WPR

Pint-Sized Concert at the Milwaukee Art Museum
2026-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, 53202
Join WPR for live classical music by Malik Johnson at the Milwaukee Art Museum! Enjoy an evening of timeless classics, reimagined pop favorites, and great company amidst the Museum’s iconic architecture, with a pop-up bar open before and during the performance. This unique celebration of art and music is brought to the community by WPR and the Museum as part of Thursday Nights at MAM, the Museum’s weekly evening of art, music, and pay-what-you-wish admission. Bring a friend or the whole family and celebrate local music while supporting two of Wisconsin’s cultural institutions.
Malik Johnson is a classically trained cellist, composer, and music producer based in Chicago and Milwaukee. Malik has worked with the Matt Jones Orchestra, which has opened the doors for him to appear on NPR’s Tiny Desk in 2017, record on John Legend’s Christmas album released in 2018, featured on Kirk Franklin’s Grammy award-winning album, Long Live Love, and work with countless other professional and local recording artists. In Milwaukee, he recently wrote and produced the official theme song of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum at his 2025 residency. You can find him at 99theproducer on social media and online.
The Art Museum opens at 4 p.m. with live music at 5 p.m.

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
2026-01-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-14 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Wisconsin
Experience the magic of Christmas like never before! This uplifting holiday classic comes to life as a high-energy radio play, blending 1940s retro charm with hilarious theatrical hijinks, as five multi-talented actors portray dozens of characters with vintage sound effects, favorite songs and lovable Christmas spirit, right in front of your eyes (and ears). A mix of humor, heart and hope, this enchanting show has captivated audiences across the country and delivers a nostalgic treat that’s gift wrapped for you and your loved ones of all ages.
Adapted by Joe Landry
Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern
Directed by Jonathan Hetler

Shark Week
2026-01-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-14 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-15 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-16 09:00 - 17:00 and 1 more date | Cave of the Mounds, 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd., Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, 53517, United States
Shark Week is an exciting blend of geology and paleontology! Dive into the ancient past and discover the fascinating connection between the cave and the prehistoric oceans that once covered the region. During Shark Week, guests can participate in a fun activity: collecting real fossilized shark teeth throughout the tour. For just $3 per bag, visitors can search for these ancient treasures while exploring the stunning cave formations.
This family-friendly event is perfect for fossil enthusiasts, young adventurers, and anyone eager to learn more about Earth’s prehistoric past. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with history in the heart of one of Wisconsin’s natural wonders!

Time Warp Legends: with Substitute: Tales From The Who, Headley Grange, and Shattered
2026-01-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, United States
The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones are among the defining bands of the late 1960s and 1970s. The Who perfected the rock opera, helped develop the revolutionary Marshall Stack and pioneered the use of synthesizers. Led Zeppelin’s fusion of blues and folk music paved the way for hard rock music, stadium tours and record album sales of nearly 300 million. During their 55 years as a band, The Rolling Stones’ innovation, showmanship and musical excellence, coupled with the songwriting team of Jagger and Richards, took rebellion to a whole new level.
Their music soundtracked the lives of millions and heralded a new era of extraordinary cultural significance…but they never once toured together.
What if they had?
Time Warp Legends features three longstanding tribute bands that bring the music of these Rock Giants to life. With each playing a tight set of hits that takes audiences back to an era when sheer rock power could be experienced every time your band came to town, Time Warp Legends is the only show of its kind. On Friday, Jan. 9, Substitute: Tales From The Who, Headley Grange and Shattered roll into the legendary Pabst Theater for one show only, a chance to hear the classics in this compelling performance.

Johnsmith Concert
2026-01-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 54601, United States
Johnsmith is one of those artists so often under-recognized – he possesses a genius that cannot be denied, ignored, or overlooked. For the past forty-plus years, Johnsmith has been sharing his music all across America and abroad. He has become a favorite at festivals, clubs, and house concerts alike. In addition to being a Kerrville New Folk Winner, Johnsmith has released nine solo CDs to rave reviews, leads musical tours to Ireland, leads Idaho rafting trips, teaches songwriting, and has served as a staff songwriter in Nashville.
With his faded jeans, his twinkly blue eyes, and his infectious smile, John immediately connects with audiences. You get the sense of a man who loves his life, his family and friends, and who loves nothing more than sharing that love in song and stories all across this land.
For this special performance at the Pump House, John welcomes fellow musicians Dan Sebranek, Larry Dalton, and Elisi Rae Smith-Waller, his daughter.

The Fisherman's Daughters
2026-01-09 19:30 - 2026-03-01 21:30 | Stackner Cabaret, 108 E Wells St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, United States
This heartwarming Wisconsin musical is a testament to the power of sisterhood and self-discovery. When a governor’s order uproots the small village of Fish Creek to make way for Peninsula State Park, two sisters must confront their fears and fight for the home they love. This charming show comes direct from Northern Sky Theater and celebrates the deep connections we share with our family, community and the land around us. With touching songs and home-grown humor, you’ll treasure this funny, fitting love letter to a slice of our great state’s history.
“Musical theater of high quality… Katie Dahl weaves a beautiful tapestry.”
– WFRV Green Bay
Book, Music and Lyrics by Katie Dahl
Directed by Molly Rhode

Improv Comedy with Fish Sticks
2026-01-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Cup O Joy Music Venue, 525 N Taylor St, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54303, United States
Fish Sticks Comedy, comes their unique brand of improv comedy. It’s “Whose Line?” that doesn’t cross the line, and it’s high-energy, interactive, all-age FUN! YOU can be a part of the Show
Only 1 show. 7:30pm, Doors 6:45pm

Hairball
2026-01-10 20:00 - 22:00 | The Riverside Theater, 116 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53203, United States
As Hairball celebrates 25 years, they continue to deliver their signature, electrifying homage to the biggest names in 80s arena rock. Fans will be blown away by their flawless recreations of Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, and more, complete with larger-than-life pyrotechnics, lights, and pure rock energy. For a quarter of a century, Hairball has been more than just a concert, it’s an immersive Rock & Roll spectacle that captures the spirit of an era. Get ready for a night that will hit you like a freight train and leave you wanting more!

Celebrating 75 Years: Frank Lloyd Wright's Unitarian Meeting House
2026-01-13 18:30 - 21:00 | Unitarian Meeting House of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, 900 University Bay Dr., Madison
Join us for an Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration. This festive evening includes a champagne reception, exhibition and presentation by Aaron Betsky, noted Frank Lloyd Wright scholar and author, speaking on “The Wright Stuff: What to Learn from Frank Lloyd Wright” followed by a book sale and signing of his beautiful book” 50 Lessons to Learn from Frank Lloyd Wright.”

The Lehman Trilogy
2026-01-13 19:00 - 2026-02-08 22:30 | Checota Powerhouse Theater, 108 E Wells St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, United States
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Play, The Lehman Trilogy is a riveting tour-de-force that is sure to captivate the imagination. In 1844, a young man from Germany stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers, and an American epic begins. Over the next 163 years, the Lehmans transformed a small storefront into an unstoppable investment superpower – until a collapse that pushed the global economy to the brink of destruction. With three extraordinary actors portraying over 50 characters, this universally acclaimed play tests the bounds of the American dream and the limits of epic theatricality with a one-of-a-kind event you won’t want to miss!
“A must-see event. Epic in every conceivable way. You dare not miss it” – New York Post
By Stefano Massini
Adapted by Ben Power
Directed by Arin Arbus

Anytime Anywhere Meditation Course
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Tergar Meditation Community of Madison, 301 S. Blount St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join Tergar Madison for a 5-week hybrid workshop designed to make meditation enriching and accessible from anywhere. This program will guide you through the essential topics of awareness, compassion, and wisdom, blending traditional teachings with modern insights. The workshop will be led by Scott Anderson, an experienced meditator and teacher who combines his expertise in meditation with a background in kinesiology to help participants integrate meditation with daily life to support well-being.
Meets on Wednesdays, April 2 – April 30.
In person and Zoom options available.

Gallery Night at the Grohmann Museum
2026-01-16 17:00 - 21:00 | Grohmann Museum, 1000 N Broadway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, United States
Dave Clay’s Industrial Atmospheres
Gallery Night Reception—January 16, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Featuring an artist’s talk at 7:00pm
Milwaukee native Dave Clay is an artist, software architect, engineer, and musician. Now hailing from Seattle, he works in a variety of media including digital collage, metal, large-scale interactive sculpture, and painting. Among his diverse body of work, Clay’s industrial landscapes stand out as particularly novel and captivating. Though he works in a high-tech field, he is both drawn to and moved by the most elemental of industrial processes.
Clay’s industrial paintings are at once exquisite, shadowy, and other-worldly. They provide a virtual sensory experience, in which we not only see, but can almost feel the heat and smell the steam and smoke of the mills, foundries, and forge shops he captures. These industrial landscapes and interiors provide an amazing opportunity for the Museum and its patrons as a compelling start to our 2026 exhibition season.

Danen Kane at CupOJoy
2026-01-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Cup O Joy Music Venue, 525 N Taylor St, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54303, United States
DANEN KANE: The lyrics are vulnerable, almost aching, yet marked by an undeniable sense of hope. Musically, Danen’s sound draws from a variety of influences from European rock, earthy jazz. 7:30pm, Doors 6:45pm

Pilates at MAM
2026-01-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, 53202
Begin your Saturday with a 60-minute all-levels class that blends classic Pilates fundamentals with yoga postures and gentle stretching specifically designed for dancers. The class begins with breathing, followed by basic mat work and gentle stretching. Balancing strength and awareness of the body, this class includes exercises in tabletop position and postures for low back and core strengthening.
Underneath the Museum’s iconic wings and with stunning views of Lake Michigan, this class is led by Catey Ott Thompson of Milwaukee Ballet.
Class begins at 8 a.m. Arrive as early as 7 a.m. with your yoga mat to settle into the space before the class starts.
After class, extend your visit to the café and store, which open early, at 9 a.m. Parking is available in the Calatrava underground garage; enjoy a $5 rate when you exit before 10 a.m.
Online in advance, general admission tickets are $20 and Museum Member tickets are $10. At the door, tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for Members.

Trio Mediæval: "Folk Songs"
2026-01-17 17:00 - 19:30 | St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, 53215, United States
Norwegian and Scandinavian folk songs were a part of daily events and special occasions throughout history. The program features a selection of love songs, wedding tunes, lullabies, and instrumental dances. Most intriguing are the Medieval ballads that recount tales of nobles, knights, and maidens. Skol!

Torchlit Hike
2026-01-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 53913, United States
Join the Friends of Devil’s Lake for our winter Torchlit Hike! Enjoy a 1.5-mile family-friendly torchlit hike through the Northern Lights Campground, then warm up by a roaring campfire accompanied by hot cocoa, s’mores, and campfire sing-along.
This event is free; donations are welcome.
Snowshoes available (weather depending).
Bundle up and enjoy the outdoors in winter at this special event! The hike starts at the Rock Elm Shelter on the North Shore.

Cave After Dark; Winter Escape
2026-01-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Cave of the Mounds, 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd., Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, 53517, United States
The “Winter Escape” at Cave of the Mounds is a Hawaiian-themed party designed to bring a burst of tropical warmth to the chilly Midwest winter. Guests are invited to trade their winter coats and adorn their Hawaiian shirts and beach hats as they explore the uniquely lit cave. The Cave will feature ambient lighting, while the sounds of LIVE MUSIC echo through the cave. The event includes entry to the cave, a drink, appetizers, and a souvenir photo. The natural stone formations of the Cave of the Mounds amplify the setting, transporting attendees to an exotic escape amidst the stunning underground scenery.
