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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T210000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260121T203455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T045921Z
UID:3178-1776970800-1776978000@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:ORIGINS - A Fresh Singer-Songwriter Series - April 23 - Zach Steinbach
DESCRIPTION:ORIGINS – A Fresh Singer-Songwriter Series\nMarch 19th through April 30th – 7pm\nNo ticket required! Simply come in and enjoy!\nA Community Partnership with National Exchange Bank & Trust \nApril 23 – Zach Steinbach \nA seasoned songwriter and guitarist\, Zach Steinbach’s music is shaped by community\, authenticity\, and a winding creative journey. From Summerfest stages and Milwaukee bars\, to a grassroots church near Chicago’s Wrigleyville\, to five formative years in Nashville and a stint of touring\, each chapter has added dimension and perspective to his work. Now resettled in his home state of Wisconsin\, Zach continues to reveal his heart through music. Known for his genuine spirit and disarming presence\, he values connection over celebrity\, seeking to meet people where they are and help them find something greater. Zach’s appearance in the ORIGINS series at The Bend Theater will mark his return to the concert stage after a season away– Time intentionally spent starting a family and choosing the rhythms of a more conventional life. The night will serve as both a homecoming celebration and a reminder of great songs not bound to space or time. Studio recordings of Zach Steinbach’s music as well as those of his prior project\, The Color Truth\, can be heard on all major streaming platforms. \nYour host for the night is our very own Joe Polizzi! FREE Event! No ticket required!\nShow begins at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm! \nHundreds of FREE parking spots and great restaurants lining Main Street and surrounding area! We’ll see you soon!
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/origins-a-fresh-singer-songwriter-series-april-23-zach-steinbach/
CATEGORIES:Featured,Free,Live Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260424T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260424T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260210T210441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T050037Z
UID:3232-1777059000-1777068000@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Chuck Mead & Laid Back Country Picker
DESCRIPTION:Chuck Mead is a Country singer with a rock n roll heart. He’s also a renowned songwriter\, producer\, music director\, musicologist and architect behind the rebirth of Lower Broadway and the Global Neo Traditional Country music movement. \nThis Kansas native\, has been at the forefront of what has come to be known as Americana Music for the better part of 25 years. Perhaps best known for co-founding the famed ‘90s Alternative Country quintet\, BR5-49\, whos 7 albums garnered a CMA Award for Best International Touring Act and three Grammy nominations\, helped build an indelible bridge between authentic American Roots music and millions of fans worldwide. \nSince then he’s toured the globe\, entertained thousands on the high seas\, released 4 solo albums\, made 137 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry\, co-produced critically acclaimed tribute albums to Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings\, acted as Musical Director/Supervisor/Producer of the Broadway hit musical Million Dollar Quartet AND the companion CMT television show Sun Records. \nLaid Back Country Picker is the stage persona of David Prince\, a Kentucky-based social studies teacher and musician known for blending 70s country\, rock\, and punk with a “hillbilly” sensibility. Alongside his wife\, “Honey” (on drums)\, he gained popularity through his “Magoffin County Cadillac” video and a “fleet-maintained” Crown Vic persona. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/chuck-mead-laid-back-country-picker/
CATEGORIES:Featured,Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ChuckMead_LaidBack-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T193000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260227T163527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T050221Z
UID:3264-1777226400-1777231800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Praise & Spirits - Music to Inspire
DESCRIPTION:Praise & Spirits: Music to Inspire \nThe power of music has no boundaries! Join us for this unique\, all ages opportunity. Praise & Spirits is a live band music experience. Bring your friends and family\, and be filled with the Spirit! The Praise & Spirits’ Band includes:  Gary Clausing – Rob Anderson – Scott Wyler – Lori Hagenstein  Mark Paschke – Rod Lisowski – Bonnie Neidinger \nThis show is Free Admission\, however a ticket is required for entry.\nAll donations help support Family Promise of Washington County.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/praise-spirits-music-to-inspire/
CATEGORIES:Featured,Free,Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Praise-Spirits-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T210000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260120T162403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T142224Z
UID:3179-1777575600-1777582800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:ORIGINS - A Fresh Singer-Songwriter Series - April 30 - Alyssia Dominguez
DESCRIPTION:ORIGINS – A Fresh Singer-Songwriter Series\nMarch 19th through April 30th – 7pm\nNo ticket required! Simply come in and enjoy!\nA Community Partnership with National Exchange Bank & Trust \nApril 30 – Alyssia Dominguez \nWeaving her Mexican American roots into modern country music\, singer-songwriter Alyssia Dominguez spins a new twist on the genre. Dominguez\, born and raised in Wisconsin\, draws inspiration from her grandmother’s musicality from her days in a local Tejano band. The vivid memory continues to fuel Dominguez’s lifelong passion. \nDonning a “cowboy couture” look of her own\, Dominguez was featured in the Washington Post profile of Mexican fashion designer Manuel Cuevas\, highlighting his career pioneering the iconic look for artists like Elvis and Johnny Cash. She appeared alongside other notable Hispanic artists in Nashville. \nYour host for the night is our very own Joe Polizzi! FREE Event! No ticket required!\nShow begins at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm! \nHundreds of FREE parking spots and great restaurants lining Main Street and surrounding area! We’ll see you soon!
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/origins-a-fresh-singer-songwriter-series-april-30-alyssia-dominguez/
CATEGORIES:Featured,Free,Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ORIGINS-Facebook-WordPress6.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260211T025559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T142244Z
UID:3236-1777663800-1777672800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Whole Yachta Love
DESCRIPTION:Whole Yachta Love This is Yacht Rock at its finest. The best music from the greatest era put on a boat\, taken for a ride\, returned smoother and inserted gently into your ear holes.  Some of the mid-west’s best musicians recreating the guilty pleasures of the late 70s and early 80s with an infectious and fun show that gets the audience singing along instantly. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/whole-yachta-love-2/
CATEGORIES:Featured,Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Whole-Yachta-Love-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260211T040531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T142301Z
UID:3238-1777750200-1777759200@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Them Coulee Boys 2026
DESCRIPTION:Soren Staff and Beau Janke – co-founders of folk/rock/Americana outfit Them Coulee Boys – met as camp counselors in northern Wisconsin in 2011. Their weekend workshopping of Avett Brothers and classic country tunes led to original songs and adding Soren’s brother Jens on mandolin. As the years grew\, the band turned into a more rollicking outfit\, adding Neil Krause on electric bass and Stas Hable on drums. The band’s name is a nod to the glacial melt-carved river valleys they call home\, known by early French fur trappers as coulees. Known for wild swings of emotion during sets\, it is not unusual to see fans in tears and minutes later dancing with abandon. The honesty and ability to talk and sing about the feelings and emotions that shape them has endeared them to a growing group of fans and friends. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/them-coulee-boys-2026/
CATEGORIES:Featured,Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Them-Coulee-Boys-2026-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260114T211502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T163837Z
UID:3165-1778268600-1778277600@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes with guest Sam Ness
DESCRIPTION:When taking on the moniker Chicago Farmer\, singer-songwriter Cody Diekhoff aimed to not only showcase the dichotomy of his life and travels — growing up in the tiny Illinois farm community of Delavan\, and calling “The Windy City” home for several years — he also wanted to honor his past through his uplifting\, introspective melodies. \n“My hometown kind of goes with me wherever I go\,” Diekhoff says. “All the things I learned from my grandparents\, I take that with me wherever I go. They’re always in my heart and in my mind.” \nWhich is why Diekhoff’s latest offering\, Homeaid\, puts a spotlight on the old soul nature and deep ethos of compassion and camaraderie that resides at the core of his being. A blend of Americana\, indie-folk and roots-rock\, the album swirls effortlessly into the ether of a modern world facing uncertain times. \n“Home is where the art is/Home is where there’s song\,” Diekhoff erupts on the title track. “It hits you the hardest/When you’re away from home too long.” \n“If anything\, I want my music to be genuine and authentic\,” Diekhoff says. “My grandfather was a storyteller. He was a veteran\, a family farmer\, and he just collected stories. Hearing him tell all these stories definitely transferred over into my storytelling that’s in my music.” \nMeandering through Homeaid\, there are odes to teenage transgressions in the name of irresponsible enlightenment (“Tina Hart’s Mustang”)\, odes to the splendor and tragedy of growing older (“Sorry You’re Sick”)\, odes to nothing and everything (“Mattress”) — the cultivation of which being Diekhoff and his curious life\, one remaining in perpetual motion\, onstage and on the road. \n“People come to watch it run when the sun went down/To raise a glass as it passed and hoist up the crown\,” Diekhoff howls into the heavens. “Yeah\, Tina Hart’s Mustang was the fastest car around.” \nWith Homeaid\, it’s this true sense of self that’s felt when it comes to those cherished faces and vivid moments from your own past. Images\, sounds\, and feelings conjured with ease\, usually while cruising down some backcountry road\, windows rolled down\, the sunshine of another bountiful day slowly falling below the horizon\, the unknown night quickly emerging — this crossroads of sheer gratitude and endless inspiration. \n“This is who I am now\,” Diekhoff says of Chicago Farmer. “I represent both of these places\, and I take a lot of pride in ownership of the name now.” \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/chicago-farmer-the-fieldnotes-with-guest-sam-ness/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Chicago-Farmer-WordPress-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260516T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260516T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260211T042428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T155345Z
UID:3240-1778959800-1778968800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Headley Grange (formerly No Quarter)
DESCRIPTION:In September 1998\, No Quarter\, The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience was brought together in Milwaukee\, Wisconsin. Bound and determined to create the most mesmerizing and accurate portrayal of the band\, each individual member was selected to portray both the presence\, sound and playing styles of Robert Plant\, Jimmy Page\, John Bonham\, and John Paul Jones. Together they pay homage with its powerful and unmistakable Led Zeppelin sound. Since its formation\, No Quarter has played a number of performances. Their outstanding reputation and following has also kept the band in demand. If you missed Led Zeppelin live in the 70’s or are looking for a great chance to relive the Music\, Magic and Mystery of Zeppelin\, you must experience No Quarter. The sound and visual effects will astound you and bring you back to the “Hammer of Gods” career (from 1968-1980). \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/headley-grange-formerly-no-quarter/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Headley-Grange-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T213000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260217T161930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T161222Z
UID:3245-1779564600-1779571800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Twitty & Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta 2026
DESCRIPTION:Twitty & Lynn return to The Bend with a heartfelt tribute to their grandparents: \nConway Twitty & Loretta Lynn\nThere’s a moment right at the very beginning of any Twitty & Lynn show that affords country music fans the chance to look back in time. Just after the band has played the signature intro to “Louisiana Woman\, Mississippi Man\,” Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn shoot each other a glance that summons the electrifying chemistry of their grandparents: Tre is the grandson of Conway Twitty\, Tayla is the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn. \nTwitty & Lynn — and their internationally popular show “A Salute to Conway & Loretta” — aren’t impersonators. Tre doesn’t groom Seventies sideburns and perm his hair; Tayla doesn’t mimic her grandmother’s mannerisms. Rather\, they are onstage celebrating country music\, the lost art of duet singing\, and the two beloved icons they refer to as “Poppy” and “Memaw.” \nDisclaimer: Dancing is permitted during all shows at The Bend Theater. By attending\, you acknowledge that audience members may stand\, move\, and dance during performances. Enjoy the music and embrace the energy! \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/twitty-lynn-a-salute-to-conway-loretta-2026/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Twitty-Lynn-2026-WordPress.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T213000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260324T154104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T154104Z
UID:3298-1779987600-1780003800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:The Bend Theater Presents: 2026 Music On Main Block Party - May 28
DESCRIPTION:THE BEND PRESENTS: MUSIC ON MAIN BLOCK PARTY\nThursday\, May 28\, 2026 | Downtown West Bend\, Outside the Bend Theater\nSummer begins with a bang as The Bend Theater Presents proudly joins forces with the Downtown West Bend Association and the City of West Bend to launch the highly anticipated 2026 Music on Main Summer Concert Series! \nJoin us for our FREE season-opening block party that will transform Main Street into the ultimate celebration of music\, community\, and summer vibes. \nFEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES BY: \nSPICY TIE BAND – Closing out the night with their signature high-energy set that blends infectious rhythms and crowd-pleasing favorites guaranteed to keep you dancing! \nFOO FOO DOLLS TRIO – Kicking off the festivities with a plunge back into the 90s\, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening. \nEVENT DETAILS: \n\nDate: Thursday\, May 28\, 2026\nOpening Show Entertainment: 5:00 PM\nMain Stage Performances: 6:30 PM\nLocation: Main Street\, Downtown West Bend\, Outside the Bend Theater\n\nAdmission: FREE and open to all!\nBring your friends\, family\, and dancing shoes for this community celebration! Enjoy fantastic music\, delicious food and beverages\, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes The Bend Presents series the highlight of summer. \nMADE POSSIBLE BY:\nSpotlight Sponsor: Westbury Bank\nEncore Sponsor: Green Bay Packers Foundation\nRock Star Sponsor: Horicon Bank\nRock Star Sponsor: Sommer’s Automotive\nLibation Sponsor: Hanson & Co. Real Estate \nA special collaboration between The Bend Theater\, Downtown West Bend Association\, and the City of West Bend \nDon’t miss the summer event everyone will be talking about!
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/the-bend-theater-presents-2026-music-on-main-block-party-may-28/
CATEGORIES:Free,Live Events,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Block-Party-2026-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260530T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260530T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260315T011034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T161825Z
UID:3283-1780167600-1780178400@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Substitute - Tales from the Who & Shattered - A Stones Anthology
DESCRIPTION:Substitute – Tales from the Who & Shattered – A Stones Anthology\nFor more than two decades\, Substitute: Tales From The Who has delivered the hits and more to a variety of festivals\, including Summerfest\, and venues across the United States. A tribute to one of the most prolific and influential rock bands in history\, the band’s reputation has been built on high-energy performances and an unrivaled commitment to artistic integrity. From Baba O’Reilly and Love\, Reign O’er Me to Pinball Wizard and Won’t Get Fooled Again\, Substitute brings legends to life. \nFor over 20 years Shattered\, Milwaukee’s premier Rolling Stones cover band\, has delivered the sound\, vibe and energy of The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band. From clubs and private parties to the biggest music festivals\, the lads are commited to preserving the legacy of The Rolling Stones and sharing their music with generations of fans. \nDoors\, bar & concessions open at 6pm\, show begins at 7pm. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/substitute-tales-from-the-who-shattered-a-stones-anthology/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Substitute-Tales-from-the-Who_WordPress.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260320T050436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T165919Z
UID:3287-1784143800-1784152800@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Electric Avenue - The 80s MTV Experience
DESCRIPTION:An Electric Avenue show is a high energy space that reminds people of a time when they came home from school\, put a record on\, and listened with open ears and an open heart; conjuring first dates\, first cars\, prom nights\, weekend movies\, and meeting friends at the mall\, while finding a sense of fashion and an identity all their own. At an EA show\, 80’s music is as alive and well today as it has ever been. \nIf authenticity is your thing\, Electric Avenue meticulously and painstakingly recreates every nuance and flavor of your favorite 80’s songs. Delving into their personal stash of vintage synthesizers and rare signal processors\, an Electric Avenue show is a true labor of love. In fact\, Electric Avenue’s sound is so close to that of the original artists that in 2019 Warner Music issued a cease-and-desist for using original artists recordings on their social channels. After hearing the complete live recording of Electric Avenue’s performance\, Warner Music issued an apology to the band. \nElectric Avenue has sailed the high seas with the The Walking Dead Cast\, Kid Rock\, The Impractical Jokers\, Joey Fatone\, and Pitbull. In 2019\, EA was hand-picked and flown to Asbury Park\, NJ to provide the soundtrack for the red carpet launch of the Bruce Springsteen\, Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham)\, New Line Entertainment 80’s-centric film\, Blinded By The Light. They have had the privilege of being direct support for 80’s legend Pat Benatar\, and have been joined on stage by\, among others\, members of Toto\, Player\, Talk Talk\, and Little River Band. \nAs artists\, the musicians in Electric Avenue have had a hand in the sale of over 15 million albums worldwide. \nIf namedropping is your thing\, you may have seen or heard these guys with: Lionel Richie\, Paul Simon\, Idina Menzel\, Daniel Lanois (producer for U2\, Peter Gabriel)\, Brian Blade\, Emmy Lou Harris\, B-52s\, Little River Band\, Michael Malarkey (Vampire Diaries)\, Zac Brown Band\, Player\, RENT (our singer played Roger Davis from 2001-2004)\, Paula Cole\, Tracy Chapman\, Bobby Kimball (Toto) Kristian Bush (Sugarland)\, Shanice\, Edwin McCain\, Robbie Dupree\, Rita Wilson\, Lindsay Ell\, Boston\, Collective Soul\, Mother’s Finest\, Sister Hazel\, Yanni\, Boyz II Men\, and more. \nEvery sound. Every nuance. Every time. \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have your tickets ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/electric-avenue-the-80s-mtv-experience/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Electric-Avenue-WordPress.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
CREATED:20260324T225409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T195022Z
UID:3303-1785353400-1785362400@thebendwi.org
SUMMARY:Hips Don't Lie - A Tribute to Shakira
DESCRIPTION:Angela Puerta is a seven-time MAMA Award winner\, Wisconsin’s Most Influential Latino Leader 2024\, and Best of Madison Latin Artist (2019 & 2020). A Colombian-born singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Madison\, Wisconsin\, Angela blends her deep Latin American roots with global influences to create an eclectic musical style she calls Latin Rock. Her sound draws from Alternative Rock\, Rock en Español\, Pop\, Reggae\, and a rich variety of Colombian and Latin American rhythms\, including bambuco\, merengue\, and bolero. \nAngela cites Shakira\, Soda Stereo\, Alanis Morissette\, Janis Joplin\, and Celia Cruz among her biggest inspirations\, and her live performances are known for their energy\, emotion\, and cultural pride.  \nPlease note all ticket sales are final.\nPlease have your ticket ready upon arrival.
URL:https://thebendwi.org/event/hips-dont-lie-a-tribute-to-shakira/
CATEGORIES:Live Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebendwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Hips-Dont-Lie-WordPress.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T093619
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
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