Wisconsin Union Theater: Performing Arts Stars, Stars on the Rise Coming to Madison as Part of 2023-24 Wisconsin Union Theater Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2023   

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/wut-2023-24

PERFORMING ARTS STARS, STARS ON THE RISE COMING TO MADISON AS PART OF 2023-24 WISCONSIN UNION THEATER SEASON
A programming team with a history of booking stars and stars before they rise to popularity releases its next season lineup

MADISON – A season of stars and stars-in-the-making will perform in Madison, Wisconsin, as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) 2023-24 season of jazz, dance, chamber music, an annual celebration of contemporary Black art, and global music, with subscriptions available for purchase beginning June 1 and single tickets to each performance available beginning June 16.

For 104 years, the Classical Series, formerly called the Concert Series, has celebrated classical music with recent seasons including artists that celebrate its traditions and those who seek to redefine aspects of the genre. The Classical Series lineup for the upcoming season includes:

• Pianist Simone Dinnerstein on Sept. 28
• Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason on Nov. 3
• The Isidore String Quartet on Dec. 8
• The Schumann Quartet on Feb. 8, 2024
• The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine on Feb. 20, 2024
• Soprano Brenda Rae with pianist Jonathan Ware on March 7, 2024

Cello prodigy Kanneh-Mason’s fame grew around the world after he performed at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s royal wedding in 2018.

For Rae, her Wisconsin Union Theater-hosted performance is a bit of a homecoming, having graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in voice in 2004.

The global music events include performances by:

• Las Cafeteras on Nov. 1
• The Zakir Hussain Trio on March 16, 2024

Las Cafeteras will perform “Hasta La Muerte: A Day of the Dead” show, a program that celebrates life and death and that aims to inspire social change. Patrons will experience a performance filled with dance, folklore, and music with a foundation of son jarocho with influences of numerous genres, including hip-hop and folk.

The Zakir Hussain Trio features GRAMMY-winning tablaist Zakir Hussain, 10th-generation sarangi artist Sabir Khan, and award-winning bansuri player Debopriya Chatterjee.

The 2023-24 Jazz Series features:

• Harpist Brandee Younger on Sept. 29
• Percussionist, composer, and producer Makaya McCraven on Oct. 11
• The Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Tour on Jan. 26, 2024
• Jazz and R&B singer Lady Wray on Feb. 29, 2024
• Pianist and drummer Julius Rodriguez on March 14, 2024
• Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, formerly Christian Scott, on May 2, 2024

McCraven will perform a program with selections from his extensive, critically acclaimed discography, including his newest album, titled “In These Times,” and a vanguard approach to jazz that reflects the musical inspiration he has found in many music styles, such as hip-hop and funk.

The Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Tour features GRAMMY-nominated pianist Gerald Clayton, vibraphonist Joel Ross, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, drummer Kendrick Scott and bassist Matt Brewer.

WUT, the Madison Music Collective, and the Arts + Literature Laboratory will co-present performances by to-be-announced artists at free jazz events, as part of the DIG JAZZ lineup on Sept. 15, Oct. 27 and Nov. 17 at the Play Circle Theater at Memorial Union. Seating for DIG JAZZ performances will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The season will also include professional touring dance company Ronald K. Brown’s EVIDENCE on Feb. 18, 2024. EVIDENCE performs with a mission to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word, leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation.

The Theater team encourages patrons to save the date for the Black Arts Matter Festival, which is slated to take place Nov. 8-12 and will feature performances that celebrate contemporary Black art, including a poetry slam with nationally renowned poets.

“What’s next in the performing arts industry is happening right now during the Wisconsin Union Theater season,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “From hosting a performance by Lizzo in 2017 to scheduling an event featuring Samara Joy in 2022 before she became a GRAMMY winner in 2023, the Wisconsin Union Theater season is a chance to experience performing arts legends and up-and-coming stars.”

WUT has a more than 80-year history of hosting world-class performing arts experiences and seasons that feature both traditional performances of genres and artists forging new arts style paths.

2023-24 season performances will take place at the Wisconsin Union Theater’s Shannon Hall and the Play Circle in Memorial Union, and, in partnership with the UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music, two performances will take place at the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall and Collins Recital Hall in the Hamel Music Center.

Patrons can save on season events tickets by purchasing subscriptions available between June 1 and Sept. 28. Options include:

• A Classical Series subscription for a 20% discount
• A Jazz Series subscription for a 20% discount
• Brand-new build-your-own subscription options of three to five events for 15% off or six or more events for a 20% discount

Purchases of tickets to individual performances, pending availability, will begin June 16.

Patrons can purchase subscriptions and single tickets to Wisconsin Union Theater performances online, in person at the Memorial Union Box Office, or by phone at (608) 265-2787.

Patrons can also support Wisconsin Union Theater events as well as performing arts-related student leadership opportunities with their purchases of food, merchandise and beverages at Memorial Union, Union South, the Memorial Union Terrace and TerraceStore.union.wisc.edu.

Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/theater to learn more about the 2023-24 season. 

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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.

UW–Madison Division of the Arts Name Artivism Student Action Program Spring 2023 Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 4, 2023

Contact: Kate Lochner, UW–Madison Division of the Arts Marketing and Communications Manager, krlochner@wisc.edu 

Website: go.wisc.edu/UWASAP

Release Link: ​​ https://artsdivision.wisc.edu/2023/05/04/asap-spring-2023-update/

Media Kit: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/7kgv24z7689c4h5ol0a2511pxc4hrp60

UW–Madison Division of the Arts Name Artivism Student Action Program Spring 2023 Recipients

Madison, Wis. – The Division of the Arts is thrilled to announce the Spring 2023 Artivism Student Action Program (ASAP) funding recipients. Founded in 2021 and available to UW–Madison students in any year or major of study, ASAP supports projects or collective actions that use the arts as a force for social change.

“ASAP is a vital resource to students, now more than ever. Out of necessity, our students of color are creating spaces where new futures and future leaders are shaped – a space where they establish new roots, a space where they belong.” says Chris Walker, Division of the Arts Director. “Belonging goes beyond inclusion to mean that individuals feel grounded, valued and involved in shaping their communities, as well as empowered to express their needs and receive care. There is something magical about knowing that you are participating in shaping a future that is going to be better for those who come after you.” He continues, “ASAP plays just a small part in removing barriers to event and programming facilitation, and addressing the unique needs of this generation of students.”

Projects received a total of $4,000 in funding in the spring semester, including: a community-building arts performance celebrating underrepresented communities on campus; two literary publications; and a creative writing workshop series for youth in local juvenile detention centers. A total of $12,200 was awarded through ASAP during the 2022-23 academic year.

“The Artivism Student Action Program review committee and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of ASAP recipients’ collective hard work and dedication as we continue to foster arts engagement and activism on campus,” said Nicholas Santas, a 2023 Master of Arts – Business in Creative Enterprise Leadership student and Division of the Arts Graduate Assistant. 

Please join the Division of the Arts in congratulating the third cohort of ASAP award recipients. The following funded projects exemplify the breadth and creativity of art and activism that ASAP continues to support.

“Formless: An Artivism Concert” | Madelyn Vilker in partnership with the Social Justice Hub and Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

Now in its second year, “Formless” exemplifies the intersections of art and activism by supporting underrepresented identities and giving them a space to perform. The March 2023 showcase included spoken word, dancers, musicians, designers and artists of other mediums to foster community-building through art.

“Let It Burn” | Diya Abbas

In collaboration with the Madison Public Library’s Teen Bubbler Program, this project presents a series of writing workshops for middle and high school students in local juvenile detention centers, using creative writing and poetry as a therapeutic tool they can carry with them throughout their lives. 

“Madison Journal of Literary Criticism, Spring 2023 edition” | Ria Dhingra for Madison Journal of Literary Criticism 

The theme of this issue of the “Madison Journal of Literary Criticism” is “Renaissance.” As an abolitionist effort, the publication aims to inspire and encourage readers to use art as the creative basis to reimagine and re-invent institutions of harm.

“The Issue 002” | Robyn George for The Issue

“The Issue,”a student-run organization and publication on the UW–Madison campus covering style, arts, culture and current events, presents their second issue, “Land Acknowledgement,” in collaboration with a number of Indigenous student artists and student organizations to advance more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible community practices on campus.

The 2022-23 ASAP funding is made possible by the generous support of the Evjue Foundation, the charitable arm of “The Capital Times” newspaper. For more information on the program, email asap@arts.wisc.edu or visit go.wisc.edu/UWASAP.

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Designer Claire Johnson Joins The Creative Company’s Culture of Story-Driven Experiences

FMI: Laura Gallagher
608.442.6336
laura@thecreativecompany.com

Designer Claire Johnson Joins The Creative Company’s Culture of Story-Driven Experiences

Madison, WI – The Creative Company is pleased to announce that Claire Johnson has joined the firm as a graphic designer.

Claire Johnson arrived at her current position by way of school and stage. Johnson began her career as a special education teacher. She first noticed her visual-communication skills while accommodating curriculum for students in special education programs – a talent for which she was tapped to train her industry peers. Johnson also brings a decade of leadership creating, designing, and developing stage costuming as she helped bring characters to life for the Verona Area Community Theatre where her family plays an active part.

Now, she brings her talent for engaging visuals and creating meaningful human connections to benefit The Creative Company’s clients. 

“We are thrilled Claire is joining our firm,” said Laura Gallagher, President and Founder of The Creative Company, “She’s a creative force whose leadership and expertise will be of tremendous value to everyone we work with. I’ve known Claire Johnson for 20 years and have seen the thoughtfulness she puts into all her creative endeavors. Her portfolio stands head and shoulders above her peers. We’re excited to share her talent with our clients.”

Claire’s new role at The Creative Company allows her to design story-driven experiences, including branding, websites, marketing templates, product design, wayfinding and experiential design.

“Knowing Laura and the team as I have, I was able to see firsthand the innovative and creative culture The Creative Company brings to our community and our state,” explained Claire Johnson. “When I began my search for a new role, I knew I wanted to work with a visionary company that would allow me to create unique visual experiences with a diversity of creative voices. The Creative Company was my first call and I’m so glad to be on the team.” 

Claire received her associate’s degree in Graphic Design from Madison Area Technical College. She also holds a bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Special Education and Teaching.

The Creative Company is a leading PR and marketing firm representing top nonprofits, businesses, and cooperatives, helping them evolve, promote, and protect their brands and reputations. The Creative Company is certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise by the State of Wisconsin and won 2022 Dane County Small Business of the Year.

Visit thecreativecompany.com for more information. To schedule a meeting with Claire Johnson, please email her at claire@thecreativecompany.com or call 608-442-6336 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.

Study confirms Overture Center’s significant impact on the local economy

Madison, Wis. (May 3, 2023) — An economic and fiscal impact analysis by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Fiscal and Economic Research Center (FERC) reports Overture Center for the Arts contributed $34,480,000 to the Madison economy during its 2021/22 season, September 2021 through June 2022. Overture engaged in the economic impact study to establish a post-pandemic baseline for its activities.

“The analysis provides a baseline for us coming out of the pandemic,” said Chief Development and Communications Officer Emily Gruenewald. “Prior to our 18-month closure, Overture provided nearly 700,000 artistic experiences annually. In our first season open post-pandemic, Overture ramped up operations over a 9-month period, resulting in 288,150 artistic experiences. We felt it was important to conduct an economic survey during this limited season to track the recovery of the arts industry over the next few years. The last time Overture conducted an economic impact study was back in 2010, and it found the center contributed $28.1 million to the Madison economy. It’s encouraging to see that even in this reduced season Overture’s economic impact has grown to support our community. As we continue to reintroduce more programming in the 2022/23 season, we are seeing stronger attendance and participation, resulting in an even larger economic impact going forward.”

Overture Center’s economic impact comprises four categories of direct spending and the impact of each category. The direct spending comes from the cost of producing and running shows and events, the cost of maintenance and renovations, and ancillary purchases made by Madison tourists. The money that was directly spent in these four categories was then re-spent in multiple subsequent rounds. These subsequent rounds of spending are categorized as “indirect” spending. The sum of the direct and indirect rounds of spending is what constitutes Overture Center’s full economic impact on the Madison economy.

The direct spending was divided up into four distinct categories:

• Broadway: $2.52 million
• Resident Events: $2.50 million
• Non-Resident and Local Events: $680,000
• Operations: $28.80 million

“The importance of Overture Center to the economic health, vibrancy and overall vitality of downtown Madison cannot be overstated,” said Jason Ilstrup, Downtown Madison Inc. “Nearly every day, Overture Center welcomes thousands of guests to entertain, enlighten and wow, helping create an energy, spirit and sense of community downtown. Overture Center is at the heart of a successful downtown Madison now and into the future.”

Additional highlights from the 2021/22 study include:

• Ancillary spending by Overture Center visitors totaled $6,300,000.
• Nearly 53% of attendees were people who live outside the Madison area.
• Ninety-three percent of attendees from outside of Dane County said that attending a show/event at Overture Center was a “very important” factor in their decision to come to Madison.
• Overture Center visitors rented around 7,000 total hotel rooms and their annual hotel spending exceeds $1,000,000.
• Overture Center operations and events also resulted in visitor spending of $4.6 million at local restaurants, primarily located in downtown Madison.

Wisconsin Union Will Host Week of Activities for UW–Madison Graduates, Families to Celebrate Commencement

MADISON – “The living room” of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the Wisconsin Union, will be welcoming graduates, their families and friends for a week full of graduation activities and events at Memorial Union and Union South.

The fun starts with the Senior Class Office’s Senior Bash on May 6 from 5-8 p.m. at Memorial Union and the Memorial Union Terrace, complete with free games, arts and live music featuring DJ Nick Nice for the members of the Class of 2023. Graduating students are invited to dance, create crafts and commemorate their time together.

Grads-to-be can also head over to Wheelhouse Studios for the free opportunity to decorate their caps at Cappy Hour from May 6-10 between noon and 9 p.m. 

Graduates and their loved ones can enjoy open mic night on the Terrace on Wednesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Additional free Terrace entertainment during graduation weekend include live rock covers from The Mersey Brothers featuring Sean Michael Dargan on Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m., and live soul music from Madison-based band Don’t Mess With Cupid on Saturday, May 13, at 7 p.m.

New graduates will be able to commemorate this exciting life event with a free professional photo on a big Terrace chair on May 13 at Union South from 10 a.m. – noon and at the Terrace from 2-4 p.m. These new alumni and their loved ones can also be some of the first people to snap photos at a new vibrant selfie station by the Sett in Union South, a display which will be up throughout the summer. 

Friends and family members are welcome to enjoy a livestream of Saturday’s bachelor’s, master’s and law degree commencement proceedings from der Rathskeller in Memorial Union or from the Sett in Union South. Several dining options will be available at both locations for patrons to enjoy made-to-order dishes and refreshing beverages. Seating for the indoor livestreams – and the 2,000 outdoor sunburst chairs on the Terrace – are on a first come, first served basis. Flowers, Badger gifts and other items, such as limited edition purple-and-teal mini Terrace chairs, will be available for purchase at Memorial Union and Union South Badger Markets.

“Our new graduates have worked so hard to reach this life achievement,” said Mark Guthier, Wisconsin Union director and associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “We are honored to make the moment even more special for them.”

Individuals looking for the perfect congratulatory gift for their UW–Madison graduate can buy $50 lifetime Wisconsin Union memberships, a 75% discount available for a limited time for new graduates only.

For more information about the Wisconsin Union’s graduation events, visit union.wisc.edu/graduation.