Music
Women rock!
Her turn: Jane Burns provides a lively roundup of some of 2019’s best female music memoirs: from Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Liz Phair, Tegan and Sara Quin, and Amy Rigby. Read more
Singing through the centuries
Like today’s trendy “beer choirs,” Madison’s Männerchor celebrates community with social gatherings combined with song. And it’s been doing it since 1852. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Dec. 12-19
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
Pop poetry
Laundry, a foursome of childhood friends fronted by vocalist Sam Lyons, has created a second album full of poetry, heartbreak and a lot of plain fun. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Dec. 5-12
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
Ghostly soundscape
Oakwood Chamber Players create a special soundscape in “The Passion of Scrooge.” It features the voice talent of Robert A. Goderich. Read more
Getting discovered
Hip-hop artist Alexander Kain has connected with fans and gigs by utilizing the new streaming and social media app LÜM. Read more
Cats on leashes
Madison’s Cats On Leashes revives the sound of ’90s grunge and riot grrl music. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Nov. 27-Dec. 5
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
More cowbell?
A lot of folks have some form of musical expression in them, just waiting for an open channel. Here are some ideas of gifts for wannabe musicians and music lovers. Read more
Living the blues
Young bluesman Marcus King learns how to take care of his mental health while touring the country at a breakneck pace. Read more
The chicken dancer gets (a little) serious
John Duggleby, author and musician, releases an album that’s both whimsical and serious, and appropriate for all ages. Read more
Funk world
Local funksters steez release a confident and danceable fifth album, “Last Night.” The tunes are accessible, and allow all five talented members to shine. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Nov. 21-27
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
Pipe dreams
University Opera’s wildly entertaining production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” sets the frothy comedy in Andy Warhol’s Factory. Read more
Isthmus Picks Playlist: Nov. 14-21
Listen to a curated list of tracks from artists playing shows in Madison this week. Read more
“Complexity and groove”
Wurk, a jazz-funk-fusion band originating in Mount Horeb, marks an award-filled year with a musically engaging first full-length album. Read more
Joyce Yang triumphs with Prokofiev
The program lacks a throughline, but this weekend’s Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts feature a luminous piano performance by Joyce Yang. Read more
Modern friction
Nester makes the kind of experimental rock that would be right at home in a David Lynch film. The band releases its third album on Nov. 9. Read more
End of an era
Less than a year after rebranding, Prism Dance Club owner announces the Willy Street venue is closing its doors. Read more