Centennial Festival Weekend

Joan started her yogic journey over two decades ago. What began as an hour of refuge from the stresses of career and family turned into a path of self-discovery, spirituality and education, including a 200-hour yoga school certification through 21st Century Yoga on the Mat with Alex Pfeiffer and an advanced 500-hour training through the RajaHatha school of yoga with Amy Pearce-Hayden and Aubree Saia. She is a Reiki Master Teacher, and has completed additional coursework in Sound Healing, Aromatherapy, Pranayama, Meditation, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

By facilitating connections with body, self and others in a safe, loving container, Joan feels that modern yoga is a powerful healing agent in our world. In her classes, expect dynamic movement, breathwork, guided meditations, energy visualizations, and for flow classes, a physical challenge. Her goal is for students to leave feeling lighter and stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Outside of yoga, you’ll find Joan writing music, playing various instruments and singing in two local bands; Avian Aura and The Blue Olives, experimenting in the kitchen and #vanlife adventuring with her husband Gary.

Kipp’s Catering Menu

Mac n cheese
BBQ rib tips
Pulled smoked chicken sandwich
Cornbread muffin
Dinner combo: Ribs, mac-n-cheese, cornbread​

Sara’s Street Food Menu

Shrimp fried rice with grilled salmon
Pork Adobo
Egg rolls
Pansit
Graham mango dessert
Coffee Jelly dessert
Coconut shaved ice
Ube shaved halo halo

Ian’s Pizza Menu

Mac n cheese pizza
BBQ chicken pizza
Cheese pizza
Pepperoni pizza

Conveniently located off the Beltline and Mineral Point Road, less than one mile from West Towne Mall. Find us neighboring Rocky Rocco’s and The Brothers Main.

For three generations spanning 70 years, Heid Music has been a community music resource, aimed at educating and entertaining students and musicians in all things music. We are a proud sponsor of many local music initiatives, including the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) and Girls Rock Camp Madison, to name just a few. Our shared mission is to foster the next generation of musicians by putting instruments in the hands of kids who might not otherwise have them, along with celebrating the efforts of local musicians, many Heid teammates included, whose talents make up Madison’s vibrant local music scene. Whether you’re a college student at The University of Wisconsin – Madison’s prestigious Mead Witter School of Music or a campfire guitar player, Heid Music wants to be your source for information and inspiration throughout your musical journey.

“At nine, I decided I wanted to take piano. My mother found a teacher through Heid Music (…) Through their expertise, I’ve received quality instruction, found the “perfect” piano and learned the importance of giving to the community by getting involved with various fundraisers and sharing piano music. Thanks to Heid Music for helping me realize that piano isn’t something I do, it’s something I am!” – Quin Nennig, Heid Yamaha Music School Graduate

In a world of online shopping and big box retailers, family-owned Heid Music has spent the better part of a century building our reputation of quality, integrity and service. With locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh and Stevens Point, Wis., Heid Music offers an array of new and used instruments for sale or rent, including band and orchestra instruments, acoustic and digital pianos, guitars and drums, and much more. Featuring Wisconsin’s largest selection of sheet music, Heid Music also carries a variety of amps, accessories and gift items, offers private and group lessons, and provides instrument repair services.

Visit HeidMusic.com, our grassroots-run web store, for more information or to purchase instruments and accessories. We welcome the opportunity to be Madison’s musical playground.

Josephine Oyama-Miller has served on Project Home’s board of directors for several years, including as the current board president, and has played an important role in the organization’s success making home ownership more affordable in our community.

In addition to her role at Project Home, Josephine has owned her own business, Big Mountain Enterprises, since 1986, worked for 13 years at Community Action Coalition as head of the ‘It’s My Business’ program (a self-employment project for under-served persons in Dane County), and served in a variety of local nonprofit organizations for over 30 years.

She continues to be active in the community and enjoys mentoring, teaching, and working with individuals to improve their lives.

Desere has the gift of creativity and imagination and it shows in her work. She has been perfecting her craft since an early age and has touched hundreds of people in the process. Every picture drawing is handmade and no filters or edit software was used to create the artwork. With a keen attention to detail, Desere has done everything from painting both original and popular children’s artwork on and walls of both homes and businesses alike; creating graphics, signs, paintings of houses, face painting, and magazines for professional organizations as well as for intimate occasions such as a weddings, and is always looking to expand her craft. Desere’s artwork and clientele spreads across the nation and she has even done personal portrait work for political figure like State Rep. Shelia Stubbs, women composers including Chen Yi, as well as for Super Bowl winning Quarterback Drew Brees. Her artwork is displayed in many schools, MATC and Children’s Museum in Madison, and at Malone University in Ohio. She has been in newspapers, on News Stations, a resident artist, and in magazines and journals. Every time she is interview she wants all to know that “Her Creator created her to create!”

Arts for All Wisconsin, formerly known as Very Special Arts or VSA Wisconsin, is a statewide arts organization that serves children and adults with disabilities. Since 1985, we have been guided by our understanding that the arts build bridges between people, support physical and mental wellness, and celebrate diversity in our community. Our mission is to expand the capabilities, confidence, and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing programs in dance, drama, creative writing, music, and visual art. Learn more about Arts for All Wisconsin at www.artsforallwi.org.

Arthur Durkee is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist who works in music, book arts, poetry, visual art, and multimedia. With a degree in music composition and many years of experience in both writing notated music and in the recording studio and on the concert stage as a musician, these days he is primarily an improvising musician with dozens of recordings on Bandcamp at arthurdurkee.bandcamp.com.

Other Notable Links:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/ArthurDurkee
Visual art & Design: arthrudurkeearts.crevado.com

Creative, Modern, Classic Balloon Decor. . . Delivered in Madison, Wi and Surrounding Dane Co.
Funny Faces specializes in classic balloon decor and family entertainment with a twist! Funny Faces elevates your corporate events, community celebrations and family gatherings memorable & ensure your photos POP on social media!

Funny Faces is a local, green, woman-owned company. So our creations bring joy to your special occasion while having minimal environmental impact. Funny Faces is the answer when you want a professional balloon decorator to create custom balloon arches, balloon columns, organic balloon garlands, balloon walls, balloon bouquets and other upscale, modern balloon decor for your corporate events and private parties throughout South Central Wisconsin.

Contact us today and let us help bring your event to life with our magical balloon decor and family-friendly entertainment.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for events coming up! #FunnyFacesWI

Website: https://www.funnyfaces4kids.com/

Sara and Sarah have over 40 years of combined teaching experience in the Madison School District. They are both STEAM-based makerspace teachers who love to help students use their creativity and problem-solving skills. They are excited to build music makers with you!

I am a graduate of UWSP’s music school, where I studied jazz guitar, and was awarded the Johnathan Rand scholarship for performance. After university, I went on the road as a professional musician for many years. Currently, I function as the musical director of the Madison-based bands PHUN and Mike & Friends. I became a luthier during the COVID-19 pandemic. With all live music canceled, I ordered some wood and went to work. The hobby turned professional when I sold my first guitar in 2021. Today, I create one-of-a-kind hollow-body archtop acoustic electric guitars in the style of Robert Benedetto, Paul Languedoc, and Doug Irwin. I build heirloom-quality guitars for discriminating guitarists right here in Madison.

For over 30 years, Mama Digdown’s Brass Band has been a tireless ambassador of New Orleans music, lighting up stages with the unmistakable sound of second line brass. Rooted deeply in the tradition of Crescent City street parades, they bring an electrifying mix of reverence and raw energy to every performance—earning them a spot among the most thrilling live brass bands in the world.

Though born far upriver from the Big Easy, Mama Digdown’s emerged during the vibrant brass band revival of the 1980s and ’90s, alongside scene-shapers like the Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels, and Hot 8. With a deep respect for the genre’s heritage and a drive to keep it evolving, they’ve brought their horn-fueled grooves to clubs, concert halls, and major festivals across the globe.

With nine albums to their name and a reputation as masterful purveyors of the second line sound, Mama Digdown’s received one of the highest honors in the brass world: invitations to perform at Congo Square for the New Orleans Brass Fest in both 2018 and 2019. Their sound flows like the Mississippi itself—deep, unbroken, and full of soul.

Madison Cello Ensemble (MCE), a 501(c) (3),  creates a community where all cellists thrive! A non competitive collective of  cellists from throughout Dane County, MCE offers private cello lessons, weekly group classes, cello ensembles and chamber groups for all ages and levels.  MCE celebrates diversity in both the student community and repertoire by welcoming students from varied backgrounds and by playing cello music in classical, folk, jazz, pop, and contemporary genres. MCE engages in community outreach by performing venues ranging from Summerfest to retirement communities, farmer’s markets, churches and synagogues, and the Madison Children’s museum.  MCE hosts an annual  Winter Solstice Celebration and Benefit to support our scholarship program and local charities. Each summer MCE collaborates with other local organizations to provide programming, including a Chamber Music Immersion, the “Fantastic Folk and Fiddle Festival,” and Make Music Madison. The rich and diverse traditions of cello live and flourish in MCE’s cooperative and socially engaged environment. 

First Act Children’s Theatre originated during the summer of 2000 in an effort to provide a positive process-oriented theater program for young performers in the Madison area.  What began with a rubber-maid storage tub of craft supplies and dress-ups has grown into a year-round children’s theatre serving over 500 students per year and showcasing the talent of numerous outstanding Theatre Instructors and Artists. Our mission is to help youth grow in self-esteem and confidence and to encourage the use of their creativity and imagination and that mission will continue to be on the front line as we grow and improve our teaching and production elements.  We look forward to owning a “home of our own” in the next ten years and it is my hope that First Act Children’s Theatre will continue to be a legacy of theater for young performers in the Madison area for many years to come.  

Drawing from Americana, bluegrass, and old time influences, Annie & the Oakies are the peerless wing-shots of the Madison, WI, acoustic music scene. Emerging from the ashes of the Oak Street Ramblers, who were midwest favorites for nearly two decades, Annie & the Oakies released their eponymous debut album in 2022. The album has received regular radio play, and A&TO has played several high profile shows since then. The band consists of Annie Emmenegger on guitar and vocals, Ian Alderman on mandolin and vocals, Jeff Kunkle on bass, Mark Schlutt on banjo and vocals, and Tina Thompson on fiddle and vocals.

Their notable performances include Stoughton Opera House, North Street Cabaret (sold out performance), Waterfront Festival and Sessions at McPike Park (opened for Lilly Hiatt). You can stream music from Annie & the Oakies on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.  

Elliott Funmaker, Sr. is the manager/ head singer of the Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancer Troupe.  His father Kenneth Funmaker formed the Wisconsin Dells Singers in 1976.  He’s an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, with ties to Meskwaki Settlement in Tama IA from his mother Ruby (Keahna) Funmaker.  

Elliott believes that their are so many misconceptions @ Native Americans & feels educational & cultural presentations can change that.  Example: most people call Native Americans attire costumes (which is the wrong term) Correct terminology is Regalia.  Elliott is a 3rd generation performer, started dancing as a Grass dancer when he was 2 yrs old, moved onto a Fancy dancer, Singer, Traditional dancer @ Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial.   Has over 57 years of singing & dancing. Majority of the performers are Funmaker family members. 

He currently manages & performs with the Wisconsin Dells Singers Dance Group. He has been the head singer since 1999.  The troupe has performed at many venues such as the Overture center, Kids in the Rotunda, Mt Horeb Festival, Wild West Days Concerts on the square & numerous schools, conference, etc. His main passion is singing @ Native American PowWows.

Eden Ehm is one of North America’s leading Hardanger fiddlers, known for sharing her dynamic interpretations of Norway’s regional fiddle traditions through performances, lectures, and informances. 

A native of Decorah, Iowa, Eden first encountered Hardanger fiddles on display at the Vesterheim Museum but never dreamed she would play one.  She began her studies over fifteen years ago while an undergraduate at St. Olaf College, the only school in the United States to offer a Hardanger fiddle studio for lessons and academic credit.  

Eden performs and lectures widely, serves on the board of the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America (HFAA), and maintains a global studio of students.  She was recently honored as a tradition keeper, sharer, learner, teacher, and evolver in the recent “Hand Me Down The Fiddle” exhibit at the Vesterheim Museum.  She has traveled to Norway to study with master fiddlers at the Rauland International Hardingfele Intensive (RIHI) and Vinterfestival at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN).    

Her musical expression is based on the traditional fiddle repertoire from the entirety of Norway, with a focus on exploring the differences, similarities, and connections between Norway’s diverse regional traditions.  Also a classically trained violinist for over three decades, Eden’s fiddling style bridges classical and folk sensibilities, connecting classical music to folk influences while amplifying unique voices. 

Dating back to the 1600s the Hardanger fiddle is the national folk instrument of Norway. It may resemble a violin, but is very different in design, sound, repertoire, and tradition.  

Charanga Agozá, a charanga ensemble based in Madison, Wisconsin, was formed in 2009. The group plays charanga, a dance oriented musical genre that originated in Cuba at the turn of the twentieth century and peaked in the 1950s. Charangas also became popular in New York City during the early days of the salsa movement in the 60s and 70s.

Musical styles featured in Charanga Agozá’s repertoire include danzón, cha cha, mambo, and modern day salsa played charanga-style.

The group consists of Amber Dolphin on violin, Ben Knox on flute, Yanzel Rivera on vocals, Paul Muench on piano, John Mesoloras on double bass, Flaviano Estrella on trombone, Salar Saleh on timbales, José Madera on percussion, and Paddy Cassidy on congas.

Timeless Vibes is a group of passionate musicians who joined their expertise together to create a synergistic band. It’s composed of Leotha, Yancyy, Matt, Jalen and Jonathan all from the Madison, Wi area. Leotha is Mr. Renaissance, a musician, author, composer and producer who loves to promote area talent. Yancyy, from Detroit, is a phenom who has traveled the world playing sax as the headliner or for well-known artists as a featured guest. Matthew is known for his bass guitar skills infusing his knowledge received from The Juilliard School in New York. Jalen, who has played with Leotha from the age of 6, is deemed as one of the better drummers in the city of Madison and you’ll always find him in the ‘pocket’! Jonathan, also known as Dr. Overby, is a musicologist giving lectures on foreign styles of music around the world. The group, although only 2 years old, is well seasoned with a musical background to enhance your event.

Timeless Links:
Lord Yancyy Website
Leotha Stanley Website

The Waunakee Big Band (WBB) has been lighting up Southern Wisconsin with toe-tapping swing, soulful blues, and smooth jazz ever since their debut in 2014.

Founded by bandleader Ken Davies — a charismatic British import — and Doug Fox Tomlinson, a proud charter member of the Waunakee Community Band, WBB quickly grew from a local idea into a full-throttle musical force. A key addition to the leadership early on was Renee Reindl, whose energy and expertise helped propel the band to new heights.

This fabulously entertaining 18-piece powerhouse brings the spirit of every era to life, performing everything from roaring 1920s classics to the high-energy big band hits of today. When WBB hits the stage, it’s not just a concert — it’s a full-blown musical experience.

The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Music Makers program is founded on the belief that financial limitations should never come between an interested student and their pursuit of music education. Through this program, students ages 5-18 have access to private lessons, group classes, instruments and supplies all at subsidized, sliding scale tuition options.

Black Star Drum Line was created and founded in 2008 by award winning drummer/percussionist Joey B. Banks, to give kids in the Madison community an opportunity for creative expression through the “Percussive Arts”. Director Joey B. Banks incorporates diversity, respect for self and others, unity and mastery as the core elements of the youth development model he developed working as a youth development professional for over 20 years in the Madison area. The group has done over 600 performances in the State of Wisconsin and Madison community to date. Black Star Drum Line has performed and collaborated with many local groups and performers, which include,The Handphibians, Rob Dz, Keon Andre, Pretty Boy Hefner, Lucas Koehler,Jeff Weiss,Stefan Truesdell, Gabe Burdulis, A. N. T. Anthony Lamarr, and Bradley Thomas(DLO),Trilogy and the band Mascot Theory. Some past performance highlights were playing for 25,000 people at “Lifest” in 2012, opening for Rapper B.O.B. at a UW-Whitewater “Welcoming” event in 2014, 12 “standing room” only performances at Overture Center’s “Kids In The Rotunda” the last 4 years the group has performed at the show and most recently competed in their first “DCI Drum Battle” at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis in August 2017. During 2016-2017 NBA season Black Star Drum Line became the first junior drum line in the NBA as the Milwaukee Bucks “Mini Beats” Drum Line where they performed at 7 home games this season, and recently opened for the national touring act “Drum line” at Overture Hall on March 1 2017. In 2017, Black Star Drum Line became a partner with newly founded Forward Performing Arts (Formerly, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps Association). The partnership will allow for more youth from the Madison and surrounding area to be involved with Black Star Drum Line and other “percussive arts” and youth music ensemble programs.

Kanopy is a quintessential modern dance company and resident organization of the Overture Center for the Arts. While Kanopy “informs” its works through its roots in the Martha Graham tradition, the Company has developed its own brand, shaping a fresh dimension and visual language to advance modern dance. Kanopy’s artistic directors, Robert E. Cleary and Lisa Thurrell, have created dynamic new artistic benchmarks in the field by training professional dancers, choreographing new works and collaborating with internationally recognized guest artists. In addition to presenting an annual season of concerts at its home, Promenade Hall at the Overture Center, Kanopy undertakes select touring engagements in Chicago, Minneapolis and New York City, and participates in outreach programs throughout the region.
In 2024, Kanopy was one of only six companies word-wide vetted in observing “GRAHAM100,” a three-season celebration of Martha Graham Dance Company’s 100th Anniversary, with our production of Graham: In HER Voice. In the fall of 2024, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts filmedKanopy’s production of Polaris at the Overture Center featuring celebrated guest artists Daystar/Rosalie Jones, founder of the first indigenous modern dance company in the U.S.Daystar: Contemporary Dance Drama of Indian America, and Daniel Fetecua Soto, former soloist, Limón Dance Company, for inclusion in the prestigious Jerome Robbins Dance Division Archives. located in Lincoln Center. Robert E. Cleary and Lisa Thurrell are Kanopy’s artistic directors. Susanne C. Voeltz is the associate director.
Kanopy 2 is Kanopy’s studio company and pre-professional training program, and Kanopy’s Dance Academy offers classes and summer intensives taught by a renowned faculty at the Kanopy Center for Modern and Contemporary Dance. Robert E. Cleary and Lisa Thurrell are Kanopy’s artistic directors. Susanne C. Voeltz is the associate director.

Check Out Our Dancer Bios Below:

Miye Bishop began her artistic journey at the age of eight in Japan, training at her father’s Northwest Ballet Academy. Over the years, she trained at respected institutions, including Ballet Bellevue, International Ballet Theatre, Kirov Academy, Dance Open St. Petersburg, and the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive. Professionally, Miye has danced with Northwest Ballet Theatre under John Bishop, Ballet Bellevue under Victoria Titova, Skagit Opera, Seattle Opera, Kanopy Dance Company under Lisa Thurrell and Robert Cleary, Madison Opera, Bellingham Repertory Dance, Dance Wisconsin under Jo Jean Retrum, and Madison Contemporary Dance. Her recent roles include the Bride in Martha Graham’s “Appalachian Spring Suite”, coached by Miki Orihara, the Moonlight duet in Pascal Rioult’s “Views of the Fleeting World”, soloist in Lisa Thurrell’s “Cassandra’s Cry”, soloist in Lloyd Knight’s world premiere of “Commune,” and a soloist Colin Connor’s “Weather in the Room”.

Hannah King is originally from Seattle, WA, where she started her early dance training under the guidance of Anne Green Gilbert with Kaleidoscope Dance Company and Marie Chong with Arc School of Ballet. In 2015, Hannah received a B.F.A. in dance from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Hannah has trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Mark Morris Dance Group, Keigwin + Company, and Paul Taylor Dance Company. After college, she taught dance classes for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland and performed with the Metropolitan Ballet Ensemble. Hannah has danced with Kanopy Dance Company and Kanopy 2 since 2017.

Edward Salas began dancing at the age of 19 while earning his AA in Theater Arts at Mt. San Antonio College. He later earned his B.A. in Dance from California State University, Fullerton (2018). He trained in classical ballet and classical modern techniques such as Horton, Graham, and Limón under Muriel Joyce, Alvin Rangel-Alvarado, Lisa D. Long, and Debra Noble. While at University, Edward performed down Main Street USA in various Disneyland Parades. Edward has worked as a company member with Re:borN Dance Interactive and FUSE Dance Company in Southern California. He joined Kanopy Dance Company in 2022 and has since performed works by Pascal Rioult, Lloyd Knight, Tadej Brdnik, Colin Connor, and Martha Graham. In conjunction with his responsibilities as a company member, Edward also plays a principal role in Kanopy’s educational outreach program in which he shares Limón technique and creative projects with the youth in the community. He is also a proud faculty member of Kanopy Dance Academy.

Alex Trofka began his training early at Richard’s School of the Dance in Oshkosh WI and graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a B.A. in Dance and a minor in Professional Communication in 2021. Alex trained with Joan Karlen, Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill, Pamela Luedtke, and Sarah Olson. Alex also studied abroad at the University of Limerick in Ireland training with Ursula Robb, Jazmin Chiodi, Sophie Bailey, Jennifer de Brun, and Kelsey Schuhle. In addition, Alex has worked with esteemed choreographers such as Nick Pupillo, Pascal Rioult, Lloyd Knight, Tadej Brdnik, Colin Connor, and much more. While at Kanopy, Alex has had the wonderful opportunity to dance in Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring Suite, perform with Madison Opera, and train at the Martha Graham Summer Intensive in New York City. Before becoming a Kanopy Dance Company member in 2021, Alex guest performed with Madison Contemporary Dance.

Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad, Mama Award winner for best cover band and two-time nominee for a WAMI award, is a rhythmic combination of salsa and soul, featuring a 15-member ensemble that culturally fuses a variety of danceable styles, including renditions of Paul Simone, Michael Jackson, Adele and Lionel Richie. The Orquesta comprises a true “melting pot” of styles, featuring an amalgamation of Puerto Rican, German, Portuguese, Italian, Indian, American and Dominican Republican musicians. We are made up of some of the best local musicians representing the international diversity of Madison Wisconsin. Orquesta christened themselves in 2015 at the Latino Musical Festival in Madison and have continued to expand their creative horizons since. Bringing together the fire of Latin rhythms, English lyrics and the groove of soul.

Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad will have young and old dancing in the aisle and on the ceiling.

Website: https://orqsalsoul.com/
Facebook: Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad
Madison Vibra Review: https://madisonvibra.com/salsoul-important-musical-form-fuses-latino-rhythms-english/

YouTube Links: 
Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad Maria Maria 2021 (Cover)
Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad
Orquestra Salsoul Del Mad 2021 (Special Guest Tommi Mattioli on the VIBES!) Carlos Santana Original
Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad
Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad (Corona)…2020 MAMA Awards performance.
Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad..Señora Original by Miosotis Ximena Morales and Molly Kempfer.
If I Ain’t Got You
Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad Maria Maria 2021 (Cover)

Capturing the imagination of audiences in the Madison area, Capital City Theatre brings professional Broadway and community talent together, through its unforgettable performances and distinguished Conservatory training. We present diverse, cutting-edge and classic works, employ top national and local talent, and educate future stars. Past productions have included: Hunchback of Notre Dame, On the Town, and Gypsy in the Capitol Theater, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill in the Wisconsin Studio, Shining in Misery (World-premiere) and Assassins in the Playhouse and Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, a fully immersive show at Four Winds Farm, just to name a few.

Bella Clinton and Matt Wisotsky first met in Vienna, performing together in a chamber ensemble as part of the IES Vienna Music Program. Years later, they reconnected in Madison and quickly discovered a shared drive to keep creating and exploring music together, sparking the formation of The Vilasi Project.

The name “Vilasi,” meaning “luxurious” in Nepali, pays tribute to Bella’s family’s work in Nepal and reflects a commitment to richness in sound, spirit, and generosity. It also honors her mother’s ensemble, The Vilasi Quartet, continuing a legacy of creating music.

Blending Matt’s versatility on bassoon, flute, and saxophone with Bella’s harp, the duo thrives on unexpected instrumental pairings. Rooted in classical training, their performances expand into improvisation, intuitive listening, and real-time collaboration, making each set a unique musical conversation.

Follow On Instagram: Instagram
Website: The Vilasi Project

Yid Vicious has been engaging and delighting audiences throughout the Midwest since 1995. The group has released five CDs, toured on three continents, and has received numerous Madison Area Music Awards for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary klezmer. Indoors and out, in ramshackle bars and luxurious ballrooms, on high festival stages and on bare sod, Yid Vicious brings the party to life with Yiddish dance music spanning generations from the old world to our world. The band includes current, past, and subsitute MSO musicians Greg Smith (clarinet), Geoff Brady (percussion), and David Spies (tuba).

Danielle Crim is an electro pop singer, producer, writer, and multi-instrumentalist. Danielle’s work has been recognized by Madison365, Tone Madison, as well as The Overture Center for the Art’s: Only Intermission blog, with comments such as: “Crim’s sure-handed touch as both a musician and producer are on full display here and point to an extremely bright future both on either side of the boards” – Steven Spoerl (Tone Madison) in regards to Crim’s 2021 release “Shoestrings (Hold On)”. Danielle has released three self-produced albums: Floating (2021), Exploration of Life (2020), and Illuminate (2018), along with six singles. Influenced by artists like FKA Twigs, Rina Sawayama, and Lady Gaga, Crim combines elements from Pop, R&B, Alternative, and Electronic music to develop her distinct creative sound.

Quite the decorated artist, Crim has earned awards such as Student of the Year at the Madison Area Music Awards, Overture Center for the Arts Rising Star, and Silver Medal in the national NAACP ACT- SO competition in music composition. Most recently, in 2024, Crim won the Columbia College Chicago Manifest Song Competition with her original song, “Unbelievable” which she performed on the MainStage at the Manifest Arts Festival. Days later, Danielle graduated Summa Cum Laude with their Bachelor of Music degree in Contemporary, Jazz, and Popular Music.

Wisconsin’s premier Latin Jazz Band for over 20 years, Tony Castañeda and his band have been honoring and keeping alive the music of what some call the Golden Age of Latin Jazz.  Winner of 14 Isthmus Madison Favorite Jazz Band annual awards The Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band has opened for legendary latin jazz artists such as Poncho Sanchez, John Santos, Giovanni Hidalgo and John Benitez.

Check out more bios on their website by clicking the button below.

Website: https://tonycastanedalatinjazz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.castaneda.735/

The Cash Box Kings feature Oscar Wilson’s rafter-shaking SouthSide vocals, powerhouse harp, stinging guitar and a swinging rhythm section. Their albums have topped the Billboard Blues, Living Blues Radio, and Sirius XM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville radio charts and earned them 15 Blues Music Award (BMA) nominations (including Album of the Year, Best Traditional Album and Band of the Year). Critics in the U.S. and Europe consider the group to be one of the best traditional blues bands in America today and they won the Blues Band of the Year at the 2023 Blues Blast Music Awards. They are regular headliners at Chicago blues clubs like Buddy Guy’s Legends, Fitzgerald’s, SPACE, and Rosa’s Lounge and have played festivals worldwide like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Moulin Blues (Netherlands) Hondarribia (Spain), Doheny Blues Festival, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, and the Lucerne Blues Festival (Switzerland) just to name a few. 

“One of the best blues bands in the land. Any of these musicians could have played with the great bands of the golden blues era.  Together they keep a sound alive that many thought was no more.” – Living Blues Magazine

 “Unflinching blues distilled to its essence and steeped in tradition.”-Chicago Tribune  

“One of the top blues bands of this era.”– Blue Music Magazine

“The Cash Box Kings rule the roost!” Dan Aykroyd  

The Cash Box Kings are bona fide blues royalty. Co-led by real-deal Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar Wilson and songwriter, harmonica giant and singer Joe Nosek, the band plays masterfully raw and unvarnished houserocking blues. Wilson’s huge, gritty vocals and Nosek’s powerhouse harmonica fuel their razor-sharp original songs. With their top shelf musicianship and trademark good humor, The Cash Box Kings are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is “flawless.”  

Mixing tough Chicago and Delta blues, jumping proto-rock ‘n’ roll, and steamrolling “bluesabilly” (their original mix of Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly), they attack every song they play with contemporary authority and old school authenticity. The musicians feed off of each other’s ideas and energy, effortlessly moving from a lowdown purr to a full throttle roar. According to No Depression, “The Cash Box Kings are a royal hive of raucous houserockers. Whether resurrecting the past or living in the moment, they satisfy your craving for hardcore Chicago blues, served up hot and tasty.

Press Kit: https://www.cashboxkings.com/presskit
Website: www.cashboxkings.com

AR Violin String Quartet, led by violinist Ashley Rewolinski specializes in contemporary string quartet performances in the Bridgerton Style. As an ensemble, they are dedicated to creating customizable music experiences with their repertoire spanning many genres, from Bach to classic rock! Notable clients include: Kohler Co., Northwestern Mutual, Baird Center, the 2024 Republican National Convention, and more.

When your toes are tapping, your body is moving and the groove has you in the mood to dance you will find Lynda & The ZEROs. Formed in 2016 with the sole intent of finding a common thread in the connection of rhythm to audience, the ZEROs have expanded and refined the emotion of joy in musical performance. Based on a unique blend of soul, Motown and funk, echoing such influences as Stevie Wonder to Jon Batiste, the band uncovers the young and old grooves that are in each song. The ZEROs have opened for such iconic acts as Three Dog Night or on main stage outdoor events such as the Memorial Union Terrace and Atwood Festival, as well as community concerts. Additionally, the ZEROs enjoy air play with their single Too Hot on numerous stations and streams. The ZEROs have also been featured on live statewide radio broadcasts. Featuring the dynamic stage presence of Lynda Higgins with a talented 4-piece horn and dynamic rhythm section, including stellar backup vocals, the ability to get an audience moving and grooving is undeniable!

Martha McCurdy Meditation
Ph.D. Neuroscience, Northwestern University
Instructor, Senior researcher Dept. Kinesiology, University Wisconsin-Madison (retired)
Practitioner of meditation since 2011 including annual retreats
Guide meditation groups at University Wisconsin-Madison & elsewhere in Madison, since 2019
Teach Anytime, Anywhere Meditation Program

Wellspring Sound Arts (Addi Faerber, Ash Guerrieri, Elizabeth Kiser) brings music and sound from diverse healing traditions to nurture the listener. Our ensemble believes music is a tool for creating harmony within our hearts, minds, and world. We intend to support wellbeing through healthy vibration and mindful breathing. Blending original compositions, contemporary evidence-based music therapy, improvised sound and music, and traditional indigenous music practices, Addi, Beth, and Ash weave their sonorous cello, handpans, gongs, Tibetan and Crystal bowls, and percussion to create a Soundbath that is deeply restorative. Wellspring brings over 50 combined years of teaching wellness, mindfulness, psychology practice, and therapeutic experience to their art and offerings. Participants share that they feel in a state of relaxed bliss, often connected to spirit, and refreshed after the Soundbath.

Websites:
https://Wellspringsoundarts.org
https://madisoncelloensemble.org
https://vibrantlifemassageandhealingarts.com/

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook:
@heartlandhangout
@madisoncelloensemble
Vibrant Life Massage and Healing Arts
Madison Cello Ensemble

Suzuki Strings of Madison (SSM), established in 1990, offers high-quality, comprehensive violin and viola instruction to children ages 3–18, grounded in the philosophy of the Suzuki method. A mainstay of youth string education in Madison for over 30 years, SSM fosters a nurturing and collaborative environment among teachers, students, and parents, focusing on the whole child and equipping students with lifelong skills for success and well-being.

Instruction begins with private lessons and weekly group classes, where students develop technical ability, solo performance skills, ensemble playing, and music literacy through Dalcroze Eurythmics and theory. Advancing students are offered orchestral and chamber music experiences, as well as workshops, recitals, and other enriching activities.

Suzuki Strings of Madison maintains a strong commitment to community engagement and has a long-standing history of presenting outreach concerts in schools and community spaces. Performances have taken place at Oakwood and Capitol Lakes retirement centers, Olbrich Gardens, Garver Feed Mill, the Madison Children’s Museum, and the Wisconsin State Capitol. SSM has also performed for Governor Evers’ Youth Inaugural Gala, at pre-show events for the Wisconsin Union Theater, in collaboration with the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Link Up program, and as a Concerts on the Square KidZone presenter with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

Website: www.suzukistringsofmadison.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzukistringsofmadison/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Suzuki-Strings-of-Madison-100057188150902/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/d3ZXbE0Y7sg

Dr. J. Michael Allsen was a longtime member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, playing in the trombone section for 35 seasons until his retirement in 2018. He has authored the MSO’s program notes since 1984, and currently writes program notes for several other orchestras across the country. The history of the MSO as long been one of his interests, culminating with the publication of his book, A Century of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, which was published to coincide with the MSO’s 100 season. Allsen is an emeritus professor in music at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Madison Youth Choirs (MYC) is dedicated to inspiring youth with a choral experience that fosters creativity, reflection, and the exploration of diverse ideas, while welcoming singers of all ability levels, annually serving hundreds of young people, ages 7-18, through a wide variety of choral programs in our community. Cultivating a comprehensive music education philosophy that inspires a spirit of inquiry leading students to become “expert noticers,” MYC creates accessible, meaningful opportunities for youth to thrive in the arts and beyond.

MYC co-led the development of the Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts), an accessible, affordable home for dozens of youth arts education programs in our community. MYArts opened in May 2021 and serves as the permanent home for MYC and Children’s Theater of Madison.

Website: madisonyouthchoirs.org
YouTube: YouTube.com/madisonyouthchoirs.org

The Hmong Institute is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit.  With a passion to advance the Hmong community and other underserved communities, community is at the heart of everything we do.  At The Hmong Institute (THI), our services are designed with the community in mind and shaped by our core values.  We believe in putting the people we serve first, recognizing that we are stronger and better when we work together, doing what is just or right, and being driving to achieve our goals. What are we doing now at THI?  We are serving, teaching, and building future leaders and strengthening communities in three areas:

Education

The Hmong community is still a new kid on the block although we have been in Wisconsin since 1976.  A lot of education and advocacy are needed, especially in counties that do not have many Hmong people.  Our goal is to be the Hmong heritage leader, educator, advocate, and culture trainer/consultant for all providers, educators, policy makers, and individuals interested in the advancement of society, including the improvement of culturally and linguistically appropriate services and providing equitable services for Hmong and other underserved communities.  We are committed to ensure that individuals desire to learn about Hmong heritage and serve the Hmong community have the opportunity to do so through our educational and professional development training.  We offer one-on-one customized Hmong training, Hmong Culture Training Series, Hmong Mental Health Training Series, and other resources. 

Health

We are collaborating with committed partners (businesses, funders, government agencies, individual donors, etc.) to develop a healthy and safe environment to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health services for the underserved communities in our Hmoob Kaj Siab Program. Hmoob Kaj Siab is a holistic day-time senior program that provides culturally and linguistically competent case management, mental health, senior activities, psycho-social education, and senior meals to Hmong and other underserved communities in Dane County. We are the first Hmong certified Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) in Dane County to provide mental health services to Hmong, Southeast Asian, and Nepalese clients, a team of dedicated bilingual staff who are experienced, trained, and licensed to provide mental health services in Dane County.

To ensure that we meet our elders nutritional needs, THI distribute culturally relevant foods twice per month to our elders and once a month for the community.  In addition, elders who attend Hmoob Kaj Siab enjoy a daily home-cook meal, serving traditional Hmong dishes via our WI Senior Meal Program.

Preservation

For preservation, our effort to preserve Hmong heritage aims to teach Hmong children and youth by teaching about their roots—history, language, and culture. Every summer, the Hmong Language and Culture Enrichment Program (HLCEP), a nationally recognized and award-winning program, strives to increase Hmong students’ confidence through learning Hmong history, language, and culture, preparing elementary and middle school students for high school.

Our Hmong Day at the State Capitol is held every May—between May 14-18—at the Wisconsin State Capitol for statewide Hmong high school students.  It is designed to teach Hmong history—What is May 14 and its impact on the Hmong people–and expose Hmong students to state government.  The goal is fostering Hmong youth’s interest and leadership in civic participation via opportunities for youth to learn and meet legislators, governor/staff, and supreme court justices.   Annually, over 150 Hmong high school students attend this event and went home with some Hmong pride.

In addition, we also develop and provide Hmong cultural trainings for providers, policy makers, and individuals interested in advancing the Hmong communities, an important responsibility to support those who are trying to help us make a difference not just for the communities we serve, but all Wisconsinites.   As a result, interested individuals (educators, providers, etc.) who learn about Hmong culture indirectly help preserve some aspects of Hmong culture through practicing what they have learned.

con vivo!…music with life is a professional chamber music ensemble founded in 2002 and comprised of eleven core musicians who draw upon professional experience with the Madison Symphony, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and other regional performing groups to deliver dynamic and high-caliber performances.  The members are often joined by guest artists from the Madison music community. In 2011, Madison Symphony conductor, John DeMain and American Players Theater actors joined con vivo! to present Stravinsky’s masterpiece, The Soldier’s Tale. Maestro DeMain has conducted the ensemble four times, most recently in 2023, and his appearance in 2013 conducting Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and Mozart’s Gran Partita for Winds was pronounced the best classical music concert of 2013 (Isthmus, 12/27/13). con vivo! was honored to represent the Madison arts community nationally by performing at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City on December 13, 2012. In June, 2015, con vivo! was invited to represent Dane County in a cultural exchange with our sister county of Kassel, Germany. The ensemble performed three concerts at the Kultursommer Nordhessen Arts Festival in Kassel, Germany. The Dane County, Kassel Germany Sister County relationship was formed in 2007 to foster the exchange of ideas in the areas of transportation, renewable/sustainable energy, cultural arts, and education. con vivo!’s repertoire represents a variety of time periods and styles from the classics to lesser-known chamber works to commissioned new works, presented in a concert setting that is uniquely engaging and inviting. The ensemble’s home venue, First Congregational Church at University Avenue and Breese Terrace, is ideally suited for chamber music. Each program includes an element of surprise and a dash of humor, through unannounced additions to the program, antiphonal performances and unusual encore selections. Talented high school musicians have on occasion joined the ensemble in a side-by-side performing experience. Concerts are followed by a reception where audience members and musicians can meet and discuss the performance. con vivo!’s community outreach includes performances for area high school music classes, showing young musicians that the opportunities for playing chamber music are endless. Also, each concert is performed at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community free of charge, providing access to chamber music for community members with economic, transportation or health challenges.

Website: www.convivomusicwithlife.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2NUIryIiXo&list=RDw2NUIryIiXo&start_radio=1
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2NUIryIiXo&authuser=1

Mariachi Corcel de Madison is one of the handful of mariachi bands in the entire state of Wisconsin and is dedicated to bringing the sounds of Mexico to the Madison area and beyond. Founded in 2011 by Tino Martinez and Rafael Martinez, the band has flourished in recent years with a passionate and energetic roster of talented musicians. The band grew substantially in 2019 and onward with the inclusion of Fernando Ponce, Amairani Zepeda, Jocelyne Real, and José Hernández over the past five years. While mariachi bands usually perform many traditional Mexican genres, Mariachi Corcel always has shown an appreciation of both iconic traditional mariachi styles and contemporary pieces as well. By widening their repertoire to include pop, rap, indie rock, cumbia, and more, Mariachi Corcel showcases the distinct sounds of Mexico’s vast musical landscapes to both new and well-versed listeners of Latin American music.

Website: http://mariachicorcel.com/
Check Out This Sample Video

Panchromatic Steel Founded in 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin, Panchromatic Steel has blazed an entirely new trail in the city’s music scene. Best described as “Caribbean Fusion,”Panchromatic’s music combines island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a feel-good, high-energy blend that’s hard to categorize but is easy to love. With top-shelf musicianship, the band’s performances lift spirits and transport listeners to their happy place in the sun. At the heart of Panchromatic’s sound is the steel drum or “steel pan” as it’s known in its native Trinidad & Tobago. The instrument is a sawed-off 55-gallon oil drum with the top stretched into a bowl and hand-hammered to create tone-producing dents that ring when struck by rubber-tipped mallets. Its tropical associations are hokey to some and delightful to others; but either way, the cliches tell only part of the story. Mostly, they just obscure the instrument’s fierce but woefully under-appreciated musical tradition, which has quietly reached levels of complexity, creativity and energy rivaled by few other musical art forms. Panchromatic embraces the steel pan’s Caribbean origins while pushing forward into new musical territory. The band includes vocals, horns, flute, keyboards and multiple percussionists, and its all-gender musicians are as diverse as the instruments they play. With its multicolored (ergo “panchromatic”) palette, the band does everything from highly technical, jazz-inspired art pieces to danceable favorites by the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Wonder, taking them to new, uniquely memorable heights.

For over three decades the husband/wife team, Gaines & Wagoner, have played PAC and festival stages regionally, nationally and overseas with Harmonious Wail, Randy Sabien, Carrie Newcomer, Sweet Dreams & Honky Tonks and others. Original and Vintage Jazz, Blues and Americana on electric violin, mandolin, lapsteel, ukulele, cello (walked like an upright bass), guitar plus award-winning vocals.  Gaines & Wagoner have also appeared on countless indie and major label releases as session musicians, including 10 albums with Rounder recording artist, Carrie Newcomer, Freedy Johnston, Tret Fure, Peter Mulvey, and Butch Vig remixes of U2 and EMF and Smashing Pumpkin’s multi-platinum “Gish”.

Travis Agnew, a Madison native, draws from his diverse travels across the U.S. and beyond to craft music that blends alt-country, folk, rock, blues, and reggae. His sound is gritty and heartfelt, often exploring themes of brokenness, love, and forgiveness. With rich harmonies and a mix of alt-folk rock and roots influences, Travis creates songs that stir the soul and evoke deep emotion. His music channels everything from introspective tones and raw heartfelt storytelling to joyous melodies with sometimes comedic diversions making each song a powerful, authentic experience for listeners. Weaved through every art form is the aim of community, love and restoration.

Website: www.travisagnew.com
Spotify: Travis Agnew | Spotify
iTunes: iTunes – Apple 
YouTube: Travis Agnew – YouTube
Bandcamp: Travis Agnew and the Tin Roof Sparrow
Follow on Instagram: @travagnew

Isthmus online article link: Polished and powerful – Isthmus | Madison, Wisconsin
Travis Agnew Band on Wisconsin Public Television: 30-Minute Music Hour | Travis Agnew Band | Season 9 | Episode 10 | PBS 

Madison Opera is a non-profit, professional opera company based in Madison, Wisconsin. A resident organization of the Overture Center for the Arts, Madison Opera produces three operas annually in addition to Opera in the Park and a variety of educational programming.

With the 2025/26 season, Madison Opera celebrates our 64th year of being one of only two opera companies in Wisconsin that provide the experience of fully-staged grand opera.  Our mission is to produce opera of the highest artistic standards, and our three mainstage productions draw over 10,000 audience members each year to the Overture Center to enjoy both classic operas such as Carmen and modern masterpieces such as Fellow Travelers.  Our gift to the community, Opera in the Park, attracts over 12,000 people to Madison from across Wisconsin for a free concert on a beautiful July evening.

The Stop and Listen, formed in 2023, is an old-time band based in Madison, Wisconsin. They play hot fiddle tunes, jug band blues, and bluegrass-inspired stringband music with unique instrumentation and harmony voices. Specializing in music from the 1920s and 30’s revitalized for the modern era, the Stop and Listen serves up a danceable groove with extraordinary improvisation on cello, fiddle, and harmonica. The band is fronted by Daniel Plane (cello/fiddle) and Calvin Woodring (harmonica), who trade off lead vocals and harmonies. Adam Helt-Baldwin provides bass along with harmonies, harmonica, and guitar. Mike Tiboris adds clawhammer and tenor banjo rhythm. It’s a chimerical mashup that is unlike any other.

Website: https://thestopandlisten.com/home
Social media: 
Instagram
Facebook
New Album: Here’s a link to our debut album

Automatic Lover makes music that moves you.

Featuring members of some of the Midwest’s best funk, rock, and hip-hop outfits, the Madison supergroup is born to bring you to the dance floor.

At its core, this is a latin funk party. But it’s music that can change on a dime. One minute they’re all backbeats and groove, next they’re putting a new spin on soca or sinking into full, driving rock. It’s like a crate-digger’s dream, pulling LPs from a wall full of vinyl, to find music that revels in surprises and keeps you dancing.

Page through their influences and you’ll hear strands of the Budos Band and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Khruangbin, and Ozomatli. They can be as electric as early Police, as funked out as the Brand New Heavies, and as joyful as Manu Chao.

The band writes and operates like a collective. You can hear the respect they have for each other in the way they carve space for each instrument, a deep admiration that weaves in and out of each song. They’ve waited a long time to finally make this music together.

Frontman Uriel Lopéz-Rodriguez honed his chops through years writing and producing hip hop and latin pop for artists across Mexico City, California, Arizona, and Wisconsin, including The Prolé, where he first played with jazz-inspired, journeyman keyboardist, Matthew Rief.

Brett Farrey (bass) and Shanan Galligan (guitar) were the rhythm section in the hip-hop/acid-jazz combo Smokin’ with Superman and alt-rock Little Earthquakes. Grammy-nominated Joey Banks (drums) carries on the legacy of his close friend and mentor, Clyde Stubblefield as well as a wide portfolio of projects from Steely Dane to the Funkee JBeez.

And then there’s the horns: featuring Ben Knox (sax), Jamie Kember (trombone), and Mike Boman (trumpet), they are among the area’s most in-demand musicians, gracing the stage with bands from The Big Payback to the Youngblood Brass Band.

After a debut summer playing some of the area’s most-exciting festivals and stages, Automatic Lover is returning to the studio to put the finishing touches on their first album, to be released January 2026.

Website: https://www.automatic-lover.com/press-kit

Audio Samples
Note, you can also find these full tracks on our Press Kit page. 
Helena: https://open.spotify.com/track/77Rhwt7iEgY6gC7aPgisnl?si=f2a115d96d2b48ab
Sick Love: https://open.spotify.com/track/29ueLqPsh4fclM8TKJgjNz?si=874c12df4b324bfd

Video Snippets
Click to Download
Click to Download

Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society will present its 35th summer chamber music festival, June 5 – 28, in Madison. Its three-week festival is widely known for diverse programming of traditional to contemporary classical music, played by an ensemble of distinguished musicians from around the country. A BDDS hallmark, musicians explain the work from the stage making even the most challenging new work accessible to a general audience. It’s serious music-making suffused with high-energy, surprises, and lots of audience appeal.

Performers: 

Artistic Co-director STEPHANIE JUTT is principal flute of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, editor at International Music Publishing, and professor emerita of flute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Artistic Co-director and pianist JEFFREY SYKES is a faculty member of the University of California, Berkeley and a member of the San Francisco Piano Trio. 

Bayan player STAS VENGLEVSKI is an internationally-known accordionist, arranger, entertainer, and teacher. He is a regular participant in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education program. This is his fifth season with BDDS.

The Currach Quadtet

Old School traditional Celtic songs and tunes on fiddle (Daithi), bouzouki/guitar (Josh), and bodhran/bones (Darl), and concertina (Kara, our newest member).

A currach is a type of Irish boat. Our Irish trio (and friends) had a 13 year residency every Friday night Happy Hour at the Brocach pub on the square (closed in 2019). 

We’ve released three CD’s and this past March was our 18th annual St. Pat’s celebration at the Harmony Bar! 

Please feel free to sing and/or dance/clap along.

YouTube Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bc8tZHAVWM&t=170s 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bc8tZHAVWM&t=170s&authuser= 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063049518233 

Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) is a prominent theater company based in Madison, Wisconsin, dedicated to providing high-quality theatrical performances for young audiences. Founded in 1965, CTM’s mission is to spark imagination and build community through the creation and experience of theater.

CTM offers a variety of productions, including full-scale professional theatrical shows with talented local youth and professional actors acting together and learning from each other, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. These productions range from classic stories to new, original works, all designed to captivate and challenge young minds and families. The performances are family-friendly, often incorporating humor, music, and elements of fantasy to keep children engaged while also addressing meaningful themes.

Madison Area Concert Handbells (MACH) inspires audiences of all ages with exceptional performances throughout the Madison area and beyond, sharing a love of music and handbells with all who hear them ring. Founded in 1997, MACH has been a fixture within the Madison community by providing high-quality handbell concerts, educational workshops, and community outreach. With over six octaves of Malmark handbells and hand chimes along with three octaves of antique English handbells, MACH has one of the largest collections of handbells in Wisconsin. MACH is an auditioned, volunteer community handbell choir consisting of 15-20 members committed to excellence in handbell performance. Led by MSO percussionist Nicholas Bonaccio, MACH’s concerts feature everything from arrangements of classical pieces to modern favorites and original compositions for handbells. You can hear MACH at our concerts in December and May each year, or you may find small ensembles of MACH members performing at local events, retirement communities, assisted care centers, churches, and more. MACH performed at the opening of Madison’s Overture Center and with the Madison Symphony Orchestra at their Christmas concerts in 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2008.

Website: https://madisonhandbells.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonHandbells
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonhandbells/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@madisonhandbells