Madisonians will find plenty of opportunities to feast over the next few days as they revel in Summer Restaurant Week. The calendar also includes: Minne-Motor Fest, a Viennese-themed Concerts on the Square, and more live music from Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Brothers, Joan Armatrading, Cary Brothers with Greg Laswell, and Mahjongg.
Monday 7.26
NOTEWORTHY: Paul Reubens busted for allegedly exposing himself in a Florida adult movie house, 1991.
BIRTHDAYS: Rolling Stone/Glimmer Twin/Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer Mick Jagger, 1943; brilliant actress Ilynea Lydia Mironoff (Lady Helen Mirren), 1946.
Willy Street Pub & Grill, 9 pm
Christy Hunt of Detroit's Von Bondies and Minneapolis' Ouija Radio is bringing her favorite bands from both of her hometowns to her favorite stop in the middle -- Madison -- for a two-day mini-festival. The first night's bill includes Minne's Skies Alive and Koo Koo Kangaroo and Detroit's Sugarcoats, Marco Polio & the New Vaccines, Gardens and Silverghost, plus Madison's own Shane Shane. Next Saturday night's shows, including an explosive set by Birthday Suits, will take place at the Frequency.
Tuesday 7.27
NOTEWORTHY: Zsa Zsa Gabor begins serving three-day sentence for slapping a cop, 1990.
BIRTHDAYS: Actress/Saturday Night Live veteran Maya Rudolph, 1972; actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, 1977.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Brothers
Overture Hall, 7:30 pm
You may know of Steve Martin as a comedian from Saturday Night Live, an actor from Father of the Bride or the author of the splendid novella-turned-film Shopgirl. But he's been playing banjo longer than he's been exploring any of these other creative outlets, and his latest recording, The Crow/New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, just won the Grammy for best bluegrass album. (See Tour Stop.) With the Punch Brothers.
Wednesday 7.28
NOTEWORTHY: Angelic TV star Farrah Fawcett marries $6 million man Lee Majors, 1973.
Capitol Square, 7 pm
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's outdoor season continues with "Summer Nights in Vienna," a program of waltzes. Three are by Strauss, including the immortal "Blue Danube," and the fourth is Franz von Suppé's "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna."
Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm
The British singer, songwriter and guitarist excels at rock, folk and pop, but she seems most at home playing the blues. Her 2007 album Into the Blues and her new album, This Charming Life, both hit number one on the U.S. blues chart, thanks to her expressive voice and distinctive approach to the genre. With Jamie McLean.
High Noon Saloon, 8:30 pm
Brothers' single "Blue Eyes" helped elevate the Garden State soundtrack from good to great, and Under Control, his new album, is full of beautiful arrangements that will make your mind wander down whimsical paths. Laswell, a singer-songwriter out of L.A., explores his California upbringing with rich melodies and wonderful, self-deprecating lyrics. With Harper Blynn.
Thursday 7.29
NOTEWORTHY: Lady Diana Spencer marries Prince Charles, 1981.
BIRTHDAYS: Emmy-winning documentarian Ken Burns and Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee, 1953.
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 9 pm
Fans of These Are Powers, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and certain late-night college radio programs will rush to the Union for the sonic experiments of this Chicago collective, which pop and fizz with polyrhythms, dance beats, swatches of electronica and all sorts of left-field sounds. With Cool Memories.