Make Music Madison Registration Closes May 25

Host sites and musicians are invited to sign-up to participate in this citywide musical celebration held on the summer solstice, June 21. The 2022 event featured 474 registered concerts at 172 locations presenting music by over 1000 individual artists. This we hope to top 500 registered shows!

Interested hosts or musicians can learn more at www.makemusicmadison.org.

Make Music Madison welcomes performers of all genres and experience levels. The organization aims to engage every sector of Madison’s music industry and provide all Madison communities with free and accessible music, while encouraging the public to support local artists, and invest in our creative economy.

Each year the event fills the city with music from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at venues hosted at community centers, museums, retailer shops, restaurants, parks, theaters, places of worship, private residences, and other locations. Anyone can perform and anyone can host a performance, as long as the event is within the City of Madison, free, accessible to the public, and maintains a clearance on the sidewalk for pedestrian passage.

Make Music Madison is part of Make Music Day, an international summer solstice music celebration occurring in 1,000+ cities across the globe. Beginning in 1982 in Paris as Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day brings our community together to celebrate the power of live music. All varieties of live sound creation are welcome, as Make Music Madison’s motto is performed by anyone, enjoyed by everyone.

“This is a rare opportunity to support musicians and be part of a truly magical community event, which spreads joy and entertainment throughout the city” says Make Music Madison Board Secretary Kristian Petrov Iliev. 

There are no registration fees or limits to the number of musicians or locations who can participate. Sponsors and volunteers are welcome. For complete details on Make Music Madison, visit www.makemusicmadison.org.

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.

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.

ImageMover, QuidelOrtho simplify test-to-treat process for pharmacies

ImageMover, a provider of workflow services for pharmacies, is partnering with QuidelOrtho, a provider of point-of-care diagnostic testing solutions, to bring a comprehensive solution for pharmacist-administered testing for a variety of illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza A+B, Lyme disease, strep throat and RSV.

The integrated solution combines QuidelOrtho’s Sofia 2 fluorescent immunoassay analyzer, an automated small benchtop system, with Workflow Services to create a one-stop solution for pharmacists.

“With this patient-friendly system, pharmacies can onboard patients 80% faster than with the current manual process and are freed up to focus on what really matters—delivering the best possible patient care,” the companies said.

Patients complete a short questionnaire and self-register, pharmacists review patient information and perform testing using the Sofia 2 test, and Workflow Services automatically reports the results. If allowed, the pharmacist will dispense medication based on the outcome of the test result.

“This solution addresses major challenges pharmacists face when offering a test-to-treat program, such as lack of staffing and time for complex reporting and record keeping. We’re excited to partner with Workflow Services to continue to build comprehensive pharmacy programs for the new age of clinical service providers and to expand access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities,” said Cheryl Miller, vice president, retail sales and marketing at QuidelOrtho.

The joint system provides speed, accuracy and security. Sofia 2 provides dual modes for walkaway and batch testing, with results available in 3-15 minutes, depending on the assay. It also offers an expansive test menu, including COVID-19, influenza A+B, Lyme disease, strep throat and RSV. The small instrument size and room-temperature storage of kits make the test suitable for pharmacies, hospitals, urgent care centers and physician offices.

“Care delivery is changing, and consumers are seeking convenient clinical services from pharmacists that normally they might have received from their general practitioner,” said Kevin Houlihan, president and CEO of ImageMover. “With QuidelOrtho tests and Workflow Services, pharmacies can confidently expand their care delivery methods with reliable tests and simple workflows.”

“The public health benefits of enabling pharmacists to become go-to community healthcare professionals for consumers in need of fast and convenient point-of-care testing and treatment are enormous,” Houlihan noted. “We are proud to offer a comprehensive Workflow solution together with QuidelOrtho’s easy-to-use Sofia 2 assays for a wide range of viruses and health conditions.”

Dane Buy Local Announces Shop Local Tour Featuring Black-Owned Businesses on May 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2023

Available for interviews
Colin Murray, Executive Director of Dane Buy Local
2801 International Lane, Suite 110
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 712-3440
colin@danebuylocal.com
www.danebuylocal.com

Dane Buy Local Announces Shop Local Tour Featuring Black-Owned Businesses on May 25

Madison, WI – Dane Buy Local is proud to announce its upcoming Shop Local Tour presented by Madison Top Company on May 25, featuring Black-owned businesses in the community. The tour is part of Dane Buy Local’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses and promote the importance of shopping local.

The Shop Local Tour will take place on May 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will visit a variety of Black-owned businesses throughout the county. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the owners, learn about their products and services, and discover new and unique local businesses. This tour is sponsored by the Black Madison Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re excited to showcase the diversity of our local business community and support these amazing Black-owned businesses,” said Colin Murray, Executive Director of Dane Buy Local. “Shopping local is more important than ever, and we hope this tour will encourage residents to discover and support the amazing small businesses in Dane County.”

The participating businesses on the Shop Local Tour include:

Earthly Temptations, 1812 S. Park St

Hart Beat Boutique, 427 S. Yellowstone Dr

Herbal Aspect, 3547 University Ave

Jewelers on State St, 550 State St

JustVeggiez, 540 State St

Mentoring Positives, E. Washington Ave

The Shop Local Tour is open to the public. Save $10 right now, tickets can be purchased in advance for $39 per person (regular price  $49). Participants will receive a map and schedule of the tour, as well as a tote bag and other goodies from participating businesses, plus a drink and dessert at the end of the tour at Delta Beer Lab.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Dane Buy Local’s website at danebuylocal.com/shoplocaltour

Dane Buy Local is affiliated with the Local Business Institute (LBI) and is part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support their independent businesses and ensuring the opportunity to operate an independent business endures. Dane Buy Local creates a sustainable, vital local economy through collaboration, education, and promotion, as a non-profit member organization.

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