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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260808T190000
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UID:3378-1786215600-1786226400@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:LEGENDS! A Tri-County Music Revue Tour - August 8
DESCRIPTION:LEGENDS! ~ A Tri-County Music Revue Tour presented by Pankratz Arts Exchange\, Inc. \nPAE performers are a high-energy singer/dancer troupe showcasing their musical talents with songs by LEGENDARY artists like Elton John\, The Beatles\, Michael Jackson\, Madonna\, Taylor Swift\, Frank Sinatra\, and MANY MORE! They will entertain you through musical genres of rock & roll\, country\, pop\, jazz\, funk and more\, accompanied by Warped Dance Company’s incredible acrobats & aerlists! \nFounded in 2011\, Pankratz Arts Exchange\, Inc. (PAE) is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit performing arts organization! Our mission is to provide high quality arts education and performance opportunities in the community for all people. This 2026 summer season marks our touring debut between three counties in Wisconsin! Previous venues are Maximillian’s Hall\, Mt. Calvary\, WI (2011-2017) and The Shore Club Theater\, Elkhart Lake\, WI (2017-2025). \nPAE has produced nearly 30 winter/summer music revues\, musical theatre shows Chicago – The Musical (October 2025)\, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2016)\, Suds! (2015) & Forever Plaid (2014)\, as well as providing summer annual multi-arts youth camps since 2018. For more info. visit paearts.org | @paearts \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/legends-a-tri-county-music-revue-tour-aug8/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PAE-WordPress.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T220000
DTSTAMP:20260616T051115
CREATED:20260324T190326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T145237Z
UID:3301-1786649400-1786658400@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:The Fabulous Thunderbirds: A Tribute to Chicago Blues
DESCRIPTION:Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds: A Tribute to Chicago Blues\nwith special guest Candy Cigarette \nHarmonica Master Returns to His Musical Roots \nKim Wilson\, the legendary harmonica virtuoso and frontman of The Fabulous Thunderbirds\, is preparing for what may be his most personally meaningful tour yet. The upcoming “A Tribute to Chicago Blues” tour represents a homecoming of sorts for Wilson\, who cut his teeth playing alongside the very architects of the Chicago blues sound during the genre’s golden era. \n“That’s where I live\,” Wilson says about Chicago blues. “This is what I love. It’s what I’ve always loved. Everything else that I do\, I try and put that mojo on it.” \nEarly Immersion in the Scene \nWilson’s connection to Chicago blues runs deep\, stretching back to his teenage years when he was fortunate enough to witness and learn from the masters themselves. “I was probably about 16 years old\, maybe even 15\,” Wilson recalls about when he first became aware of the Chicago blues scene. “All my friends were listening to that stuff and all those guys were coming in and playing live everywhere you can imagine.” \nThe young Wilson saw legends like Johnny Shines\, Muddy Waters\, George “Harmonica” Smith\, and Jimmy Reed perform live. More remarkably\, he got to play with them. “I played with Eddie Taylor when I was 18 or 19 years old. That’s about as Chicago blues as you can get\,” he notes.  \nThe Sound  \nWhat set Chicago blues apart from other regional styles was its distinctive mood and power. “Something about Chicago blues\, those guys really knew how to set a mood\,” Wilson explains. The migration of blues musicians from the rural South to Chicago created a unique fusion. “They take their district\, their region\, and they bring it to another city. And it morphs into a combination of a couple of things\,” Wilson observes. \nThe urban environment demanded amplification\, which fundamentally changed the sound. “These musicians performed in a lot of other places before they got to Chicago. They soaked up the different scenes across the country\,” Wilson says. “Then they put those sounds through an amplifier. Because they were playing in bars. You can’t be heard otherwise.” \nChicago blues was also distinguished by its harmonica-driven sound\, featuring legends like Little Walter\, James Cotton\, and Big Walter. “A lot of Chicago blues was built around the harmonica\,” Wilson notes\, explaining his natural gravitation toward the genre. \nThe Human Element \nOne aspect Wilson emphasizes about the Chicago blues masters is their approachability despite their legendary status. “They were just regular people. That was the thing\,” he reflects. “People like Jimmy Rogers\, I worked with him\, and I love covering his stuff. But he was just a normal guy… with a lot of talent. The same with Muddy Waters\, the originator of electric Chicago blues. I would go out to eat with him after a show and no one knew exactly who he was\, but they knew he was somebody important. Even the king carried himself like a normal human being.” \nThis down-to-earth quality extended throughout the blues community. “Big stars\, people like B.B. King\, people like Bobby Blue Bland\, they were still very normal people. That’s because they came from normal backgrounds. They came from having nothing to having a bit of something.” \nA Musical Ecosystem \nWilson describes the Chicago blues scene as a thriving ecosystem where hundreds of clubs supported a vibrant community of musicians. “A lot of those guys rarely left the city. They were all playing clubs in Chicago. There were hundreds of them.” This concentration created an environment where musicians constantly pushed each other to excel. \nThe personal connections Wilson forged during this era remain vivid. “Literally it was like playing basketball with Michael Jordan every single time\,” he says. “You’re playing with all your heroes. It was an incredible time to be alive.” \nThe Upcoming Tour \nThe “Tribute to Chicago Blues” tour will feature a mix of classic chestnuts and deeper cuts from the Chicago blues catalog. “There will be a lot more traditional songs in the set\,” Wilson explains. “We haven’t decided exactly how we’re going to mix it up yet\, but I’m hoping I can do this for a little while\, to be honest with you.” \nHowever\, Wilson will maintain his traditional approach of not using set lists. “I prefer to let the energy of the crowd and the performance dictate the evening’s direction.” \nAuthenticity and Individual Voice \nWilson emphasizes the importance of individual expression within the blues tradition. “You have to do your own thing\,” he insists. “When people come see me and they see this band\, they know that they’re going to get something unique\, even if it’s in that genre.” \nThis philosophy reflects something he learned from the masters themselves. “One great thing about these guys\, that does not happen today very often\, is they all have their own personality. They all have their own style. They all have their own delivery. They were all unique inside that musical genre.” \nLooking Forward \nAs Wilson prepares to take audiences on this musical journey\, he hopes fans will dig deeper into the music’s origins. “When you hear us doing stuff\, certain songs\, dig back to where the original came from. Find out who did it. You will probably end up owning everything they ever did\, like I do.” \nThe “Tribute to Chicago Blues” tour promises to be more than just a series of concerts — it’s a master class in authenticity\, delivered by someone who learned from the source and has spent decades perfecting his craft while maintaining his own distinctive voice within the tradition. \nCandy Cigarette \nCandy Cigarette delivers a blistering brand of raw\, high-energy blues-rock\, fueled by an unapologetic spirit that defies their age. Hailing from Oconomowoc\, Wisconsin\, identical twins Isaac (bass/vocals) and Lucas Deitz (guitar/vocals)\, both 16\, and drummer Evan Sterken\, 18\, have been igniting stages across the Midwest and beyond. Their sound\, a potent blend of 70s rock giants like Led Zeppelin and the modern fire of Rival Sons\, captivates audiences with electrifying live performances. Searing guitar riffs and blood harmonies\, coupled with a thunderous rhythmic drive\, create an undeniable sonic force. Having shared stages with acclaimed artists such as Blackberry Smoke\, Jared James Nichols\, and many more\, Candy Cigarette has proven their ability to command any crowd. Their latest single\, “REVOLUTION\,” marks a powerful step forward\, positioning Candy Cigarette as torchbearers for the future of rock and roll. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have your tickets ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/the-fabulous-thunderbirds-a-tribute-to-chicago-blues/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fabulous-Thunderbirds-WordPress-1.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T220000
DTSTAMP:20260616T051115
CREATED:20260528T053156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T214248Z
UID:3412-1787254200-1787263200@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Lorrie Morgan
DESCRIPTION:She is undeniably one of the most eloquently emotive vocalists of modern times. \nLorrie Morgan\, the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive Platinum albums\, is back in the studio with award-winning producer Richard Landis\, working on a new album. It is sure to be yet another collection showcasing the rainbow of emotions\, from darkest heartache to bright\, shiny humor\, that is the hallmark of Morgan’s range. \n“Where I am in my life right now\, I’m not afraid to express what I feel\,” she says. “I’m not afraid to express my views on anything\, especially on being a woman and my experiences in this business and in life.” \nMorgan is known for her lustrous vocal phrasing and the down-to-earth believability of her torchy performances. On records such as “A Picture of Me Without You” and “I Guess You Had to Be There\,” the ache is palpable. She is feisty and sassy on “Watch Me\,” “What Part of No” “Five Minutes” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” She has kicked up her stiletto heels in fun on her hits “Except for Monday” and “Go Away.” On her epic “Something in Red” she is an honest\, struggling everywoman. \nShe has been a daughter\, a bride\, a mother\, a divorcee\, a widow\, a single mother\, a breadwinner and\, ultimately\, a survivor. In many ways\, Lorrie is a living\, breathing country song\, and she knows what she sings. \n“I didn’t want to just do another album. I want it to be something that really moves me. When I listened to songs for it\, I’d think\, ‘No\, not that one. I’m not going to be able to sing that one\, because I’m not going to be able to feel it.’ It is very important to me for this album to reflect the things that I am feeling today.” \nRecently in Nashville\, Morgan commanded a stage shared by the iconic Judy Collins\, in a concert performance honoring the 30th anniversary of LA-based record label\, Cleopatra Records. She  continues to match any of her earlier efforts\, with an emotional range and a stage presence that is as vibrant as ever. \nShe is a peerless song interpreter\, drawing from a deep personal well that spans enormous tenderness to cheeky hutzpah. Whether covering a classic or sharing one of her own songs\, Morgan is truly a song stylist in the grandest tradition. \n“I have always been a songwriter and I do love to write\,” she comments. “But I’m only comfortable co-writing with a few people\, and I don’t like appointment writing at all. Plus\, I’m not one of those people who says\, ‘If I didn’t write it\, I’m not going to record it.’ If somebody else’s song is better\, I’m going to record it and not my own.” \nLorrie Morgan has been around great songs all her life. She is a Nashville native who is the daughter of Country Music Hall of Fame member George Morgan. She made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage at age 13\, singing “Paper Roses.” Her father died suddenly of a heart attack at age 51. She was l6 at the time and just beginning her musical career. Lorrie Morgan began making her own records shortly thereafter and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry at just 24 years old. \nMorgan married fellow country singer Keith Whitley in 1986. She was signed to RCA Records in 1987\, and her onslaught of hits began the following year. Whitley’s tragic death of an alcohol overdose in 1989 left her a widowed working mother. Their duet “Til a Tear Becomes a Rose” earned her a 1990 CMA award. \nHer first three albums\, Leave the Light On (1989)\, Something in Red (1991) and Watch Me (1992)\, all earned Platinum Record awards. Her Greatest Hits collection (1999) is also Platinum. War Paint (1994)\, Greater Need (1996) and Shakin’ Things Up (1997) are all Gold Record winners. \nShe sang “The Sad Cafe” on Common Threads: Songs of the Eagles\, which was named the CMA Album of the Year in 1994. Country fans voted Lorrie Morgan their TNN/Music City News Female Vocalist of the Year in 1994\, 1996\, 1997 and 1998. \nLorrie Morgan maintained her recording pace in the new millennium\, releasing collections in 2002\, 2004\, 2009 and 2010. In 2012 and 2013\, Morgan starred and sparkled in the lavish Enchanted Christmas productions at the opulent Opryland Resort in Nashville. She took that show on the road in 2014. \nMorgan has recorded in collaboration with her father\, as well as Whitley\, Frank Sinatra\, Johnny Mathis\, Tammy Wynette\, The Beach Boys\, Dolly Parton\, Andy Williams\, the New World Philharmonic\, and Pam Tillis. She has toured with George Jones and shared a stage with Jerry Lee Lewis\, newly inducted into the Country Music Hall Fame along with Whitley. \n“My children and I are thrilled to see Keith’s name added to the list of stars who’ve earned their place in the Country Music Hall of Fame\,” she says. “It is a well-deserved honor\, though Keith himself would’ve been painfully humbled. I am happy for his family and the many\, many fans who continue to point to Keith as one of the all-time greats.” \nIn 2013\, Morgan first teamed with fellow Opry star Pam Tillis\, daughter of Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis. for the duet CD Dos Divas. The two hit makers then embarked on a joint tour that sold out every appearance in its initial two-year run. The stars continue to perform their collaborative Grits & Glamour shows\, as schedules allow. The women connected as working mothers\, as businesswomen\, and as second-generation performers. They share an understanding\, and a finely honed\, if occasionally bawdy\, sense of humor.  \nOn the outside\, Lorrie is very lighthearted. Still\, on the inside\, she carries a lot of pain. Singing is her therapy\, she has said.  \n“My dad used to say\, ‘You should never take yourself too seriously\,’ and I got my sense of humor from my dad. I love to have fun. I’ve reached the age where I feel that I deserve good company around me\, people who can make me laugh\, who love music and who love to have a good time. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have tickets ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/lorrie-morgan/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LorrieMorgan-WordPress.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T220000
DTSTAMP:20260616T051115
CREATED:20260506T150840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T151839Z
UID:3381-1787338800-1787349600@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:LEGENDS! A Tri-County Music Revue Tour - August 21
DESCRIPTION:LEGENDS! ~ A Tri-County Music Revue Tour presented by Pankratz Arts Exchange\, Inc. \nPAE performers are a high-energy singer/dancer troupe showcasing their musical talents with songs by LEGENDARY artists like Elton John\, The Beatles\, Michael Jackson\, Madonna\, Taylor Swift\, Frank Sinatra\, and MANY MORE! They will entertain you through musical genres of rock & roll\, country\, pop\, jazz\, funk and more\, accompanied by Warped Dance Company’s incredible acrobats & aerlists! \nFounded in 2011\, Pankratz Arts Exchange\, Inc. (PAE) is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit performing arts organization! Our mission is to provide high quality arts education and performance opportunities in the community for all people. This 2026 summer season marks our touring debut between three counties in Wisconsin! Previous venues are Maximillian’s Hall\, Mt. Calvary\, WI (2011-2017) and The Shore Club Theater\, Elkhart Lake\, WI (2017-2025). \nPAE has produced nearly 30 winter/summer music revues\, musical theatre shows Chicago – The Musical (October 2025)\, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2016)\, Suds! (2015) & Forever Plaid (2014)\, as well as providing summer annual multi-arts youth camps since 2018. For more info. visit paearts.org | @paearts \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/legends-a-tri-county-music-revue-tour-aug21/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PAE-WordPress.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T220000
DTSTAMP:20260616T051115
CREATED:20260506T151139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T151851Z
UID:3382-1787425200-1787436000@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:LEGENDS! A Tri-County Music Revue Tour - August 22
DESCRIPTION:LEGENDS! ~ A Tri-County Music Revue Tour presented by Pankratz Arts Exchange\, Inc. \nPAE performers are a high-energy singer/dancer troupe showcasing their musical talents with songs by LEGENDARY artists like Elton John\, The Beatles\, Michael Jackson\, Madonna\, Taylor Swift\, Frank Sinatra\, and MANY MORE! They will entertain you through musical genres of rock & roll\, country\, pop\, jazz\, funk and more\, accompanied by Warped Dance Company’s incredible acrobats & aerlists! \nFounded in 2011\, Pankratz Arts Exchange\, Inc. (PAE) is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit performing arts organization! Our mission is to provide high quality arts education and performance opportunities in the community for all people. This 2026 summer season marks our touring debut between three counties in Wisconsin! Previous venues are Maximillian’s Hall\, Mt. Calvary\, WI (2011-2017) and The Shore Club Theater\, Elkhart Lake\, WI (2017-2025). \nPAE has produced nearly 30 winter/summer music revues\, musical theatre shows Chicago – The Musical (October 2025)\, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2016)\, Suds! (2015) & Forever Plaid (2014)\, as well as providing summer annual multi-arts youth camps since 2018. For more info. visit paearts.org | @paearts \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/legends-a-tri-county-music-revue-tour-aug22/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PAE-WordPress.jpg
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