We're still going to get excited about working our way out of this long pandemic: the one that erased live music, gatherings and arts and culture events LAST summer...The way out: get vaccinated! We are thrilled that so many are getting vaccinated, making it possible for us to launch all the wonderful things we and others have planned for summer 2021!
As always, we are going to follow CDC guidelines. Please be part of the solution that will help us be able to enjoy live music again: GET VACCINATED !!!
Our country's famous Star Spangled Banner is a song that most of us have sung since we were kids. You decide how you want to sing it, but here are a few inspiring versions: check out this video: "10 best performances of the Star Spangled Banner." it's so cool...the stories of the singers, and the interesting variances in the arrangements; they even mention the Packers!!! ! We are adding this one from Stevie Wonder cuz we just can never get enough from this quintessential musician.
Enjoy this newsletter, it is chock-full!!!! As always, we encourage you to browse through: see all the happenings and many opportunities in our community, and if you feel curious, click on the bright blue links to take a deeper dive and get more details!
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Save the Date!!!
ARTicipation Week August 15-20
15th Annual Arts on the Square August 20-21
Waupaca....ARTicipation Week and Arts on the Square are just about 7 weeks away! You really must mark your calendars for this year's phenomenal dive in to the arts, Waupaca's own eclectic celebration of all things creative! We will get carried away writing about it, so best to simply visit our newly launched website where you can be amazed at all the fun things we have in store for this community. Thanks in advance to all of our supporters, partners, funders, and especially Community First Credit Union, our title sponsor. So much support!
Anyway, mark those calendars... Music, comedy, art, poetry, storytelling, a Scavengerpalooza contest, Workshops galore,an outdoor dance with the band The Presidents, a Kid Art camp and Kid-run Art Gallery, incredible food...Don't miss it!
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The City of Waupaca has started embedding the poems selected by the WCAB Sidewalk Poetry Committee! There will be a total of 16 poems embedded in the newly poured sidewalks on Waupaca's Main Street. There is one done so far, see if you can find it on North Main Street! By the end of the week there will be more.
Stay tuned to our FB page for more day by day updates!!! And go to our website for poet names, and coming soon: their bios and a release of their original poems. Check often!
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Poetry at Your Feet: Sidewalk Poetry has started!!! |
Go HERE to watch a time-lapse video of the first poem being embedded in our downtown sidewalks! Thanks to Kegan May for this clever capture of this historic moment! This poem was embedded near Danes Hall on North Main St.
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WCAB's 3-D Alley Mini Mural Project |
The murals are going up and it's so exciting! Take a stroll down the 4 block alley, down by Rotary park and the alley behind Aquamos, and see the progress! Watch the artists at work!
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WCAB's Summer Nights Concerts continue in July!
There are 2 great concerts in July at South Park. Don't miss these great Wednesday night events!
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Wednesday, July 14!
A versatile musician, Alex effortlessly switches between genres. He plays everything from sweet Beale Street Blues to West Coast Swing. Alex’s style and tasty originals, matched with his undeniable stage presence and unmistakable guitar style, will drive you to the dance floor.
Start the night at 5:30 with our Family Art Project! Bring the kids, and create something awesome!
Then, the music starts at 7pm.
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and some cash for the 50/50 raffle! and, please bring an item for the Waupaca Area Food Pantry.
To our generous music loving sponsors:
Thank You!
Faulks Brothers Construction
Toto Foundation
Hansen Furniture, Appliance and Flooring Center
Wheelhouse Restaurant
The Filling Station
Bank First National
Neuville Motors
Farmers State Bank
Noffke Lumber
Premier Bank
Turner’s Fresh Market
L and L Propane
Delicious Foods of Wisconsin
Faye Wilson Realty
Waupaca Foundry
Dave’s Painting
Udoni and Salan Realty Group
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Wednesday, July 28
Double-header!!!
Adept at both guitar and piano, Genevieve writes the songs she sings, songs firmly rooted in the contemporary, with faint hints of tendrils running deep toward the influence of old footsteps. She’s opened for Grammy winners, and shared the stage with national touring acts and performers who have written songs for some of the biggest names in music. Genevieve will start out the evening at 6:45, followed by local favorite, Baba Ghanooj!
Baba Ghanooj is a locally famous band that has been playing together for so long even those who are not blood relation are considered family. Listen as they play songs from Steely Dan, Tom Petty, the Beatles, and some fabulous original gems. Their love for each other, and their listeners/dancers gets translated into a sound that is tight, energetic, and just a lot of fun for all.
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WCAB's Waupaca Local Live:
Our July show will showcase the music of Wisconsin Rapids Singer/songwriter and all around great musician,
Thursday, June 15 at 7pm on Facebook Live!
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We tried to feature Ben in March but due to technical difficulties we had to cancel....Now that we can be live in the studio again, we are welcoming him back!
Ben Chitek is a singer-songwriter from Central Wisconsin. Inspired by musicians such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, etc., Ben writes in the mindset of a singer-songwriter of the yesteryear gone by. When he’s not performing with The Kommissioners, Goats In Trees, Alter Ego, The Antonettes, The Charlie Justmann Band, Monday Night Take Out, The Barnyard Concert Series or Duology, he performs his own solo shows. He released his third solo album, "When I Lived On The Moon", in December 2020.
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We are back in the studio, and happy to invite folks to be in our live audience, in the studio! If you have been vaccinated, welcome! If unable to be vaccinated, we ask that you wear a mask.
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If you would like to view previous programs, find our WLL archived shows from the past 5 years here! Great musicians, interesting dialoque and great music!
We seek to bring local and regional musical excellence to the airwaves! If you have suggestions for musical talent that you would like to hear on our show, send us a message via our Facebook page!
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The Waupaca Community Arts HUB |
The Waupaca Community Arts Hub is now open! We have a great summer planned with the arts for kids! We are offering summer art classes for kids ages 8-14, starting in July:
Plus: Private Music Lessons are available: Drum, Piano and Guitar, for all ages!
Go here for more information on how to sign up for music lessons.
We are excited to start our program. Check out our new website, and join us at the Hub, a place where creativity comes to grow!!!
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Painting Class with Artist Dort Dewild July 12 and 14; Sign up while there are still a few openings!
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Would you like to give the gift of Art or Music? Purchase an Arts Hub Gift Card! The best way to support the kids in your life!
And....Scholarships will be available for Fall Semester lessons and classes, stay tuned!
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Our Arts Hub Music teachers Rock! Drum and piano lessons with Lucas Fischer, Guitar with Aaron Zepplin, and Piano with Marci Beaucoup. Coming soon: Rock Band Groups classes! Stay tuned to the Arts Hub!
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Other JULY Happenings... in and around our community!
Events, classes, stress relief and local artisan shopping!
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Attention Serious Artists: There is still time for this fantastic opportunity to submit designs for a major piece of Public Art that will enhance Waupaca's Downtown!
The City of Waupaca invites artists to submit their qualifications for the commission of a significant public art installation at the intersection of West Session Street and MainStreet.
A successful project will foster a greater sense of place and identity in our historic downtown by interacting with the theme of “Gateway to Waupaca’s Waters.”
Artists with experience creating site specific art installations whose work reflects and engages community are encouraged to apply.
Submissions due July 12
at 4:30 pm
Go HERE for more information on how to submit!
And go here for the latest update on the downtown renovation progress with Justin Berrens! (turn up the sound!!!)
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The Ted Yoder Band
July 17 at 7:30 pm
Join the Ted Yoder Band for an evening of music and laughter or grab a COMBO TICKET to come early for a Q&A with the band!
Ted Yoder is the perfect musician for the 21st century. His passionate playing style and easy-going personality make him a natural live and online star; a virtuoso and national champion labeled “the Bela Fleck of the hammered dulcimer.”
Go HERE for more info/ticket information!
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Registration is officially open for the 2021 River Run! Set for October 9th, this will be a rain or shine event, taking place outside Central Waters Brewing Co. in Amherst, WI.
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Starting June 15th we'll be meeting at the parks 1-3 pm!
Join us for a variety of fun activites outside! We'll enjoy a mix of STEAM activities: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, and more!
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The Waupaca Area Public Library |
Keeping the fun this summer, it's not too late to sign up!
Imagine people all across Waupaca reading together toward a common goal! Do you think we can collectively read 10,000 books by August 31st? We need your help to do it. As you read and report the number of books read you will be adding your name in a weekly drawing for local gift certificate. Write a review and get another chance to win.
Summer fun is reading fun! Keep reading and reporting so we can reach our goal. Grand Prize Drawing will take place on August 31st for a customized $50 basket-o-fun!
GO HERE for more info and to sign up!
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The Waupaca Library is now open! Stay tuned to their website and FB page for updates about lessening restrictions, but things are looking up!
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We are happy to see this organization promoting jazz in central Wisconsin....
If you think you don’t like jazz, think again!
Jazz Coterie is a curated, pop-up, live music concert series setting out to showcase the finest classic and contemporary jazz artists from across the state, the country, and the globe. Through diverse programming, we seek to explore the foundation and future of this ever-evolving genre. And to have a great time doing it!
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Schueller's has another couple of great events in July! Check them out!
July 24
7pm
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Open Mic
Saturday July 17
8pm
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The Waupaca Historical Society |
There is always so much stuff going on at the Historical Society! Here are a few highlights:
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Visit us during our "Second Weekends of the Summer!" In July, both the Hutchinson House Museum (1-4 p.m.) and Depot (12-5 p.m.) will be open for tours on the second weekend (July 10 and 11).
- We're open at the Holly Center! This summer, the Holly Center will be open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Stop in to view the new exhibits or work on your local or family research! Our newest exhibit, "Celebrating Camp Waupaca," celebrates the 70th anniversary of the former camp on Stratton Lake.
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The meeting room is now open at the Holly History and Genealogy Center for rentals. If you would like to rent the room, please email Tracy
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Have you walked past the Holly Center recently? Be sure to check out our NEW outdoor exhibit, "Waupaca's Main Street," a historical look at the Main Street from 1849 to today. This exhibit was made possible through grant from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
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This family-friendly event will feature hobo activities, a scavenger hunt and storytime, and tours of the Depot and outbuildings. Model trains will be running in the lower level, too!
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Author Zachary Bishop will share the history of the Chain O'Lakes through photographs and stories at the Danes Hall.
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It's Big; it's Wild; it's Western!
July 1-3
Get your tickets now!
This is one of those traditional events that is part of the fabric of our neighboring communities. (like the Iola Car Show, y'all!) Go get yourself a little local culture over in Manawa!!!
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Meet Rodeo Queen Tori and Princess Tia and their horses! Under the shade tree by the back parking lot of the library! Get your picture taken with the royalty! And then get a treat bag to take home!
Happy Summer, y'all!!! Giddyup...
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Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce
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Waupaca knows how to celebrate the 4th of July. And our Chamber really pulls it all together for us! Check out all the activities over this fun filled weekend! Stay safe, and have fun!
Check the Waupaca Area Chamber's Community Calendar for tons of summer events, including an impressive number of area live music events!
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July Events at the Amherst Opera House |
Hiroya Tsukamoto
Saturday, July 17 6-8 pm
Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan.
His music has been described as "an impressionistic journey ” -Boston Herald, “…chops, passion and warmth. Zealously recommended!” -Jazz Review
The Amherst Opera House is excited to bring Hiroya to Central Wisconsin.
Tickets are $15.00 for those age 12 and older.
GO HERE for tickets and more information!
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Tim Atwood
July 24, 6-8 pm
The Amherst Opera House is excited to announce a solo performance by the Country music legend, Tim Atwood.
Tim has received many accolades as a performer, including being voted Artist of the Year by several industry/fan organizations.
GO HERE for tickets and more information about this really special performance. Tickets will be limited!
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July Jubilee at Waupaca Danes Hall
The Waupaca Danes Hall is excited to announce that they will be holding events in their new Granite Cellar on Wednesdays in July!
Every Wednesday, come take part in the July Jubilee and celebrate with the friendly folks at the Waupaca Danes Hall!
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As we are deep in to the Downtown Remodeling project, our downtown retailers want to remind you that they are still OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Check out the back door entrances of many of our local retailers: Explore the alley in July, and watch a mural being made!!!
Go here for an online directory of our downtown businesses.
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One of the WCAB 3D murals in the alley downtown...can you stroll and find this one? It's behind The Tre of Life!
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Winchester Academy is launching its Summer Virtual Series.
Here are the June lectures:
Monday, July 12: Walk this Way: Stuart Weitzman’s Collection of Historic Shoes Laura Fiser is Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh and will share highlights from the summer 2021 exhibition, featuring 100 pairs of striking shoes and more than a century of shoe design from the extensive private collection of high-fashion shoe designer Stuart Weitzman and his wife, Jane Gershon Weitzman.
Monday, July 19: Wisconsin Lighthouses Barb and Ken Wardius, authors and photographers of the book Wisconsin Lighthouses--A Photographic and Historical Guide, offer a slide/lecture presentation that highlights many of Wisconsin’s historical beacons.
Check out Winchester's full summer line-up, and take advantoage of these great free learning opportunities!
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WAUPACA CITY BAND CONCERTS TO RETURN - WILL BE HELD AT UPPER SOUTH PARK
After the long hiatus from performing due to the pandemic, the Waupaca City Band will resume its summer concert series
on Fridays, at 7, continuing until the final concert on July 30th.
The group and their director Mark Kryshak are eager to make music for audiences both young and old again and all of the concerts are free and open to the public.
To accommodate both the band and audience with the need for space to social distance as well as the ongoing construction on Main Street, the concerts will be moved to Upper South Park for the summer.
The band is looking forward to playing again, and will include marches, broadway hits, movie themes, medleys and more, including the traditional children's march, led by a randomly chosen willing child in the audience!
Concerts begin promptly at 7:00 PM and last about an hour.
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The City of Waupaca and the Park and Rec Department are trying to get input about what you think about the bike and walking opportunities, and how you feel they can be improved.
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The Phantom Art Gallery of Waupaca will soon be popping up again! Starting this year, we are a reorganized independent entity, with the same exciting array of fine art as we have offered over the past 10 years.
We found a new friend, partner and home at LOOT, VINTAGE AND SUPPLY . LOOT bring an array of vintage antiques and collectables to the community, and are a good fit for the Phantom Gallery.
The Phantom Art Gallery is excited to remain a part of the artistic scene in Waupaca.
Their next show will be during ARTicipation Week! Stay tuned for more details!
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This is something awe-inspiring. We have reported on this in the past, but this owners group continues to be kind and we want to spread the word and help them support our local organizations!
Twice a month, on "Warm Hearted Wednesdays" and "Thankful Thursdays," the three businesses: Waupaca Amoco, Crystal Lounge and the Filling Station, donate a portion of their profit to support non profits in the area. For the end of July, proceeds go to WAUP, one of our community radio stations, and during the week of July 7-8, proceeds go to the Waupaca Community Arts Board. WE love that they do this not only for our organization, but for all, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts! July's proceeds will help pay for the Summer Nights Concerts!
Thank you so much!!!
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We have to include this quintessential event that supports the entire community of Iola...It's the
July 8-10
It’s about to get GROOVY at the 49th Iola Car Show in Iola, WI! The 2021 show is going to be bigger and better than ever. Join us as we celebrate all things automotive in one of the best decades – it’s “the ‘70s Show – Rerun.”
We’ll have all the cheese curds, chocolate shakes and fun you could ever wish for at the car show. As one of the biggest and best in the nation, the Iola Car Show is back and ready to go full throttle.
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We need your stories! We will be hosting another event during ARTicipation Week on
Wednesday August 18 from 7-9 pm, at the Danes Hall!
Our all-encompassing theme for the August 18th event is: The Art of Storytelling. We are looking for your personal, poignant, life-changing, happy, sad, humorous experiences! Submit YOUR CHOICE of story to us by WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4TH. The story must be your true story and about 5 minutes long. (That works out to about 1.5 typed pages).
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ARTicipation Week and Arts on the Square 2021 is just about 7 weeks away! |
We are still accepting just a few more submissions for the juried art show on Saturday August 21. If you are an artist who would like to be part of the juried art show, please visit our page for information on submissions.
We also have some volunteer opportunities available, be part of the fun! Go here to sign up!
If you would like to join us, send an e-mail to our president and she would be happy to discuss the many ways that you can be part of WCAB!
Stay Safe, and stay creative!!!
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