10th Annual BeatleFest, Sept. 3
On Labor Day Monday in 2008, a group of local bands performed in the back yard of the Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., singing and playing all Beatles music. It was such fun that it became an annual event and, on Sept. 3, the 10th Anniversary BeatleFest will be celebrated with some special additions.
Fourteen regional music acts will play a huge portion of the Beatles catalog from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be hundreds of opportunities to dance and sing along, take fun pictures using photo booth props, answer Beatle trivia questions (with fun prizes), and participate in tasting locally made beers by Furthermore and Sand Creek, as well as cider by the Cider Farm.
Local artist Nick Ringelstetter from Atomic7 Studio has updated the mural on the side of the General Store created by last year’s audience participation project. Artist Aris Monki will create a “Space Shaping with Tension Fabric” art installation. Real Deal Neil Skinner will delight children with his balloon twisting creations. And a special festival menu (named after several of your favorite Beatles songs) will also be available.
Bring a chair (and perhaps some bug spray). No carry-ins please; this is a free family and (well-behaved) dog-friendly event. For more information, call (608) 588-7070.
River Valley Community Concert, Sept. 16
Choral “Music to Lift the Soul” will be performed at 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at St. Luke’s Church, 1240 Nachreiner Ave., Plain. This will be the first concert of the 60-singer-strong and newly formed River Valley Community Chorus. Established as an on-going community chorus, its mission is to provide both singers and audiences an outlet to sing and enjoy the rich abundance of choral music.
The concert will feature three directors — Michael Davidson, Jan Swenson and Effi Casey — who have chosen gorgeous music selections by renowned choral composers. The chorus has also been delighted to work with Madison composer and pianist Scott Gendel as rehearsal accompanist. With music that ranges from joyful and exuberant to poignant and ethereal, the rich and beautiful harmonies will, indeed, “lift the soul.”
This concert is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Spring Green Area Arts Coalition. Tickets are not required, but free-will donations will be appreciated.