Theatre, Music, Dance and Comedy in Madison
Madison Opera
Fans of the still incomparable Charlie Parker won’t want to miss the Madison Opera’s presentation of Charlie Parker’s Yardbird on February 10 and 12 at the Overture Center for the Arts (201 State St.). Follow Bird’s spirit as it returns to Birdland to compose his final masterpiece as you thrill to the “. . .pulsing, jazz-infused score,” according to the New York Times. Grab your tickets now at madisonopera.org.
Paula Poundstone at the Barrymore
“On February 11th, I insist on going to The Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin to freeze my a## off in solidarity with the people of Wisconsin,” says comedian Paula Poundstone. If you’ve caught her on NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” you’ll definitely want to see her live at the Barrymore. Get tickets online at majesticmadison.com.
Boyz II Men
The winners of three Billboard Awards, four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards and an equal number of Soul Train Awards, Boyz II Men rolls into Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts. The date? February 12 – this concert could just be the makings of an amazingly romantic early Valentine’s celebration. Get ticket information online at overturecenter.org.
Ultimate Tchaikovsky: The Last Symphony
Madison Symphony Orchestra presents a performance of "Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 "(The Egyptian). Conductor John DeMain and the Madison Symphony Orchestra open the program with Samuel Barber’s dramatic "Second Essay," and close with Tchaikovsky’s final major work, the passionately biographical "Symphony No. 6."
Single tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, August 20, 2016, and can be purchased at madisonsymphony.org, by calling (608) 258-4141 or at the Overture Center Box Office.
Sports in Madison
Madison Capitols
Come on out and cheer on our hometown favorites as they take on the Cedar Rapid Roughriders on February 10 at Alliant Energy Center. Get tickets online at Ticketmaster. Then, on the 11th, the Caps meet the Dubuque Fighting Saints. This is, by the way, Pucks n’ Paws night, so feel free to bring your dog. You’ll find pet-related businesses on the concourse and you can grab a goody bag for your pooch.
UW Women’s Hockey
The Badgers meet Minnesota Duluth on February 11 and 12 at LaBahn Arena and we hope to see your there. The puck drops at 2 p.m. on the 11th and at noon on the 12th.
Festivals and Expos in Madison
24th Annual Wisconsin Garden Expo
Yup, it’s almost that time where we winter-weary gardeners can finally feed our dirt jones and you’ll find everything you need to do it right at the Garden Expo. Happening daily from February 10 to February 12 at the Alliant Energy Center, you’ll learn the latest gardening trends, get landscaping ideas and support Wisconsin Public Television as well. You’ll find details online, here.
Greater Madison Golf Show
Golfing season is right around the corner and you’re invited to get ready for it at the Greater Madison Golf Show, February 17 to 19 at Alliant Energy Center. You’ll find more than 100 exhibitors and experts will be on hand to help you figure out your swing. Get details online at greatermadisongolfshow.com.
Mad City Model Railroad Show and Sale
For 50 years, Madison residents have been attending the annual Mad City Model Railroad Show and Sale. This year’s dates are February 18 and 19 and you’ll find it at Alliant Energy Center. See gorgeous model trail layouts, classic toy train sets, railroad videos and more. The kids are welcome and can enjoy building a gian wooden train layout or ride a model train. There will be more than 300 vendor tables offering everything from tools to collectibles to clothing. Maybe you’ll even win one of the door prizes! If you’re active duty military, you’ll receive a discount on admission to be sure to check the website for details.
Madison Fundraisers and Benefits
Heart and Soul Scholarship Ball
It’s the Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s 22nd annual fundraiser to benefit scholarships and educational programs for Madison youth and it happens this year on February 11. Purchase a table and fill it with a group of friends! The event is held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Union South Varsity Hall (1308 W. Dayton St.) from 7 p.m. until midnight. Find ticket prices and additional details here.
Valentine’s 5K
A benefit for the River Food Pantry of Madison, the Valentine’s 5K will take Lakeshore path into the neighborhoods of Shorewood and end up at the Natatorium. You’ll find refreshments at the finish. Bring a non-perishable food to this February 11 event and you’ll get a pair of Val5K gloves. Get the details online, here.
United Way Bluegrass Benefit
For the 16th year, United Way presents a brilliant lineup of bluegrass bands, who volunteer their talent, and all proceeds go to United Way of Dane County. This February 12 event will have you toe tappin’ to the sounds of six different bands from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Barrymore Theatre. Learn more and purchase tickets online at barrymorelive.com.
Miscellaneous Fun Stuff to do this Month in Madison
2017 Madison Winter Festival
Elver Park is the scene for this year’s Madison Winter Festival, on February 18 and 19. Come on out and enjoy snow and ice sculptures, snowshoeing, sled hill rides, ice skating and more. Visit the website for details.
Zor Shrine Circus
Madison families LOVE this annual event where they thrill to the trapeze artists and acrobats and, naturally the little ones love the clowns. The dates for this year’s circus are February 17 to 19 at Alliant Energy Center. Get tickets online at Ticketmaster, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Alliant Energy Center Coliseum Box Office.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on