ARTS

Freaky talented: Catching up with musician Alexander Kain

By Megan Girod | Oct. 31, 2019

Kenosha, Wisconsin’s own Alexander Kain — a rising hip-hop musician and entertainer — performed at this years Freakfest. He caught up with The Daily Cardinal’s Megan Girod and discussed his experience performing that night, as well as his current projects.

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ARTS

Big Thief returns to Madison for a memorable night out at the Sylvee

By Emily Knepple | Oct. 22, 2019

Big Thief took the stage for their second time in Madison this past Saturday at the Sylvee. Their new album Two Hands is their second to come out this year, following U.F.O.F., which dropped in early May. 

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ARTS

Lollapalooza 2019: Four-day Festival Highlights

By Francisco Velazquez | Aug. 20, 2019

The Daily Cardinal's Francisco Velazquez went down to Lollapalozza for the first time. Many of the most popular artists in the world were present for this year's festival. From Normani to Childish Gambino, here is a breakdown of the highlights from the four day music event.

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ARTS

Superorganism wows at the Majestic with eccentric, captivating theatricality

By Emma Hellmer | May. 13, 2019

Superorganism is a well-oiled machine (assuming in this metaphor that machines are coalitions of incredibly theatrical, talented and artistic people and “well-oiled” refers to their well-put-togetherness and not to the amount of oil on them). The quirky octet displayed their musicianship with a multi-faceted and highly entertaining show at the Majestic on May 1. 

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ARTS

Breaking Benjamin sparks embers with a fiery performance in Madison

By John Everman | Apr. 1, 2019

Now a five-piece well-oiled machine, many fans, critics and even founder Ben Burnley himself feel the band is heavier and more complete than in the past. With their headlining performance at The Sylvee last Monday in mind, I can only attest that this perception of the band’s current state is correct: Breaking Benjamin is simply the best it has ever been.

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ARTS

Follow the Flock: Michael Makowski's insights on SXSW 2019 artists

By Michael Makowski | Mar. 28, 2019

The Daily Cardinal's Michael Makowski travels to this year's SXSW and highlights several musical acts from another successful festival.

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ARTS

Aglow and alive, Hippie Sabotage electrifies Madison

By Sam Jones | Mar. 6, 2019

Hippie Sabotage, the EDM duo consisting of brothers Kevin and Jeff Saurer, infected the Sylvee last Wednesday with one killer jam sesh. As someone who doesn’t frequently indulge in EDM and rave culture, this concert was a really interesting step into that world. 

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ARTS

Rainbow Kitten Surprise serves up mellow Monday soul food at the Sylvee

By Sam Jones | Feb. 15, 2019

As I rushed to the Rainbow Kitten Surprise concert at the Sylvee this past Monday night, I had high expectations after their gig at Majestic Theatre last year, which was full of head-bang worthy rock-inspired renditions of their classics and an intimate feel despite Sam Melo’s overwhelmingly energetic stage presence. However, this show was quite different from the last time I saw RKS — mellow undertones dominated, and I felt as though I was digging into a giant, steaming bowl of soul food during their set. 

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ARTS

Francis, Wonderland kick off 'Lost My Mind' tour with spectacular show at The Sylvee

By John Everman | Feb. 4, 2019

Braving the fierce, dangerous conditions were some 2,000 plus fans of EDM royalty Dillon Francis and Alison Wonderland – two of the genres biggest and best acts performing today. 

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ARTS

Noname returns to Madison bigger and better than ever

By Sammy Gibbons | Jan. 31, 2019

Rapper Noname rocked The Sylvee with her bopping tunes that showcased her raw talent.

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ARTS

​Boygenius outsmarts expectations of collaborative trio show

By Sammy Gibbons | Nov. 26, 2018

Stores boast crazy sales like “Buy three, get one free!” Concerts do the same thing, in a way, giving audiences an opener along with the headliner they’re paying to see.

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ARTS

Kamasi Washington delivers stunning jazz performance, though venue lacks magic

By Grace Wallner | Nov. 23, 2018

“We’re more similar than we are different, but the differences we do have are beautiful.” These words were spoken by Kamasi Washington, an impressive, calm figure in a large black cloak, heavy beaded necklace and colorful knit hat. He spoke gently into the microphone, cradling his saxophone comfortably against his stomach.

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ARTS

Joywave, Sir Sly give euphoric indie rock performances

By Sam Jones | Nov. 5, 2018

The Majestic Theatre was inflated with badass, indie rock fans of all capacities this past Thursday to relish in the positive energy that is Joywave and Sir Sly.

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ARTS

Lake Street Dive compels audience with soulful, fun music

By Allison Garfield | Nov. 1, 2018

What do you get when you combine powerhouse lead vocals, a smooth jazz vibe and a rock n’ roll beat?

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ARTS

​Lauv brings down-to-earth atmosphere to The Sylvee

By Megan Bratland | Oct. 31, 2018

The Sylvee was washed with blue light and smoke as it came alive with the dynamic rhythms of Lauv last Friday night. His magnetic stage presence combined with his obvious love for performing electrified the theater and gave the audience a show filled with fast-paced moments, slow ballads and occasional times of laughter.

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ARTS

New Greta Van Fleet album tries too hard to imitate something much older, much better

By Savannah McHugh | Oct. 27, 2018

I will begin this review with a disclaimer: I’d never listened to Greta Van Fleet before I heard this album. I was going into it with an open mind — music-savvy friends had shown me snippets of singles the band had released over the past couple years, and I wasn’t interested in knowing them any better. I came upon Anthem of the Peaceful Army hoping to have my mind changed.

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ARTS

Bon Iver, Baldwin rally Wisconsinites to vote, support ‘all human lives’

By Sammy Gibbons | Oct. 21, 2018

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon left the Sylvee stage following their fundraising performance Saturday saying “On, Wisconsin” in a hinting tone, like what he actually wanted to say was “you better get out and vote, Wisconsin.”