The very last of the Concerts on the Square hits the 400 Block this week, and it’s a big one. Dig Deep will bring its unique brand of bluegrass to the big stage, and that’s not all. Stevens Point hosts its Riverfront Jazz Festival, a couple of unique events awaits at Willow Springs Garden, a real ‘sconnie gal takes the stage at Stoney Acres Pizza, and more. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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Concert on the Square: Dig Deep
Wednesday, Sept. 2: There isn’t nearly as much original music in the Concerts on the Square series as there used to be, so it’s refreshing to see Dig Deep take the stage. And Dig Deep doesn’t just play original music, but they have an original take on the genre. The group looks like a metal band, and that’s because they were — which gives them an original bluegrass sound in a genre where it can be tough to stand out. Check them out on the big stage this Wednesday, 6-8 pm, and see all the rules and whatnot at the event page.
Riverfront Jazz Festival
Sat.-Sun., Sept. 5-6: One of the coolest things about the Riverfront Jazz Festival is that it features UWSP alumnus Wayne Salzmann. The drummer has recorded and performed with musical greats ranging from Steve Miller, Joe Satriani, Kenny Rogers and Kris Kristofferson, to name a few. Salzmann is only one of many to perform at this annual two-day jazz festival in Pfiffner Pioneer Park, nestled along the Wisconsin River. The festival is free, but donations can be made that will benefit musical education at UW-Stevens Point. 2-7:30 pm both days. See the event page for full listing of performers.
Joyann Parker at Pizza on the Farm
Friday, Sept. 4: There’s something about Joyann Parker that has continued to intrigue me. Maybe it’s that she has a song called Sconnie Girl (in the video she wears a Packers jersey). Parker has a nice deep voice over a modern country sound. “I was raised to speak my mind, work real hard and still be real kind, ain’t nothing better than a fine Wisconsin girl,” she sings. She’ll be doing her thing at Stoney Acres Farm this Friday, with pizza and beer made on site available to pair with some good ole fashioned Wisconsin-inspired music. 5 pm. See the event page for more.
Season Finale Tiki Beach Bash featuring Boogie & the Yo-Yoz
Saturday, Sept. 5: I don’t highlight a lot of cover bands in this guide, because we really like to celebrate original music. But it’s the end of Tiki Beach season, and that’s always something to mention. Before you get out the pumpkin spice gear, however, Tiki Beach has one more show for you. Boogie and the Yo-Yoz will headline this final beach scene party, with food and drinks and the faux-tropical scene that sustains you through the summer. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Ribs, Wine and Barley Fest w Vintage Tractor Pull
Sunday, Sept. 6: There are two events going on at the same time at Willow Springs Garden and, well, they don’t seem exactly matched! The garden will host the Ribs, Wine and Barley Fest on Sunday — take a tour of the vineyard, sample beer and wine, learn about how they make their wine and beer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. Also going on at the same time is the Vintage Tractor Pull. If you didn’t get enough with last week’s Steam Engine Show in Edgar, this will help with this show featuring tractors from 1980 and older. Find more details about the Ribs, Wine and Barley fest here: event page; and the tractor pull here: event page.
Marathon City Fun Days
Fri.-Mon., Sept. 4-7: I guess the cool thing about hosting a festival on Labor Day Weekend is that you can extend it an extra day, into the Monday holiday. And Marathon Fun Days is doing just that. Their event kicks off Friday as the carnival opens, and the four-day event features a big rig truck show, live music from Knock Point, Hyde and the Jerry Schmitt Band, bean bag contests, an arts and crafts fair, an open house at the Marathon City Fire Department, and much more. See the event poster for more details, including a complete schedule of events and wristband prices.
Crucial Moves, Retox-AD and The Crits
Saturday, Sept. 5: Upon watching the video for Crucial Moves’ “From the Noose” track, I couldn’t help but think that it reminded me of my high school band days. We were more grunge than hardcore, and while Crucial Moves’s members have the look of a 90s garage band, this is very much in the vein of a screaming into the mic type band. The Fox Valley act will be joined by bands Retox-AD and The Crits. The show starts at 9 pm, and if that start time doesn’t dissuade you, this is probably a show right up your alley. See the event page for more.
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In Brief
Pizza on the Patio, 6 pm Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Willow Springs Garden
Bingo, 6:30 pm Wednesday, Sept. 2 at VFW Burns Post 388
Tiki Beach Thursday Night Concert Series: The NOW, 6:30 pm Thursday, Sept. 3 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill
Karaoke with Jim, 9 pm Thursday, Sept. 3 at The Glass Hat
Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, Sept. 3 at Faraway Place
Still Reckless, 7 pm Friday, Sept. 4 at The Garage Wausau
First Friday Blues, 7 pm Friday, Sept. 4 at Reservoir Dogs Saloon
The Foxfire Affair at Rock Ridge Orchard, 11 am Saturday, Sept. 5 at Rock Ridge Orchard
Paddygrass, 5 pm Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Merrill Pavilion
Jesse and the Medicine Men at Pizza on the Farm, 5 pm Saturday, Sept. 5 at Stoney Acres Farm
Stadium Dr. - Live at The Garage, 8 pm Saturday, Sept. 5 at The Garage Wausau
Northwoods Bassist, 2 pm Sunday, Sept. 6 at The Garage Wausau
Labor Day Truck & Tractor Pull, 11 am Monday, Sept. 7 at Willow Springs Garden
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