By Jessica Steinhoff | Photo by Andres Sanchez, pictured: Opera in the Park
FREE FOR ALL
CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE
July 16, 23 & 30, Capitol Square, King Street corner
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s summer season shifts into high gear in mid-July. Harpist Johanna Wienholts will solo in Debussy’s “Danses sacree et profane” on July 16, Jeans ’n Classics will help present Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” on July 23 and pianist Sylvia Jiang will step into the spotlight for Shostakovich’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” on July 30. wcoconcerts.org
OPERA IN THE PARK
July 19, Garner Park
Modern show tunes complement classical arias at this annual event, which gives attendees a glimpse of Madison Opera’s upcoming season. Soprano Renée Richardson and tenor Andrew Bidlack are among the featured performers. madisonopera.org
AGORA ART FAIR
Aug. 16, Agora Center Building
This family-friendly event has a colorful kite exhibit, an art space just for kids and hands-on activities for makers of all ages. You can also admire works by more than 100 local artists, including photographers, sculptors and woodworkers. agoraartfair.com
TASTE OF MADISON
Aug. 30 & Aug. 31, Capitol Square
Explore culinary artistry’s many forms at this mega-picnic with 80-plus food vendors (including Mediterranean, Mexican, West African and more) and live entertainment. Admission is free, but you’ll want to bring a snack fund. Proceeds from each dish you purchase benefit local charities. tasteofmadison.com
“JOSÉ LERMA, DOMESTIC IN A FOREIGN SENSE”
Through Sept. 14, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Lerma was born in Spain, earned his MFA at UW-Madison and lives in Puerto Rico. His supersized portraits feature lots of paint but few brush-strokes, blending personal narrative and sociocultural history while daring viewers to reconsider what makes a painting a work of art. mmoca.org
GEEK OUT ON MUSIC
SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX
July 15, Orpheum Theater
A 1920s-style cover of Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” vaulted jazz pianist Bradlee into the limelight and paved the way for recent delights such as Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” performed as a ’60s soul ballad. madisonorpheum.com
THE DECEMBERISTS
July 26, Orpheum Theater
Known for merging baroque pop with a nerdy history obsession, these playful Portlanders will stop by to share their latest album, “As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again.” madisonorpheum.com
“WICKED”
Through July 27, Overture Hall
This run of the “Wizard of Oz”-inspired Broadway smash includes a pre-show treat: for an extra fee, show-goers can visit The Ozdust Lounge, which includes a signature cocktail, snacks and a “Wicked” souvenir. overture.org
SUGAR MAPLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug. 1-2, Lake Farm County Park
This homegrown event packed with concerts and jam sessions is a must- attend whether you’re a roots music fan, student, performer or all of the above. sugarmaplefest.org
THE FLAMING LIPS & MODEST MOUSE
Aug. 14, Breese Stevens Field
Two bands that have headlined oodles of big music festivals will team up to rock Breese Stevens Field. breesestevensfield.com
