By Jessica Steinhoff
LA FÊTE DE MARQUETTE
July 13-16, McPike Park
Celebrate the French-speaking world with food, art, live music and more the week of Bastille Day. The Sun Stage delivers a diverse lineup of New Orleans sounds, from Tank and the Bangas’ show-stopping hip-hop to Hurray for the Riff Raff’s awe-inspiring Americana. The Moon Stage creates an outdoor dance club with sets by Detroit techno wizard DJ Bone and Japanese artist Powder, whose eclectic taste might inspire you to take up crate digging. wil-mar.org/fete
’80S DRAG BRUNCH
July 15, Camp Trippalindee
Break out the Aqua Net for this ode to ’80s excess featuring a buffet, a raffle and campy comedy by Bianca Lynn Breeze. The hotel’s kitschy rooftop, named after Rodney Dangerfield’s scene-stealing dive in 1986’s “Back to School,” will make you daydream in neon. graduatehotels.com/madison
OPERA IN THE PARK
July 22, Garner Park
Madison Opera soloists present their favorite musical numbers beneath the stars, supported by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. madisonopera.org
JASON MRAZ AND HIS SUPERBAND
July 28, Breese Stevens Field
We’ve all heard of a wild ride, but what about a Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, the name of Mraz’s latest album and tour? I suspect it combines the whimsy of the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour with his talent for dance-friendly pop like that of his new single, “I Feel Like Dancing.” breesestevensfield.com
WISCONSIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: “JOURNEY THROUGH TIME”
Aug. 2, Capitol Square, King Street corner
Harp goddess Bridget Kibbey solos in Rodrigo’s exquisite “Concierto de Aranjuez,” then Madison Ballet’s Artistic Director, Ja’ Malik, debuts new choreog- raphy to the tune of Oliver Davis’ “Dance Odyssey,” to conclude Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s 40th season of Concerts on the Square. wcoconcerts.org
BON IVER
Aug. 5, Breese Stevens Field
The indie folk band that put Eau Claire on the national radar visits Madison between gigs at Chicago’s Pitchfork Festival and Seattle’s Day in Day Out Festival. breesestevensfield.com
“ROMEO & JULIET”
Aug. 11-Oct. 7, American Players Theatre, Spring Green
Beautiful outdoor performances of Shakespearean classics are American Players Theatre’s bread and butter, and the Bard’s tale of star-crossed lovers is one of his most accessible. Seeking lighter fare in the fresh air? Try “The Liar,” David Ives’ tale about a master of deception and his honest-to-a-fault foil (through Sept. 29). americanplayers.org
THE SESSIONS AT MCPIKE PARK
Aug. 11-12 & Aug. 16-17, McPike Park
This summer’s second installment of Sessions features Chris Pierce’s soaring blues, which you may have heard on NBC’s “This Is Us” (Aug. 11), and Bon Bon Vivant’s rhythmic reminders to seize the day — and every glorious summer night (Aug. 17). sessionsatmcpike.org
CLIMATE-CONTROLLED CULTURE
Prefer to experience the arts in air conditioning, and maybe even a reserved seat? These events are just the ticket.
BIG THIEF
July 27, The Sylvee
“Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You,” this New York City band’s 2022 double album, takes their folk-infused indie rock to daring new places, with singer Adrianne Lenker’s lyrics exploring life’s smallest details and biggest emotions. thesylvee.com
DIANA KRALL
July 30, Orpheum Theater
Blessed with a rich, deep voice and impeccable timing, this jazz luminary has landed numerous albums on the Billboard 200 and attracted legendary collaborators such as Paul McCartney. madisonorpheum.com
“SIX THE MUSICAL”
Aug. 1-6, Overture Center
What if history books presented heart- break like Britney and Beyoncé do? Find out at this Tony-winning musical, which transforms Henry VIII’s wives into pop divas and their romantic traumas into hilarious yet thought-provoking hits. overture.org
THE CHICKS
August 26, Kohl Center
To celebrate “Gaslighter,” their first studio album in 14 years, the best-selling country trio is bringing their world tour to Madison, along with special guest Ben Harper. ticketmaster.com
