Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist Nicholas Payton Online Performance Added to Wisconsin Union Theater Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 5, 2021

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

MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST, VOCALIST NICHOLAS PAYTON ONLINE PERFORMANCE ADDED TO WISCONSIN UNION THEATER SEASON

MADISON – Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Nicholas Payton, known as a leading voice in American popular music, will perform as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater season on Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. CDT after which he will participate in a question-and-answer session.

Tickets for Payton’s virtual performance cost $10 for University of Wisconsin-Madison students; $17 for Wisconsin Union members, UW-Madison staff and faculty, and students that do not attend UW-Madison; and $20 for all other patrons.

Payton’s performance will include music from his latest album, “Maestro Rhythm King.”

Patrons will experience talent that has been nurtured and honed since Payton first began learning the trumpet at 4 years old. His talent for music became apparent quickly and early in his life. He was recognized as a prodigy before the 1st grade and participated in professional performances by the age of 10. This early talent for music has grown into a career that spans decades and has earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo.

While Payton does not confine himself to specific genres, he works to honor postmodern New Orleans music and the spirit of Black American Music. He established the term Black American Music, also known as #BAM, to represent the breadth of improvisational music created by Black people in the United States.

“Nicholas Payton does not conform to the status quo in life or in his music. His musical talent is vast, but his most interesting and, I’d say, most important talent is how he uses his art for social activism and to make deeper connections to the world we live in,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “Nicholas says art is not just here to make us feel good and to entertain; it’s to help us grow and think critically.”

This event is co-presented by the Wisconsin Union Theater team and the student leaders of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee. They work together to make dozens of events possible each year.

The Theater strives to make each Wisconsin Union Theater event accessible. Those that need accommodations can reach out to the Wisconsin Union Theater at wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu. 

The Wisconsin Union Theater is taking steps to address racial inequalities, including commissioning programming that highlights BIPOC stories. Click here for a full statement on the Theater’s stance and efforts.

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents this event, in part, with the help of financial support from Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about this event, click here.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 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 expansive history of remarkable performances. 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 about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee plans and promotes events for the historic Wisconsin Union Theater stages. The student-led committee programs a variety of events to provide a diverse and cultural experience for students, faculty, alumni, community members and visitors. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

[Click here to download a photo of Nicholas Payton. Photo by Jimmy Katz.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/nicholas-payton.

Capitol Bank: 5 Things You Should Know Before Refinancing Your Mortgage

An Interview with Amy Gile-Enge, Senior VP of Mortgage Lending at Capitol Bank
By Natalie Gregerson, Director of Marketing/Officer at Capitol Bank

Beginning in 2020, interest rates fell to historically low levels and millions of Americans rushed to refinance their homes. With mortgage rates expected to remain low in 2021, we want to make sure homeowners have an understanding of the refinance process. We asked Amy Gile-Enge, Senior VP of Mortgage Lending at Capitol Bank, for the 5 things someone should consider before refinancing their mortgage.

1. Amy, how would someone know if they should refinance?

“Refinancing is all about saving money in the long run. It really depends on the remaining balance of your mortgage, the interest rate and the time remaining on the loan. If you are nearing the final years of your mortgage, it may cost you more in closing costs than what you will save with a lower interest rate. On larger mortgage balances or for borrowers with several years of mortgage payments remaining, a slightly lower interest rate will most likely save you enough money in the long-term to make the refinance process worth it.”

2. What kinds of mortgage loans are available when refinancing?

“Aside from low interest rates, a change in situations and circumstances often causes people to refinance, and we have different mortgage loan products to fit varying needs. Commonly, people will refinance from Adjustable Rate Mortgages to Fixed Rate Mortgages. Instead of having an interest rate that can fluctuate, this type of refinance allows for a stable interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Cash Out Refinances are available for certain individuals with a large amount of equity in their home. Capitol Bank has a list of all our mortgage products on our website and we help borrowers determine their best option based on what is available to them.”

3. How much does it cost to refinance?

“Refinancing will involve closing costs. These can include but aren’t limited to: prepaid interest, appraisal fees, recording fees, title fees and administrative costs. Contact one of our mortgage lenders to discuss what types of costs you may incur with refinancing.”

4. When refinancing, how would someone choose the term of the mortgage loan?

“It really depends on your income and what monthly payment you’re comfortable with. A relatively short-term loan will mean you pay less in interest over the life of the loan than with a longer-term mortgage, but it also means your monthly payment will be larger. If you’re more comfortable with a lower monthly payment, a longer-term loan will mean you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan, but the lower payment will be more manageable on a monthly basis. In addition, if you find you are able to make extra payments, you’ll save money in interest by paying off your mortgage early.”

5. Amy, you’ve been in mortgage lending for over 25 years. Can you explain, in a nutshell, how the refinance process works for those that may not be familiar?

“First, you would want to contact Capitol Bank, or fill out the mortgage application on our website. At this point, one of our mortgage lenders would contact you to let you know what additional documents are needed, such as tax statements, bank statements and pay stubs. This is part of the underwriting process, something all borrowers must go through to obtain a loan. Once approved, your mortgage lender would contact you to let you know what interest rate, term and mortgage loan type you qualify for. An appraisal may be ordered to determine the current value of your home. Finally, your mortgage lender will schedule the loan closing with you to go through paperwork and collect your signatures. If it seems stressful, don’t worry! Our mortgage lenders have a combined 45 years of experience and will walk you through the process. With currently low interest rates and the large amount of borrowers applying to refinance, you can expect the entire process to take anywhere from 30 to 90 days.”

Contacting Capitol Bank’s Mortgage Team
For questions on current interest rates, refinancing or general mortgage information, please CLICK HERE to connect with our mortgage team. Amy, Howard or Cori will be in touch with you!

All mortgage loans are subject to underwriting approval. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Amy Gile-Enge NMLS #586017
Howard Cagle NMLS #593729
Cori Femrite NMLS #594085

History of Black Madison story series by Madison365 sponsored by National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Madison, Wis. (February 1, 2021) – Through a partnership with Madison365, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is sponsoring a series of articles throughout February highlighting notable African Americans in Wisconsin’s past and present.

Sponsoring Madison365’s story series is one of the ways NGL is supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only in the workplace but also throughout the community. NGL is proud to support these critical features on the works and impact of some of Wisconsin’s most prominent Black residents.

“We are fortunate to partner with Madison365, a leading media outlet for people of color in the Midwest, to celebrate Black History Month. This article series is an excellent way to highlight and honor the history of Madison’s Black residents who have made significant contributions to our city since 1839,” said Dave Anderson, NGL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

There will be a total of four stories on the history of Black Madison that will be distributed each week during Black History Month featuring:

• The founders of Madison, including John Hill of Hill’s Grocery, Wisconsin Weekly Blade, Free African Methodist Church and first Black University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates.
• Madison’s first Black women highlighting the first Black woman police officer, firefighter, first (and still only) mayor.
• Black educators, including Helen McLean, John Odom, Milt McPike, Geraldine Bernard who impacted the community.
• Influential Black musicians, including Clyde Stubblefield, Richard Davis, Hanah Jon Taylor.

“We are inspired by the creativity and vision of the Madison365 team in developing The History of Black Madison series. NGL is thankful for the for the opportunity to support such rich and important content and storytelling,” said Dwayne Maddox, NGL Marketing Director.

The story series can be found at: Madison365.com.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Wisconsin Union Theater Patrons to Experience a Night of Storytelling Through Music with Singer-Songwriter Okaidja Afroso on Feb. 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 28, 2021

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

WISCONSIN UNION THEATER PATRONS TO EXPERIENCE A NIGHT OF STORYTELLING THROUGH MUSIC WITH SINGER-SONGWRITER OKAIDJA AFROSO ON FEB. 11

MADISON –  Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Okaidja Afroso believes in bringing together diverse forms of expression to create global harmony. He will bring his genre-defying approach to music to Wisconsin Union Theater patrons during a virtual performance on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Audience members can enjoy this special solo performance recorded just for the Wisconsin Union Theater audience, which will include Ghanaian music infused with cross-cultural influences.

Tickets for this online event cost $10 for UW-Madison students; $17 for Wisconsin Union members, UW-Madison staff and faculty, and students that do not attend UW-Madison; and $20 for all other Theater patrons.

“Okaidja Afroso effortlessly weaves fascinating stories into this intimate musical performance,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “I recommend turning the lights low, relaxing back in your favorite chair, and letting Okaidja transport you to another place with the beautiful sounds from Ghana.”

Afroso will perform “Nshorke,” “Afterlife Voyage,” “Kpehe,” “Akamo Nnane,” “Siak,” “The Palm Wine Sea,” “Faako,” and “State of Mind.” He will sing in English and Ga.

Wisconsin Union Theater presents music from around the globe as part of every season to provide patrons with an opportunity to learn and experience art from many different cultures.

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents Afroso’s performance in collaboration with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee. The Theater, often in collaboration with the Committee, creates more than a dozen arts performances each year. For more than 75 years, the Theater has served as a center for cultural activity.

The Theater works to create accessible performing arts experiences, including virtual spaces. Those that need accommodations can reach out to the Wisconsin Union Theater at wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu.

The Wisconsin Union Theater stands against racial inequities and is taking steps to address those inequalities, including commissioning programming that highlights BIPOC stories. For a full statement on the Theater’s stance and efforts, click here.

This performance is presented in part through Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin and financial assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about Afroso’s performance, click here.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 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 expansive history of remarkable performances. 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 about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/visit/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee plans and promotes events for the historic Wisconsin Union Theater stages. The student-led committee programs a variety of events to provide a diverse and cultural experience for students, faculty, alumni, community members and visitors. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

[Click here to download a photo of Okaidja Afroso. Photo by Lisa Monet Photography.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/okaidja-afroso.

The Wisconsin Union Team Will Hold Winter Carnival With In-Person and Virtual Events Feb. 3-7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2021     

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

THE WISCONSIN UNION TEAM WILL HOLD WINTER CARNIVAL WITH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL EVENTS FEB. 3-7

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival will return Feb. 3-7 with new events to help attendees enjoy the outdoors during Wisconsin’s winter season while practicing physical distancing and other public health guidance related to COVID-19.

The Wisconsin Union team invites all, including UW-Madison students, staff and faculty, Wisconsin Union members, and guests, to experience the Carnival. Some events and activities require pre-registration and have limited capacities.

This season, some community favorites will return with changes to ensure the health and safety of patrons in light of COVID-19.

During past Carnivals, the team has placed inflatable portions of Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota; instead, this year, the team will host a new Winter Lady Liberty DIY Contest. The Union team invites participants to create Lady Liberty out of any materials and to submit photos of their creations to the Wisconsin Union team by messaging or tagging the Wisconsin Union on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or by completing this Google Form between Feb. 3 and Feb. 14.

The Wisconsin Union team has added a new, free experience to the 2021 Winter Carnival: an Ice Fishing Derby on Feb. 6 from noon-7 p.m. Patrons can participate as competitors or as learners in the Union’s first ever educational fishing competition. The Union team will provide equipment and free hot chocolate for participants.

The Carnival will include a flurry of additional events throughout the week, including the following:

• Virtual Flannel Day, Feb. 3: The first 50 people to submit a photo of themselves in a flannel via a form here on Feb. 3 will receive a coupon for a small order of deep fried cheese curds from der Rathskeller in Memorial Union.
• Avalanche Awareness Workshop, Feb. 3, 8-10 p.m.: Individuals can learn about avalanches, including gear, how to avoid avalanche terrain, and training.
• Terrace Sweatshirt Bundle Up Sale, Feb. 3-7: The Wisconsin Union team will offer a 20 percent discount on new sweatshirts in its online Terrace Store and is currently offering free shipping on most store items for a limited time.
• Sledding, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or Feb. 4, 3 p.m.-Feb. 5 with sled drop-off on Feb. 5 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.: The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club will provide University of Wisconsin-Madison students with rental sleds and maps of sledding spots at the UW-Madison campus.
• Snowshoe Rentals
  • Hourly rentals for $5 per hour, pick-up on Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • 10 percent discount on weekend rentals, pick-up on Feb. 5 from 9 a.m.-noon and drop-off by Feb. 9
• Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs) Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.: ALPs will host a web-based scavenger hunt of puzzles, brain teasers and more.
• Free Art Friday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m., while supplies last: Wheelhouse Studios invites community members and visitors to get crafty with take-to-make snowman luminary kits.
• Lakefront Ice Climbing, Feb. 5, 3-5 p.m.: Hoofer Mountaineering Club members will share the basics of ice climbing on an ice block set up by Memorial Union.
• Night Snowshoe Hike on Lake Mendota, Feb. 5, 4-5:30 p.m.: Attendees can join the Hoofer Outing Club for a physically distanced snowshoe experience on Lake Mendota.
• Nordic Skiing 101, Feb. 6, noon-1 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.: Hoofer Outing Club members will lead an introductory, hands-on Nordic skiing lesson.
• Student Leadership Program (SLP) Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 6, noon-5 p.m.: SLP will host a scavenger hunt around various campus locations, such as Alumni Park and the Memorial Union Terrace. This event is presented by Associated Students of Madison, SLP at UW-Madison, and the Wisconsin Union.
• Kites on Mendota, Feb. 6-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Guests can enjoy the sight of large show kites on Lake Mendota. Kites on Mendota is produced by the Clean Lakes Alliance, with support from the Wisconsin Union and the Edgewater Hotel.
• Curling Tournament, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: UW-Madison students can take part in a curling tournament on Lake Mendota for the chance to win a championship t-shirt. This event is presented by University Recreation and Wellbeing and the Wisconsin Union.

“Wintertime presents many unique opportunities to be outside and stay active, some of which people can experience during our Winter Carnival,” Outdoor UW Director Joe Webb said. “We have held Winter Carnivals for more than 80 years, but this year required a whole new level of creativity that our team was happy to take on to make the Carnival possible.”

Winter Carnival events are subject to change. For the most up to date Winter Carnival information, including registration links, visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/winter-carnival-2021.