Wisconsin Union: Rap Duo Smif-N-Wessun Joins Black Box Sessions Hip-Hop Series, Replaces Feb. 13 Performance By th1rt3en

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 30, 2024

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Wisconsin Union
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/smifnwessun

RAP DUO SMIF-N-WESSUN JOINS BLACK BOX SESSIONS HIP-HOP SERIES, REPLACES FEB.13 PERFORMANCE BY TH1RT3EN

MADISON – Rap duo Smif-N-Wessun, comprised of artists Tek and Steele, will bring its popular lyrical style to the Play Circle Theater on Feb. 13, 2025, at 8 p.m., as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) performing arts series, the Black Box Sessions. This event replaces the previously scheduled performance by th1rt3en.

As Smif-N-Wessun celebrates 30 years of shaping the underground hip-hop scene, its Feb. 13 performance promises a blend of anticipated new material and previous projects. The Smif-N-Wessun artists released their first album “Dah Shinin’” on Jan. 10, 1995, and will release the title track and the first single off their new album, “Infinity,” on Jan. 10, 2025.

The rap duo draws inspiration from lived experiences growing up and coming up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville neighborhoods. Smif-N-Wessun infuses soulful beats, jazz and reggae into its hip-hop music-making. Some of the themes listeners will hear in its candid storytelling include disenfranchisement, resilience, and empowerment.

“This, and all of the Black Box Sessions, is a chance to experience hip-hop steeped in the history and context of the performing arts,” said Kate Schwartz, Black Box Sessions curator, Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee programming advisor, and WUT artist services manager. “Smif-N-Wessun is an example of the heart within hardcore hip-hop, and its energy and unfiltered storytelling transcend many elements of the medium.” 

The WUT team designed the Black Box Sessions series, which is in its debut year, intentionally as intimate, club-style performances that occur in WUT’s black box theater, the Play Circle. This year’s lineup aims to honor groundbreaking underground and popular hip-hop. Additional Black Box Sessions events include Marlowe on Jan. 30, 2025, and Blackway on March 6, 2025.

A rescheduled date for th1rt3en is being explored but is not available at this time. The team will provide WUT season schedule updates at union.wisc.edu/theater. Patrons, who purchased tickets to attend the th1rt3en event, can use their tickets to attend the Smif-N-Wessun performance.

The WUT team invites patrons to celebrate 30 years of Smif-N-Wessun and its history-making music on Feb. 13. Smif-N-Wessun performance and ticket information is available here.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 80 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an extensive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for all who engage with the Theater’s programming, events, and activities. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee is part of the Wisconsin Union’s leadership development program for UW–Madison students and supports the Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission of serving students through the performing arts. By helping to program the Theater’s annual season of performing arts presentations, the students learn about program curation, relationship-building, marketing, communications, budgeting, and production. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

Thrill Factory Entertainment Set to Open in Madison

Madison, WI – The wait is nearly over! Thrill Factory, one of Wisconsin’s largest family entertainment centers, will open its doors this New Years Eve at East Towne Mall, bringing over 50,000 square feet of non-stop fun and excitement for all ages. Featured on the hit tv show, Shark Tank, Thrill Factory received deal offers from THREE of the famous sharks! This massive facility will offer a diverse range of attractions and activities designed to deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone from families to corporate groups. 

Thrill Factory will feature a 12-lane bowling alley, with four lanes located in a VIP section, ideal for hosting private events and birthday parties. The center will also offer HyperBowling, a modern twist on traditional bowling that adds an extra layer of interactive fun.

In addition to bowling, Thrill Factory will be home to:

• State-of-the-Art Laser Tag Arena: Step into a futuristic, adrenaline-pumping laser tag experience, complete with special effects and multi-level gameplay.

• Escape Rooms: Get ready to crack codes, solve puzzles, and test your wits in a variety of fully immersive themed escape rooms.

• Arcade and Redemption Center: Thrill Factory’s arcade will feature the latest games, and players can redeem their winnings for fantastic prizes at the redemption center.

• Mini Golf Course: A creatively themed mini golf experience that’s perfect for family fun or a friendly competition with friends.

• Wizard’s Adventure: A magical quest for guests of all ages! Embark on an interactive journey to complete enchanted tasks and challenges.

• Zombie Town Shooting Gallery: Prepare to be scared! Our haunted walk-through attraction will feature terrifying animatronics, special effects, and an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.

• Restaurant and Bar: Take a break from the action and refuel at our full-service restaurant. We offer a wide variety of delicious options for everyone. For those seeking a more unique experience, we have a tiki bar, perfect for tropical vibes and island-inspired drinks. Our adults-only section comes with the added fun of a dumbwaiter, delivering food and drinks directly to guests from the bar below. Additionally, we feature one more themed bar within the center—styled like a lively pirate bar.

“We’re excited to create an all-in-one entertainment destination here in Madison,” said Guy Kitchell, founder of Thrill Factory. “From laser tag and escape rooms to our mini golf course and VIP bowling lanes, we’ve designed this facility to cater to guests of all ages and interests.”

Thrill Factory is also preparing for a wide range of private events, birthday parties, and corporate gatherings, with flexible packages available to suit different group sizes and needs.

Grand Opening Event – December 31, 2024

Thrill Factory will kick off with a grand opening celebration, offering special promotions, giveaways, and an exclusive first look at its incredible attractions.

About Thrill Factory

Located in East Towne Mall, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Thrill Factory Entertainment is Madison’s newest family fun center, offering laser tag, bowling, arcade games, escape rooms, mini golf, and more across its 50,000-square-foot facility. Designed to provide memorable experiences for guests of all ages, Thrill Factory is the go-to destination for family outings, corporate events, and parties.

For more information, visit www.thrillfactoryentertainment.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Bryan Born
Sales & Events Manager
Thrill Factory Entertainment 
(608) 285-5584 Ext: 3bryan@thrillfactoryentertainment.com

Lexus of Madison has become Bergstrom Lexus of Madison

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
John F. Bergstrom
Executive Chairman
Bergstrom Automotive
(920) 585-9104

Lexus of Madison has become Bergstrom Lexus of Madison

Madison, WI (December 16, 2024) – Bergstrom Automotive, the largest automotive group in Wisconsin, continued its growth in the Madison market by completing the acquisition of Lexus of Madison. Bergstrom Automotive operates 40 dealerships in Wisconsin and has built its brand and success by focusing on delivering quality guest service. With this acquisition, Bergstrom Automotive now employs over 2,500 teammates in the state. John F. Bergstrom, Founder and Executive Chairman, started with a Chevrolet dealership in Neenah, Wisconsin and the company now represents every automotive brand sold in the state. This is Bergstrom Automotive’s second Lexus dealership and will be the fifth Bergstrom location in the Madison Market, including a recently completed state-of-the-art body shop.

The company, founded by John F. Bergstrom and his brother Richard A. Bergstrom, first entered the Madison market over 20 years ago with the acquisition of the luxury brand Cadillac. Madison Cadillac quickly grew to be the largest Cadillac dealership in the state and holds that distinction today along with many customer service awards. Earlier this year the company reinvested heavily in the Madison market by launching construction of a new Cadillac facility at its current location on the beltline at the Fish Hatchery Road exit. Bergstrom Automotive also has two Chevrolet dealerships in the Madison Market.

John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman of Bergstrom Automotive stated, “We are honored to represent Lexus in the Madison market. For over 40 years, our focus and commitment has been to deliver great guest experiences. The Lexus brand aligns with our approach of providing this elevated experience to our guests.”

Lexus, a luxury automotive manufacturer founded in 1989, has built a global reputation for precision, reliability, and technologically advanced premium vehicles combined with exceptional customer service. Bergstrom Automotive’s focus on exceptional guest treatment combines extremely well with the Lexus brand. Bergstrom Automotive’s Lexus location in Appleton has earned the prestigious Elite of Lexus Award for 23 consecutive years.

Bergstrom’s new Lexus facility is located at 8000 Airport Road in Middleton and is now open for business as “Bergstrom Lexus of Madison.”

About Bergstrom Automotive
Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest dealer in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and is focused on delivering outstanding guest service. The Bergstrom organization sells and services the following franchises: Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo in facilities located throughout the state of Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Union: Winter Carnival, An Annual Madison Tradition for More Than 80 Years, Returns Feb. 6-9, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 12, 2024

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Wisconsin Union Public Relations and Communications Officer
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu 
Phone: (608) 262-8862

Read release online: union.wisc.edu/about/news/wintercarnival2025 

WINTER CARNIVAL, AN ANNUAL MADISON TRADITION FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS, RETURNS FEB. 6-9, 2025

MADISON – An annual tradition for more than 80 years, the nonprofit Wisconsin Union’s winter-themed event series Winter Carnival returns Feb. 6-9, 2025, with more than 30 events, including bringing Lady Liberty to Lake Mendota and a freestyle skiing and snowboarding competition.

The 2025 Winter Carnival series currently includes:

• Feb. 6
  • Horizontal Ice Climbing Race, hosted by the Hoofer Mountaineering Club
  • Snowfall – a Tetris Challenge, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Flannel Day $1 Cheese Curds, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • Open Ice Skating with Outdoor UW
  • Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games Tournament, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
• Feb. 7
  • Learn to Ice Fish with the Wisconsin Fishing Team
  • Community Service Project: Pet Beds and Toys-Making, hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD)
  • Mindful Meditation and Wellness Goals, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Luminary-Making with the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Broomball, hosted by the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • Connolly Classic Pond Hockey Tournament, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Open Ice Skate with Outdoor UW
  • Boy Bands Skate Night with Outdoor UW
  • Snow and S’mores with Outdoor UW
  • WUD Music Committee Free Concert: Johannes Wallmann with the Dennis Mitcheltree Quartet
  • Snow Ball with the Hoofer Sailing Club
• Feb. 8
  • Luminary-Lit Lake Walk with the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • Cheerful Sock Snow People-Making, hosted by Wheelhouse Studios
  • Carriage Rides with the Hoofer Riding Club
  • Rail Jam, hosted by the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club
  • Maple Taffy-Making with the WUD Cuisine Committee
  • Ice Diving Demonstration and Gear Try-On with the Hoofer Scuba Club
  • Wisconsin Union Chili Cook-Off
  • Connolly Classic Pond Hockey Tournament, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Broomball, hosted by the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Open Ice Skate with Outdoor UW
  • ‘70s and ‘80s Rock ‘n’ Roll Skate Night with Outdoor UW
  • WUD Music Committee Free Concert: Indie Folk Artist Hollow Bastion
  • Fireworks, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • ALPs Secret Agent Scavenger Hunt, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Frosty Fun in Alumni Park hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA)
• Feb. 9
  • Sledding with Hoofer Ambassadors

The Winter Carnival lineup celebrates all things Wisconsin winter with mostly free indoor and outdoor activities, including numerous family-friendly events.

The event lineup is subject to change, including due to weather conditions. Some events include age restrictions, participation restrictions, or registration.

“Winter Carnival brings the community and visitors together each year for classic and new winter fun, from candy-making in the snow to sledding,” Wisconsin Union Public Relations and Communications Officer Shauna Breneman said.

The Wisconsin Union team has hosted Winter Carnival for 85 years. The team works with UW–Madison student leaders and community partners, such as University Recreation & Wellbeing and WAA, to make Winter Carnival’s winter fun possible.

One beloved, annual Winter Carnival tradition brings a touch of New York to Madison: Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota; the Wisconsin Union team places an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm, and torch on frozen Lake Mendota.

This tradition traces its origins back to 1979, when University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni and Pail and Shovel Party leaders Leon Varjian and Jim Mallon ’79 turned a student government campaign promise into reality: to bring the Statue of Liberty to Madison. They fulfilled their promise with Styrofoam versions of the torch, hand and head on Lake Mendota. Those curious about this campus tradition and its more recent reimagining as an inflatable can read more details here.

While attending Winter Carnival, patrons can enjoy the Wisconsin Union’s heated nearby building Memorial Union, which offers indoor, year-round dining options. Purchases at Memorial Union and tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit Wisconsin Union help make the Union’s low-cost and free events, spaces and Wisconsin Union student leadership opportunities possible.

Winter Carnival patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date Carnival lineup.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; UW Conference Centers; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm: Will Pemberton Recognized as 2025 AV Preeminent Attorney

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm proudly announces that its CEO, Will Pemberton, has been awarded the distinguished AV Preeminent® rating for 2025. This prestigious honor is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards, reflecting Attorney Pemberton’s unwavering commitment to excellence in personal injury law.

The AV Preeminent® designation, facilitated by Martindale-Hubbell®, is a time-honored recognition that identifies attorneys who have achieved exceptional peer reviews in their field. Since its inception more than a century ago, Martindale-Hubbell® has established itself as the gold standard for rating legal professionals, helping clients and colleagues make informed decisions about legal representation.

This honor underscores our CEO’s dedication to securing justice for his clients and highlights the respect he has garnered from his peers in the legal community. As the leader of Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, Attorney Pemberton has consistently championed the rights of injured individuals across Wisconsin, building a legacy of integrity, advocacy, and results.

“The AV Preeminent Attorney designation is of particular importance to me,” said Attorney Pemberton. “Few things are as significant to a lawyer than gaining their peers’ respect and recognition. I’m honored to have been named.”

About Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, located in Madison, Wisconsin, focuses exclusively on personal injury cases, helping statewide clients navigate the complexities of legal claims with care and expertise. The firm has earned a reputation for its client-centered approach and relentless pursuit of justice, a philosophy embodied by Attorney Pemberton’s leadership.

This latest accolade reinforces the firm’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice and providing exceptional service to the people of Wisconsin.