The autumn arts season has ended, but there are still talks, shows, and live music in Madison this penultimate week before the holidays. The calendar includes: a presentation on "100 Years of Discovery from the South Pole to the Edge of the Universe" and the talk "Beyond Zuccotti Park: Why the Occupation Movement Matters" at the UW; the one-man show A John Waters Christmas; live music by G-Side and Wayne "The Train" Hancock; and, the Isthmus Band to Band Combat finals.
Monday 12.12
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Island, the newest album by this duo of Alabaman rappers, has earned accolades from Spin for its sparkling delivery and mesmerizing flow. With Dill and Gutta Foundation.
Tuesday 12.13
NOTEWORTHY: Green Bay Packers beat Boston Redskins 21-6 for NFL championship, 1936.
100 Years of Discovery from the South Pole to the Edge of the Universe
Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, 6:30 pm
Immerse yourself in Antarctic exploration with a multimedia show, presentations, and even the rare chance to get your picture taken with a sled dog.
Wednesday 12.14
NOTEWORTHY: The Clash release London Calling, 1979.
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
The writer and director of provocative cinematic delights like Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble and Hairspray presents his one-man show, A John Waters Christmas (see Comedy).
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Hancock transforms the east-side rock club into a juke joint perched on the Mason-Dixon line as he serves his signature blend of honky-tonk, western swing and blues. With Jayke Orvis.
Thursday 12.15
NOTEWORTHY: Walt Disney dies, 1966.
Beyond Zuccotti Park: Why the Occupy Movement Matters
UW Hillel, 7 pm
The UW Center for the Humanities presents this discussion of the protests that have roiled U.S. cities all fall. Isthmus news editor Judith Davidoff moderates a panel of UW professors: Robert Asen (Communication Arts), Nan Enstad (History) and Keith Woodward (Geography).
Isthmus Band to Band Combat Finals
Frequency, 9 pm
Funk, rock and genre-defying guitar worship fill the Frequency as local music-makers the Big Payback, El Valiente, Sky Road Fly, and TL;DR compete for recording time at Blast House Studios. Visit
