Enjoy a compilation of selected tracks by artists playing shows we're excited about in Madison during the week of Dec. 8-15, 2016. For more information on these shows, read on under the Spotify playlist!
The Floozies, Thursday, Dec. 8, Majestic Theatre, 9 pm: Formed in Lawrence, Kansas, that oasis of blue in an otherwise red sea, the Floozies were always destined to be a bit different. Brothers Mark and Matt Hill embrace their destiny, creating music that’s a melting pot of jazz, funk and electronica, all centered around a high-energy live show that’s seen them share stages with Umphrey’s McGee, STS9 and Big Gigantic, as well as playing pretty much every festival under the sun. With ProbCause, DJ Phil Money. ALSO: Friday, Dec. 9, 9 pm (sold out).
Tribute to Otis Redding, Thursday, Dec. 8, High Noon Saloon, 8 pm: Otis Redding may be a Georgia native, but when he met his fate in the icy waters of Lake Monona in 1967, the legendary soul singer became inextricably tied to Madison. So it makes sense that Hive has chosen Otis as the subject of its next dance party. A live band will play two sets, featuring both originals and covers Redding played during his career. Mod and Motown attire is encouraged, and dancing is mandatory.
Kyle Landstra, Thursday, Dec. 8, Gates of Heaven, 7 pm: Chicago synthesizer wizard Kyle Landstra will headline December’s installment of Tone Madison’s fantastic GateSound concert series, which brings boundary-pushing musicians to perform in the beautiful 153-year old Gates of Heaven synagogue in James Madison Park. As these GateSound concerts tend to do, expect this performance to lean into transcendence. Madison’s Page Campbell opens.
Sklar Brothers, Thursday, Dec. 8, Comedy Club on State, 8:30 pm: This twin standup duo always manages to sell out quickly, and with good reason. Their delivery is some of the quickest and most vocally layered, story-driven humor on the market today. Having two voices provides twice the laughs! If you haven’t heard their sports commentary or their sports podcast (Sklarbro Country), get ready for their hot takes on sports and families. They might make fun of the Packers, but don’t worry, they do actually know their stuff. Their Saturday matinee performance will be a podcast taping. With Daniel Van Kirk, David Sitrick. ALSO: Friday (8 & 10:30 pm) and Saturday (5:30, 8 & 10:30 pm), Dec. 9-10.
GGOOLLDD, Friday, Dec. 9, Frequency, 7 pm: Milwaukee electro-pop auteurs GGOOLLDD return to Madison to bring their infectious hooks to the Frequency. GGOOLLDD have been rightfully gaining buzz and taking wider and wider steps out of the Midwest as their success has grown. The show promises to be an energetic night of raw rock and slick pop, and a lot of fun. Cold nights are here — don’t miss this chance to hit the dance floor and heat things up. With fellow Milwaukeeans and raucous glam-rockers Tigernite.
Wintersong, Saturday, Dec. 10, Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm: With humble beginnings as a small holiday concert in 2012, the annual Wintersong acoustic holiday show has grown each year while retaining its intimate feel and community-driven spirit. As in years prior, all proceeds from the evening will benefit the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. Nourishment for the soul will be provided by this year’s lineup of Madison indie-folk all-stars, which includes Wintersong organizer Anna Vogelzang, Lost Lakes, Love High, Seasaw, Faux Fawn, PHOX’s Monica Martin, the Backroom Harmony Band and a host of special guests.
The Special Consensus, Sunday, Dec. 11, Brink Lounge, 7 pm: Four decades of tradition and innovation visit the Brink Lounge Sunday evening when the Special Consensus takes the stage. Led by co-founder/banjo player Greg Cahill, the band is at the forefront of bringing bluegrass to new settings and audiences (such as concerts with a symphony orchestra). The Krause Family Band opens this Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association concert.
Trapo, Sunday, Dec. 11, Majestic Theatre, 8 pm: If you haven’t been keeping up with the buzz around 18-year-old Madison rapper/singer Trapo, you might be surprised to hear that he’s already headlining one of the bigger venues in town. To those who have already heard his critically acclaimed debut album Shade Trees, which he and a live band will be performing in full, headliner status just seems logical for this rising star. With CRASHprez, Max Wonders, Ra’Shaun, and Trebino.
Joe Marcinek Band, Wednesday, Dec. 14, High Noon Saloon, 9 pm: Indiana isn’t generally thought of as a hotbed of funk, but the Joe Marcinek Band might just help the Hoosier State redefine itself. The group, which plays a high-energy combination of improvised jazz and funk, has an ever-changing lineup that has included everyone from the late P-Funk and Talking Heads keyboardist Bernie Worrell to members of the String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee and Yonder Mountain String Band. With Better Yeti.
Helmet, Thursday, Dec. 15, High Noon Saloon, 8 pm: Formed while bandleader Page Hamilton was studying jazz guitar at the Manhattan School of Music, Helmet has always been one of heavy music’s more unpredictable, experimental groups. Now the “Unsung” rockers are hot off the release of Dead to the World, their first album in six years, and it sounds like they were never gone in the first place. With Chicago hard-rock heroes Local H.
Find all of his week's Isthmus Picks here.
