It seems as though our Wisconsin winter has finally caught up to us and our unusually warm days may be in the past. But why should that stop us from bundling up to enjoy some free, beat-rocking concerts at Memorial Union and Union South?
Good news: WUD Music Committee has packed your February with some great performances that you will not want to miss.
Things kick off this Friday, Feb. 10, with Lost Lander and Paper Thick Walls at Der Rathskeller in Memorial Union. On their new album, DRRT, Lost Lander provides their audience with mesmerizing tracks that will draw you in with no escape. Their relaxed style is far from ordinary, which goes for Paper Thick Walls as well. This combination is ideal for Der Rath, ensuring all listeners an unforgettable show.
Or, for those of you who can sit down and have a brew-whoa, rhyme-why not do so with some blusey music at The Sett? Westside Andy and the Mel Ford Band will take the stage Friday, Feb. 10 as well, but can be found across campus at Union South. Andy Linderman of Westside Andy has been quoted as "one of the most dynamic electric harmonica players of our generation" by the blues brother himself, Dan Aykroyd. Combine the ambient lighting of The Sett and some of the most talented blues players in the Midwest, and you've got yourself a night on the town!
Speaking of how awesome Midwest artists are, our next performance on Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Sett hails from Madtown and has previously headlined at The Majestic and many other local venues. It is true, I am speaking of the talented F. Stokes. Combining hip hop and blues, this man knows how to get a crowd going. In addition, the Sett's inhabitants will be bombarded with sick mixes from DJ Radish and the smooth guitar sounds of Briar Rabbit, both of which will perform with F. Stokes for the night.
Not into hip-hop? For all you romantics out there, never fear, the Dean Martin impersonator, Joe Scalissi, will be performing that same night in Der Rath at Memorial Union. Just three days before Valentine's Day, it is the perfect opportunity to come with a date, looking for a date or just for the love of the music itself. All I know is Joe Scalissi will bring you back to the 1950s with not only the rhythm of Dean Martin, but also a little comic relief.
Then, after you have eaten your fair share of heart-shaped chocolates and you think this month couldn't get any better, WUD Music Committee will surpass your expectations when they feature YACHT, Feb. 17 at The Sett. There's no chance you will be standing still when this group of young individuals take the stage with funky electronic beats and a...pause for effect... YACHT AFTERPARTY! That's right, the night will not end at midnight my friends, for YACHT will be DJ-ing during WUD Music's DMF time slot.
Forgot what DMF stands for? It's "Dance Mother Fucker." I hope from the title, I don't have to further explain what is expected from 12-2 a.m. on Fridays at The Sett. Come on, what else are you going to do during that time? Sleep?
Wrapping up the month on a badass note is Astronautalis Feb. 25 at the Sett. Each song made by creator Andy Bothwell has its own unique quality featuring his indie rapping and captivating lyrics, both of which can be found in songs like "Contrails" and "The Wondersmith and His Sons." However, these two songs are not his only gems, as any song on his recent album, This is our Science, will not disappoint, setting a high standard for this upcoming show.
The beauty of WUD Music Committee is they have given our campus an outlet specifically for bringing people together for one thing-their common interest in great up-and-coming shows. Or in the words of Madonna, "music, makes the people, come together, yeah." Sing it girl.
So trade your YouTube and Pandora perusing for some excellent live music, free of charge. Outside voices encouraged.
Need help deciding which awesome WUD Music show to attend? Ask Erin for suggestions at eberge@wisc.edu.
