Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Bike to Work Week
Madison puts pedals in motion with Bike to Work Week as it eases into a new season, each night set to a soundtrack of live music that includes Pearl & the Beard, k.d. lang & the Siss Boom Bang, Sarah Jarosz, Slash with Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, Daniel and the Lion with Bello, Joe Pug, Neon Hitch, Keefe Klug, Lou and Peter Berryman, and Amy Ray.
Monday 5.14
NOTEWORTHY: Frank Sinatra dies, 1998.
Through May 18
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin throws its annual cycling lollapalooza. It's a week of special events promoting pedal power, tempting would-be riders with free goodies at bike shops and bike paths: Pearl & the Beard
Frequency, 7 pm
Amid the honking cars and squealing trains of Brooklyn, N.Y., this quirky trio of multi-instrumentalists builds harmonies with a cello, an accordion, a glockenspiel and three bell-like voices. Watch them extract beauty from an equally chaotic situation: a dark, downtown bar packed with beer cans and chatty fans.
Tuesday 5.15
NOTEWORTHY: McDonald's est., 1940.
k.d. lang & the Siss Boom Bang
Capitol Theater at Overture Center, 7:30 pm
The Grammy-winning pop and country vocalist stops by Madison with her 2011 album, Sing It Loud, which throws some folk and jazz into the mix.
Stoughton Opera House, 7:30 pm
Blessed with a clear, dark voice and remarkable chops on nearly every instrument she touches, this 20-year-old performer has been called the next Gillian Welch (see Tour Stop). With Count This Penny.
Wednesday 5.16
NOTEWORTHY: President Andrew Johnson acquitted in impeachment trial, 1868.
Slash with Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators
Orpheum Theatre, 7:30 pm
The Grammy-winning guitarist visits State Street with his latest band, which features Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy rather than Guns N' Roses howler Axl Rose. Though the set may contain a megahit like "Welcome to the Jungle" or "Sweet Child o' Mine," it's likely to focus on Slash's new release, Apocalyptic Love. With Brand New Sin and Hillbilly Herald.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Pensive folk-pop band Daniel & the Lion and Bello -- a collaborative project featuring local acoustic artists Mike Droho, Ida Jo and Scott Lamps (see Music) -- release albums and perform a selection of their newest tunes.
Frequency, 8:30 pm
Filled with sharply drawn images and poetic words, Pug's songs have earned comparisons to those of Bob Dylan and Josh Ritter. At this show he highlights his recently released sophomore album, The Great Despiser. With Bailiff and Robby Schiller.
Five, 9 pm
Growing up with Neon as a first name isn't easy, but this British-born provocateur has made it work for her. After touring Europe in a circus caravan, the trapeze artist and fire twirler zeroed in on singing and funneled her sultry gyrations into the music video for her naughty dance-pop single, "Fuck U Betta," which christens Five, formerly known as Club 5, at this grand reopening party.
Thursday 5.17
NOTEWORTHY: Massachusetts becomes first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, 2004.
Urban Outfitters, 6 pm
The local singer-songwriter swathes the State Street fashion hotspot in his signature blend of rock, soul and hip-hop as members of his band a) play backup, b) lead the cheering section or c) model the summer's new romper collection.
Olin Park, 6 pm
The accordion whiz and the singing guitarist share humor-laced folk tunes from their 32-year catalog during a free outdoor concert.
Frequency, 9 pm
As a solo act, Ray explores music that doesn't quite fit the Indigo Girls mold, including Appalachian Americana and a bit of punk rock. This concert will revolve around her new studio album, Lung of Love, which has earned a thumbs-up from American Songwriter.
