WCAB's Waupaca Local Live August Show

During ARTicipation Week

Doug Thompson

Special Time: 6:00 pm

Live from the 96.3 FM studio and Live on Facebook!

"Singer/songwriter Douglass Thompson spins yarns that one program director calls “three minute novels: alternately gripping, touching and hilarious, with a style that touches on the masters: Bob Dylan, John Prine and Guy Clark. Americana music’s greatest strength is honestly, with wit and insight tied for second place. Douglass Thompson has his sights set on all three!" Woody Mitchell, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Doug, who is a sort of Waupaca native (actually he's from Racine...) who sadly (for us) defected to North Carolina, is doing his Wisconsin visiting-and-playing-music time So honored to have him on the show, and as part of this wonderful week! Listen to Doug's music HERE!

We are excited to welcome Doug to the show, as he is a home-town musician traveling back during ARTicipation Week so he can take part in our show! After the show catch Doug at Simpson's Restaurant from 7:30-9pm for more of his great music!

You can join us in the studio (send us a FB message) or experience the show on FB Live on our FB page!

Go HERE for more information!

“I wanna say thank you for advocating real American music with your storytelling songwriter skills. You were a delight and we will see very much more of yall in the future. If you're a fan of genuine story telling do check out Douglass Thompson... Keep doing your thing and inspire ole hayseeds like me.”

Jason Mater Robinson - Outlaw Magazine

Waupaca Local Live Archives

Waupaca Local Live is collaborative venture between the WCAB, Waupaca's 96.3 FM radio and WAUP 99.1 fm radio.

We seek to bring local and regional musical excellence to the airwaves!

Wednesday, August 9

The Jerry Schmitt Band

South Park, Music starts at 7pm

Nashville recording artist, Jerry Schmitt, and his band — The Jerry Schmitt Band -- are appearing in Waupaca's South Park Upper Pavilion Aug. 9 as part of the Arts Board's free Summer Nights Concert series.

The band's sound appeals to young and old alike, and their love of performing and dedication to preserving traditional country music makes each of their shows a unique experience for their fans. They have made a name for themselves by establishing their own original sound – a blend of modern and traditional country music with a rockabilly influence.

Over the years, Jerry and his band have opened for numerous national acts including Joe Nichols, Lee Brice, Randy Houser, John Conley, Cross Canadian Ragweed, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lorrie Morgan, Danielle Peck, Merle Haggard, and Joe Diffie.

Come on out for some real old time country music!

Waupaca Retailers have been having a great time on their Summer Night Shop Nights this summer, and for their final Thuirsday late night shopping, they are adding a Sidewalk Sale!

Over 20 stores are staying open late for a Summer Night Shop & Sidewalk Sale! Come relax, shop, dine and enjoy beautiful Downtown Waupaca! Stores will have beverages & bites to enjoy while you shop! Thanks for shopping local!

GO HERE for the list of stores that wioll be open this Thursday!

Waupaca King and In Between

Believe it or not, the Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network is going to start planning the 2023 Yuletide Trail event, set for early December! So much in store for that event this year!

And they are also planning for a winter Arts Summit, so stay tuned for more information on that event!

Our next meeting is Monday, August 28. Join us at the Holly Center at 11 am!

All are welcome to join this active vibrant group!

Waupaca Arts and Culture Network

Benny Benack III with Special Guests

Sunday, August 27, 2023

7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Great Northern Distilling1011 2nd StreetStevens Point

Jazz Coterie presents Trumpeterand Singer Benny Benack III, performing in Stevens Point!

Benny’s back by popular demand to celebrate the release of his latest album — Third Time’s the Charm. Featuring Mike Kubicki on piano, Jessie Crandall on bass, and Mike Underwood on drums.

At 32, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III has already proven to be a rare talent: not only a fiery trumpet player with a stirring command of the postbop trumpet vernacular in the vein of Kenny Dorham and Blue Mitchell, but also a singer with a sly, mature, naturally expressive delivery in the post-Sinatra mold, performing standards and his own astute songs with a thrilling sense of showmanship.  His superb intonation and bracing virtuosity enable him to handle astounding feats of originally composed vocalese (complex solos with written lyrics). And he’s a highly capable pianist as well.

GO HERE for more info on Jazz Coterie

We know it's early but we want to give you a heads up about the

Chain O Lakes Blues Festival 2023

Mark your Calendars for October 6-7!

Summer means lots of Live Music in Waupaca! Waupaca venues have a lot of great music coming your way, and the Chamber Community Calendar is a great spot to see all of the bands coming to Waupaca this summer!

Go HERE for the Chamber Website and Community Calendar!

The Chamber is planning a wine walk for fall, too...and they are supporting new teachers for the 2023 school year.

They will also be installing a new electronic/digital sign this week, so check it out!

Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce and Waupaca Visitors and Convention Bureau

CWSO’s Summer Chamber Concert Series – Steel Drums Performance

Sunday, August 13

3-5pm

Downtown Waupaca, on the Square!

CWSO will be part of ARTicipation Week's Opening Day! Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the Steel Drum performance, and be ready to participate!!!

This event is FREE thanks to the Lee Ayers Jewelers, Compass Properties and Waupaca Community Arts Board. Free will donations are encouraged.

GO HERE for more info!

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra began in 1947, with 50 members. Currently, the orchestra comprises approximately 65 professional musicians who perform a season of four concert cycles, with some Summer chamber concerts. Season performances are held at the Sentry Theater and Woodlands Church, as well as some outreach locations.

Scandinavia Corn Roast

August 4-6

The Scandinavia Corn Roast is celebrating its 55th year! Put on by the Scandinavia Booster Club, the Corn Roast is the year’s biggest fundraiser for the Booster Club. Bringing community together with carnival rides, live music, wood carving competition and auction, truck and tractor pulls, 5K Cob Run, craft fair, Sunday’s pie social, roasted corn and more! We have the best volunteers who love giving back to our great community. We hope to see you in 2023!



GO HERE for more information!

The Phantom Art Gallery (PAG) will be opening with an

"Opening Night" event on

Friday, August 18!

The opening will feature mocktails and live music by FDR: The New Deal. (Fran, Del and Reinal!)

The PAG Exhibit will be at LOOT Vintage and Supply, 219 Jefferson Street Waupaca.

Phantom Art Gallery

Waupaca Community Theater

There is still time to go to the 2023 Community Theater Production:

The Drowsy Chaperone!

August 3, 4, 5 and 6

Tickets are available online at

and at the door,

Don't miss this wonderful musical comedy, featuring some of Waupaca's most entertaining talent!

Fine Arts Festival

Amoco and the Filling Station August Thursday Generosity Days

The Amoco Station and The Filling Station (Thursdays) continue their generosity and support of local organizations, by donating 20 cents per gallon/20% of their proceeds on

Thursday August 3 to the Fremont-Wolf River EMS.

Fremont-Wolf River EMS is a non profit provider of emergency and non-emergency services to the community of Fremont, WI

Thanks to these benevolent businesses for their continued community support! The funds they raise are significant, and they could not do it without all of you! Thanks Waupaca!!!

Wega Arts and Prof. Pinkerton presents

The Dead Man's Carnival:

Saturday, August 26

7:30 pm

The Live music circus variety show at Weyauwega's historic Gerold Opera House.

Featuring world renowned gypsy jazz & Django Reinhardt aficionados Duved Dunayevsky & Daniel Garlitsky as extra special musical guests all the way from Paris.

With house band "Prof Pinkerton's Irrelevant Orchestra".

Featuring a variety of different acts including...

Fire eating, Stage Illusions, Aerial Dance, Feats of strength, Burlesque, Human Oddities, Juggling, Comedy and 8 musicians on dozens of vintage instruments!

At the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega.

Doors open at 6:00pm

Show starts at 7:30pm

Not recommended for kids under 18 years old.

for tickets GO HERE!

Jazz Jam Saturday August 12 5-8pm

Little Wolf Gallery, Scandinavia

Eric and Amanda Bestul, from Lessons from the Art, will provide a solid backing band for any musicians that may want step on stage.

Come to watch or play! Anyone who steps up on stage can get a free drink from the French wine bar (including sparkling waters, coffee, etc). GO HERE for info!

Come to the Iola Mills on

Thurssday, August 17 from 6-7pm

for a special book reading!

Jim Niedert

How to Make the Greatest Pizza on Earth

Jim shares his secrets on the best, easiest, and cheapest ways to make amazing pizza at home. He'll cover crust, sauce, cheese, toppings, and more! Question and Answer session to follow. More info here!

Iola Mills