Madison's autumn arts season hits a high point over the next week with the tenth annual Wisconsin Book Festival. The calendar also includes: talks by Diane Lim Rogers and James Carroll; stand-up by Seth Meyers; a performance by Toshi Reagon; and, more live music from Man Man, the Warren Haynes Band, Boris, Das Racist, Gang Gang Dance, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Yellowcard, and Cymbals Eat Guitars.
Monday 10.17
NOTEWORTHY: Al Capone convicted of income tax evasion, 1931.
UW Red Gym, 7 pm
Huge-voiced Reagon, who melds her crisp songwriting with sounds that combine rock, soul and folk influences, is the latest in an impressive parade of artists hosted by Tony-winning singer-songwriter-playwright Stew. He's in the middle of a UW residency (see Arts Beat).
Tuesday 10.18
NOTEWORTHY: United States takes possession of Alaska, 1867.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 7 pm
Rogers is chief economist with the political advocacy group Concord Coalition, which is focused on curtailing deficit spending. In this Academy Evenings event, she speaks on "The Post-9/11 Economy: Getting 'Civilized' About Deficit Reduction." She also blogs at James Carroll
UW Fluno Center, 7:30 pm
The former priest and Boston Globe columnist talks about "Jews, Christians, Muslims: The Better Future." His memoir An American Requiem: God, My Father, and the War That Came Between Us won the 1996 National Book Award.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Experimental and multi-instrumental, this Philly five-piece rocks the house with Rhodes pianos, xylophones, sousaphones, baritone guitars and other lesser-known music tools. With Grandchildren.
Capitol Theater, 8 pm
Haynes, a veteran guitarist from Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers Band, will share the bluesy rock of his new solo release, Man in Motion.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
This Japanese band blend drone metal, noise rock and straight-ahead pop into a tasty musical concoction. Though it was recorded in 2004, their album Klatter wasn't released stateside until this year. With Tera Melos and Coliseum.
Wednesday 10.19
NOTEWORTHY: Saddam Hussein goes on trial, 2005.
Welcome to readers' paradise. The annual event brings five days' worth of author appearances and workshops to a couple dozen venues. See this article for highlights.
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
A Saturday Night Live cast member since 2001, head writer since 2006, funny Meyers lately has been making a name for himself anchoring the show's venerable Weekend Update segment. He brings his sharp observations and charming delivery and to the big east-side stage.
High Noon Saloon, 8:30 pm
This show will highlight hipster hip-hop at its finest as the critically acclaimed Brooklyn, N.Y., trio unfurl songs like their breakout hit "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell" and selections from their brand-new album, Relax. With Danny Brown and Despot.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
Spawned by the Null New York scene of the early 2000s and loved by bands like Florence & the Machine, this act blends the tribal sounds of world beat with the futuristic sonics of electroclash. With Prince Rama.
Thursday 10.20
NOTEWORTHY: Jacqueline Kennedy weds Aristotle Onassis, 1968.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
Melding jazz, funk and hip-hop with his trusty trombone and a trumpet as well, this 25-year-old New Orleans native gets crowds dancing without fail. With Kids These Days.
Majestic Theatre, 7:30 pm
Possibly the only pop-punk band that regularly features a violin, the five-piece has returned from a two-year hiatus with renewed vigor and a new album, When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes. With Every Avenue and Go Radio.
High Noon Saloon, 8:30 pm
Named after Lou Reed's description of the Velvet Underground, this New York City indie band grew out of a mutual love of Pavement, landing on the stage at CMJ Fest and the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009. With Hooray for Earth and Bear Hands.
