Nanci Griffith
Autumn makes its formal entrance this week. The calendar includes: a performance by Justin Vivian Bond, the opening of a Danny Simmons exhibit at Promega Gallery, a book reading by Kevin Henkes and Jane Hamilton, and live music from Dikanda, Nanci Griffith, and The Album Leaf.
Monday 9.19
NOTEWORTHY: Argentine military revolt ousts President Juan Peron, 1955.
UW Vilas Hall's Mitchell Theatre, 7 pm
The UW's Office of Multicultural Arts presents this evening with incredible performance artist Bond, best known for singing boozy torch songs with the lounge duo Kiki and Herb. The event is part of "Stew and Friends," a semester-long series presented by OMAI in connection with the campus residency of singer-songwriter-playwright Stew, of Passing Strange fame.
Tuesday 9.20
BIRTHDAYS: Rockers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, 1967.
Danny Simmons: House of the Spirit
Biopharmaceutical Technology Center-Promega Gallery, through Dec. 1
Promega's fall exhibit presents the work of abstract painter Danny Simmons, brother of hip-hop impresario Russell, with whom he founded Def Poetry Jam. The exhibit features both Simmons' paintings and African sculptures and masks from his collection. A reception is tonight (4:30-6:30 pm).
Wednesday 9.21
BIRTHDAYS: Comedian/actor Bill Murray, 1950.
Grand Hall at Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main St., 7 pm
Two of the greatest Wisconsin writers ever -- children's author Henkes and novelist Hamilton -- happen to be pals. They'll read and discuss their work in a benefit for the Wisconsin Book Festival called "Words Between Friends," moderated by Isthmus editor Dean Robbins.
High Noon Saloon 8 pm
Armed with accordions, fiddles and guitars, this Polish five-piece plays traditional Eastern European songs, gypsy melodies and original tunes inspired by the folklore of their homeland. With Fishtank Ensemble.
Thursday 9.22
NOTEWORTHY: Bob Dylan makes his Carnegie Hall debut, 1962.
Stoughton Opera House, 7:30 pm
The Grammy-winning folk and country singer-songwriter has toured with quite a cast of characters in the past several years, including Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Don McLean and Willie Nelson. See what else she has up her sleeve at this intimate concert.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
Synthmeister Jimmy LaValle and his band visit Madison to share selections from 2010's A Chorus of Storytellers and warm up for I'll Be Your Mirror, an East Coast fest curated by ATP and Portishead. With Sister Crayon.