Friday 5.23
Randall Berndt/Charles Munch
Grace Chosy Gallery, through May 24
The area painters explore the connections between humans and the natural world, channeling the power of the rural Wisconsin landscape.
Madison Classic Horse Show
Alliant Energy Center Coliseum, through May 25
American saddlebreds compete for ribbons, trophies and prize money. But honestly, all they really care about is the hay.
World's Largest Brat Fest
Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center, 11 am-9 pm. Also Saturday (11 am-9 pm), Sunday (11 am-8 pm) & Monday (11 am-6 pm), May 24-26
The annual grill-o-palooza has raised $1 million for charity over the last 25 years, and Madisonians have gained about 1 million pounds in the process. But we haven't regretted a single one. This year, the fest is aiming to break its record by serving 200,000 brats over four days, so come prepared to do you part. Live music and a midway will help aid digestion.
The Nerd
Overture Center Playhouse, 7:30 pm. Also Thursday (7:30 pm), Saturday (4 & 8 pm) & Sunday (2 pm), May 22, 24 & 25
Madison Repertory Theatre presents Larry Shue's light farce about a socially challenged geek who stays -- and stays -- with his old Army buddy. The play breaks no new ground, but it's a crowd-pleaser, and the tight, likable ensemble hits all the right notes.
Multiple O
Broom Street Theater, 8 pm. Also Saturday (8 pm) & Sunday (2 pm), May 24 & 25
Adapted from the book The Ethical Slut, John Sable's erotic comedy portrays a married couple trying to create a healthy non-monogamous lifestyle.
Whatfor
High Noon Saloon, 10 pm
Songwriter Michael Sienkowski (late of Eyebeams and currently Sleeping in the Aviary's drummer) unveils his latest project, under the Whatfor moniker. Sooner Late Than Never should be gobbled up immediately by fans of melodic '60s pop-rock (think Kinks or Zombies). Along for the ride are Pale Young Gentlemen, His & Her Vanities, National Beekeepers Society and DJ Real Jaguar.
Mr. Gnome
The Annex, 10 pm
On guitar and drums, respectively, the Cleveland rock duo of Nicole Barille and Sam Meister produce a wash of sound that's a noisy accompaniment to Barille's ethereal singing. This year the pair put out their first full-length release, Deliver This Creature. With An Aesthetic Anaesthetic and Slow Gun Shogun.
Saturday 5.24
Girls and Company: Feminist Works from MMoCA's Permanent Collection
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, through July 20
This exhibition features paintings, photographs and prints from the 1960s to the 1990s. Among those challenging the sexist status quo the Guerrilla Girls, Diane Arbus, Jenny Holzer and Cindy Sherman, along with local artists Nancy Mladenoff and Frances Myers.
Brian Mazzaferri
Brink Lounge, 6:30 pm
The young Chicago singer-guitarist plays lyrically rich folk-pop from his album All Roads Lead to Roads.
The United Sons of Toil
Project Lodge, 7 pm
The noisy Madison math-rockers release their second disc in less than a year, Until Lions Have Their Historians, Tales of the Hunt Shall Always Glorify the Hunter. Also, ex-P'elvis members debut their new project, Dick the Bruiser. All ages.
Jim Schwall with Andy Ewen
Harmony Bar, 9:45 pm
The local blues-guitar heroes turn the Harmony into a down-home juke joint for the night.
Sunday 5.25
Madison Marathon
Starting at the Capitol Square between 7 and 8 am
The annual event features a full marathon, a half marathon, marathon relays, a quarter marathon, a wheelchair marathon and a kids' race. You can also just stand on the sidelines and cheer for the athletes (wimp).
Dennis Trudell and Andrea Musher
Avol's Bookstore, 2 pm
This reading features two poets familiar to local readers. Musher is the city's former poet laureate, Trudell a winner of the UW's prestigious Pollak Prize.
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
High Noon Saloon, 2 pm
The monthly life-drawing event allows artists of every skill level to sketch in a debauched cabaret-style setting, complete with drinks, contests and prizes. This month's enticing theme is "Dada of Decadence."
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Ha Ha Tonka
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 8 pm Two indie bands from Missouri power this rare intersession concert on the Terrace. Oceans open.
Monday 5.26
Langhorne Slim and the War Eagles
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
The big-voiced Langhorne, Pa. native sings an energetic mix of rock, folk and soul on his self-titled sophomore release. The Builders and the Butchers open.
