Mayville, Wisconsin, is the home of the first complete steel drum band in a Wisconsin school. High school band director, Ben Reehl, was inspired by a steel drum workshop he attended in 1991 to give his students a chance to play the drums. With the help of Cliff Alexis, a builder/tuner at Northern Illinois University at DeKalb, Illinois, he built several drums that Cliff tuned. Additional drums were purchased with contributions from the community, and a performing group was formed in 1992. The groups perform a wide variety of musical styles--from classical, to pop and rock, to Caribbean melodies.
Colin G. O'Brien - July 6, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
There are two distinct sides to Colin’s musical coin. On one side there’s a heart, and the other, soul. In a single performance Colin dances dazzling foot percussion while playing his heart out on fiddle and banjo... Then, taking a seat, he plays some of the most beautiful, soulful guitar music this side of mars. It’s as though someone introduced John Hartford to John Fahey.
Don Peachey Orchestra - July 13, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Have songs, will travel, and they sorta go where the music takes them including regular yearly excursions to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas with periodic appearances in 14 states altogether. Easy to dance to and fun to listen to ... their truly danceable touch makes good dancers better and persuades even non-dancers to trust themselves on the floor. Through their recorded music (14 albums) and their touring in the polka circuits, they have become one of the most visible bands from Wisconsin.
Steve Cohen - July 20, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
I've been typified as a blues artist, but I enjoy playing many styles. As a session harmonica player I have recorded blues, jazz, rock, jingles, and singer songwriter stuff. My harmonica playing employs some over-blowing technique to achieve a more chromatic approach. Although guitar was my first instrument, my harmonica technique is more advanced than my guitar playing,which is bluesy and expressive. My singing is also an effective tool in my arsenal of musical weapons. Material varies, as does my approach; from sensitive acoustic playing, to a deft jazzy approach, to high energy rockin.
Rigel - July 27, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Charged with youthful exuberance and musical excellence, they dynamic foursome that is Rigel blasted on the Celtic music scene. With a formula all their own: one part Irish and Scottish traditional melodies and driving Cape Breton rhythm, and one part dynamic new compositions and eclectic arrangements. All of these elements are revved up a notch by powerhouse performances and the unmistakable passion of four musicians who love their music.
Cajun Strangers - August 3, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Don't plan on sitting at a Cajun Strangers' show.
As its sophomore disc, Valse a Deux Temps, can attest, the band has come a long way is short order. As the needle drops on this one, the Strangers bolt our of the chute with unbridled energy and contagious enthusiasm that’s more than enough to entice the most sedentary patron to rise up and shake what their mama gave’em.
As its sophomore disc, Valse a Deux Temps, can attest, the band has come a long way is short order. As the needle drops on this one, the Strangers bolt our of the chute with unbridled energy and contagious enthusiasm that’s more than enough to entice the most sedentary patron to rise up and shake what their mama gave’em.
Atimevu Drum and Dance Group - August 10, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Atimevu Drum and Dance Performs traditional Ghanaian folk music and also incorporates authentic dances from all tribes in Ghana. Atimevu Drum and Dance is based in Madison, Wisconsin. The goal of the group is to bring traditions and cultures of Ghana to the doorsteps of Americans and the entire world.
Fox and Branch - August 17, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Fox and Branch make everything they play their own, while respecting and carrying on the traditions of the music that inspires them. The straightforward and upbeat style of their show connects with people of all ages and walks of life. They bring years of experience, love of the music and a winning way with an audience to every one of their performances.
De La Buena - August 24, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Employing jazz harmonic sensibility and a deep-seated love of diverse cultures, De La Buena explores the textures and rhythms of Latin musics of the Americas with roots planted firmly in African Diasporic traditions.... a sophisticated Latin dance band if you will, and we know you will. Whether you are a listener or a dancer, De La Buena has got something for you.
*Photo courtesy of Angela Morgan Photography
Lil' Rev - August 31, 2011 6pm - Kiwanis Park
Lil Rev is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music-historian who teaches and tours nationally, around the continental U.S.
His music is a combination of songs, history, stories, poems, quotes, and jokes all wrapped up in a cloak of exuberance and gratitude for those moments when we can all come together and rise up singing…and celebrate life!
His music is a combination of songs, history, stories, poems, quotes, and jokes all wrapped up in a cloak of exuberance and gratitude for those moments when we can all come together and rise up singing…and celebrate life!
Thank You To Our 2011 Concert Series Sponsors!
Donald J. Krizan, RHU, LUTCF - (920) 485-6640
Krizan Insurance Services, Inc.
