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Joe Tarr
Challenging a grandmaster
There are only about 1,700 chess grandmasters in the world, including Madison’s Awonder Liang. Isthmus faces him in a match to see how good he really is. Read more
What's New
Valerie Fremin
15 things to do in Madison this weekend (Aug. 23-25)
Something for everyone this weekend in Madison with picnics, paloozas, music and more. Read more
Aug 23, 2019
Edgewood offered to “coordinate messaging” on lawsuit with mayor
In the days before Edgewood High School filed suit against the city of Madison for religious discrimination, one of the school’s lawyers offered to coordinate with the city how the lawsuit would be explained to the public. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Todd Hubler
The Taco Bell Cantina effect
Former Mayor Paul Soglin said alcohol licenses are a privilege, not a right. However, Taco Bell Cantina proved you can fight city hall. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Joe Tarr
Challenging a grandmaster
There are only about 1,700 chess grandmasters in the world, including Madison’s Awonder Liang. Isthmus faces him in a match to see how good he really is. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Music Box Films
Culture clash
“Give Me Liberty,” a film made in Milwaukee, has already gained acclaim at Sundance and Cannes. It has its Madison premiere at Cinematheque Aug. 29. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Liz Lauren
Stunning transformation
“A Doll’s House” first premiered 140 years ago, but in the capable hands of the team at American Players Theatre, it is fresh and relevant — and features a stunning performance by Kelsey Brennan as Nora. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Julia Luebke
Not fully formed
Music Theatre of Madison’s “Hephaestus” revisits Greek mythology. It’s got a solid score and some excellent performers, but still feels like a work in progress. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
City of Madison
Disconnect
5G cell phone technology promises to help make the “Internet of Things” closer to reality. But many Madison residents fear unknown health impacts the networks could create. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Surround sound
Simon Joyner, a prolific songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska, brings his extensive catalog to an intimate show at Communication on Aug. 27. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
David Michael Miller
Show me the money
We have a plan! Some of the recommendations of the Madison Cultural Plan are being followed, but sometimes it seems like Karin Wolf, the city’s arts program administrator, is the only one using it. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
David Michael Miller
That fake news rot
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos decided he would buck public opinion and not make accommodations for a lawmaker with disabilities. Now that Vos has caved, he is blaming the news media for his bad press. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Lacey Olson/UW-Madison Extension
Eats events
Five-course beer dinner at Off Broadway Drafthouse, taco pop-up at Robin Room and organic agriculture field day at UW research station in Arlington, this week in events where you might be told to grow a pear. Read more
Aug 22, 2019
Isthmus Events
Madison's Favorite Concert
Madison's Favorite Concert is returning to the top of State Street on Sept. 6. New this year? We are throwing this party on a FRIDAY! Music by Pat McCurdy, Gender Confetti and Wheelhouse. FREE! Read more
Isthmus Oktobeerfest
Prost! Isthmus OktoBEERfest is back for the FIFTH year with new and favorite local breweries, food and games for this modern interpretation of the classic German-style fest. This fest is on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 from 3-7 p.m at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, Wisconsin. Read more
Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest
Happening Sat. Jan. 18, 2020. Tickets go on sale Oct. 3. Read more
Trending
Millennial magnet
Many come for the university of well-paid jobs in the health or tech sectors. Whatever their motivation, young adults are moving to Madison by the tens of thousands. Read more
Edgewood offered to “coordinate messaging” on lawsuit with mayor
In the days before Edgewood High School filed suit against the city of Madison for religious discrimination, one of the school’s lawyers offered to coordinate with the city how the lawsuit would be explained to the public. Read more
The Taco Bell Cantina effect
Former Mayor Paul Soglin said alcohol licenses are a privilege, not a right. However, Taco Bell Cantina proved you can fight city hall. Read more
The beer is back
Ooga Brewing, Beaver Dam’s first brewery since 1953, has been open for a couple of months. We check out the house taps. Read more
Peace, beer and music
The second annual Paulpalooza fundraiser memorializes Paul Natzke. The Hop Garden will feature a special red lager for the occasion. Read more
The Venardos Circus
"Broadway-style" traveling show, 8/21-9/2, West Towne Mall (near Dave & Buster's), at 6:30 pm Wednesdays-Fridays, 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30 pm on Saturdays and 12:30 & 3:30 pm Sundays, plus 2 pm on 8/30 (sensory-friendly) and noon & 3 pm, 9/2. $45-$25. Read more
Aug 25, 2019
3:30 PM
Token Creek Chamber Music Festival
30th annual concert series: "Jazz," 5 pm, 8/16-17; "Brahms," 4 pm, 8/24-25; "Music & Words," 7:30 pm, 8/28; "The Piano," 4 pm, 8/31-9/1, Token Creek Festival Barn, DeForest. $45-$32/concert. Read more
Aug 25, 2019
4:00 PM
A Doll's House
Ibsen examines an apparently happy well-to-do family, 8/10-10/6, Touchstone Theatre. Read more
Aug 25, 2019
6:00 PM
The Book of Will
Members of the Bard's acting troupe try and preserve his work for the ages -- and from plagiarists, 8/9-10/5. Read more
Aug 25, 2019
6:00 PM
