Dane County Fair
It's hot and sunny, and summer is reaching its full glory just in time for the start of the Dane County Fair and the opening of Blooming Butterflies at Olbrich Gardens. The calendar also includes: an Elton John-themed edition of Concerts on the Square; and, plenty more live music from yOya, Family of the Year, Dick Dale, 4 Aspirin Morning, Jennifer Hall, Nick Brown, Die Kreuzen, and Saintseneca.
Monday 7.15
NOTEWORTHY: Massive storm causes $160 million in damage in western Wisconsin, 1980.
Frequency, 8:30 pm
Though this Cali-via-Oregon duo describe their sound as "experimental folktronica," they've generated a steady buzz among fans of early-aughts Britpop. With Tiger Lance and TT & the Night.
Tuesday 7.16
Frequency, 8 pm
This indie-folk quintet are just starting their ascent into the limelight. Their song "Everytime" appeared on the final episode of Weeds, and their new single, "Hero," reached number 12 on Billboard's Hot Modern Rock chart earlier this year. With Building on Buildings.
Wednesday 7.17
NOTEWORTHY: Allied leaders meet in Postdam to decide future of Germany at end of World War II, 1945.
Olbrich Gardens, 10 am-4 pm through Aug. 11
The annual event offers an up-close look at the miracle of metamorphosis. More than a dozen species of butterflies emerge from their chrysalises and flutter picturesquely around the Bolz Conservatory.
Alliant Energy Center, through July 21
Park for free and check out acres of rides, livestock, 4-H projects and food you probably shouldn't eat but will anyway. Hey, it's summer. Entertainment on Thursday includes Madison County at 7 pm.
Capitol Square, 7 pm
Vocalist Jean Meilleur and pianist John Regan join Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for an evening of Elton John hits such as "Rocket Man," "Circle of Life" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
High Noon Saloon, 7:30 pm
The king of the 1960s surf-rock scene glides into Madison with his trusty Fender guitar, which he can still pick faster than almost any young whippersnapper. With the Mandalorians.
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 8 pm
Dark, aggressive punk riffs twist around catchy ska hooks when this band's guitars and horns hit the stage. With the Moguls.
Frequency, 8:30 pm
This young singer has been taking Chicago venues by storm, eschewing thick layers of irony in favor of a sincere approach that pays homage to time-tested greats like Patsy Cline and Rufus Wainwright. With Brandon Beebe, Paul Otteson and Mike Nicolai.
Thursday 7.18
NOTEWORTHY: Disneyland opens in Anaheim, Calif., 1955.
High Noon Saloon, 6 pm
At this free outdoor show, the Brown Derby bassist will share country-inflected tunes from his solo album, Slow Boat.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Though these hardcore legends hail from humble Milwaukee, they had fans all over the world without a major label or the promotional powers of the Internet. Get an unforgettable lesson about grunge rock's underpinnings in the form of an epic face melting. With Aluminum Knot Eye and Zebras.
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 9:30 pm
Equally inspired by freak-folk goddess Joanna Newsom and Guided by Voices' homemade sound effects, this Ohio folk band use autoharps, bouzoukis, dulcimers and other stringed instrument as tools for experimentation.
