Madcity Nights - November 2019
Previews of shows around the Madison area
by Max Ink
November 2019
Eau Claire rockers VENISON
All Soul’s Seance
Friday, November 1, 6:00 PM
Cargo Coffee East
What a way to start out November celebrating with the dead on Día de Muertos weekend at Cargo Coffee East November 1st. The show is called All Soul’s Seance led by musician Dank Widow and her friends the Bitter Nothings. It will be an intimate evening with candlelight filled with lady-led songs. The coffee is grand, the music will be beautiful, and the event is FREE! We’ve all lost someone and what a way to honor those you love, miss, and want to be remembered.
By Lucky Vita
Joe Bonamassa
Thursday, November 7, 8:00 PM
Orpheum Theater
Considered one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, Joe Bonamassa is largely credited single-handedly bringing the blues-rock genre to the mainstream. On November 7, he’ll visit the Orpheum with his legendary backing band of iconic musicians including Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig (drums), legendary Nashville session musician Michael Rhodes (bass) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Reese Wynans (piano/organ) who played with Stevie Ray Vaughan. Bonamassa has 21 #1 Billboard Blues Albums, good enough for the most all-time.
By Adam Benavides
Misfits of Madison’s Avant Garde Party
Thursday, November 7, 9:30 PM
Crucible
This banger night of creativity and weirdos is presented by Misfits of Madison, who return after a long hiatus to host their parties at Crucible. Opening the show is Illinois native, Rairie, electronic music that carries heartfelt intimacy. 7ucky Vita (fka Joey Broyles) will be performing a new song called iOnlyF*ckPopStrs and if we know anything his leading sidekick Miss Fit will be dancing by his side. The night will end with DJ evoSus bringing the beats and driving that dance floor.
By Lucky Vita
Crumb w/ Divino Niño and Shormey
Thursday, November 7, 8:00 PM
Majestic Theatre
Boston alt-rockers Crumb summons drowsy danger from fuzzy seductions for glowing midnight persuasions while Chicago’s Divino Niño fuse romantic moods and groovy influences to produce languidly radiant seaside daydreams. Virginia’s boogie bohemian Shormey opens the night blending restless confections for a night of international inspirations.
By John Noyd
Nester
EP Release Party
Saturday, November 9, 8:00 PM
The Venue (formerly Winnebago)
Nester is back with an EP and if you’ve never seen this band this would be the night to start following them. Packed with an evening of hearing the new tunes from Nester off their EP, “Scale The Walls,” we hope for another unicorn guitar solo. Nester’s drummer, Ginny, will also be celebrating another year around the sun. Heavy Looks will also be rocking the stage with some “angry girl music of the indie rock persuasion.” And of course no night is complete without some 4-to-the-floor beats dropped by Madison’s own, DJ Millbot.
By Lucky Vita
Highly Suspect w/ Slothrust
Friday, November 8, 8:00 PM
The Sylvee
Prepare for a solid rock confession when Highly Suspect packs Madison’s The Sylvee with thundering confrontation and frank angst. The band’s latest tackles self loathing, substance abuse, image issues and false social media worship. Upfront crunchy buskers Slothrust keep things tight, bright and real.
By John Noyd
Drunk Drivers w/ Venison, The Skintones
Saturday, November 9, 8:00PM
Crystal Corner Bar
Catch this one of a kind line up of classic regional rock bands. Madcity rockers The Skintones kick off this show followed by Eau Claire classics and Crustacean Records’ artists, The Drunk Drivers. Headlining the show will be a reunion of Venison, the Eau Claire natives who garnered national recognition in the early 1990’s.
By Rökker
Angel Olsen w/ Vagabon
Wednesday, November 13, 8:00 PM
The Sylvee
Masterful new albums from Angel Olsen and Vagabon makes this a special night for strong voices wrapped in honest songs and exquisite production. Olsen’s “All Mirrors,” enriches her troubadour roots into stellar exposition while indie newbie Vagabon evolved a sultry synth sound for her self-titled sophomore release.
By John Noyd
Trigger Hippy w/ Pat Ferguson and the Sundown Sound
Wednesday, November 13, 8:00 PM
High Noon Saloon
(show moved from Majestic Theatre to High Noon Saloon)
Celebrating their second album released last month, Black Crowe’s drummer Steve Gorman brings Trigger Hippy’s swamp-water stomps, loose roots-blues and grooved Southern-fried revivals to Madison’s High Noon Saloon for a souped-up hootenanny to baptize some freshly minted barn-burners. Madison’s Pat Ferguson and the Sundown Sound start the festivities.
By John Noyd
Sugar Maple Concert Series Presents: Ray Bonneville
Friday, November 15, 8:00 PM
North Street Cabaret
Ray Bonneville is described as a “blues-influenced, New Orleans inspired, song and groove” man. The Austin-based musician pairs an evocative finger-style of guitar playing with powerful lyrics about hard living and deep feeling. Ray is on the road in support of his 9th album, “At King Electric,” and has earned countless awards for his music. You won’t want to miss what is sure to be a night to remember.
By Teri Barr
FlowPoetry’s “Compression” Book Release and Rock & Roll Show
Monday, November 18 @ 7:30 PM
High Noon Saloon
A live, book release and rock and roll show celebrating the release of “Compression”, a new book from Madison artist FlowPoetry. Divided into three acts, the show will feature two wide-ranging sets bookending Adam Pergament reading a selection of “Compression” entries. The event will feature aggressive folk singer-songwriter and Madison-native, Tate McLane, along with Indiana-based power trio, Glostik Willy. Creative artists bringing the community together with the power of rock and roll, this is live Madison at its finest.
By Adam Benavides
Cash Box Kings
Saturday, November 23, 8:30 PM
Crystal Corner Bar
Almost 20 years ago, an enthusiastic, talented, and occasionally comical group of young blues fans brought their musical talents to the eclectic stage at the Crystal Corner. Guitarist Travis “White Lightning” Koopman has since moved on, but co-founder “White Ass” Joe Nosek took focus – and with the fortuitous addition of Oscar “Mr. 43rd Street” Wilson, the band of nicknames has become one of the top global names in blues music. See them where it all began!
By Dave Leucinger
Jimi Hendrix Birthday Bash & Benefit for The River Food Pantry
Wednesday, November 27, 9:00 PM
High Noon Saloon
This night-before-Thanksgiving bash will celebrate the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix while celebrating his birth date, 77 years ago. “Up from the Skies,” a Hendrix tribute band, features Dennis Shepherd, Joey B. Banks, Chris Clemente, and Todd Phipps, and will lead this magical gathering. The show will also support the important work being done by The River Food Pantry in the area.
By Terry Barr
Jay Stulo Band
Knuckledown Saloon
Friday, November 29, 8:00 PM
In the 1990’s, incendiary blues guitarist Jay Stulo and his band, the Mighty Aces, were regulars in the club scene in the Fox Valley and central Wisconsin. Stulo’s internship as guitar tech for Luther Allison – and later, with Allison’s guitarist James Solberg, shaped his passionate and intense performance style. Following a decade sabbatical from music, Stulo returned in the Jay Edward band before rightfully reclaiming his front-man status.
By Dave Leucinger
Third Annual Celebration of Tom Petty
Friday, November 29, 8:00 PM
Majestic Theatre
The Driveway Thriftdwellers started this celebration the year of Tom Petty’s death, and it has become a wonderful gathering of musicians, and fans, who simply love Tom Petty. Sing along to many of his classics, played by some of the best including Dan Tedesco, The Civil Engineers, and Wheelhouse joining the Thriftdwellers. Proceeds will benefit the Madison Area Music Association and its efforts to keep music alive by getting instruments to kids who can’t otherwise afford to play.
By Teri Barr
Cris Plata & Extra Hot
Saturday, November 30, 8:00 PM
North Street Cabaret
With a core of deep influences ranging from the emotional longings of Mexican folk music to the observant storytelling of Texas singer-songwriter to the boot-shuffle of western swing, troubadour Cris Plata’s musical taproots are anchored to the American experience. And he’ll even throw down an accordion-fired polka – further attesting to the ancestral links Wisconsin shares to its neighbors to the south.
By Dave Leucinger