Madison has figured out how to throw impressive outdoor concerts in recent years, thanks in part to many years of neighborhood festivals. Here are four gigs to enjoy in the fresh air before the temperatures get frosty.
UW Memorial Union Terrace, Sept. 6
Consequence of Sound has called this New York group's sound "the Cure meets T. Rex... with dark keyboards" and "surf rock written by Joy Division," both of which are fine descriptions of the brooding, '80s-inspired synth-pop on the EPs Tired Hearts and You & I.
High Noon Saloon Summer Patio Series, Sept. 11
On Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., the High Noon's patio serves as an outdoor stage while visitors enjoy happy-hour specials from the bar. The music is free, and so is the sunshine. This performance stars sassy country songbird Nellie Wilson, but you can also catch blues and rock artist Kyle Henderson (Sept. 18) and the Sparetime Bluegrass Band (Sept. 25) before the series concludes.
East Side Club, Sept. 13
One of Madison's zaniest disco bands hits the East Side Club's lakeside tiki bar before it closes for the season. Toast the group's theatrics with a tropical drink as you boogie to the beat.
The Head & the Heart with Bare Mutants
Live on King Street, Sept. 19
The Majestic Theatre's free outdoor concert series wraps up with a show by fun-loving folk band the Head & the Heart, noise-pop group Bare Mutants, Americana act Count This Penny and DJ Nick Nice. The farewell to summer continues inside the venue with a performance by veteran soul band Lee Fields & the Expressions.
