed in a variety of styles.”–No Depression ”

” Smither taps his foot to keep the rhythm, much like the late blues legend John Lee Hooker. His finger-picked guitar lines are sleek, unhurried and insistent. And then there’s the voice – equal parts gravel and molasses. Smither’s singing sounds like a distillation of the folk and blues heroes he grew up listening to in New Orleans.”–National Public Radio

“Smither delivers one of the most riveting live shows you are ever likely to see. His growling vocals, badass finger picking and uniformly brilliant songs are here in spades”– Rollingstone.com

Visit Chris Smither’s Website

Tim O’Brien and Bryan Sutton
Fri. March 25, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $30
About Tim O’Brien and Bryan Sutton
When multi-instrumentalist and vocalist extraordinaire Tim O’Brien performs, it becomes a musical journey, exploring many different musical forms. He sings and plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki and mandocello. His songs tell stories like a good folk singer should, but his sound is pure “Americana”. As co- founder and lead vocalist of Hot Rize and Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers, O’Brien served as a bridge between the traditional sounds of the hill country and the modern styles of bluegrass in the 1980s. Since the band’s breakup, O’Brien has continued to expand the music’s borders as a soloist, a duo partner with his sister Mollie, and with his band, the O’Boys. O’Brien’s songs have additionally been recorded by Kathy Mattea, the Seldom Scene, New Grass Revival, and the Johnson Mountain Boys.

With a Grammy and several International Bluegrass Music Association singer of the year awards, O’Brien has been touted by PBS as ‘The best songwriter we have.’ He has been known to perform songs ranging from Irish jigs played on the bouzouki, to his politically humorous banjo tune ‘World of Trouble,’ to his classic fiddle cover of Bill Monroe’s gospel favorite ‘Working on a Building,’ O’Brien makes perfectly clear his mastery of musical genres and his admiration of the artists that have preceded him. Tim O’Brien is a very rare breed of combined talents and there aren’t many musicians that can touch him.

Flatpicker extraordinaire, Bryan Sutton started turning heads in his early 20s as a member of Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder. Now, with acclaimed solo albums, a clutch of awards, and 15 years as a first-call Nashville session player under his belt, Sutton is ranked by bluegrass aficionados alongside such masters as Doc Watson (with whom he shares a Grammy), Clarence White, Tony Rice, and Norman Blake. To hear Sutton spin lightning-fast phrases on his guitar, it’s hard to imagine anyone picking a flattop with more power and finesse.

These two musicians solo are outstanding, and together they are unbelievable, come check them out for yourself!

Visit Tim O’Brien’s Website

Visit Bryan Sutton’s Website

Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People”
Sat. March 26, 2011 7:30pm
Tickets: $25
About Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People”
COMMONWEAL THEATRE presents “An Enemy of the People”

Henrik Ibsen was the most famous of Norwegian playwrights and is known for his non-conformist views and themes and was largely responsible for the rise of the modern realistic drama. Even though Ibsen wrote his plays over 100 years ago, they are filled with metaphors that paint a picture, in an incredibly accurate way, of contemporary society. It is said that Ibsen is the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare.

In this particular play, An Enemy of the People, disagreement becomes the primary focus, and the adversary is the entire community. Basically, it is a criticism of democracy. Ibsen’s critique of democracy is dual as he brings the spotlight to the spitefulness of the majority and how leaders can be the tyrants in this sort of community.

The Commonweal Theatre, based in Lanesboro, Minnesota, is a professional theatre company dedicated to delighting and challenging the audiences of our region. It is the only theatre company in North America with an annual commitment to producing the works of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, the Father of Modern Drama. Since 1998, the company celebrates this tradition with the Ibsen Festival and every other year, the company tours an Ibsen production throughout the region.

The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone. Henrik Ibsen, An Enemy of the People, 1882

Visit the Commonweal Theatre’s Website

Branson on the Road – with guest Maggie Mae
Thurs. March 31, 2011 TWO SHOWS! 3pm & 7pm
Tickets: $20
About Branson on the Road – with guest Maggie Mae
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! What do you get when you bring together a fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, rhinestone costumes, hilarious comedy and great classic country, bluegrass, rockabilly and gospel music to a Stoughton Opera House? You get “Branson On The Road.”

Branson On The Road has more than 20 years of experience performing at the top theaters in Branson on the famous 76 Country Music Boulevard. The show delivers the Branson traditions of good, clean, family fun wherever they go.

The show spotlights three of Branson’s top performers. Guitarist, Debbie Horton holds the distinction of being the only woman to have played lead guitar for the great Johnny Cash. Donnie Wright is an expert musician versatile on many instruments including the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass. Brian Capps plays upright bass and sings songs reminiscent of Marty Robbins and Hank Williams.

Also welcome back Wisconsin’s country music sweetheart, Maggie Mae, who will be guest starring for the shows! These popular shows sell out quickly, so please get your tickets early.

Visit Branson on the Road’s Website

Visit Maggie Mae’s Website

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Madison Brass Band Feb. 5th  7:30

The first members of the original Madison Brass Band, founded in 1863, were businessmen, cobblers, cigar-makers, stone-cutters, and a saloon proprietor. Only one member was a professional musician. The band went into remission for many years until the early 2000′s when it revitalized its mission to bring the great British and American brass band tradition back to the greater Madison area. In addition to concerts, festivals and many events in southern Wisconsin, MBB has also performed twice at the Grand Celebration of Brass Bands in Iowa.

Under the leadership of Craig Mason, The Madison Brass Band has become Southern Wisconsin’s premier brass ensemble performing at concerts, festivals, and prestigious brass competitions with great success and audience response. They are based on the British Brass Band model and use cornets, flugelhorn, alto horns, English baritones, trombones, euphoniums, Eb tubas, Bb tubas, and percussion.

The Madison Brass Band takes pride in the members being both good musicians and good people. They believe in playing good music, music without pretention. Come and hear an exciting and varied program of original compositions, marches, overtures, hymns, jazz, and new and traditional works for brass band.

Visit Madison Brass Band’s Website

Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra Feb. 11th 7:30pm

“Berets and Bongos” describes the Cafe Accordion experience. A loungy, eclectic mix, full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the Cafe Accordion repertoire is the romantic, gypsy-influenced valse-musette. The group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. They inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon. Their high level of musicianship and passion for performance makes them an entertaining concert to experience.

The Cafe Accordion Orchestra is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass, and Joe Steinger on percussion.

The band has the great fortune of working with some of the area’s finest guitarists and vocalists. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, The Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States.

Visit Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra’s Website

Bonnie Koloc Feb.12th 7:30pm

Crossing the boundaries of folk, jazz and blues, Bonnie Koloc was a mainstay in folk circles along with Steve Goodman and John Prine forming the “trinity of the Chicago folk scene”, drawing crowds that stood in lines around the block, hoping, at least, for a place to stand to catch the hottest act in town. With her crystalline voice and exquisite songs, she is renowned for her warm, powerful voice, stage presence and music which has elements of Folk, Gospel, and Blues in the spirit of Alberta Hunter.

Bonnie has sung on John Prine’s classic ‘Bruised Orange’ record, sung with Charles Neville as part of his Diversity Band at the Jazz & Heritage Festival, has appeared on ABC’s NIGHTLINE, has received terrific response from the Ravinia to the BBC, and is critically acclaimed by the NEW YORK TIMES. She has Also received the Governor’s Award for Best Singer, the Theatre World Bronze Award for Outstanding New Talent on Broadway, and a Drama Critics Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her talents as a singer and songwriter, Bonnie is also a print maker, painter, ceramist, and book illustrator. She is an extraordinary and passionate artist, and her artistry knows no bounds. Don’t miss this show, Bonnie will enchant you from the very first note she sings.

“A folk-ballad-pop-blues singer of enormous range, charm, and charisma.” ~ NEW YORK TIMES

Visit Bonnie Koloc’s Website

Four Bithin’ Babes present “Hormonal Imbalance” Feb. 26th Two Shows 3pm & 7pm

“Hormonal Imbalance…a Mood Swinging Musical Revue” Start with four richly gifted singer-songwriters, add 3/4 cup married life, four kids, three cats, one piano, four guitars, one rocking’ purple bass, a dollop of sharp social commentary, and a pinch of PMS. Set this on the road to tour for nearly 20 years, throw in a hot flash or two, and you’ve got Hormonal Imbalance…A Mood Swinging Musical Revue!, an estrogen-fueled, hilarious show that celebrates the best of babes, boys, and botox, starring The Four Bitchin’ Babes.

Spend an evening with these outrageously funny and multi-talented musicians as they examine and ultimately celebrate the lives of today’s women. With sorority sister chemistry they perform original songs and stories offering both poignant views and unbridled comedic commentary on the joys and dilemmas of everyday life. With heavenly harmony, they share our struggles to balance careers and family, chocolate obsessions and low carb inner peace, CNN and TV Land, and finally, dealing with inadequate pay and inadequately cut swimwear.

The Four Bitchin’ Babes are Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran and Deirdre Flint, all successful musicians in their own right.

Visit Four Bitchin’ Babes Website

Here are classes that have openings  at the time I posted this:

Instructor:  Jill McLeod

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  6

From exotic to classic, soup is one comfort food that we all gravitate towards, at some point, through the winter months.   Enjoy enticing Apple and Onion Soup while being a localvoire, if you like, then dig into the classic creamy Potato Soup, an easy and quick recipe that can be made spur of the moment for a satisfying dinner. In search of something a bit further afield?  Then the Thai coconut soup, know as Thom Kha Gai, will fit the bill.
Pakistani Winter Dinner

Date:  Thursday, February 17

Instructor:  Huma Siddiqui

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  1

Warm up a cold, dead-of-winter evening with a delicious Pakistani menu and Huma’s delightful class!  What could be better than Huma’s own Garlic Shrimp–shrimp cooked with garlic and White Jasmine Tandoori Masala sauce; Fresh Roasted Vegetables–a mixture of fresh veggies roasted with whole cumin and olive oil; a side of Couscous cooked with spices, peppers and onions; and Huma even offers a dessert of comforting Bread Pudding!  Come for Huma and the food, leave with an appreciation of the flavors of Pakistani!

Hearty Winter Soups

Date:  Monday, February 21

Instructor:  Andy Watson

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  2

What could be better on a cold February night than a hearty bowl of soup?  Join Andy tonight to stir up 3 favorites from his repetoire.  Planned are Clam Chowder with Bacon, Winter Squash Soup with spicy toasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Beef and Barley Stew with Mushrooms.

St. Patty’s Day Feast

Date:  Tuesday, February 22

Instructor:  Lydia Critchley

Class Fee:  $40.00

Availability:  2

HANDS ON!!  With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, get ready by learning to prepare traditional Irish dishes with Lydia at the helm.  Planned menu recipes will include:  Colcannon, Buttermilk Scones, Soda Bread, Irish Ginger Snaps and more.  Lydia will talk about the history of Irish cooking, foods often found in Irish menus, as well as facts of potatoes and other Irish foods.

An Evening in Morocco

Date:  Thursday, February 24

Instructor:  Betsy Piper

Class Fee:  $44.00

Availability:  5

Moroccan food is full of all the good and healthful things that Mediterranean cooking is all about.  Betsy will show you all of the delicious foods that Morocco brings to the table.  Start with Spiced Olives and Moroccan vegetable- topped hummus; a Tagine made with chicken, apricots and almonds;  Couscous; Orange- walnut salad; and finish with a Lemon Yogurt Cake and Mint Tea.

Sunday Morning Croissants!

Date:  Sunday, February 27  12:30-2:30 pm

Instructor:  Susie Feest

Class Fee: $39.00

Availability:  6

What could be better than a fresh croissant warmly out of the oven on a Sunday morning?  Or any morning?  Susie returns to show you how to work with yeast dough to make sweet and savory-filled croissants.  This class is partially hands on, so you might want to bring an apron along.

Jamaican Yard Food!

Date:  Monday, February 28

Instructor:  Patricia Collins

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  8

Patricia brings us back to Jamaica with more island home-cooking!  Think warm island breezes as you learn to prepare a delicious meal of Curry Chicken; Veg-a traditional dish of sauteed spinach, green pepper and habernero; Rice and Peas; and Festival-a Jamaican fried bread.

Mardi Gras Celebration!

Date:  Wednesday, March 2

Instructor:  Carl Povlick

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  8

Celebrate Fat Tuesday (March with some good old fashioned New Orleans cuisine!  Carl will help us rediscover Cajun food with  Seafood and Sausage Jambalaya accompanied by Stewed Okra, Roasted Cajun Potatoes and Country Cornbread.  Then learn how to make a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake, and see who will be the next King or Queen!

Introduction to Spices

Date:  Tuesday, March 8

Instructor:  Jill McLeod

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  4

Learn the ins and outs of the spices you may have on your spice rack or simply wanted to learn more about.  What to use?  Whole or ground, fresh or cooked, the spices you use can truly enhance the foods you cook and enjoy.  Jill will educate you on spices, usage and how to enjoy trying new spices in your favorite dishes.  Tonight Jill will teach you Thai-style Fresh Green Curried Shrimp, accompanied by Rice cooked in a flavorful and fragrant Aromatic Broth; and a finale of Cardamom Cookies.

Dinner in Germany!

Date:  Tuesday, March 15

Instructor:  Carl Povlick

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  1

Let Carl take you to Munich with his menu of German favorites.  Learn to prepare Rouladen, a traditional German beef roll; Potato Dumplings (to soak up the gravy!); and Red Cabbage.

Cooking for Busy People

Date:  Wednesday, March 23

Instructor:  Lydia Critchley

Class Fee:  $40.00

Availability:  4

HANDS ON!!  You need not have long ingredient lists or tons of time to cook up delicious meals when you are so busy!  Lydia will show you how, with lots of time saving tips and recipes that will get your family to the table in no time.  Planned recipes include:  Cream Biscuits; Macaroni, Cheese and Tomatoes; Cauliflower Medley; Chicken Oriental; and a dessert of Black Forest Pie.

Crepes!

Date:  Sunday, April 3   12:30-2:30

Instructor:  Laurie Conrad

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  3

Sunday afternoon with Laurie spells fun in the kitchen!  And what could be more fun than crepes for spring?  Join Laurie to learn the techniques of easily preparing fresh crepes, and enjoying creative fillings.  This class is partially hands on to experience cooking crepes and filling them.

Fresh Pasta!

Date:  Monday, April 4

Instructor:  Andy Watson

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  8

Love pasta?  You’ll love it even more when you have just made it yourself!  Join Andy as he teaches you how to make fresh pasta, and then enjoy it with some freshly made sauces.  Andy plans on teaching you how to prepare egg pasta fettucini, tagliatelle and penne, and spinach ravioli.  To accompany the pasta, Andy has a couple of sauces to share with you–a quick tomato sauce, a garlic white wine sauce and a pesto cream sauce.   The Taste of Vanilla II Date:  Tuesday, April 12 Instructor:  Jill McLeod Class Fee:  $39.00 Availability:  6 Jill will show you how different vanillas can change the taste of the food they are used in.  Taste your way through the three beautifully varied varieties of vanilla, Madagascar, Mexican and Tahitian, then follow their seductiveness into Vanilla Chili Shrimp with Noodles, Poached Pears, and Fairy Cakes (think cupcakes) with Buttercream Frosting. The Chicken or the Egg Date:  Wednesday, April 13 Instructor:  Carl Povlick Class Fee:  $39.00 Availability:  4 Chicken is such an economical way to cook up a meal for the family, and tonight Carl shows you three ways to use chicken deliciously for any meal.  Start with Eggs in a Nest, a colorful Chicken and Rice Salad with Olives, and Chicken Cacciatore.  Use any of these recipes for a weekday meal or Sunday brunch with friends! Spring Indian Tea Date:  Monday, April 18 Instructor:  Neeta Saluja Class Fee:  $39.00 Availability:  10Neeta will show you how to prepare several traditional Indian snacks, along with their tasty accompaniments and you are on your way to enjoying casual Indian fare!  Her menu includes  Samosas, the homemade pastry filled with seasoned potatoes and peas, deep fried and served with chutneys; Pakodas, a variety of vegetables dipped in chick-pea flour batter and deep fried; Tamarind Chutney, a versatile sweet, sour and tangy chutney; and a refreshing Coriander(cilantro) and Mint Chutney.  Add a delicious Chai, a sweet Indian tea prepared with ginger or cardamom, milk, sugar and tea leaves and you have enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea.
Make Ahead Mother’s Day Brunch!
Date:  Tuesday, May 3
Instructor:  Susie Feest
Class Fee:  $39.00
Availability:  5

Get organized for Mother’s Day weekend and be able to sit with your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen!  Susie will show you how to prepare delicious menu ahead, with minimal fuss.  Her scones are famous by now, and she is planning a Cheesy Cheddar Bacon Scone and a Chocolate Cherry Scone.  An overnight Chicken Breakfast Casserole keeps you ahead of the game, and a quick and Easy Caramel Monkey Bread finishes off your meal!

Mother’s Day-Lite!

Date:  Wednesday, May 4

Instructor:  Jill McLeod

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  9

Join Jill for the ‘lighter side’ of a Mother’s Day meal!  You’ll like the easy preparation of Jill’s menu for a perfect light lunch or brunch for Mom and her guests!  Enjoy individual tartlets of Smoked Salmon, Dill and Horseradish; a Spring Rocket, Fig and Grape Salad; and Herbed Crostini.  Finish your sweet time together with a nibble of Lemon Sorbet accompanied by Triple Ginger Medallions.

Feasting by the Place de la Concorde

Date:  Thursday, May 5

Instructor:  Betsy Piper

Class Fee:  $44.00

Availability:  7

A light spring day in Paris calls for a lite luncheon.  Betsy’s menu could be a perfect Mother’s Day lunch or light healthful dinner full of fresh spring goodness.  Enjoy Cold fresh asparagus with chopped egg;  Poached salmon with beurre blanc;  Duchess Potatoes; a  Mixed salad with red wine/sherry vinaigrette; and a light dessert of Fraises marinees aux calvados (strawberries in apple brandy with whipped cream).

I wasn’t disappointed.  The atmosphere is very old world beer hallish.  Great displays of steins and other old world memorabilia.  The waitress was in a Durandal to add to the atmosphere.

But we went to eat, so the food was the important part.  Started with a steins of Franziskaner Dunkel Weiss served with a lemon wheel. It was a great choose.  Refreshing wheat beer and served chilled not ice cold.  The beer went well with the Soft Pretzel they serve when you sit down.  The mustard and horseradish for dipping were a great starter. The appetizer menu was a little new world for us, with Buffalo Wings, Chicken Fingers and Pot Stickers as three choices, so we went right for entrees.  They have some Pasta’s, sandwiches, steaks and seafood entrees but we came for German food so I ordered Rinder Rouladen described as “Tender strips of beef wrapped around smoked bacon, mustard, onion, ground veal and  pork and a pickle, braised with mustard gravy. Served with red cabbage and a bread dumpling .”  Dennis ordered the Schweine Haxen “Large pork shank served on a bed of sauerkraut with a bread dumpling.”

Dinner comes with soup or salad so I ordered the Split Pea Soup.  Now my mom made great Split Pea Soup and this was just about as good.  Rye bread and butter went well with the soup, but I would have liked some saltines. Dennis had a Bavarian staple, Living Dumpling Soup.  Rich dark broth with a light liver dumpling.  He said it was real good.

Dinners and another round of beers were next.  We weren’t disappointed.  My Rouladen was yummy.  Made a little different than in Milwaukee, because of the ground veal and pork in the filling.  This addition gave it a interesting texture, but flavorful and enjoyable.  Red Cabbage was like it should be, sweet and tangy at the same time.  Potato Dumpling was light but firm and very enjoyable.  Mustard Gravy could have had a little more kick for me but I punched it up with some of the horseradish.

Dennis’ pork shank was roasted to perfection and he didn’t leave any behind.  He enjoyed the potato dumpling as much as I did.  The side of brown mustard was just the thing to go with the pork.

After this feast we decided to sit for awhile and finish our beers while catching up.  Then went for dessert.  I ordered Blackforest Torte and Dennis asked if they had any Vanilla Ice Cream.  Waitress came back and said sorry we don’t have any ice cream.  Now I find that hard to believe that a restaurant with a kids menu doesn’t have ice cream, oh well.  The Blackforest Torte had a White Genache filling with Maraschino and Bing Cherries.  It was ok but needed some more cherry flavor.

Will I go back? Yes!  It was a good dinner at a reasonable price and the the atmosphere is wonderful.  They have a good selection of both American and German entrees so you can find something to eat if you’re not into harty German faire.  Take an ethnic break and enjoy Essen Hause in Madison.