Music
Meeting Mendelssohn
Madison Symphony Orchestra delivers an excellent multimedia exploration of Felix Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony. Read more
Chris Lotten
All grown up
Weaving together elements of doom, post-punk, glam and psych-rock, longtime Madison band Vanishing Kids continues to evolve and create after nearly 20 years. Their album, “Heavy Dreamer,” is their most ambitious — and most meaningful — project yet. Read more
Music Appreciation 101
Madison Symphony Orchestra explores the life and work of Felix Mendelssohn in a special “Beyond the Score” production featuring actors from American Players Theatre. Read more
Brave new jazz
Betsy Ezell conquered self-doubt, started writing music at age 35 and broke into the Madison jazz scene. Now vocalist and bandleader of the Betsy Ezell Quintet, she celebrates the release of her debut album Jan. 25 at North Street Cabaret. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Jan. 17-24
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
An omnivore's delight
The time has come for a 2018 concert roundup from former Isthmus editor Marc Eisen, whose eclectic musical tastes span from opera to experimental jazz — stopping everywhere in between. Read more
Isthmus Live Sessions: Raye Zaragoza
Powerful voice. Powerful song. Watch singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza perform "American Dream" at an intimate Isthmus Live Session at our office in downtown Madison. Read more
Breaking into the biz
Launched in 2017 with the goal of supporting live music while raising money for charity, Music Makes A Difference has gone from small gigs to selling out the Majestic. Read more
Moving on
Max Rammer had a diving accident in 2017 that left his arms and legs paralyzed. Despite obstacles, he released an eight-track EP just a little over a year later. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Jan. 10-17
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
Jon Hain
The original
Known for his inimitable guitar style and unpredictable songs, Bucky Pope is doing some of the best songwriting of his life with Negative Example. Read more
Scotify Studios
On the upswing
Hard-working and talented, Madison indie-rock darlings Disq are finally getting some love from record labels and national attention. And they’re learning the ups and downs of the music industry. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Jan. 3-10
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
Bob Koch
Vinyl Cave: Dollar bin diving with George Russell, Pete Candoli, Brothers Four, Marty Marsala Band, Random, Top-Notchmen
It’s tougher to find gems in local bargain bins these days, but if you happen to arrive right about when the records go out some fun and out-there rarities can still be picked up for a song. Read more
Ringing it in
From the much anticipated opening of The Crucible, the final Goodman show for Lou and Peter Berryman, to a wizard-themed Crystal Corner ball, to a roaring ‘20s party at The Sylvee, the final hours of 2018 are going to be off the charts. Read more
Playhouse for the peculiar
Since the Inferno closed in 2015, aficionados of the alternative arts have been spread out at one-off events throughout the city. Crucible wants to bring them under one roof. Read more
Language of love
Former Madisonian and jazz saxophonist Alex Franzen celebrates the release of his debut album Dec. 22 at Communication. It’s also his engagement party. And yes, the two things are related. Read more
Lisa Marie Mazzucco
A landmark year
Madison’s top-notch classical ensembles continued to deliver surprises and landmark performances in 2018, writes classical critic John W. Barker. Read more
I’m not crying, you’re crying
In the darkness of 2018, music is the light at the end of the tunnel. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Dec. 20-31
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
