Lindsay Evans at Spanksgiving
Here is this week's critics' choice calendar. Hmong New Year Celebration
Alliant Energy Center's Exhibition Hall, 8 am-4 pm & 6-11:30 pm. Also Saturday, Nov. 30, 8 am-4 pm & 6-11:30 pm
The Southern Wisconsin Hmong Association invites you to ring in the new year with traditional performances, dancing and singing competitions, a beauty pageant, ball tossing, a flea market and, of course, food. The celebrating continues at 6 pm with the Moon Lite Band and a DJ.
Capitol Square & State Street, 9:30 am-4 pm. Also Saturday, Nov. 30, 9:30 am-4 pm
The Madison Central Business Improvement District kicks off the holiday season with trolley rides, ice-sculpting demos, kids' activities and sales of seasonal wares. Attendees score gift bags full of stocking-stuffers.
Oakwood Village University Woods Center, 1:30 pm. Also Sunday, Dec. 1, 1:30 pm
The local group of pro musicians continue their "Origination: Exploring Musical Regions of the World" series with holiday music from across the globe. Flutist Elizabeth Marshall and oboe player Jennifer Morgan will guest star in a program of folksongs, jazz compositions and classical works.
Natty Nation's Black Friday Bash
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Celebrate Africa's tremendous contributions to American and Caribbean music at the local reggae band's sixth annual Black Friday party. They'll present an empowering mix of reggae, dub and funky grooves that will remind you to be thankful for Friday nights. With DJ Trichrome.
'80s vs. '90s: Old-School Hip-Hop Edition
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
Burn off that extra helping of pumpkin pie with the Running Man, the Roger Rabbit and other throwback dance moves at this free shindig. DJs Vinnie Toma and Vilas Park Sniper will handpick music videos by the likes of Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy and LL Cool J.
Inferno, 9 pm
This retro fetish night celebrates sexy couture from the 1920s through the 1970s. Lyndsay Evans, the captivating lead singer of Sexy Ester, will helm the musical side of the evening, and the fashion portion will feature a pinup contest at midnight. With Greta Thorn and DJs Mike Carlson and Alistair Loveless.
Saturday 11.30
NOTEWORTHY: Operation Desert Storm ends, 1995.
Barnes & Noble-West Towne, noon
The award-winning author will discuss Ruby's Tale: A True Rags to Riches Story, about an unwanted pit bull that wins the hearts of many as a service dog, an actor and a radio co-host.
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra with Canadian Brass
Middleton-Cross Plains Area Performing Arts Center, 2 & 8 pm
Five horn players from Canadian Brass join the WCO for its holiday pops concert, which doubles as a 50th-anniversary celebration for Middleton this year. The program includes "Gesu Bambino," "Winter Wonderland," "Christmas Time Is Here" and "Sleigh Bells."
Brink Lounge, 7:30 pm
The funky blues and jazz outfit led by keyboardist Jimmy Voegeli is known for its outstanding improv work. With Tony Monaco.
Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm
Stoughton natives Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett return to Madison with their popular touring showcase, which focuses on weird and hilarious videos they've collected from thrift shops, dumpsters and other out-of-the-way sources. This "Best of the Midwest" show features a child's review of Disneyland that appeared on WYOU in 1992. The reviewer, now a grownup, will even be there to field questions.
Gates of Heaven, 8 pm
The ensemble performs music from the 1600s and 1700s that features instruments such as the traverso, harpsichord and viola da gamba. For this concert, the musicians head to one of Madison's most historic buildings, a gorgeous synagogue that was built in 1863 and moved to James Madison Park in 1970.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
Blending rock, funk and R&B, Broussard's bayou stew should appeal to fans of Robert Randolph & the Family Band. The artist is best known for his hit single "Home," but listen to "Lonely Night in Georgia" for a glimpse of his softer side.
Harmony Bar, 9:45 pm
This bluesy local psychedelic-rock band have had an enthusiastic following since the 1980s, and they jam like there's no tomorrow.
Sunday 12.1
NOTEWORTHY: AIDS virus officially recognized, 1981.
Community Christmas Carol Sing
Overture Hall, 7 pm
Samuel Hutchison, organist for the Madison Symphony Orchestra, leads this free, all-ages sing-along. With the help of Overture's world-class concert organ, this may well be the most glorious "Silent Night" of your vocal career.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
November becomes Movember when men grow out their facial hair to raise awareness for prostate cancer. A funk and soul dance party will celebrate those 'staches with performances by DJ Phil Money and dance-friendly funk band the Mustache. Bonus: The event is free if you're sporting fuzzy facial attire.
Monday 12.2
NOTEWORTHY: Enron files for bankruptcy, 2001.
UW Union South's Varsity Hall, 7:30 pm
The Turkish author, screenwriter and recipient of the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature is known for works of fiction and nonfiction (including his memoir, Istanbul) that revolve around issues of history, modernity, national and global identity, gender and politics, all of which should make for a lively discussion.
Tuesday 12.3
Overture Hall, 7 pm
These young vocalists are part of a relief organization that develops health and education initiatives for African kids living in poverty. They'll perform gospel tunes, traditional spirituals and beloved children's songs from their continent and beyond.
Frequency, 7 pm
Dubbed "a very Morrissey book party," this live recording of the local Arts Extract podcast celebrates the Smiths frontman's excellent new memoir. Guests include writers, comedians, radio hosts and musicians, including Null Device's Eric Oehler and WORT host Jim Ackerman.
UW Union South's Varsity Hall, 7:30 pm
The author of World War Z will present 10 lessons for surviving a zombie attack at his talk for the UW's Distinguished Lecture Series.
Wednesday 12.4
NOTEWORTHY: First Burger King opens, 1954.
Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, 7 pm
Just in time for flu season, the UW presents a lecture by Lauren Ancel Meyers, an integrative biology professor at the University of Texas at Austin who develops mathematical tools to predict the spread of infectious respiratory diseases. She also studies how viruses evolve as they make their way through human populations.
UW Vilas Hall's Hemsley Theatre, 7:30 pm. Also Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:30 pm. Through Dec. 8
University Theatre presents original performances based on Edgar Allan Poe's poetry and short stories. Though the cast will probably explore famous works such as The Raven, expect them to polish some lesser-known gems as well.
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
Come sing along to the Aussie heartthrob's 1981 hit, "Jessie's Girl," which flew up the charts around the same time he appeared on the soap opera General Hospital.
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Daptone, the record label behind soul sensations like Sharon Jones, discovered this artist when he was in his 50s. His showmanship is topnotch, and his lyrics address the many hardships he's lived through, including homelessness. (See Tour Stop.) With Caroline Smith.
Thursday 12.5
NOTEWORTHY: President James K. Polk tells Congress large amounts of gold have been discovered in California, 1848.
RAW: Artist of the Year Showcase
High Noon Saloon, 6:30 pm
The Madison chapter of RAW, an organization that helps early-career artists build a network of supporters, highlights its members' most promising films, photos, wearables and performance art. Winners go on to compete on the regional and national levels, and spectators get to flaunt their fanciest cocktail attire.
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
The country and bluegrass act list Nickel Creek and the Band among their influences. Check out "Fork in the Road" on their live EP, We'll Do It Live, for a taste of their vocal harmonies and instrumental chops. With Paper Bird.
Edited by Willi Becher
