Madison is treated to an autumn aperitif of live music this short work week as a new touring season opens. The calendar includes: a book reading by Patrick Rothfuss, the Jazz at Five season closer, the return of Mad Toast Live with Mountain Heart, and more live music from Taj Mahal, Male Bonding, Katie Powderly, Carbon Leaf, and The Daredevil Christopher Wright.
Tuesday 9.6
NOTEWORTHY: Princess Diana's funeral service held at Westminster Abbey, 1997.
BIRTHDAYS: Pink Floyd bassist-songwriter Roger Waters, 1944; actress Rosie Perez, 1964.
Wednesday 9.7
NOTEWORTHY: ESPN debuts on cable, 1979.
BIRTHDAYS: Anonymous journalist Joe Klein, 1946; Pretenders singer-songwriter-guitarist-front woman Chrissie Hynde, 1951.
100 block of State Street, 5 pm
The lovely downtown music series winds down for the summer -- sob! -- with music by the inimitable Madison singer Jan Wheaton and her quintet. Also performing is Chicago's Brent Kimbrough & Company, fronted by the eponymous guitarist.
Waunakee High School Performing Arts Center, 7 pm
The fantasy author is a Madison native and now teaches at UW-Stevens Point. He's made his mark on New York Times bestseller lists with books like The Wise Man's Fear and The Name of the Wind.
Brink Lounge, 8 pm
These bluegrass-loving Grand Ole Opry veterans charm crowds with lively songs that feature banjos, fiddles, mandolins and the soulful swagger of a Hammond B3 organ. This Mad Toast Live! season opener is hosted by Chris Wagoner and Mary Gaines.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
The two-time Grammy winner is one of the few lucky musicians who got to play with Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. At this show, he'll serve up his own distinctive blend of country blues, which contains Afro-Caribbean flavors and hints of gospel, soul and zydeco.
UW Union South Sett, 9 pm
Fueled by fierce and catchy noise-pop, this London-based trio's debut LP, Nothing Hurts, landed on Pitchfork's "best new music" list last year. Check out their brand-new album, Endless Now, in the UW's brand-new student union. With Love Inks.
Thursday 9.8
NOTEWORTHY: Ford pardons Nixon, 1974.
BIRTHDAYS: Singer-songwriter Neko Case, 1970; grownup child star Henry Thomas, 1971.
High Noon Saloon, 6 pm
Inspired by Simon and Garfunkel's "America," this local singer-songwriter has sold nearly all of her belongings so she can visit all 50 states with her forthcoming debut album. Get a taste of its tunes at this free show on the High Noon's patio.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
Though their guitarist likes to describe their sound as "Brazilian polka-metal," this Virginian five-piece colors its indie rock with shades of bluegrass, Celtic music and alt-country. With Chamberlain, Whitewater Ramble.
The Daredevil Christopher Wright
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 9:30 pm
The Eau Claire trio's debut, In Deference to a Broken Back, impressed critics at Paste with its novel mix of post-punk jams, old-world waltzes and whistling solos. Whistle along from the comfort of a Terrace chair.
