Opera House Brochure 2012-2013

2012 13 Arts & Culture Guide

Performance Schedule Inside

Judy Collins October 11, 2012

There’s Always Something Entertaining in Stoughton.

Call Stoughton Visitor Services for your FREE Visitor Guide.

stoughtonwi.com • 888-873-7912

12 13 Event Calendar DATE

TIME

ARTIST

DATE

TIME

Greg Brown

September 15

7:30 PM

6

Tom Paxton

January 25

7:30 PM

18

David Mayfield Parade

September 22

7:30 PM

6

The People Brothers Band

February 1

7:30 PM

18

Kathy Mattea

September 23

7:30 PM

7

February 2

3:00 PM

18

Ricky Skaggs

September 27

7:30 PM

7

All That Jazz Big Band presents The Big Band Road Trip

“Spider” John Koerner

September 28

7:30 PM

7

Author Michael Perry—A Clodhopper Shoots the Breeze

February 7

7:30 PM

19

Ole & Lena’s Wedding by Change of Pace Productions

September 29

3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

8

Randy Sabien & The Fiddlehead Band

February 9

7:30 PM

19

Michael Hecht-What I Learned from Sherlock Holmes

October 3

1:00 PM

8

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

February 17

7:30 PM

19 19

October 5

7:30 PM

8

February 19 & February 20

6:30 PM

Junior Brown

Alice in Wonderland Jr. presented by Fox Prairie Elementary

Peter Yarrow—of Peter, Paul & Mary

October 6

7:30 PM

9

Eilen Jewell

February 22

7:30 PM

20

Lou & Peter Berryman

February 23

7:30 PM

20

Ancora String Quartet

February 24

4:00 PM

20

Moonhouse

March 1

7:30 PM

20

Riders in the Sky

March 2

7:30 PM

22

Redhorse—Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka & Lucy Kaplansky

March 7

7:30 PM

22

The Quebe Sisters Band

March 9

7:30 PM

22

Janis Ian

March 13

7:30 PM

23

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks

March 15

7:30 PM

24

Peter Rowan (Solo)

March 16

7:30 PM

24

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

March 21

7:30 PM

24

Karla Bonoff

March 23

7:30 PM

25

Iris Dement

April 5

7:30 PM

26

A Dolls House presented by The Commonweal Theatre

April 6

7:30 PM

26

Opera for the Young presents Cinderella

April 7

1:30 PM

26

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

April 11

7:30 PM

27

Basia Bulat

April 12

7:30 PM

27

The Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band

April 13

7:30 PM

28

Maggie Mae & Heartland Country Band

April 18

3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

28

Del McCoury Band

April 19

7:30 PM

28

Carolina Chocolate Drops

April 27

7:30 PM

28

Sergei Belkin

April 28

4:00 PM

29

Gary Louris of the Jayhawks Judy Collins Molly and Jack Tuttle

October 7 October 11 October 13

7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Page

9 9 10

The Amazing Acro-Cats

October 14

1:00 PM & 4:00 PM

10

Frank Fairfield

October 19

7:30 PM

10

Ruth Moody Band—of the Wailin’ Jennys

October 20

7:30 PM

11

Drakula: The Performance

October 26 & 27

7:30 PM

11

Atlantic Harp Duo

October 28

4:00 PM

12

Count This Penny, Whitney Mann opens

November 2

7:30 PM

12

Jorma Kaukonen

November 3

7:30 PM

2013

2012

ARTIST

12

Charlie Hunter

November 4

7:30 PM

13

Cheryl Wheeler

November 9

7:30 PM

13

The Be Good Tanya’s

November 10

7:30 PM

13

Aimee Mann

November 16

7:30 PM

14

PlayTime Productions

Nov/Dec

TBA

14

Stoughton Chamber Singers: Victorian Holiday Concert

December 2

2:00 PM

15

Page

Branson on the Road— Christmas Style!

December 6

3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

15

Cherish the Ladies— Celtic Christmas

December 7

7:30 PM

16

Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three

December 8

7:30 PM

16

Stoughton Festival Choir & City Band Christmas Concert

December 9

4:00 PM

16

PlayTime Productions

April/May

Details TBA

30

May 1

1:00 PM

30

George Winston—Holiday Concert

December 18

17

Michael Hecht—What I Learned from James Baldwin Tony Rice Unit

May 3

7:30 PM

30

St. Anns School Drama Department

May 10 May 11

7:00 PM 1:30 PM

30

Chris Smither

May 11

7:30 PM

30

The Kruger Brothers

May 23

7:30 PM

31

Stoughton Chamber Singers: Music & the Human Experience

June 7

7:00 PM

31

Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society

June 14 & 28

7:30 PM

31

7:30 PM

Online Ticketing Available!

Buying your tickets is now easier and faster! Just go to www.stoughtonoperahouse.com to purchase online.

As always you can still purchase via mail or at the box office.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter so you received all performer news and show updates.

Sponsors:

Become our fan on Facebook— Keep up with all the latest Opera House News!

The Stoughton Arts & Culture Guide is designed and produced by Grote Publishing.

For information on sponsorships and advertising call 608-877-4400.

Opera House Policies: Page 36

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

3

Reflections

Photo credit Christopher Gruhl

More than a century of songs and stories remain vibrant and alive within the Opera House. We are truly indebted to those who came before us for their foresight in preserving this treasure-trove of dreams.

We are privileged to have the opportunity to gather in the Opera House with friends from near and far and share in so many wonderful moments. Each season we search for an interesting mix of performers to entertain and enlighten our audiences. We know that you and the performers find that the warmth and excellent acoustics of the Opera House are just part of the reason so many of you return year after year.

We also thank our sponsors, volunteers and all the Friends of the Opera House. Without the support of our many friends, the continued health and success of the theater would simply not be possible. As Bob Dylan wrote, “I’ll let you be in my dream if I can be in yours.”

See you at the show!

William Brehm, Christina Dollhausen,

Director Event Coordinator

We’d like to dedicate the 12-13 performance season to Judy Vondran (passed Feb 2011) and Danny O’Sullivan (passed July 2012).

They were Opera House supporters and volunteers of the highest order.

The Opera House would not be where it is today if it weren’t for them.

Judy Vondran, wife of dedicated restoration coordinator John, spent countless hours with her husband refurbishing the opera house. Behind every good man is a great woman. Judy is dearly missed.

Danny O’Sullivan served on the Opera House board and volunteered for many years. He had wonderful taste in music and a deep love for the Opera House. At the end of every email we received from him said: “You don’t quit playing because you grow old, You grow old because you quit playing!” Great advice from a great person.

Kid-Friendly Events

When you see this hand symbol next to a show, the kid in your life—or the kid inside you—won’t want to miss it! Free admission for lap sitters (age 3 and under).

All Aboard!

Follow the Bus Icon...

Enjoy Waterfront Dining, Drinking & Fun!

Daily Specials Lunch 11am • Dinner 5pm • Sunday Breakfast 8:30am-11:30am Banquet & Party Facilities Available.

3097 Sunnyside Street, Stoughton • (608) 205-9300 www.springersonthelake.com 4

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Bring your group: Everything from bank bus groups, to Red-Hatters, to senior groups, to mystery tours, to field trips, to alumni gatherings. We are committed to providing you with engaging entertainment to make your trips to the Stoughton Opera House unforgettable experiences. All SOH events are able to accommodate groups.

As a group you’ll enjoy: Best seats available.

Ticket discounts for groups of eight or more and free, convenient bus parking.

Book your group: Contact Event Coordinator Christina Dollhausen at (608) 646-0019 or email her at cdollhausen@ci.stoughton.wi.us.

Quality Inn & Suites provides full-service amenities including: • • • • • • •

Free Hot, Fresh and Healthy Breakfast Free Local Calls Free WIFI in rooms Free Premium Cable with HBO, CNN, ESPN Indoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub In-Room Coffee, Hair Dryers, and Full size Ironing Boards Large Work Desk and Shower With Massage Shower Head

(608) 877-9000 660 Nygaard Street Stoughton, WI 53589 www.choicehotels.com

Ask about Birthday/Family Gathering Packages

More Than You Expect At Great Value!

Top 10 reasons to shop Yahara River Grocery Co-op 1. High quality, whole foods including fresh produce, meat and dairy 2. Focus on locally grown and organic 3. Full grocery line 4. Complete refrigerated and frozen sections 5. Broad selection of bulk goods, herbs and spices 6. Wisconsin craft beer and wine 7. Wellness products including body care and nutritional supplements 8. Friendly service that makes you want to come back 9. In-house bakery and deli items made fresh daily 10. Catering for parties and events

Everyone welcome!

You don’t have to be a member to shop, but if you do become one, you’re entitled to special sales and deep discounts on case orders as well as joining other members of the community in helping to sustain a locally-owned business.

Shop local, support local.

229 E. Main St. • Stoughton, WI 608-877-0947 • www.yaharagrocery.coop MON – FRI 9 AM to 7 PM SAT 9 AM to 6 PM SUN 11 AM to 5 PM

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

5

Stoughton Opera House: 2012 2013 Season Your Seat is Waiting . . .

Fall Season 2012

“...a dynamic combination of music and comedy worthy of a traveling vaudeville act” –The Boston Globe

Greg Brown

Sat, Sept 15 • 7:30 pm Singing about realized and lost dreams, relationships and friendships of all shades, life’s struggles and rewards, the sun, moon, earth, stars and seemingly everything in between, Greg Brown is one of the leading contemporary folk artists of the American Midwest. Known for his low, thundering baritone and smooth, poetic lyrics that knock you silly, Brown is a genius songwriter, and his music seems to satisfy some deep primal need we all have to feel satisfied and fulfilled inside, even though we may not know what we are looking for.

His songs have been covered by Carlos Santana, Willie Nelson, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Over the course of a five decade career which includes recording over two dozen albums, co-founding the influential indie roots label Red House, two Grammy nominations and being the former musical director for Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion radio program, you can expect Greg to do what he does best live in concert; conjuring up a time, place and feel so real we can all drop by for a rest. gregbrownmusic.org

6

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

David Mayfield Parade Sat, Sept 22 • 7:30 pm

Grammy-nominated musician and producer David Mayfield is a force of nature on stage. He is a character in the absolute best sense of the word.

Energetic beyond belief, sassy, spunky, and endearing, he connects with a crowd in a way most artists only dream of. He throws himself around the stage springing into four-foot jumps, handstands, somersaults, and bizarre contortions that boggle the mind. All the while he delivers beautifully constructed songs of heartbreak, love, and hope.

Mayfield’s out and out enthusiasm for performing music are evident at every show whether it’s with Cadillac Sky, The Avett Brothers, Jessica Lea Mayfield, and now his own band, The David Mayfield Parade. Mayfield’s songwriting “feels as classic as {his}…wardrobe” says Paste Magazine and Southwest Airlines’ Spirit Magazine named The David Mayfield Parade one of the Top 40 Artists To Watch. His forthcoming album “The David Mayfield Parade” is an extension of his irrepressible energy and abundant love for the music that has inspired him over his young lifetime. Mayfield says while making the album with the Parade in his hometown of Kent, Ohio, he drew inspiration from his musical heroes Buddy Holly, Harry Nilsson, and Randy Newman and the albums he grew up listening to, Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and Melanie’s “Gather Me.” Mayfield’s ability to connect with audiences from performances at Bonnaroo and MerleFest, to NPR’s Mountain Stage and The Grand Ole Opry, have earned him the reputation of being the kind of extraordinary artist who goes beyond trend and simply delivers genuinely essential music. The David Mayfield Parade is the real deal; Trust us, they will put on a show to be remembered. thedavidmayfieldparade.com

Kathy Mattea Calling Me Home

Sun, Sept 23 • 7:30 pm APPALACHIAN: of a wild and beautiful mountain land, a genre of distinctly American music, and for many, the deep roots of family. For Kathy Mattea, it also represents an essential piece of her musical education and heritage. Kathy’s 2012 album release is a collection of songs that celebrates the Appalachian culture of her native West Virginia. To quote Kathy herself, “This album is about home.”

Kathy has gathered songs and stories of bravery, pride and grief that further define and describe the life and times of her home place. 2008’s Grammy nominated “COAL” was her first step to discovering this vast and rich genre of music that producer Marty Stuart allowed was “in her blood”, taking her back to the lore of family stories and to her place and her people.

Kathy’s concerts present her new and most recent material alongside her Top 20 radio hits: from the signature ballad “Where’ve You Been?” to the bluesy “455 Rocket” to the iconic “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”. Long known as an impeccable songcatcher, her 17 albums are woven through with bluegrass, gospel, and Celtic influences, and have garnered multiple CMA, ACM, and Grammy Awards. Come Join this beloved artist on a musical journey through Appalachia and it’s amazing musical heritage. mattea.com

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Thurs, Sept 27 • 730 pm

—A life full of music. That’s the story of Ricky Skaggs. It all started in Cordell, Kentucky when he received his first mandolin at the age of five after his father, Hobert, heard him harmonizing with his mother from across the house.

Two weeks after teaching him the G, C and D chords, Hobert returned from work to see his young son making chord changes and singing along. He soon earned a reputation among the locals in his community. When the legendary Bill Monroe came to a nearby town for a performance, the crowd wouldn’t let up until “Little Ricky Skaggs” got up to play. The father of bluegrass called Ricky up and placed his own mandolin around his neck, adjusting the strap to fit his small frame. No one could have imagined what a defining moment that would be in the life of the young prodigy. By age seven, Skaggs had made his Grand Ole Opry debut and performed with bluegrass legends Flatt & Scruggs on their popular syndicated television show, for which he earned his first paycheck for a musical performance.

By age 21, he was already considered a “recognized master” of one of America’s most demanding art forms, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact.

2012 marks the 53rd year since Ricky struck his first chords on a mandolin, and this 14 time Grammy Award winner continues to do his part to lead the recent roots revival in music. With 12 consecutive Grammy-nominated classics behind him, the diverse and masterful tones made by the gifted Skaggs come from a life dedicated to playing music that is both fed by the soul and felt by the heart. rickyskaggs.com

“Mattea remains one of Nashville’s most spiritual singers, and the songs she sings about love lost and humility are as fine as any she has recorded.”

–Brian Mansfield USA TODAY

“Spider” John Koerner Fri, Sept 28 • 7:30 pm

“Spider” John Koerner hit the folk-blues scene in 1963, together with his partners, Dave Ray and Tony Glover. Koerner, Ray and Glover (as the band was called) stormed out of the Midwest and set the country on its ear with their rambunctious, freewheeling take on the blues tradition. Koerner was an early influence on Bob Dylan and is mentioned in his autobiography Chronicles.

Of that time period, Koerner later said, “We were all goofy, you know. We were thinkers and drinkers and artists and players, and Dylan was one of us. He was another guy.”

Almost 50 years later, Spider John has risen to cult folk hero status and remains one of the most quirky and original performers on the American scene. After a brief retirement from music, he came back as a traditional folksinger, performing old chestnuts like “Shenandoah” and “Careless Love,” but reshaping them into unique, personal statements that remain true to the tradition and yet have a funky, rhythmic drive that is Spider John Koerner’s alone. To someone witnessing Koerner live for the first time, you will suddenly understand the magic of a man whose praises have been sung by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and John Lennon. mwtnet/~koerner/

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

7

Junior Brown

Fri, Oct 5 • 7:30 pm

Ole & Lena’s Wedding

by Change of Pace Productions Sat, Sept 29 • TWO SHOWS! 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm OFF DA! The butt of classic Scandihoovian joke springs to life in a stage comedy by Change of Pace Productions, a talented traveling acting troupe from Duluth, Minnesota.

You are cordially invited to the marriage ceremony of Ole Olafsson Jr. and Lena Handspringinnen. At the center of the action is Ole Olafsson Jr., the overly nervous and easily bossed groom, and Lena Handspringinnen, the overly worried and perfection-seeking bride.

A well-meaning but befuddled Lutheran pastor presides over the ceremony in which Lena shares her emotional vows - vows that, of course, make the stolid Ole a tad uncomfortable. Meanwhile, accordion-playing Pantsloff is not quite willing to let go of the torch he bears for Lena. Throughout it all, the audience becomes wedding guests enjoying a photo montage of the bride and groom growing up and receiving a nametag identifying them as a friend or family member of the bride or groom. You might want to change into your good clothes. Whatever. changeofpaceproductions.com

Michael Hecht What I learned from Sherlock Holmes

Wed, Oct 3 • 1:00 pm Local visual and literary artist Michael Hecht explores the times and artistic influences that gave birth to the great detective. Hecht’s personal view is expressed through the writings of Poe, Darwin, Wilde and great events including Krackatoa to the Oxford Dictionary. Visual pieces and music will also be utilized to tell this story.

8

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

If you haven’t seen Junior Brown yet, you need to “guit with it”! Junior Brown is a one-man musical hot fusion machine, and he’s coming to town with his guit-steel, a unique hybrid contraption that’s part electric guitar and part country steel guitar.

People call him a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Ernest Tubb. But there’s a lot more to say about Junior Brown. There’s the fact that he’s just about the best surf guitarist around, for example. Or that he’s a wonderful composer of traditional country songs, the kind in which each outrageous pun leads you deeper into an emotional blind alley. Or that “My Wife Thinks You’re Dead” is one of the funniest songs in existence. Come check out the performer voted #1 House Rocker by the readers of Guitar Player!

He’s a little bit country, a little bit western, a little bit rock and roll, a little bit blues, a little bit surf.... In a live show, you never are quite sure what he’ll be throwing your way. One thing is for certain, you will definitely be amazed. juniorbrown.com

Gary Louris of the Jayhawks Sun, Oct 7 • 7:30 pm

Peter Yarrow

of Peter Paul & Mary

Over the last three decades, singer, songwriter and guitarist Gary Louris has built a deeply compelling body of music whose artistry and integrity has won the loyalty of an international audience and the respect of both critics and his peers. Best known for his seminal work with The Jayhawks and as a member of alt-supergroup Golden Smog (which have included fellow Jayhawk Marc Perlman, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy from Soul Asylum, and Chris Mars of The Replacements), Louris is one of the most acclaimed and popular musicians to come out of Minnesota during the rock era.

After moving to Minneapolis from Ohio during the heyday of the Minnesota punk revolution in the late 1970s, Louris first received widespread notice with roots rockers Safety Last before cofounding the Jayhawks in 1985. Over the course of almost twenty years and seven albums, The Jayhawks rose from local favorites to international prominence, amassing a reputation as one of the most important -- and best -- American bands of the time.

Gary’s songs are straight from his heart to yours. There’s a timeless quality that crosses eerily and effortlessly from the 70s right into today. Something about his voice and his unique chord progressions that grabs you where it matters most and once you’ve heard this him live in concert, you’ll never forget it. garylourismusic.com

Sat, Oct 6 • 7:30 pm From hospice to homelessness, from nurturing new songwriters to children’s education, Peter Yarrow’s talents as a creative artist - both with Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer - are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs Peter, Paul & Mary have recorded, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “The Great Mandala.” Peter will be singing all his hit songs, including “Blowing in the Wind” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, and encourages everybody to sing along with him.

As a member of the renowned musical trio, he has earned many gold and platinum albums, has been awarded numerous Grammys, and nominated for several more. More important to Peter, however, is the acknowledgment of the central role that he and his partners have played in bringing the folk renaissance of the 1960s to the hearts and homes of the American public. With a career spanning more than four decades, Peter Yarrow places the success he’s had within a greater context, seeing his accomplishments as part of a tradition, to be credited and carried on. tamulevich.com - for Peter Yarrow

Judy Collins

Thurs, Oct 11 • 7:30 pm Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 50 years. Well-known for interpreting the songs of fellow artists such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton, she was also instrumental in bringing other singer-songwriters to a wider audience including poet/musician Leonard Cohen – and musicians Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman.

Noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” on her 1967 album, Wildflowers and winning Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards for her version of “Send in the Clowns,” her crystal clear voice and the depth of feeling she brings to each song comes only from a life truly lived.

At 13, Judy Collins made her public debut performing Mozart’s “Concerto for Two Pianos” but it was the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked Judy Collins’ love of lyrics.

Few performers seem as truly comfortable on stage, or can make an audience feel as comfortable, as the legendary Judy Collins does. That haunting, warm and very human voice of hers, which helped bring so many legends-to-be into the public consciousness in the 1960s, has suffered very little wear and tear. She can take an audience on a journey filled with musical and spoken reminiscences of her best-known years. The woman who inspired Steven Stills song ‘Suite Judy Blue Eyes’ is a modern day Renaissance woman who continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart. judycollins.com Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

9

Molly & Jack Tuttle Sat, Oct 13 • 7:30 pm

Molly & Jack Tuttle are an award-winning fatherdaughter duet from the San Francisco Bay Area. Their mastery of guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin dazzles, and their vocal blend delights the senses as they bring audiences a unique blend of American roots, folk, and original music.

Molly is virtuoso guitarist and banjo player, as well as a moving singer and songwriter. She writes songs like a poet with an old soul, but brings a youthful freshness.

Molly is receiving national acclaim for her songwriting and recently won the prestigious MerleFest Chris Austen songwriting competition for her song Walden, based on Thoreau’s book by the same name. Her acoustic guitar playing has astonished even the most seasoned listeners for its creative and technical brilliance. On banjo, Molly switches from bluegrass to old-time styles with remarkable facility. Though just nineteen years old, Molly has recorded two CDs, the first when she was thirteen, and she has performed at major venues and music festivals across the U.S. Jack is multi-instrumentalist/vocalist and provides the perfect musical compliment to Molly, whether playing high speed bluegrass or contemporary originals. A mainstay of the Bay Area bluegrass scene for thirty years, he has taught thousand of students to play fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo in Palo Alto, California. Jack was honored to receive the California Bluegrass Association’s Lifetime Achievement award.

We encourage you to check out Molly & Jack Tuttle’s music and this exceptional concert on their upward swing to stardom. mollytuttle.net

The Amazing Acro-Cats

Sun, Oct 14 TWO SHOWS! 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Back by popular demand! It’s a CATastrophic PAWSativly MEOWraculous CATtacular! Join us for a very special afternoon as we celebrate the worlds cutest cuddliest creatures with a command performance by the world famous Acro-Cats from Chicago. That’s right, a live kitty circus that also doubles as a feline rock band!

In showbiz, people often describe production as “herding cats” — and the amazing trainers of the amazing Acro-Cats are literally doing that and so much more. Under the careful direction of master trainer Samantha Martin, the performance offers a unique blend of spectacle, entertainment, education and public awareness. As a pioneering feline behavioral expert, Martin has devoted her life to animal welfare and public education helping people better understand their animal counterparts.

You’ll be stunned and awed while you watch the one-of-a-kind troupe’s perform their remarkable feats of agility (remarkable because they’re …you know…house cats) pushing carts, riding skateboards, rolling barrels, ringing bells, turning on lights, walking tight ropes, jumping through hoops, and much more!

It is a PURR-fect show for the whole family and it is not to be missed! *Lap-sitters, 3 yrs old and under are free circuscats.com/

10

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Frank Fairfield Fri, Oct 19 • 7:30 pm

We suspect he’s a time traveler, and NPR calls him a “One-Man Folk Revival”, in any case, he’s a tremendous musician with a wealth of knowledge about old time music and a raw intensity and spellbinding technique that will make your hairs stand on end.

Frank Fairfield emulates the ideal of authenticity. A world-class fiddle player, banjo picker, old-timey songwriter and ardent 78 collector, he is the poster child of America’s “good ol boy”. At 26 years of age and with no apparent social inhibitions, he is the sort of character that appears to have been born and raised during the great depression, a ghost of past America come back to spread the music and tales of times past.

Frank Fairfield is no fly-by-night snake oil salesmen, he is the real deal. He lives and breathes traditional music of the United States and beyond, and it’s painfully obvious when you see him live. Hairs bursting from his violin bow, sweat dripping down his forehead, mouth snarling into a grimace, Frank Fairfield pays tribute to the old songs he loves by making them visceral. The German philosopher Walter Benjamin once wrote, “To articulate the past historically does not mean to recognize it ‘the way it really was.’ It means to seize hold of a memory as it flashes up at a moment of danger.”

Fairfield can bring the danger of the past alive, like a lost time traveler with a fiddle, a banjo and a Myspace page. frankfairfield.bandcamp.com

Ruth Moody Band

of the Wailin’ Jennys

CELEBRATING ITS FORTIETH YEAR

Stoughton Village Players ANNOUNCES ITS FABULOUS 2012-2013 SEASON October 2012 The Tony Award Winning Comedy

THURBER CARNIVAL

Sat, Oct 20 • 7:30 pm Ruth Moody is an awardwinning songwriter and founding member of the internationally renowned trio The Wailin’ Jennys. Ruth has played sold out venues around the world, made numerous critically-acclaimed albums, and has appeared more than a dozen times on the national radio show A Prairie Home Companion. Although best known for her work with The Wailin’ Jennys, Ruth has emerged with exceptional depth and grace as a solo artist, praised for her ethereal vocals, impressive multi-instrumentalism (guitar, banjo, accordion, piano and bodhrán) and her talent as a masterful songwriter. Australian born but raised in Manitoba, her latest solo release The Garden is a continuing reflection of the landscapes in which she grew up, with its rootsy, bluegrass infused melodies of love and loss. Written with a maturity and wisdom that belies her age, her songs are timeless, universal, and exceptionally well-crafted, all sung with an intimacy and honesty that is unmistakably hers. The Garden, produced

by David Travers-Smith, was nominated for a Juno Award, a Western Canadian Music Award and three Canadian Folk Music Awards, and its title track was the fourth most played song of 2010 on North American Folk Radio. The album also features an all-star gathering of talent including Kevin Briet, Luke Doucet, bluegrass outfit Crooked Still, and a guest appearance by The Wailin’ Jennys.

Back for her forth appearance (twice with the Wailin’ Jenny’s and now twice with her Band) we simply can not wait for her music to encompass the Opera House once again. ruthmoody.com

Drakula: The Performance

March 2013

The Musical Comedy Hit Stoughton Village Players Theater 255 East Main, Stoughton WI 53589

For more information on: Show dates; Buying tickets; Auditions; Membership; and More, see our web site at:

StoughtonVillagePlayers.org

May 2013

An Original Comedy For:

Syttende Mai

“…here to make life a lilttle sweeter.”

Bakery • Deli • Retail • Wholesale

Presented by StageWorks Projects Fri, Oct 26 & Sat Oct 27 • 7:30 pm This critically acclaimed, original production is a fusion of dance and drama that heightens the suspense and seducation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. All the familiar characters are here ... Lucy, Mina, Van Helsing, Harker, Renfield ... plus gargoyles and vampire brides. Celebrate Halloween with this spellbinding production. For tickets call: Stage Works at 608-873-0717. stoughtonperformingarts.com

Bakery Hours: Mon–Fri 5:30 am–5:30 pm Sat 5:30 am–5:00 pm Sun 7:00 am–Noon 243 E. Main Street Stoughton, WI 53589 #873-3073 fax #873-7586 bakeryadmin@fosdalhomebakery.com

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

11

Atlantic Harp Duo Sun, Oct 28 • 7:30 pm

Experience the richness and unique combination of two harps in an afternoon of music infused with Latin flair. The internationally acclaimed Atlantic Harp Duo brings new life to much-loved classics from the greatest Spanish composers — Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, and Manuel de Falla. In a complex choreography of hands dancing to and from the strings, the Duo adds the striking colors of extra percussion instruments to the sounds of harp, expressing all the rhythmic excitement of Spanish music along with its sensual melodies. The highlight of the program is a virtuosic arrangement of Maurice Ravel’s boisterous orchestral work, Alborada del Gracioso.

Harpists Elizabeth Jaxon and Marta Power Luce have been performing together since 2006 and since its conception, the duo has performed in the Great Lakes Region of the USA, as well as in France, Poland, Spain, and Thailand. The Duo is committed to exploring the yet undiscovered possibilities of music for two harps. They have received praises from all over the world for their matching sound and precise ensemble, breathing and playing together as if just one musician on one great instrument.

Elizabeth and Marta are masterful and dedicated artists. Come join us for a musically engaging, thoughtful, and enjoyable afternoon of classical harp music. atlanticharpduo.com

Count This Penny Whitney Mann opens Fri, Nov 2 • 7:30 pm Amanda & Allen Rigell play guitar and bass, and their voices -- one a bit gravelly, the other crystal clear -- form gorgeous harmonies and textures when paired. Their instrumental history includes a romantic flourish: Allen insists he learned guitar about 10 years ago to impress Amanda, a fellow Emory University student and high school friend who’d already been playing for about five years. It worked.

In addition to their instrumental love affair, the pair have a cultural connection to their sound.

Being from eastern Tennessee -- Johnson City, to be exact -- they know Appalachia well: It was their backyards and their front porches. The mountains’ musical traditions are a cornerstone of their sound and have shaped other musicians they admire, such as Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

Anyway, the group released their EP ‘Gone’ in 2010. With lyrics that revolve around traveling and out-of-this-world harmonies, it hit #6 on the iTunes singer-songwriter chart. Back in March 2012,, the band released ‘From Paper to Iron’ written for the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in honor of civil war soldiers.

Since their first show at the Down Home’s Open Hoot in 2009, CTP has appeared on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television’s 30-Minute Music Hour, and WDVX’s Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, Tennessee. countthispenny.com , whitneymannmusic.com

12

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Jorma Kaukonen Sat, Nov 3 • 7:30 pm

We assume many of you readers will probably know who Jorma Kaukonen is. (Just in case, though: it’s pronounced YORE-ma KOW-ko-nen) Jorma Kaukonen is one of the most important guitarists of our time with a body of work lasting almost five decades. His brilliant finger-picked fretwork and songwriting, a compelling blend of rock, blues, folk and country influences, has distinguished Jefferson Airplane and its equally legendary (and still active) spinoff band Hot Tuna.

The legendary Jorma, member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, saw his band Jefferson Airplane ascend to the Top of the Charts in 1967 (with Grace Slick’s vocals) on the hit singles Somebody To Love and White Rabbit. Jefferson Airplane performed celebrated concerts at the Fillmore East (NY) and Fillmore West (SF), played on the Ed Sullivan show and were on the cover of Life Magazine in 1968. Jefferson Airplane, before mutating into Jefferson Starship, played all the major concert events of the 1960’s, including: Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock (1969) and Altamont. Jorma left the Airplane in 1972 to pursue a more roots/blues-based form of music with “Hot Tuna” and also began a career as a solo performer.

While many of his contemporaries passed on mortally or musically, he alone or together with his various sidemen are still spreading the good musical word. jormakaukonen.com

Cheryl Wheeler Fri, Nov 9 • 7:30 pm

Charlie Hunter Sun, Nov 4 • 7:30 pm

Close your eyes at a Charlie Hunter show and you’re likely to hear a duo, if not a trio, of string instruments. Open them and you see but one man before you playing a solitary guitar. Even with your eyes open you would be hard pressed to believe all of those sounds were coming from just one instrument. Few guitarists in the lengthy and illustrious history of this instrument can aptly pull off what Hunter does.

After nearly 20 years of recording, it’s remarkable how much ground Charlie Hunter has covered. Rising out of the Bay Area jazz scene with a freakish virtuosity on a custom eight-string guitar that allowed him to play bass and melody lines simultaneously, Hunter performed at Lollapalooza in 1993 and released the first of six albums for Blue Note in 1995. Since then he’s recorded with musicians that include drummer Leon Parker, vibraphonist Stefon Harris and Norah Jones, who sang on two tracks for Hunter’s 2001 album “Songs From the Analog Playground.”

Often lumped in with the so-called “jam band” crowd after earning a following on the festival circuit, Hunter’s music isn’t so easy to pigeonhole. His lead work alone is enough to warrant the lofty esteem he often conjures in jazz circles the world over. But coupled with the smooth bass lines and sparse rhythm he plays simultaneously with that lead and Hunter seems to be catapulted into a category all his own.

Scott Ammendola, who’s played drums with Hunter since the ’90s, will echo the staccato pop of Hunter’s guitar as the two jam on everything from dirty blues to tribal dance to old-fashioned jazz and all grounds in between. charliehunter.com

Cheryl Wheeler has to be seen to be appreciated.

Nothing you read and nothing you hear from her albums prepares you for how entertaining a performer she is.

If you’re not already familiar with Cheryl, you have probably heard her music. She is very respected as a songwriter by her peers, which can be seen by how many of them record her songs. Cheryl’s songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Dan Seals, Peter Paul & Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Bogguss, Melanie, Bette Midler, Maura O’Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and Holly Near.

For 30 years of touring and recording, Wheeler has shown she is a woman of many musical personalities—heart-wrenching romantic balladeer, marvelous observational humorist, poet of ordinary scenes and people, committed activist and irascible grump.

To get the full picture on Cheryl Wheeler, you have to hear her in concert – she has a beautiful voice, one of the best senses of humor you have ever heard and has a brilliant talent for being able to cram songs and banter about cats, the news, potatoes (to the tune of the Mexican Hat Dance), outhouses and much more into a single show. cherylwheeler.com

The Be Good Tanya’s Sat, Nov 10 • 7:30 pm

After a four year hiatus, The Be Good Tanyas are back! The wellloved trio from Vancouver BC burst onto the roots music scene over a decade ago, putting out 3 critically acclaimed albums, garnering 4 star reviews in Rolling Stone and MOJO and performing riveting live shows that gained them an enthusiastic following across North America and Europe. The Be Good Tanyas are Frazey Ford, Trish Klein and Samantha Parton. They play acoustic instruments (typically banjo, mandolin, and guitar) and sing with incredible, haunting harmonies. Their songs have been featured on television shows such as Weeds, The L Word, Breaking Bad, and The Eleventh Hour and in the feature film Because of Winn-Dixie.

If you are looking for a traditional American sound that returns to the Jimmie Rodgers/Carter Family era, you can find those sounds in this trio. If a person longs for sparse instrumentation along with voices that do not bellow or boast, you can find musical peace with these three ladies. If a person wants to hear performers who embrace the folk, country, and blues roots of American music with a little touch of the contemporary, then The Be Good Tanyas are voices that come out of the wilderness and onto center stage, performing music that transcends their birthdates and transports their listeners from the past to the present and vice-versa. In short, The Tanya’s are too good to miss. http://begoodtanyas.com

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

13

Project1

7/14/09

5:27 PM

Page 1

Aimee Mann

Fri, Nov 16 • 7:30 pm

Favorite Hotspot!

Food Stoughton’s & Drinks before and after the show!

GR G egional Great Food Craft Brews & Wine and Spirits G G Live Music Every Pizza, Weekend Sandwiches, Burgers, Dinner Specials GG Regional Craft Brews, Wine & Spirits Homemade Cheesecakes Open Monday–Thursday at 4 pm,

121 E. Main Stoughton FridaySt., Saturday & Sunday 608.877.1747 at Noon Food served Mon.-Thu. 4-10 PM 121 E. Main St., Stoughton Fri.-Sat. 12-10 PM

(608) 877-1747

Achie ving great things for our community

Whe n a group of pe ople come s along who have the courage and vision to turn dreams into reality, they make the future bright for everyone.

After originally breaking onto the music scene during the 80’s leading the post-new wave pop group ’Til Tue, Aimee Mann has gone on to establish herself as one of the most prominent singer-songwriters of her generation.

Her successful solo career has spanned across several critically acclaimed albums, including the massively popular soundtrack for the film Magnolia, which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Song in 2000. Time magazine has said of her, “Mann has the same skill that great tunesmiths like McCartney and Neil Young have: the knack for writing simple, beautiful, instantly engaging songs.” Aimee has been touring on the heels of her most recent album, Smilers (SuperEgo Records) and is currently writing a musical based upon her Grammy winning concept album The Forgotten Arm. For all the justified attention Aimee Mann’s lyrics get, her music might just be even better. She really has a talent to write catchy songs with a great hook. Though her songs are mostly about off-kilter relationships, even the cynical observations are wrapped in layers of humor, vivid imagery and sticky sweet music. The difference is in her cleverness and details. Nobody delivers a musical and lyrical combo punch as well as Aimee Mann. aimeemann.com

“One of the top 10 living songwriters along with Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.”

—NPR

Stoughton Opera House, we celebrate your achievements.

911 W. Main St. • Stoughton • 608-873-7202

PlayTime Productions

Nov/Dec • Date & Theme TBA

wellsfargo.com © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC. 121945 06/11

14

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Celebrating twenty-five years plus of children’s theatre, PlayTime Productions has been captivating audiences with creative and spirited renditions of classic tales for the family stage with musical theatre for kids, by kids. Keep and eye on our website for the date and theme – PlayTime Production shows are always affordable and fun for the whole family! playtimeproductions.org

Victorian Holiday Weekend ear!

his y

t NEW

A Christmas Carol Ballet December 1, 2011

Stoughton High School Auditorium 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm

Stoughton Chamber Singers

Victorian Holiday Concert Sun, Dec 2 • 2:00 pm

The Stoughton Chamber Singers under the direction of John Beutel will present a concert of seasonal music. Madrigals and lively Spanish Carols will be at the core of the program with their beautiful poetry in wonderful tuneful settings. A performance by the Stoughton Chamber String Ensemble will be included.

Branson on the Road Christmas Style!

Thurs, Dec 6 • TWO SHOWS! 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm What do you get when you bring together a fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, upright slap bass, rhinestone costumes, hilarious comedy and country Christmas, bluegrass, rockabilly and gospel music? Only one answer; Branson On The Road®—Christmas Style is in town!

Branson On The Road®—Christmas Style, is the holiday show from this popular touring group, direct from the live music capital of the world, Branson, Missouri. Branson On The Road® has over 20 years of experience of performing at the top theatres in Branson on the famous 76 Country Music Boulevard (known as “The Strip”), and is the first national touring show named for the famous city. The show delivers the Branson traditions of good, clean, family fun wherever they go...and they go all over the US and beyond...and Branson On The Road®—Christmas Style is a wonderful way to kick off your holiday season!

Not only can you expect great Christmas music, old country favorites and amazing instrumental abilities at this show, but also plenty of hilarious comedy every step of the way - in a holiday, Branson-style for the entire family. Branson On The Road® - Christmas Style is the best way to experience a Branson show right where you live! For a couple of hours you can forget all about your troubles and have good time – laughter is the best medicine. bransonontheroad.com

Tiny Tim Tea Party following 1:30 pm matinee

Tickets: 608-873-0717 Ballet $14 • Tea Party $9

We Create Futures Music • Dance • Drama • Poms

Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts 515 East Main St, Stoughton WI 53589 608.873.0717 scpa@chorus.net www.stoughtonperformingarts.com

STOUGHTON FLORAL For over 40 years, Stoughton Floral has supplied area residents beautiful flowers.

We have gifts for every occasion; weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

You name it, we deliver!

STOUGHTON FLORAL 168 E. Main Street (608) 873-6173 or (866) 595-6800 Mon–Fri 8 am–5:30 pm, Sat 8 am–3 pm

www.stoughtonfloral.com

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

15

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three Sat, Dec 8 • 7:30 pm

Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas Fri, Dec 7 • 7:30 pm Let the “Luck o’ the Irish” be with you this Christmas season when you join us for an evening of high-energy yuletide favorites, Celticstyle. “We’ll give ’em their money’s worth,” promises Joanie Madden, who leads The Ladies and plays flute and tin-whistle. “There will be music, dancing, loads of sing-alongs, stories and jokes. There’s something for everybody, whether you’re 5 or 95. Christmas is very big in Ireland, and we try to bring all aspects of the culture together. We’re the real deal!”

For nearly 25 years, the six-member, allfemale group has been collecting awards and accolades from fans and critics worldwide. Taking their name from an old Irish jig tune, Cherish the Ladies thrills audiences with a blend of beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, stunning step dancing and virtuosic instrumentals including flute, tin-whistle, fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin and accordion.Cherish the Ladies has shared the stage with James Taylor, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris, and the Chieftains. The Celtic Album, a collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony, led to a 1999 Grammy nomination. The group has recorded 14 acclaimed albums and appeared in the United States on “CBS This Morning,”“Good Morning America,” “Evening at Pops,” C-SPAN, PBS and National Public Radio.

Cherish The Ladies are one of the most popular American-Irish Bands playing today.

Join the Ladies as they share their songs, dance, and stories … A lovely way to spend a night and bring in the Holidays! cherishtheladies.com

16

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

It will be like you have been transported back in time when Pokey and his band take the stage at the Opera House. Pokey LaFarge writes and performs original music from the days when 78s ruled the record player. The music is honest and infused with respect for the era he loves - particularly the ‘20s and ‘30s. You can’t help but be taken aback from this bands creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing. LaFarge’s music rings true and fine, making him one of the most innovative of all the purists performing American roots music today. It’s wonderfully infectious, and all laid down in front of a big, big swingin’ beat.

LaFarge uses his booming voice as an instrument with an incredible range; above his parlor guitar one moment he shouts a line and the next he croons.

And while his music may be a fitting soundtrack to R. Crumb’s comics, don’t dare to call it “old-timey.” Lafarge’s extraordinary blend of raw talent and refined, idiosyncratic charm turns reviewers into poets as they attempt to label his timeless one-of-a kind sound.

In a review of LaFarge’s 2010 album with the South City Three, “Riverboat Soul” for NoDepression.com, Terry Roland wrote that LaFarge “could be the birth of next Bill Monroe creating such a fine mix of ragtime, jugband, blues, folk and country.” pokeylafarge.net

Pokey LaFarge “studies the past and makes it his own,” calling his voice “strong and warm.”

–Bob Boilen, National Public Radio

Stoughton Festival Choir & Stoughton City Band Christmas Concert Sun, Dec 9 • 4:00 pm The holidays have never sounded so sweet! Both the Stoughton City Band under the baton of Roger Gohlke and the Festival Choir coconducted by Linda Kunz & Beth Gardner will dazzle with a variety of sacred and secular music, plus a carol sing-along. Free-will Donation at door.

Destination

Stoughton

A Norwegian Weekend of Fun!

October 26-28, 2012 Ƿ Wisconsin State

Rosemaler’s Holiday Sale Sat, 9am–2pm

Ƿ Edvard Grieg Chorus at Sons of Norway Lodge Fri, 7pm

Ƿ Norwegian/American Breakfast at Sons of

Norway Lodge Sat, 7:30am–11:00am

Ƿ Norwegian American

Genealogical Resources Display at Sons of Norway Lodge

Ƿ Demonstration of “Keeper of the Saga” Pouches at Saving Thyme

Ƿ Norwegian Cheese

Tasting at Cheeser’s Sat & Sun 1pm–3pm

Ƿ Luncheon at the Lodge

Ƿ Bunad Display at the

George Winston

Ƿ Stoughton High School

Ƿ Drakula–The Performance

Tues, Dec 18 • 7:30 pm

Ƿ Hardanger Display at

Sons of Norway Sat, 11am–2pm

Holiday Concert

Known for his quintessential impressionistic style, Grammy award winning pianist George Winston emerged onto the music scene in the 1980s with a collection of seasonal-themed recordings that quickly found an eager audience. George Winston’s distinctive melodic style, which he calls “rural folk piano,” was influenced by his early years in Montana, as well as the music of great New Orleans R&B pianists.

With a sensitive ear to nature’s cues and his empathic connection to particular musicians, Winston has forged an unmistakable sound on the piano that can be serene and startling all at once.

Not only will you hear selections from Winston’s enchanting interpretations of holiday songs, including the platinum-selling recording, “December,”, you will also hear Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts pieces, New Orleans R& B piano, stride piano, songs by The Doors and much more. Always looking out for the greater good, his newest solo piano project, Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions, is a benefit album for the Louisiana Wetlands.

George Winston is also a tireless advocate for the hungry. Every Winston concert supports a local organization that provides food to those in need. ***There will be a food drive at the concert in support of the City of Stoughton’s Food Pantry, we would like to encourage audience member to bring a non-perishable donation to the concert.*** georgewinston.com

Norwegian Dancer Sat, 3pm

Sons of Norway Lodge

Ƿ Coffee & Norwegian

Cookies at Nordic Nook

Chamber of Commerce Sat & Sun 1pm–3pm at the famous Stoughton Opera House Fri & Sat, 7:30pm

Ƿ The Atlantic Harp Duo

at the famous Stoughton Opera House, Sun, 3pm

Come for the weekend!

Bus groups and individual families welcome!

2013: More Norwegian Destination Weekends Feb. 9–10 & April 5–6

stoughtonwi.com

Stoughton Stoughton Opera Opera House House Box Box Office: Office: (608) (608) 877-4400 877-4400

17 sec1:2

Stoughton Opera House: Spring

2013

Tom Paxton Fri, Jan 25 • 7:30 pm

Tom Paxton has been an integral part of the songwriting and folk music community since the early 60s Greenwich Village scene, and continues to be a primary influence on today’s “New Folk” performers. He has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture, and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends, and community. Tom has performed thousands of concerts around the world and his music is a testament to the quality of his recent work, and to the enduring power of modern standards like “The Last Thing On My Mind,”“Ramblin’ Boy,”“Bottle Of Wine,”“Whose Garden Was This?,”“Goin’ To The Zoo,” and “The Marvelous Toy.” An internationally recognized and loved cultural figure, he has always chosen goodwill over commercial success. This is the man who wrote and lives the words, “Peace will come, and let it begin with me.” tompaxton.com

The People Brothers Band Fri, Feb 1 • 7:30pm

From humble beginnings at late-night open jams in a Downtown Madison bar, the People Brothers Band have solidified over the past three years into an eight-piece Rhythm & Soul powerhouse. Their eclectic blend of original grooves, conscious lyrics, soulfully mastered vocal and instrumental work, along with diverse self-tailored covers, holds a crowd captivated and keeps them begging for more. From funk to soul, rock to reggae, folk to R & B, they’re guaranteed to keep the audience grooving and smiling from ear to ear.

Performing over 150 shows to date, The People Brothers Band are most at home on a live stage. As a testament to their passion for live music and adventure, The PBB have produced, hosted, and headlined their own grass-roots, independent, live music and camping festival every year, since their first summer together in 2009, featuring three days of more than 30 local and regional bands from across the Midwest .

The People Brothers Band is comprised of Teresa Marie (Lead Vox), Bobby G (Lead Vox/Keys), Greg Schmitt (Drums/Vox), Timmy Lochner (Guitar/Vox), Adam S…(Percussion/Vox), Nicky! (Lead Guitar/Vox), Matt Simmersauce (Saxophone/Vox), Scotty Lochner (Bass Guitar), and an influence spectrum ranging from Bluegrass to Hip-Hop…They are a hard act to pigeon-hole….and a great band to experience live! peoplebrothers.com

18

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

All That Jazz Big Band Verona Area High School ‘Jazz 1’ opens Sat, Feb 2 • 3:00 pm Come take a journey with All That Jazz Big Band as they present “Big Band Road Trip Tunes From Across the USA”.

Under the direction of Paul Heineke, All That Jazz Big Band started in 1985 as a rehearsal band in a Middleton basement.

This 19 piece ensemble has an active library of hundreds of compositions, from jumping jive to slow and sweet, all to bring the brassy big band era boisterously to life.

The foundation of the band’s repertoire is based firmly in the classic swing era of the 1930s and 1940s with all those golden hits, but the band also performs a wide variety of music from the 1950s through today that continue the tradition of the stirring, full-bodied sounds of the big bands. All That Jazz Big Band performs the greatest music in the world in the most exciting setting of a live big band!

ATJ is a regular feature at the Madison Art Fair on the Square and Tunes at the Monona Terrace, has opened shows for Rockapella and Tom Wopat, and recently gained national exposure on the CBS Early Show. The band has also begun an outreach program for the “next generation” of Jazz musicians, and has performed with and for students in and around south central Wisconsin.

The Award winning Verona Area High School ‘Jazz 1’ opens. allthatjazzbigband.com

Author Michael Perry

A Clodhopper Shoots the Breeze Thur, Feb 7 • 7:30 pm Join us for an evening of stories new and old with humorist, author, and amateur pig farmer Michael Perry.

Expanding upon stories drawn from his bestselling books and adding fresh material for good measure, Michael Perry puts on a one-man show that will have you belly-laughing one minute and wiping away a tear the next. With an easygoing manner that makes the audience feel as if they are shooting the breeze through the open window of a pickup truck or over the counter at the feed mill, Perry stands in his boots and speaks from his heart. sneezingcow.com

Randy Sabien & the Fiddlehead Band Sat, Feb 9 • 7:30 pm

When fiddle player Randy Sabien picks up his fiddle, get ready. His rhythmic, bluesy, swingin’ sound will have you bobbing your head, tapping your toes and dancing right out of your chair.

In 1977, at age 20, Wisconsin born Sabien enrolled at the Berklee College of Music. Just one year later he was the founder and chair of their new jazz string department which he headed for the following 3 years. In 1989, Randy started his own record label, Fiddlehead Music.

The albums that have subsequently emerged have received rave reviews from Jazz Times Magazine, USA Today and Billboard Magazine who called Sabien the “heir to Stephane Grappelli.”

Critic Howard Reich sums up Randy’s unique history in this way. “By any measure, Sabien is an unusual artist in that he brings a classical technique to the art of jazz fiddling. Listen closely to his great cascades of notes, and you will hear the grand arpeggios, broken octaves, double-stops, trills, and tremolos that have marked classical violin playing since the solo work of J.S. Bach.

But that’s just the starting point for Sabien’s art which bristles with the spirit of bona fide jazz improvisation. Rather than simply embellishing a tune, he reconcieves it, building and developing intriguing new musical motifs along the way. He is emerging as one of the more distinctive voices in jazz.”

Randy Sabien and The Fiddlehead Band is fueled by Clyde Stubblefield on drums, Jeff Eckels on upright bass, Dan Kleiman on piano and keyboards, Jim Ouska on guitar, Dave Richeson on percussion and drums and Randy on fiddle. It’s one of those rare musical offerings that finds the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It will leave you breathless. randysabien.com

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Sun, Feb 17 • 7:30 pm

For more than forty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that touches worldwide audiences representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape. Their musical efforts over the past four decades have solidified their identity as a cultural force to be reckoned with.

Assembled in the early 1960’s by Joseph Shabalala, the group’s collective harmonies were so polished that they were eventually banned from local competitions. They drew the attention of Paul Simon, who invited them to collaborate on the celebrated album Graceland. Released in 1986, this seminal recording is now credited for introducing world music to mainstream audiences.

One year later, Simon produced Mambazo’s first U.S. release, Shaka Zulu, which won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album - the first of three Grammy awards and fifteen nominations the group would later receive.

After four and a half decades of inspiring audiences worldwide, the group continues to work on fresh material and new recordings. No, time is not slowing down for Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

As Joseph Shabalala says, “We are teachers. We travel the world spreading our message of Peace, Love and Harmony. What could be better or more important than that.” mambazo.com

Alice in Wonderland Jr. Presented by Fox Prairie Elementary

Tues, Feb 19 & Wed, Feb 20 • 6:30 pm Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game!

Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters. Every year, Director Paul Otteson works closely with the Fox Prairie Elementary students – and their hard work pays off, their musical productions always are great fun for kids of all ages.

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

19

Eilen Jewell

Fri, Feb 22 • 730 pm Once in a great while you hear an artist you’ve never heard of before and time stops. The voice is new, yet timeless. The lyrics are all original yet feel immediately familiar.

And the melodies carry the easy groove. This is the story of Eilen (rhymes with feelin’) Jewell.

When you hear Eilen Jewell on stage with her band it’s as if everything stops. Jewell’s voice and song become one harmonizing within the other. She has raw nakedness to her lyrics, using simple words that so clearly sting close to the heart. You feel close to Jewell as if you’ve been privately invited to hear her read from her diary of blues. While some songs are more personal than others, in some way all songs, even those she covers, are her own creations. She molds them to fit her attitude, making everything she touches a personal tale that everyone can somehow relate to.

She easily combines folk, jazz, country, bluegrass and pop yet manages to have her own unique style. She in part Madeleine Peyroux, part Kelly Willis, part Billie Holiday with the directness of Hank Williams, but all in all, she is distinctively, Eilen Jewell. She plays and performs beautifully the kind of great music that bridges and stands the test of time. For fans of Lucinda Williams, Jolie Holland, Gillian Welch and the late, great Billie Holiday, this show will be a rousing and confident tour de force. eilenjewell.com

Lou & Peter Berryman Sat, Feb 23 • 7:30pm

Lou and Peter Berryman began their musical partnership in high school in Appleton, Wisconsin, in the nineteen sixties. By the eighties, they had established themselves as a prominent feature of the songwriting subculture of Wisconsin’s capital, playing their original material every week for almost ten years in the run-down but trendy music room of Madison’s Club de Wash.

Gradually expanding their circuit, they began crisscrossing the continent and gaining national attention with appearances on such programs as Wisconsin Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion and NPR’s Weekend Edition. Regular appearances at festivals and folk music clubs all across the country now serve as venues for the songs contained in their twelve recordings and three songbooks, which have been performed by everyone from Garrison Keillor to Peter, Paul and Mary. louandpeter.com

20

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Ancora String Quartet

Sun, Feb 24 • 4:00 pm The Ancora String Quartet was founded in Madison, Wisconsin, in the summer of 2000 during a chance meeting of two new neighbors (Marika and Robin). Ten years later, Ancora has grown and flourished, being recently labeled one of Madison’s most deserving up-and-coming chamber music groups by area music critics. Ancora’s musicians are graduates of nationally recognized music schools and members of ensembles such as the Madison Symphony and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestras. Ancora brings a passion to chamber music that can be witnessed during their regular public recitals, which are held in Landmark Auditorium at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, where the group is currently in residence.

John Barker, music reviewer from the Isthmus says in regards to their recent May 2012 concert, “The four Ancora players display a full commitment to the work, and make a strong case for its importance, approachability and enduring worth.” he goes on to say “The four Ancora players display a full commitment to the work, and make a strong case for its importance, approachability and enduring worth.” ancoraquartet.com

Moonhouse

Fri, March 1 • 7:30 pm The Moonhouse band has been playing their diverse mix of “Folkadelic Americana” for over 10 years in Madison, WI and surrounding area. Lead by animated singer/songwriter Richard “Blackhawk” Kapusta (rhythm guitar and foot bells), his recordings and 40 + years of playing reflect his life’s journey—the happy, the sad, his spirit, his soul.

The Moonhouse band started in the early 2001 with a shared musical vision of Kapusta and fellow guitarist, the late, great Jeff Hickey. Their acoustic mix of country, folk and bluegrass quickly became a local favorite. The band has always instituted a policy allowing other musicians to sit in and play with them unrehearsed.

Named Moonhouse after the ancient Utah ruins, their shows are on a personal level with the audience, greeting regulars and squeezing in political humor whenever possible. Kapusta is the first to say that is not always about politics, Moonhouse is about playing music and making it an accessible environment for all musicians and music lovers….and having a good time with friends, old and new.

Kapusta has kept this successful ‘open door’ formula alive and today the talents of regular band members Jaime Cash (keys, percussion), Dave Bacholl (bass) and Nick Avery-Bucher(lead guitar) round out the sound nicely. This will be a great laid back evening with some of Madison’s great talent. Dave Bacholl is the Opera House sound guy, so this should be very interesting. facebook.com/pages/Moonhouse

*Special Thanks to Kristine and Ken Johnson for helping to make this show possible.

Full Service Auto and Truck Repair

Conant Automotive is a full-service preventive maintenance and auto repair center. Conant Automotive has been performing high quality, guaranteed auto, SUV, and truck repairs in the Stoughton area since 2006 We have the staff, skills, training, and equipment necessary to perform all required maintenance on your new car or truck while maintaining your warranty.

Tires Brakes Tune-ups

Computer Balancing Transmission Exhaust

Ignition Systems Lube, Oil & Filter Auto Maintenance

1324 HWY 51-138 • Stoughton www.conantauto.com A kickback place to enjoy with friends and family ➤➤Delicious Homemade Soup ➤➤Best Place in Town to Watch Games— 16 Flat Screens ➤➤16 Micro Brews ➤➤2 Bars & 2 Dining Areas ➤➤Outdoor Patio ➤➤Free Wi-Fi

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

21

n oughto You, St r Thank g area fo roundin and sur . tronage siyour pa your bu reciate d We app ontinue d with c d ness an to excee e we hop alsupport ns in qu pectatio your ex service. ity and

Thank

You

Riders in the Sky Sat, March 2 • 7:30 pm

Round up your herd and join in the fun with America’s favorite singing cowboys!

Still saddled up and singing after 30 years, this Grammy-winning quartet mixes authentic Western music with yodeling, rope tricks, and a whole heap of crackpot humor—in the timeless tradition of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

For over thirty years, Riders in the Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing Western music. And while remaining true to the integrity of the genre, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding it with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!” Riders in the Sky are stars of the stage, screen, the Grand Ole Opry, National Public Radio, XM Satellite Radio, Saturday morning TV, and are the only exclusively Western artist to have won a Grammy Award. They truly are “America’s Favorite Cowboys!” ridersinthesky.com

Red Horse

Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka & Lucy Kaplansky Thur, March 7 • 7:30 pm Red Horse is a folk supergroup featuring three of folk music’s most popular artists. Together these veteran songwriters team up to cover each other’s songs and breathe new life into old favorites. Awash in gorgeous harmonies and simple acoustic production, this concert is sure to be a perfect patchwork of new and old songs, mixing traditional folk and contemporary Americana.

Eliza Gilkyson is a politically minded, poetically gifted singer-songwriter, who has become one of the most respected musicians in roots, folk and Americana circles. The Grammy-nominated artist has appeared on NPR, Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, etown, XM, Air America Radio and has toured with Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

John Gorka is a world-renowned singer-songwriter who came out of Greenwich Village folk scene. His award-winning songs have been recorded and performed by such notable artists as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith and Mary Black. John has recorded eleven solo albums, six on Red House Records. His latest, So Dark You See, featured the song “Ignorance & Privilege,” which was highlighted as one of the top folk songs by NPR Music.

Lucy Kaplansky is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, as well as a former clinical psychologist, whom the New Yorker has described as “a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs.” She has recorded seven albums for Red House, two of which were awarded Best Pop Album of the Year. In 1998 Lucy teamed up with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell to form the supergroup Cry Cry Cry. The resulting album was an astonishing commercial and critical success, resulting in a national tour of sold-out concerts. Since then, Lucy has appeared on the CBS Morning Show, NPR’s Weekend and Morning Editions, Mountain Stage, and West Coast Live, and has sung harmony on albums by Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin. redhouserecords.com/redhorse

22

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

The Quebe Sisters Band

Sat, March 9 • 7:30 pm The Quebe (pronounced KWAY-be) Sisters take you on a time-warp trip back to the heyday of the Andrews Sisters and Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. When Sophia, Hulda and Grace Quebe raise their fiddles and play, audiences marvel. When the girls sing their vintage-style three-part harmony, audiences are blown away. Add the extraordinary rhythm guitar of Joey McKenzie and the swinging upright bass of Drew Phelps, and the Quebe Sisters Band becomes a force of nature. Although less than a decade old, the QSB’s refreshing blend of western swing, vintage country, bluegrass, hot jazz and swing standards, and Texas style fiddling has taken the Americana music scene by storm.

The award winning Quebe Sisters have performed in Europe, Great Britain, and across the U.S.A., as well as making appearances on the Marty Stuart Show on RFD-TV, the Grand Ole Opry, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, and NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion.

When these girls perform at the Opera House, it is highly recommended to get your tickets and get them early. To hear them now, is to hear greatness at its inception, and that is always the most gratifying time to see artists as they blossom into full bloom. quebesistersband.com

“One thing is for sure, you don’t see a group like the Quebe Sisters Band come along everyday.”

WSM Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubb

Cheese...

For Every Occasion Fresh Cheese Curds Trays to Order • Fresh Lefse • • 130 Varieties of• Cheese Cheese County Coffee & Tea • Babcock Hall Ice Cream • • FreshDoor Curds & Lefse Cheesecake • Scandinavian Foods and Gifts • Custom Cheese Trays • Babcock Hall Ice Cream Lunch

Whether youare are Whether you entertaining 100, entertaining 11 oror100, DOWNSTAIRS Scones 183 E. Main Street, Downtown can help! weweStoughton can help!Gift

Janis Ian

www.Cheesers.com 608-873-1777

Wed, March 13 • 7:30pm

Janis Ian burst onto the scene at age 15 with her controversial saga of interracial love, “Society’s Child”. In the 1970s her song, “Jesse”, became a pop standard after Roberta Flack topped the charts with it.

More thought provoking songs like “Stars”, possibly the best song ever written about the life of a performer and the worldwide hit “At Seventeen”, a song that brought her five Grammy nominations (the most any solo female artist had ever garnered) in 1975, are now reaching its third generation of listeners. Janis’s music also appears in several films, TV shows (Murder She Wrote, The Simpsons and General Hospital) and she writes and sings radio jingles (McDonald’s, AT&T, Nescafe and Budweiser). Considered a “musician’s musician,” Janis’s songs have been recorded by the likes of Bette Midler, Glen Campbell, Vanilla Fudge, Cher, Joan Baez and Etta James Although she entering the folk music scene almost 50 years ago, her smile is the same and her voice is as compelling as ever - warm, probing, sweet, with just a touch of vibrato. Performing alone on stage, Janis Ian will share anecdotes from her life with items from her prolific collection of originals and a few cover songs. Reviewers have called her live performances “overwhelming to the spirit and soul”, and “drenched with such passion, the audience feels they’ve been swept up in a hurricane.” janisian.com

Boxes

Order www.cheesers.com

OnlineStoughton 183 East Main Street • Downtown 9–5:30 M–F • 9–4:30 Sat • Noon– 4 Sun (608) 873-1777

Spry Whimsy

Fiber Arts

Looking for the perfect gift for family or friends?

Tickets to Opera House Events are always the right size and a night out at a great show is remembered

Fiber and Felting Supplies • Classes • Spinning Wheels Locally Farmed Fibers • Spinning Supplies Beautiful, Unique Hand-felted Gifts and Accessories

forever. Our certificates never expire and can be used for any regular season event.

Give the gift they’ll never forget! •

(608) 877-4400

171 West Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589

info@sprywhimsy.com 608-239-0688 Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

23

Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks Fri, March 15 • 7:30 pm

Singer-songwriter Dan Hicks is truly an American original. Since the early 1960s, Hicks has earned a reputation as a true original with his signature eclecticism and humor. He continues to carve his own way through a number of genres from protopsychedelia to western swing and jazz; from Tin Pan Alley to country blues, while always cultivating his own unique sound.

The lyrics of his songs range from the simply sublime to the sublimely ridiculous, all presented with his uniquely skewed and inscrutable touch. He is perhaps best known for the songs “I Scare Myself” and “Canned Music.” His songs are frequently infused with humor, as evidenced by the title of his tune, “How Can I Miss You When You Won’t Go Away?”

Dan’s irresistible sense of rhythm, hip lyrical styling, laid-back vocalizing, and infamous onstage wit will make most who listen fans for life. If you’re looking for a tight band (the Lickettes are fantastic!), great music and good humor from a true American music original, you are sure to get it from this show.

“Deadpan and dry, Hicks faces his audiences with his trademark edgy sarcasm, sending the crowd into guffaws with each acerbic riposte. From his jazzy instrumental mood to the verbal jousting in the songs, it is all uniquely HICKS, whose live performances are not to be missed.” – Sweetwater danhicks.net

Peter Rowan

Sat, March 16 • 7:30 pm When you see the legendary Peter Rowan perform live, you feel as if you are in the presence of a very special person. Considered a cult figure among current and progressive bluegrass fans, Peter Rowan has indulged in, led or participated in a vast and impressive array of bands, musical collaborations, studio recordings, tours, workshops and festivals since breaking onto the scene in 1964 as guitarist and lead singer with Bill Monroe. Over the years, Rowan has blended elements of rock ‘n’ roll, Tex-Mex, folk, country, reggae and other styles into his albums and performances.

Rowan doesn’t put categories or boundaries on his music. He is a musical explorer, constantly pushing beyond the borders, finding new challenges and assimilating new sounds.

Rowan’s voice is both unique and memorable, which combined with a commanding presence and quirky personality, gives him a powerful one-two punch. Whether he’s coaxing a reggae rhythm out of his guitar, singing a soft romantic ballad or strumming an up tempo bluegrass tune, Peter Rowan’s music knows no bounds. His musicianship, lyrics and storytelling will capture your imagination. One can almost see his songs, so to speak and he is an intregal part of our Americana musical history worth experiencing. peter-rowan.com

24

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage Thur, March 21 • 7:30pm

Famously crowned as “The Queen of Bluegrass” by the Wall Street Journal, Rhonda Vincent and the rage is the most awarded group in bluegrass music with over 80 Awards! Rhonda herself is the only artist to receive seven consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year titles from the International Bluegrass Music Association. In 2010, Vincent received the prestigious “Star Award” from the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, recognizing her professional achievements and her efforts to preserve and promote the tradition and heritage of bluegrass music.

Accompanied by The Rage, a lineup comprising some of the best musicians in the business today, Rhonda Vincent brings the best in bluegrass to the stage, incorporating savvy contemporary touches while drawing deeply from the haunting mountain soul of classic Monroe-styled bluegrass. Rhonda has performed with Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, The Statler Brothers, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Steve Wariner, and many others.

With her invigorating performances continuing to forge powerful connections with her fans, a new gospel album Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ in the wings, and her continued growth as a songwriter, Rhonda Vincent continues to reach new peaks in her already storied career.

Her optimism bursts through the speakers, and is both believable and inspiring. rhondavincent.com

Karla Bonoff

Sat, March 23 • 7:30 pm Karla Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation. And in her case, that description is not hyperbole.

With a career spanning four decades, Grammy-winning Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, enduring popularity and the unwavering respect of her peers. In addition to achieving chart success with her own recordings, Karla has seen her songs become hits for such stellar artists as Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Linda Ronstadt. She wrote three songs on Ronstadt’s album Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind and penned the Grammy-winning hit All My Life, performed by Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, which People magazine ranked as one of the top-five most popular wedding songs.

Bonoff’s solo career has generated numerous hits, including I Can’t Hold On, Home and Personally – which broke into the Billboard Top 20. She is the voice on Somebody’s Eyes for the Footloose soundtrack and in 1994, Bonoff had a top-10 AC hit single with Standing Right Next to Me, a song from the film 8 Seconds. Billboard Magazine said of Bonoff: “Long before Alanis and Jewel, there was a breed of singer/songwriters whose earthly anthems of soul-searching, heartache and joy touched souls in a way few can muster today.” Karla’s moving vocals on her rich, expressive songs is like standing beneath a sparkling waterfall--refreshing, exhilarating, restorative. And hearing them live can be transformative. karlabonoff.com

www.westbywebs.com Websites, Mobile Sites, logo design, graphic design, and much more!

Mention this ad and receive your first invoice!

10% Off

Valid 8/1/12 to 7/31/13

Point of Sale Game Servers Virus Removal Computer Repair Wireless Networking

608-205-8544

www.smeegsrepairs.com

Skaalen Therapy & Wellness Center

Individualized Quality Treatment Offering: `` In-patient & Out-patient Physical, Occupational & Speech Language Therapy `` One-on-One Therapy Sessions `` Therapy offered up to seven days per week `` Serving all ages `` Medicare Certified `` Most Insurance Accepted `` Large Private Rehab Suites `` Warm Water Therapy Pool `` Massage Therapy

Skaalen Retirement Services • Skilled Nursing • Memory Care • Assisted Living • Independent Living Condominiums

400 N. Morris Street Stoughton, WI 53589

608.873.5651

www.skaalen.com Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

25

A Dolls House

by Henrik Ibsen presented by Commonweal Theatre Sat, April 6 • 7:30 pm

Iris DeMent Fri, April 5 • 7:30 pm

Considered “one of the finest artists of her generation” (All Music), Iris DeMent will return to the Opera House with her first album of original music in 16 years under her belt. ‘Sing The Delta,’ will be out October of 2012. ‘Sing The Delta’ is uplifting and heartbreaking, ripe with twang and soul. Dixie horns, weeping slide guitar balladry and bright, gospeltinged piano swirl as Iris contemplates religion, love and family with introspection and imagery that few singer-songwriters can convey. Iris’ voice soars over a bluesy crawl on “The Kingdom Has Already Come” while “The Night I Learned How Not To Pray” is a vivid story about the tragic death of a young boy and subsequent religious reckoning.

Born in Paragould, Arkansas, raised in a Pentecostal family and surrounded by gospel music, Dement first started recording her own songs in the early 1990s. Her songs are a mixture of biting social commentary in the Occupy Style, yet decades ahead of the movement (“Wasteland of the Free”), the unanswerable questions about reality and the afterlife (“Let the Mystery Be”), and painful, yet somehow peaceful, songs of death and family (“No Time to Cry”).

She moves effortlessly between covering the gospel songs of her childhood to criticizing the pay of CEOs and war-mongering politicians. She tackles songs about rape, divorce, and coming to terms with the unexpected. All the while her songs revolve around concepts of home, memory, and the never-ending quest to understand how place makes us who we are. irisdement.com

26

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

A Doll’s House is one of the best-known, most frequently performed of modern plays, displaying Henrik Ibsen’s genius for realistic prose drama.

A classic expression of women’s rights, the play builds to a climax in which the central character, Nora, rejects a smothering marriage and life in “a doll’s house.”

For the last 25 years, the professional artists of the award winning Commonweal Theatre Company of Lanesboro, Minnesota, have brought to life soulful stories told with honesty and creativity.

The heart of the Commonweal’s programming is the main stage season. This balanced yet challenging repertory is comprised of up to six plays with more than 200 performances, chosen from among the world’s finest classic, contemporary, and emerging playwrights. Because Lanesboro is located amidst a high concentration of Norwegian-American families, the Commonweal produces the works of Henrik Ibsen annually, and remains the only theatre company in North America with such a commitment.

Henrik Johan Ibsen was a major Norwegian playwright largely responsible for the rise of modern realistic drama. He is often referred to as the “father of modern drama.” Ibsen is held to be the greatest of Norwegian authors and one of the most important playwrights of all time, celebrated as a national symbol by Norwegians. Although Ibsen wrote his plays within the 19th century, his plays that are brought back to life in the 21st century always seem eerily transcendent and relevant to the conditions of life and issues of today’s moral compass. commonwealtheatre.org

Opera for the Young presents Cinderella featuring Kegonsa Elementary students Sun, April 7 • 1:30 pm Opera for the Young’s (OFY) adaptation of Cinderella will bring this classic fairy tale alive for children of all ages. Vivid characterizations for both professional and elementary school cast members draw young audiences into the story’s universal themes that one has the power to transform one’s life through inner strength and that the rewards for being a good person can be great! Local Kegonsa Elementary students will lend their talents and play the chorus of mice, horses and aristocrats.

Opera for the Young’s (OFY) new production of Massenet’s Cendrillon (Cinderella) will be an introduction to opera for more than 80,000 elementary school children throughout the upper Midwest. OFY productions are designed to showcase opera’s musical storytelling in a way that is accessible and appealing to young audience members. OFY’s adaptation of Cinderella will bring Massenet’s opera alive for young children through a compelling story, sparkling music, as well as the active participation of children. Entertaining and unforgettable, Cinderella will awe and inspire kids of all ages for years to come. operafortheyoung.org

Preservation Hall Jazz Band Thur, April 11 • 7:30pm

The band is named after Preservation Hall in New Orleans - the building (circa 1817) has served as a watering hole, art gallery, concert hall, and living museum over the years - but it really all started in 1961 when musical husband-and-wife team Alan and Sandra Jaffe, decided that unless somebody did something to preserve the music of New Orleans, it would disappear into the world of rock ‘n’ roll. So, with little fanfare, they founded Preservation Hall. From its humble beginnings as the site of a weekly jam session among friends, Preservation Hall has grown to become one of the most famous “pure” music venues in New Orleans, offering no drinks, no air conditioning, no frills: just music. Out of this purity, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was formed and went out on constant tours, spreading the joy of New Orleans jazz around the world.

The founding members of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s played with the likes of Jelly-Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden & Sweet Emma Barrett---these legendary artists and dozens of others passed on the lessons of their music to a younger generation who now follow in their footsteps, like the current lineup. Now, under the leadership of founding members’ son, Ben Jaffe, the legacy continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of the Dixieland Jazz tradition that started over 50 years ago.

Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, on Saturday Night Live or at Bonaroo Music Fest, for the King of Thailand or at your Stoughton Opera House, this music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit that in a way can make audiences feel that the saints are really marching in. preservationhall.com

Basia Bulat Fri, April 12 • 7:30 pm

Basia Bulat always seemed destined to make great music.

By the age of three she was playing piano and throughout her childhood spent endless hours accompanied by her brother on drums, this perhaps explains the distinct sense of play that suffuses all of her work. Basia’s hooks and handclaps create a soundtrack that’s perfect for mischievous shenanigans, with live performances often ending with half of the audience on stage and joining in. As Basia herself has said, her music isn’t about songs you can sing along to, it’s about songs you want to sing along to.

Basia Bulat hails from the forest city of London, Ontario, where she found her songs and stories dangling from the trees. Basia’s songs are infused with sweet ragtime piano melodies, tender-hearted string arrangements (she plays guitar, autoharp, ukulele, etc…), and a remarkable, throaty voice. She has got charisma to burn and together with her backing band, Basia brings her unique blend of folk and chamber pop to audiences all around the world gaining fans from the very first note she plays or sings.

Using the most straightforward descriptors - jazz-inflected, orchestral folk pop with a dash of northern soul - make [Bulat’s music] sound more conventional than I’d like so instead, I’ll try this. Basia Bulat sounds like springtime smiling. Her music is rich yet breezy, with a melodic enthusiasm that’s nothing short of delightful. - Frank Yang, Chromewaves basiabulat.com

¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

lace High speed internet access A Great P Pool to Stay!

FREE Hot Breakfast Hair Dryers Conference room Fax and copy services Computer data port in every room Laundry room and ironingboards Rollaways, cribs, microwaves and refrigerators available Cable TV

Opera House Special

20% off your room rate

when you present an Opera House Ticket Stub.

Expires 8/1/2013. Valid only at Stoughton Days Inn, subject to availability.

Ticket stub must be presented at check-in. Offer expires 8-1-2013

1-608-873-0330

www.daysinn.com Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

27

The Cat’s Pajama’s Vocal Band Sat, April 13 • 7:30 pm

The Cat’s Pajamas are 5 men who create all the sounds of a band using only their voices. The group was formed in 2005 by Brian Skinner and Nate Mendl who both share a passion and drive for performing and music production. The two had previously worked together in college groups at The University of Wisconsin such as the Wisconsin Singers and a cappella groups the MadHatters and Redefined. The first time The Cat’s PJs ever performed together was for the 2005 Oreo Cookie Jingle competition. Since, the Cat’s Pajamas moved on to be hired as guest entertainers by Norwegian Cruise Lines. The Cats also found themselves on America’s Got Talent and The Next Great American Band. After 3 years of perpetual cruising and touring on land, in the fall of 2009, The Cat’s Pajamas decided to move down to Branson, Missouri. Often named the “Live Music Show Capitol of the World”, Branson is a vacation destination to over 8 million visitors each year.

Since the move they’ve been performing over 200 shows a year. In the fall of 2011 The Cat’s Pajamas reached millions of new viewers when they performed on NBC’s hit show The Sing Off. Their energy is infectious, they are top-notch performers and their harmonies are purr-fect! By making you feel right at home with talent and a personal touch that keeps the tradition of family entertainment alive, make sure you catch this show when they come to the Stoughton Opera House, they will be the coolest cat’s in town! vocalmeow.com

Maggie Mae and Heartland Country Band

Thur, April 18 • TWO SHOWS! 3 pm & 7 pm

Maggie Mae, a home-grown talented country singer/Nashville recording artist from Oxford, Wisconsin, has a dedicated following and wins over fans every day with her entertaining style of country music and yodeling.

She is becoming one of the biggest Midwestern names in pure country music. She is a regular performer on RFD TV’s “Midwest Country Show” (on Direct TV and Dish Network), which has made her a familiar face in millions of homes across the country.

Maggie Mae and her band Heartland Country travel and perform at theaters, dances, fairs, festivals and many other events. Folks have been traveling from across the country to see her shows. To date she has recorded 6 albums, with plenty of toe-tapping and yodeling songs that will make you smile.

Maggie Mae’s instant rapport with the audience and her enthusiasm throughout her shows guarantee enjoyment not only by country music fans but also for anyone else who just loves good music. ... Get your tickets early, this one will likely sell out. maggiemaecountry.com

28

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Del McCoury Band Fri, April 19 • 7:30 pm

Vince Gill says it simply and maybe best in summarizing Del’s appeal...”I’d rather hear Del McCoury sing ‘Are You Teasing Me’ than just about anything.”

The Del McCoury Band is a world-class bluegrass ensemble that performs original and traditional compositions with eloquent harmonies and “ferocious, purebred musicianship” (USA Today). Holding more than 30 trophies from the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards (including nine for Entertainer of the Year) and multiple Grammy Awards, they’re the most honored group in bluegrass history, earning the acclaim of music industry colleagues ranging from pop star to jam band favorites Phish. Their fans are equally diverse and unanimously passionate, filling venues from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry (as well as filling the Opera House 5 years in a row!)

Del McCoury has been a bluegrass star since joining Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1963. This spring, Del celebrates 52 years in the music business! With his trademark high tenor sounding as distinct and sharp as ever, he shows no signs of slowing down. Alongside sons Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle and Alan Bartram on bass, the depth of Del’s compositions and the telepathic interplay between this group of musicians create an emotionally stirring musical experience that has to be seen to believe. delmccouryband.com

Carolina Chocolate Drops Sat, April 27 • 7:30 pm

This North Carolina outfit has proven that it’s not just one of the best bands working in the roots/country tradition, it’s also one of the most important. Delivering a wonderful sonic mixture of mid-to-late 19th century black american music, reels, jigs, hoe-downs, near-folk-rock, a killer ring-shout, and even Caribbean-influenced tunes, the Drops—Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, Hubby Jenkins and Leyla McCalla—are fantastic performers playing incredible music.

The Grammy-Award winning Chocolate Drops often play seated, which might sap the energy of a lesser group, but their brand of high-octane, fiddle- and banjo-driven folk is unstoppable. It’s straight black coffee for the brain: classic, strong, and jumpy, and well made. Your grandparents could’ve enjoyed it, and it’s every bit as accessible today. The show soldout last season, so get your tickets early! This concert will be super sweet. carolinachocolatedrops.com

WE UNDERSTAND COMMITMENT. For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing financial solutions and personalized service to individual investors.

You can rely on us for: � Convenience

Locations in the community and face-to-face meetings at your convenience

Sergei Belkin

�A

Sun, April 28 • 4:00 pm

If anyone could make an accordion cool, it would be Sergei Belkin.

Sergei was born near Donetsk, Ukraine. He taught himself to play a squeezebox accordion at the age of seven. In 1982 at the age of nine, he moved with his mother to Provedeniya, Siveria, a remote town on the northeastern coast of Russia, where he was fortunate enough to come under the teaching of Nina Andreevna Dronova, a master music teacher. Sergei studied and practiced the accordion from seven to ten hours each day for many years. He blossomed and was soon competing in regional and national music competitions, winning awards for his accordion playing and studied music performance at the Moscow Conservatory before he immigrated to the United States in 1998.

Since making his home in Madison, Wisconsin in 2002, he has performed with the University of Wisconsin Concert Band, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and has given solo performances at many festivals and events.

Whether he performs classical works by Bach, Mozart, Khachaturian, Paganini, and Rimsky-Korsakov, or folk styles from around the world, including tango, waltz, zydeco and polka, Sergei Balkin and his accordion explode with melody and enthusiasm. He is an exceptional talent, a virtuoso in every sense of the word, a master of his craft like no other and his live performances are absolutely riveting. sergeibelkin.com

Quality-focused Investment Philosophy

A long-term approach that focuses on quality investments and diversification � Highly

Personal Service

Investment guidance tailored to your individual needs

Call or visit today.

Thomas M Fendrick Financial Advisor .

2368 Jackson Street Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-8502

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

HOURS M-F 9–9 Sat 8–9 Sun 10–6

Weddings Class Reunions Corporate Catering Business Lunches Picnics Pig Roasts

Great taste & big city style with small town quality and care!

Present this coupon and receive

10% off CATERING

™

Book now for your Holiday Parties!

Enjoy your party, let us do the cooking!

Must present coupon at time of order. Expires 7/31/11

Fresh Angus Beef • Fresh Pork • Chicken • Homemade Sausage Fresh & Frozen Fish • Fine Wines • Beer • Liquor

Exceeding all expectations!

(608) 835-9188

668 Janesville St, Oregon, WI • www.jlrichardscatering.com

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

29

PlayTime Productions April/May Date & Theme TBA

Celebrating twenty-five years plus of children’s theatre, PlayTime Productions has been captivating audiences with creative and spirited renditions of classic tales for the family stage with musical theatre for kids, by kids. Keep and eye on our website for the date and theme – PlayTime Production shows are always affordable and fun for the whole family! playtimeproductions.org

Michael Hecht What I learned from James Baldwin Wed, May 1 • 1:00 pm Local visual and literary artist Michael Hecht in a second of this series, explores the times and influences that contributed to the writings of Mr. Baldwin. Hecht’s personal viewpoint will utilize visuals, music and the selected writings of R. Wright, M. Angelou, J.E. Wideman to the beat writers and the horror films of the 1950s.

Tony Rice Unit Fri, May 3 • 7:30 pm

Tony Rice is one of the greatest acoustic guitar players of all time, yet he’s virtually unknown outside bluegrass music. He’s a genius, a mystery... a legend in his own time.

Raised in Southern California, Rice inherited his musical skill from his father, who was heavily influenced by bluegrass groups, including the Dillards and the Kentucky Colonels, which featured influential guitar picker Clarence White. As a member of J.D. Crowe’s New South in the early ‘70s, along with Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas, he continued to promote a new approach to the music of the hill country. After meeting imaginative mandolin player David Grisman during a jam session in 1975, Rice returned to CA and helped to form the David Grisman Quintet. After 5 years, Rice then armed a bluegrass supergroup, the Bluegrass Album Band.

Rice’s albums as a soloist and with his band, the Tony Rice Unit, have ranged from the jazz-tinged Mar West, which included bluegrass-style treatments of tunes by Miles Davis and John Coltrane, to singer/ songwriter-oriented albums, including Cold on the Shoulder, Native American, and Me & My Guitar, which featured his virtuosic guitar picking and soulful vocalizing of songs by Ian Tyson, Phil Ochs, and Gordon Lightfoot. The most recent venture is an autobiography that looks deeper into the life of Tony, this living legend, Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story. Well worth the read.

Tony is backed by a tremendously talented band who hone in on Tony’s musical vision and style and the music they make playing together is pure magic. tonyrice.com

St Anns School Drama Club Fri,May 10 • 7:00 pm & Sat, May 11 • 1:30pm

For the last few years, St Anns Drama Club has been delighting audiences of all ages with their colorful end of year musicals at the Opera House. Past performances include Willy Wonka Jr, Alladin, Beauty and the Beast Jr & Alice in Wonderland. Keep an eye out for this years theme, as it is an end of school-year treat for the whole family. Call St Ann’s School for ticket information (608) 873-3343

Chris Smither Sat, May 11 • 7:30 pm

Having distilled his own signature sound of blues and folk for over 40 years, Chris Smither is truly an American original. A profound songwriter, Chris continues to draw deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and philosophers with this 14th record of his lengthy career. From his early days as the New Orleans transplant in the Boston folk scene, through his wilderness years, to his reemergence in the 1990s as one of America’s most distinctive acoustic performers, Chris Smither continues to hone his distinctive sound. He has always traveled his own road, eschewing sophisticated studio tricks and staying true to his musical vision. He has developed and maintained loyal friendships over the years with kindred-spirited musicians like Bonnie Raitt and the late Stephen Bruton while at the same time throughout his career been inspired by and inspiring to today’s next-generation of musicians.

Smither’s incredibly unique blend of blues, country and folk is pure, unadulterated genius.

Smither’s describes his style as “one-third Lightnin’ Hopkins, one-third Mississippi John Hurt and one-third me”. Smither plays a long-forgotten style of blues from an age when the differences between all genres was particularly hazy, yet he doesn’t seem to be looking back at all. Chris Smither is the kind of musician that you point to and say, “This! You do it like THIS!” smither.com

30

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Stoughton Chamber Singers

Music And The Human Experience Fri, June 7 • 7:00 pm

The Kruger Brothers Thu, May 23 • 7:30 pm

The Kruger Brothers are truly three of the most creative, spiritually minded, musically gifted, soul enriching and life affirming bands that’s ever come down the pike. Originally from Europe, now living in North Carolina, they were first introduced to American audiences in 1997 and quickly caught the attention of fans and the music industry alike.

Switzerland’s Kruger Brothers’ banjo player Jens and guitarist Uwe have been celebrated throughout the world for their musicianship, clever composition and engaging stage presence.

The Kruger Brothers were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for Music from the Spring a sym­phonic suite composed and orchestrated by Jens Kruger, which premiered in 2007. In late 2010, the Kruger Brothers premiered the Appalachian Concerto, a concerto for banjo, bass, guitar, and string quartet. In addition to their regular concert schedule they perform these pieces regularly with select symphony orchestras and string quartets throughout the country. Composed in 2010, the Appalachian Concerto is a work for banjo, bass, guitar, and string quartet. Innovative, challenging, and beautiful, the piece takes the ensemble playing the Kruger Brothers are famous for to an entirely new level of musicianship. From the first notes to the last cadence, the piece celebrates Appalachia—the history, the landscape, and the culture—in a way that only the Kruger Brothers can.

Some call them “Jazz”. Some call them “Classical”. Some call them “Bluegrass”. They are all right.

Experience what happens when these innovative and soulful world-class virtuosos put on a musical performance not to be forgotten. krugerbrothers.com

All music is rooted in Human Experience but some music has a very strong connection to the everyday lives of people whether it be a song of freedom that becomes a rallying cry for a nation, a song of lament for a loved one lost at sea, or a text dealing with everyday events in ones life. The Stoughton Chamber Singers under the direction of John Beutel will feature music that is drawn from or is drawn to the human experiences of real people. The Stoughton Chamber String Ensemble will also participate in the program.

Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society

Fri, June 14 & Fri, June 28 • 7:30 pm Chamber music with a bang! More bang for your Bach. However you describe what they do, Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society always feature exquisite chamber music played with joy, creativity, spontaneity, and with a technique that’s second to none. Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society is aimed at people who are curious, open-minded, and up for anything. People who want to have serious fun.

CALL BACH DANCING and DYNAMITE SOCIETY for Tickets: 608255-9866 or visit BDDS website for more info and tickets bachdancinganddynamite.org

NOW proudly serving Stoughton, McFarland and Sun Prairie

Community Banking Since 1904 www.msbonline.com

Stoughton

Lake Kegonsa

McFarland

Sun Prairie

207 S. Forrest Street 608-873-6681

3162 County B 608-873-2010

5990 Highway 51 608-838-3141

2580 Ironwood Drive 608-837-2911

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

31

You can’t do everything at once, You can’t do everything at once, but you can do it all in one place. but you can do it all in one place.

Digital printing and

Digital printing and document services document services

We provide a full range of document services, We provide a full range

including: Full-color digital printing, binding, Digital printing and document services oflaminating document and services, collating.

including: Full-color We provide a full range of document services, Mailbox services binding, digital printing, can’t do everything at once, including: Full-color digital You printing, binding, With our mailboxes you get a real street address, laminating and collating. laminating and collating. but not a P.O. Box number, from one place. you canpackage do acceptance it all in

all carriersservices and call-in MailCheck .

Mailbox With our mailboxes you Mailbox services Packing and shipping Digital printing and document services aCertified real street address Packing Experts are here for all With our mailboxes you getget aOur real street address, Weaprovide a fullnumber, range of document services, not P.O. Box your packing needs. We even offer freight including: Full-color digital printing, binding, not a P.O. Box number, package acceptance from services for large or odd-size items. package acceptance from ® laminating and collating. . all carriers and call-in MailCheck all carriers and call in Mailbox services MailCheck®. ®

• We’ll fill your prescription, call ahead or walk in.

• Competitive pricing.

With our mailboxes you get a real street address, Packing and shipping • Free delivery.

Packing and Shipping not a P.O. Box number, package acceptance from Our Certified Packing Experts here allMailCheck allare carriers andfor call-in Our Certified Packing Ex- .

2364 JACKSON ST STOUGHTON, WI your packing needs. We even offer perts are freight here for all your • Friendly service.

Packing and shipping ®

• Friendly people.

packing needs.

WeExperts even services for large or odd-size items.

M-Fare7:30am-6:30pm Sat 9am-4pm Our Certified Packing here for all (608) 877-2679 offer services for offer freight your freight packing needs.

We even Store3617@theupsstore.com services for large or items. odd-size items. large or odd-size

The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a subsidiary of UPS. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. Copyright ©2008 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. 41022540408

100 East Main •Stoughton, WI

873-3244

2364 JACKSON ST STOUGHTON, WI

Dan McGlynn, RPh — Owner

2364 JACKSON ST STOUGHTON, WI M-F

M-F 7:30am-6:30pm Sat 9am-4pm 877-2679 7:30am-6:30pmStore3617@theupsstore.com Sat(608) 9am-4pm

(608) 877-2679 Store3617@theupsstore.com

The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a subsidiary of UPS. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. Copyright ©2008 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. 41022540408

The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a subsidiary of UPS. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. Copyright ©2008 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. 41022540408

We’re Here for You. West Madison East Madison Middleton Sun Prairie Waunakee McFarland Stoughton Deerfield

32

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

FRIENDS OF STOUGHTON OPERA HOUSE

12 13

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS In Cognito In Memory of Eda Lamos In Memory of Shirley Bickley In Memory of Lorraine Ward

PRODUCERS

Mary & Robert Bennett Patricia Ernest Terry & Lynn Frick Merlin Lebakken

Amy & Tom McFarland Larry & Julie Midtbo Mary-Carel & Henry Verden IKI Manufacturing Inc. Stoughton Packaging Corp

DIRECTORS

In Memory of William Offerdahl In Memory of Erwin Stensaas In Memory of Judy Vorndran

Jim Danky & Christine Schelshorn Merlin & Anita Lebakken Spencer & Valli Warren

AMBASSADORS

Katherine Christenson Nancy & Gary Holloway Kristine and Ken Johnson Gordon & Anna Kopke Don & Carol Wahlin Stoughton High School Class of ‘56

Class of 1950 Richard & Jean Asleson Bob Batyko Jim & Marsha Borling Laurene Bratvold Cress Family

Mary Fons Richard & Diane Halom Gil & Karen Herman Patricia Holtan Betty J Hull Diane & Dan Matson

Don & Kathy Miner The Nordic Company Radio Shack of Stoughton US Cellular of Stoughton Roberta & Trevor Rush Stoehr Automotive Center

Steven & Kristine Vaughn Sharon Welsch Genevieve Wilberg Lloyd & Tina Withers Nora Ylvisaker

PARTNERS In Honor of ‘Weekenders Social Club’ In Memory of Juliet Johnson Dooley In Memory of Timothy N. Fast In Memory of Odvar Haug In Memory of Alvar Olson In Memory of Daniel O’Sullivan In Memory of Sarah

Pleggenkuhle-Pennewell In Memory of Harlow Wright Tom Anderson Myra Andreassen Mark Asleson Steve & Pam Barnes John Beutel Sharon Beckman & Ron Pile Jeanette Bossingham Don & Carola Breckbill Trish Brehm Mary Buchholz Robert & Joann Brunsell Jim & Arlene Burke Fritz & Laurine Carstens Courtney Collins Thomas & Kathleen Czynszak Darryl & Nancy Dahm Jeff & Mary Davis Kay & Leslie Davis Michael Davis William & Nancy Davis Erica & Adam Dial Sheryl Diermyer

Mark Eisen & Connie Kinsella Ron & Lou Ann Ellingson Jim & Jean Elvekrog John & Nancy Elvekrog Elaine Emkow Kittie & Chuck Endres Jon Erickson Gwen Evans Richard & Mary Lou Fendrick Jack & Jan Finney Florence Folbrecht Wilma Furseth Paul R. Goemans Gerry Graffin Ron & Joann Grimm Roger & Cyndie Gullickson Linda & Rodger Hansen Williard Hanson Richard & Carol Heacox Gerard Healy Don & Cheryl Heiliger Jim Heitman Gil & Karen Herman Perry & Pat Hellum Tom & Suzanne Hotter Homer Howard Helen Johnson Mary Louise Keller Eda L Lamos Olaf & Rebecca Lunde Tom & Virginia Lunde

Sandra Maerz Felipe & Monita Manalo Lawrence & Shirley Mandt Margie Martin Diane & Dan Matson Georgiann & Pete McDonald Rick & Joan McLaughlin Adam Mehring Virginia & Marilynn Miller Dan & Erica Moeser Allan and Karen Moore Dick Morrissey Jennifer Myhre Nancy & David Nedveck Carol & Tom Novak Cress-Olson-Holzhuter Home Randy & Donna Olson Ruth Mary Olson Kathleen Oswald Sharon Owen Deb & Randy Padfield Ruth Paulson Nancy & Wayne Paulson Thomas Pellett Charlie Peters & Leslie Hearn Susan & John Petty Jeff & Vicki Raymond Dan & Mary Ramsden Julie & Brian Ramsden Tim Reilly Timothy Reilley & Janet Nelson

Bob & Jean Ristau Ami Rodland Desi Rohling Trevor & Roberta Rush Pauline & Ted Schnese Jeanne & Edward Schultz Jim & Mary Severson Jim Schelshorn Pauline & Ted Schnese Nancy Scovotti Jim & Mary Severson Dave & Peggy Sharpe John Sheski James & Deloris Skiles Evelyn L. Stingley Trust Gale A. Stone James & Erma Sundby Sutter Photographers Ursula Thomas Cliff & Barb Tomas Craig & Peggy Thompson Joyce Tikalsky / John Hallinan Richard & Ruth Took Norm & Linda Venden Lori & Peter Vogel Marvin & Grace Wagner Don & Carol Wahlin Jan & Jahn Witzel Bill & Mary Zimmerman Stoughton High School Class of ‘37 Stoughton High School Class of ‘38 The Actors Factory

Plus many who gave at the Patron and Friend level. Thank you!

Become a Friend of the Opera House! Call (608) 877-4400

W

We get by — with a little help from our Friends hen you become a Friend of the Stoughton Opera House, your donation helps to ensure success for our beautiful facility — through programming and continued maintenance. Your support also helps to keep ticket prices affordable for all our patrons. As other sources of revenue are declining,

now is a perfect time to become a Friend of SOH. If you are already a Friend, please consider increasing your donation. Your donation is tax-deductible!

Membership Levels

Friend — $25 Patron — $50 Partner — $100

Ambassador — $250 Director — $500 Producer — $1,000

Executive Producer — $1,500

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

33

Quality antique home furnishings Regional artisans

Photo courtesy John Rindahl / Archer Photography

Stoughton Opera House— Timeline of Growth • 1900–1901 City Hall constructed. “City Auditorium” opens to the public.

• 1950–1955 In decline, the Opera House is closed to the www.catfishriver.com 154 West Main St. / Stoughton, WI 53589 / (608) 877-8880 Open Mon—Sat, 10–6, Sun 10–5 Open Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat 10–6 and Sun 12–5. Closed Tue & Wed

public.

• 1961 Amidst questions of structural integrity, the original clock tower is removed.

• 1980–1983 Debate rages over whether the entire building is worth saving.

• 1983 Citizens form the Friends of the Opera House to

Stoughton Wellness & Athletic Center • Sports

Enhancement Academy • Anytime Fitness • Four Lakes Catering & Event Center • True Coffee Roasters • Stoughton Hospital Rehab and Sports Medicine

Since 2007

34

2300 US Highway 51-138, Stoughton www.stoughtonswac.com

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

fund restoration.

• 1988 Enabled by $105,000 in private donations, a new clock is installed on the tower.

• 1990 An additional $74,000 in donations funds the addition of an enclosed fire stairwell.

• 1992 Radiators replaced by central heating and air conditioning.

• 1992–2000 Opera House restoration underway.

- Balcony reinforced.

- Modern dressing rooms constructed.

- Main entrance and all woodwork restored.

- Elevator installed.

- Walls replastered and painted.

- Gold leaf fleur-de-lis and scrolls restored.

- Embossed metal ceiling restored and highlighted.

- Original chandelier upgraded with modern wiring, lamps, and tulip bowls.

- Aisles widened.

- New carpet installed with embedded light tracks.

- Original curtain restored.

- Modern light, sound, and intercom systems installed.

• 2001 The Stoughton Opera House grand reopening.

Uniroyal Engineered Products Proudly Supports

Stop by Culver’s after the show for our

smooth, creamy frozen custard

The Arts of the Stoughton Opera House

that’s made fresh throughout the day.

It’s enough to make anyone fee like a star.

www.culvers.com





Culver’s Opera House Special!

Manufactured in Stoughton, WI

BOGO! Buy one Medium Sundae ...

www.naugahyde.com

get one FREE!

1-800-873-8800

Care that’s worth

asking for.

When you need medical care, you have the power to choose where you’ll be treated. Ask for Stoughton Hospital. You’ll enjoy the warm, personalized care of our physicians, nurses and staff. Best of all, there is no need to travel far. It’s no wonder Stoughton Hospital consistently leads the way in patient satisfaction.

Discover why Stoughton Hospital has been a trusted neighbor for more than 100 years, consistently providing care that’s worth asking for.

900 Ridge Street | Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-6611

S T O U G H T O N H O S P I TA L . C O M

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

35

Opera House Policies

The house opens at least one-half hour before the curtain. Parents should exercise discretion in deciding which events are appropriate for children (aisle seats are recommended). Regardless of age, a seat must be purchased for everyone attending an event, unless otherwise noted. Programs and events are subject to change without notice.

Patrons arriving late will be seated at a suitable pause in the performance.

Accessibility Patrons with special needs should call the Box Office for information on handicap parking, wheelchair seating, audio amplification headsets, and other special services. Signed interpretation (pending availability of interpreters), braille, and large-print programs are available if requested three weeks in advance.

Facility/Wedding Rental The Stoughton Opera House is available for rental to individuals, corporations, and community organizations for weddings, conventions, meetings, concerts, and recitals.

For more information or to book your next event, call our Event Coordinator at (608) 646-0019 or email her at cdollhausen@ci.stoughton.wi.us.

Box Office Information The box office is open Monday– Friday 9 am–4:30 pm. Open 90 minutes prior to curtain, 30 minutes after performances. Summer hours may vary. Individual and group guided tours are available by appointment by calling (608) 877-4400. Tickets on Sale August 6 for Stoughton Opera House Members • August 20 General Ticket Sales Begin!

36

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Stoughton Opera House Order Form 12 13

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com — (608) 877-4400

Online ticketing now available at www. stoughtonoperahouse.com Save when you order three or more shows.

Step One—Select Single or Series Tickets PG

ARTIST

DATE

TIME

TICKETS

SERIES

6

Greg Brown

Sat, September 15

7:30 pm

$35

$33

6

David Mayfield Parade

Sat, September 22

7:30 pm

$20

$18

7

Kathy Mattea

Sun, September 23

7:30 pm

$40

$38

7

Ricky Skaggs

Thur, September 27

7:30 pm

$50

$48

7

“Spider” John Koerner

Fri, September 28

7:30 pm

$20

$18

8

Ole & Lena’s Wedding/Change of Pace Productions

Sat, September 29

3:00 pm & 7:00 pm

$20

8

Michael Hecht-What I Learned from Sherlock Holmes

Wed, October 3

1:00 pm

8

Junior Brown

Fri, October 5

7:30 pm

$25

$23

9

Peter Yarrow—of Peter, Paul & Mary

Sat, October 6

7:30 pm

$30

$28

9

Gary Louris of the Jayhawks

Sun, October 7

7:30 pm

$25

$23

9

Judy Collins

Thur, October 11

7:30 pm

$45

$43

10

Molly and Jack Tuttle

Sat, October 13

7:30 pm

$20

$18

10

The Amazing Acro-Cats

Sun, October 14

1:00 pm & 4:00 pm

$12

$10

10

Frank Fairfield

Fri, October 19

7:30 pm

$20

$18

11

Ruth Moody Band—of the Wailin’ Jennys

Sat, October 20

7:30 pm

$25

$23

11

Drakula: The Performance presented by StageWorks Projects

Fri, October 26 & Sat, October 27

7:30 pm

12

Atlantic Harp Duo

Sun, October 28

4:00 pm

$20

$18

12

Count This Penny, Whitney Mann opens

Fri, November 2

7:30 pm

$15

$13

12

Jorma Kaukonen

Sat, November 3

7:30 pm

$30

$28

13

Charlie Hunter

Sun, November 4

7:30 pm

$20

$18

13

Cheryl Wheeler

Fri, November 9

7:30 pm

$25

$23

13

The Be Good Tanya’s

Sat, November 10

7:30 pm

$33

$31

14

Aimee Mann

Fri, November 16

7:30 pm

$45

14

PlayTime Productions

Nov/Dec (Date/Time TBA)

15

Stoughton Chamber Singers: Victorian Holiday Concert

Sun, December 2

2:00 pm

15

Branson on the Road—Christmas Style!

Thur, December 6

3:00 pm & 7:00 pm

$20

$18

16

Cherish the Ladies—Celtic Christmas

Fri, December 7

7:30 pm

$35

$33

16

Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three

Sat, December 8

7:30 pm

$20

16

Stoughton Festival Choir & City Band Christmas Concert

Sun, December 9

4:00 pm

17

George Winston—Holiday Concert

Tue, December 18

7:30 pm

$30

$28

18

Tom Paxton

Fri, January 25

7:30 pm

$25

$23

18

The Peoples Brothers Band

Fri, February 1

7:30 pm

$12

$10

18

All That Jazz Big Band/Big Band Road Trip

Sat, February 2

3:00 pm

$20

$18

19

Author Michael Perry—A Clodhopper Shoots the Breeze

Thur, February 7

7:30 pm

$20

$18

19

Randy Sabien & The Fiddlehead Band

Sat, February 9

7:30 pm

$25

$23

19

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Sun, February 17

7:30 pm

$45

19

Alice in Wonderland Jr./Fox Prairie Elementary

Tues., February 19 & Wed,, February 20

6:30 pm (both shows)

20

Eilen Jewell

Fri, February 22

7:30 pm

$20

$18

20

Lou & Peter Berryman

Sat, February 23

7:30 pm

$20

$18

20

Ancora String Quartet

Sun, February 24

4:00 pm

$20

$18

20

Moonhouse

Fri, March 1

7:30 pm

$10

$8

22

Riders in the Sky

Sat, March 2

7:30 pm

$35

$33

22

Redhorse—Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka & Lucy Kaplansky

Thur, March 7

7:30 pm

$30

$28

22

The Quebe Sisters Band

Sat, March 9

7:30 pm

$25

$23

23

Janis Ian

Wed, March 13

7:30 pm

$30

$28

Suggested group-friendly events. *A group is 8 or more—call for group rate.

QTY

TOTAL

$18 Free-will at door

Call StageWorks for tickets (608) 873-0717

$43 $5 per family at the door

(continued on reverse)

$5 at the door

$18 Free-will donation

$43 Free-will at the door

A – Subtotal:

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

37

Stoughton Opera House Order Form

Online ticketing now available at www. stoughtonoperahouse.com

Step One—Select Single or Series Tickets

Save when you order three or more shows.

12 13 PAGE

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com — (608) 877-4400

ARTIST

DATE

TIME

QTY

SINGLE

SERIES

TOTAL

24

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks

Fri, March 15

7:30 pm

$30

24

Peter Rowan (Solo)

Sat, March 16

7:30 pm

$25

24

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

Thur, March 21

7:30 pm

$35

25

Karla Bonoff

Sat, March 23

7:30 pm

$30

26

Iris Dement

Fri, April 5

7:30 pm

$30

26

A Dolls House presented by The Commonweal Theatre

Sat, April 6

7:30 pm

26

Opera for the Young presents Cinderella

Sun, April 7

1:30 pm

27

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Thur, April 11

7:30 pm

$40

27

Basia Bulat

Fri, April 12

7:30 pm

$25

28

The Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band

Sat, April 13

7:30 pm

$25

28

Maggie Mae & Heartland Country Band

Thur, April 18

3:00 pm & 7:00 pm

$20

$18

28

Del McCoury Band

Fri, April 19

7:30 pm

$35

$33

28

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Sat, April 27

7:30 pm

$35

$33

29

Sergei Belkin

Sun, April 28

4:00 pm

$15

30

PlayTime Productions

April/May (Date/Time TBA)

30

Michael Hecht—What I Learned from James Baldwin

Wed, May 1

1:00 pm

30

Tony Rice Unit

Fri, May 3

7:30 pm

30

St. Anns School Drama Department

Fri, May 10 & Sat, May 11

Fri 7:00 pm; Sat 1:30 pm

30

Chris Smither

Sat, May 11

7:30 pm

$25

31

The Kruger Brothers

Thur, May 23

7:30 pm

$25

31

Stoughton Chamber Singers: Music & the Human Experience

Fri, June 7

7:00 pm

$5 at the door

31

Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society

Fri, June 14 & Fri, June 28

7:30 pm

Call BDDS for tickets (608) 255-9866

Yahara

River

$28

Map from Madison $23 to Stoughton. $33 Following Hwy 51. $28

Stop at Halverson’s $28 Coachman’s $23 Restaurant along 51 (just $5Hwy per family at dooroutside Stoughton) for $38 dinner before $23 an evening show.

$25

$23

$13 $5 per family at the door Free-will at the door

$30

$28

Call St. Anns for tickets (608) 873-3343 $23 $23

B – Subtotal:

Suggested group-friendly events. *A group is 8 or more—call for group rate. (shows from reverse side)

A – Subtotal: A&B – Ticket Total:

Step Two—Check Off Your Seating Preference:

Main Floor

Balcony

Box Seats

Step Three—Become a Friend of the Opera House - Members buy tickets beginning Aug 6, 2012 Friend–$25

Partner–$100

Director–$500

Patron—$50

Ambassador–$250

Producer—$1,000

Step Four—Complete/Submit Your Order Payment:

Check

VISA

Card #:

MasterCard Exp. Date:

Name:

No, Thank you C – Subtotal:

Ticket Sales Total (A&B) $ Membership Total (C) $ Ticket Service Fee $

4.00

Grand Total $

MAIL/DELIVER TO: Stoughton Opera House

Address: City:

State:

Phone (day):

Phone (cell):

Signature:

Zip:

381 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 BOX OFFICE: (608) 877-4400 • FAX: (608) 873-0875 EMAIL: operahouse@ci.stoughton.wi.us *Include your email & cell # to receive newsletters and show updates.

Please sign me up for SOH email newsletter & text alerts: We promise we will never sell your info to anyone.

38

Executive Producer–$1500

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Opera House Policies: Page 36

Madison

Monona

Madison

Monona

Lake Waubesa

Madison

MN

McFarland

Monona

AB Lake Waubesa

90

51 Lake Waubesa

39

MN

McFarland

MN

McFarland

AB

B

AB

90

AB Lake Kegonsa

39 90

51 51 AB

Stoughton

B B

N 51 AB Lake Kegonsa B Lake Kegonsa

Page Street

er Yahara Riv Water Street

er Yah ara Riv

Sixth Street

Divison Street

Forrest Street

Fourth Street

Fifth Street

Water Street

I90/94

E. Main Street

Jefferson Street

Hotels Stoughton Inn—873-0330,

Sixth Street

er

Washington Street

Yah ara Riv

To

W. Main Street

I90/94

Divison Street

Forrest Street

Sixth Street

E. Main Street Fourth Street

Hwy 51 to Madison

Fifth Street

Divison Street

Forrest Street

Fourth Street

Quality Inn and Suites—

51 Stoughton Water Street

51

I90/94

E. Main Street Fifth Street

Water Street

W. Main Street

877-9000 660 Nygaard Street

51

To Mandt Park

er Yah ara Riv

To

138

Restaurants Banushi’s —873-3700

ver

Janesville

Parks

800 Nygaard Street 183 E. Main Street

Food Parks Historic Arts Parksand Shopping District

North Street

Fourth Street Fifth Street

North Street

E. Main Street

Fourth Street

Washington Street

Hwy 51 to Madison

Jefferson Street

Washington Street

Washington Street Washington Street

W. Main Street

E. Main Street

To Mandt Park

51

North Street

E. Main Street W. Main Street

Jefferson Street

Jefferson Street Jefferson Street

Forrest Street Fourth Street

1124 W. Main Street

Cheesers—873-1777

Forrest Street

To Mandt Park

To

W. Main Street

N

51

Washington Street

Hwy 51 to Madison

Jefferson Street

Divison Street Forrest Street

To Mandt Park

138

138

Yahara Riv er Yahara Ri

Water Street Divison Street

Divison Street

B

Stoughton

hara Ri Ya138 ver Hwy 51 to Madison

er Yahara Riv

51 51

B

Page Street

Water Street

138

To Mandt Park

138

Stoughton

51

To Mandt Park

er Yahara Riv

N Hwy 51 to Madison W. Main Street Hwy 51 to Madison

Page Street

If you are looking for lodging or restaurants for before or after the shows, we encourage you to visit these fine establishments who support the Stoughton Opera House by advertising in this guide!

39

Culver’s—873-6635

Janesville

916 Janesville Nygaard Street

Fosdal Home Bakery

Food (lunch only) 873-3073 Public Parking Lots 243 E. Main Street Food Historic Arts and JL Richards—835-9188 Shopping District Historic Arts and 668 Janesville Street, Oregon Stoughton Shopping District Opera House Main Street Public Parking Lots Public Parking LotsPour House—877-1747 121 E. Main Street Stoughton Chamber of Stoughton Springers of Lake Commerce Opera House Stoughton Kegonsa—205-9300 Opera House 3097 Sunnyside Street B&B and Hotels Stoughton Yahara River Grocery Chamber of Stoughton Commerce Cooperative—877-0947 Chamber of 229 E. Main Street Commerce B&B and Hotels B&B and Hotels

I To

4

/9

90

Fifth Street Fifth Street

Sixth Street

4

/9

90

I To

/9

90

I To 4

Sixth Street Sixth Street

Back cover Opera House photo courtesy John Rindahl / Archer Photography

Stoughton Opera House Box Office: (608) 877-4400

39

The meticulously restored Stoughton Opera House is one of Wisconsin’s premiere live music theaters and the 2012–2013 season includes so much more! See legendary performers in the intimate atmosphere of an era gone by.

Your seat is waiting.

Southern Wisconsin’s Most Charming Theatre www.stoughtonoperahouse.com