Jason Aldean
Madison's early spring live music windfall continues this week with shows by Keb' Mo', Holy Balm, Major Lazer, Crowder, Mac DeMarco, Jason Aldean, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Nataly Dawn, Darwin Deez, and STRFKR; and, the nomination party for this year's Madison Area Music Awards. The calendar also includes: talks by Paul Davies, Diane Nash, and Frank Warren; book readings by Carl Rollyson and Arundhati Roy; and, a performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago & LINES Ballet.
Monday 3.18
NOTEWORTHY: Henry Wells and William Fargo found American Express, 1850.
Tuesday 3.19
NOTEWORTHY: Congress approves daylight saving time, 1918.
Overture Center's Capitol Theater, 7:30 pm
The Grammy-winning artist draws inspiration from Robert Johnson's country blues and variety from contemporary R&B, folk and jazz. Though he's known as a guitar virtuoso, his storytelling also shines.
Frequency, 8:30 pm
The enterprising musicians in Madison acts Golden Donna and Problem Child have lured this psychedelic dance band from Sydney, Australia, to town for an evening of carousal, transcendence or both. The organizers and Electric Children will also perform.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
When Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire join forces as Major Lazer, crazy things happen. In addition to exploring dancehall, reggae fusion and Moombahton, they've convinced Snoop Dogg to adopt a ridiculous reggae alter ego named Snoop Lion. With Lunice and Wynter Gordon.
Wednesday 3.20
NOTEWORTHY: Uncle Tom's Cabin published, 1852.
Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, 7 pm
The physicist is the author of Eerie Silence: Renewing Our Search for Alien Intelligence. He turns his attention to another cosmic subject -- the origin of life -- in this free lecture.
Anderson Auditorium, Edgewood College, 7 pm
The 1960s civil rights leader played a role in the legendary Freedom Rides and the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. She presents Edgewood's Hatheway History Lecture.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago & LINES Ballet
Overture Hall, 7:30 pm
Two leading American dance companies join forces for a work by LINES artistic director Alonzo King. Hubbard Street has a contemporary orientation, LINES a neoclassical one; see what happens when the two styles collide.
Varsity Hall, UW Union South, 7:30 pm
Warren lectures on his PostSecret Project, where people mail in their secrets anonymously on a fancifully decorated postcard.
Majestic Theatre, 7:30 pm
People from many spiritual backgrounds have embraced this Christian rock project because it brings so much soul and musicianship to Billboard's often-banal Top 200 list. With Stetson and Cia.
High Noon Saloon, 8:30 pm
Though DeMarco's live shows can get lewd and crude, the glam-spattered slacker rock of his album 2 straddles irony and sincerity so expertly that Pitchfork named it one of last year's best. (See Tour Stop.) With Naomi Punk and Calvin Love.
Thursday 3.21
A Room of One's Own, 6:30 pm
Rollyson will discuss American Isis, his new biography of the tragic poet Sylvia Plath. The book draws on previously unavailable resources and has been generating some buzz.
Great Hall, UW Memorial Union, 7:30 pm
The Indian environmental activist and author made her mark with the Booker Prize-winning autobiographical novel The God of Small Things. She'll read from her work and answer questions.
Madison Area Music Awards Nomination Party
Brink Lounge, 7 pm
Gear up for the 10th edition of the MAMAs at this shindig that includes a performance by the Shake Daddys; an open-mic featuring notable local acts such as Jim Schwall and Kyle Henderson; and, of course, the announcement of this year's nominees.
Alliant Energy Center Coliseum, 7:30 pm
The country-music star responsible for 2012's chart-topping "Take a Little Ride" just made his acting debut in Sweetwater. See if his silver-screen training affects his stage presence. With Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett.
Stoughton Opera House, 7:30 pm
The Wall Street Journal recently proclaimed this award-winning songstress the new Queen of Bluegrass. Give her a royal welcome as she shares her latest album, Sunday Morning Singin'.
Regent Street Retreat Bar, 8 pm
This songbird from the indie-pop duo Pomplamoose has been raking in critical praise for How I Knew Her, a new solo album that blends noir-tinged jazz with elegant chamber rock. With Lauren O'Connell and Anna Vogelzang.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Though these NYC indie-popsters have achieved modest success in the U.S., they've been a sensation in the U.K. thanks in part to a top-10 spot on NME's annual Cool List. Their new Songs for Imaginative People has made waves across the pond. With Caged Animals and PHOX.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
These Portland, Ore., performers are way more fun live than they are in the studio. Their disco grooves are made for dancing, and they often dress in drag. Luscious synth-pop hooks are the icing on the cake. With Blackbird Blackbird.
