Concerts - The Daily Cardinal

ARTS

Rainbow Kitten Surprise serves up mellow Monday soul food at the Sylvee

By Sam Jones | Feb. 15, 2019

As I rushed to the Rainbow Kitten Surprise concert at the Sylvee this past Monday night, I had high expectations after their gig at Majestic Theatre last year, which was full of head-bang worthy rock-inspired renditions of their classics and an intimate feel despite Sam Melo’s overwhelmingly energetic stage presence. However, this show was quite different from the last time I saw RKS — mellow undertones dominated, and I felt as though I was digging into a giant, steaming bowl of soul food during their set.

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Francis, Wonderland kick off 'Lost My Mind' tour with spectacular show at The Sylvee

By John Everman | Feb. 4, 2019

Braving the fierce, dangerous conditions were some 2,000 plus fans of EDM royalty Dillon Francis and Alison Wonderland – two of the genres biggest and best acts performing today.

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Noname returns to Madison bigger and better than ever

By Sammy Gibbons | Jan. 31, 2019

Rapper Noname rocked The Sylvee with her bopping tunes that showcased her raw talent.

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Boygenius outsmarts expectations of collaborative trio show

By Sammy Gibbons | Nov. 26, 2018

Stores boast crazy sales like “Buy three, get one free!” Concerts do the same thing, in a way, giving audiences an opener along with the headliner they’re paying to see.

Kamasi Washington returns to Madison, giving the gift of spiritual, transcendent jazz.

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Kamasi Washington delivers stunning jazz performance, though venue lacks magic

By Grace Wallner | Nov. 23, 2018

“We’re more similar than we are different, but the differences we do have are beautiful.” These words were spoken by Kamasi Washington, an impressive, calm figure in a large black cloak, heavy beaded necklace and colorful knit hat. He spoke gently into the microphone, cradling his saxophone comfortably against his stomach.

Joywave lead singer Daniel Armbruster had a quirky vibrancy that was clear from the start.

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Joywave, Sir Sly give euphoric indie rock performances

By Sam Jones | Nov. 5, 2018

The Majestic Theatre was inflated with badass, indie rock fans of all capacities this past Thursday to relish in the positive energy that is Joywave and Sir Sly.

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Lake Street Dive compels audience with soulful, fun music

By Allison Garfield | Nov. 1, 2018

What do you get when you combine powerhouse lead vocals, a smooth jazz vibe and a rock n’ roll beat?

Lauv's magnetic stage presence combined with his obvious love for performing electrified the theater and gave the audience a diverse show filled with fast-paced moments and slow ballads.

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Lauv brings down-to-earth atmosphere to The Sylvee

By Megan Bratland | Oct. 31, 2018

The Sylvee was washed with blue light and smoke as it came alive with the dynamic rhythms of Lauv last Friday night. His magnetic stage presence combined with his obvious love for performing electrified the theater and gave the audience a show filled with fast-paced moments, slow ballads and occasional times of laughter.

Greta Van Fleet performed at the Sylvee earlier this month. The band will be returning to Madison on June 4, 2019 at the Breese Stevens Field.

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New Greta Van Fleet album tries too hard to imitate something much older, much better

By Savannah McHugh | Oct. 27, 2018

I will begin this review with a disclaimer: I’d never listened to Greta Van Fleet before I heard this album. I was going into it with an open mind — music-savvy friends had shown me snippets of singles the band had released over the past couple years, and I wasn’t interested in knowing them any better. I came upon Anthem of the Peaceful Army hoping to have my mind changed.

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Bon Iver, Baldwin rally Wisconsinites to vote, support ‘all human lives’

By Sammy Gibbons | Oct. 21, 2018

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon left the Sylvee stage following their fundraising performance Saturday saying “On, Wisconsin” in a hinting tone, like what he actually wanted to say was “you better get out and vote, Wisconsin.”

AJJ maintains a high consistency of lyrical despondency, ironic optimism and tactless candidness in their music. Above is Ben Gallaty, bassist for the band.

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AJJ, various folk-rock bands bring passionate music to Sett

By Christian Memmo | Oct. 20, 2018

If you’re in the know to any degree on the folk-punk-rock scene, last week’s performances at The Sett was the place to be.

The group's performance at the United Center was uplifting and encouraged self-love.

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BTS brings K-pop to Chicago

By Sierra Bychowski | Oct. 20, 2018

K-pop group BTS set Chicago on fire earlier this month at the United Center with their “Love Yourself” tour. The world tour, named after their album trilogy (Love Yourself: Her, Tear and Answer), is a continuum of their message urging fans to love themselves.

The cover band performed a variety of songs, ranging from today’s pop hits to classics like ‘60s soul and ‘80s rock.

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Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press give audience at Majestic the time of their life

By Kayla Huynh | Oct. 12, 2018

There are very few things in life that never seem to get old — one of them is the cover band Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press. In the four times that I’ve seen them perform, their set list has rarely changed, yet they somehow manage to always surprise me.

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Andy Grammer show is full of smiles, heartwarming positivity

By Elise Goldstein | Oct. 12, 2018

With hundreds of people out of their seats and dancing Tuesday night, the Barrymore Theatre was uplifted and roaring with cheer as purple, red and blue lights outlined the stage. Andy Grammer was performing on his “The Good Parts Tour,” which is raising money for breast cancer awareness in honor of his mother who passed away 10 years ago.

Whethan's performance was full of original tracks and refined remixes.

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Whethan’s electrifying set spreads love at the Sylvee

By Brandon Arbuckle | Oct. 8, 2018

EDM fans had a lot to be excited about last week, as Ethan “Whethan” Snoreck brought his “Life Of A Wallflower Tour” to the Sylvee. The Chicago-based music producer performed at the Majestic last year, making his return to Madison at a new, much larger venue all the more anticipated.

St. Lucia is touring to support their most recent album Hyperion, which was just released two weeks ago.

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St. Lucia brings life, dancing to the Barrymore Theatre

By Bremen Keasey | Oct. 5, 2018

If dancing truly is dangerous, then St. Lucia put a lot of people in danger on Thursday night at the Barrymore Theatre as they lifted the audience to their feet with their upbeat, slightly alternative music.

Buress' dry charisma and hilarious punchlines gave fans an hour and a half of great comedy.

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Hannibal Buress executes an excellent night of stand-up

By Jake Price | Sep. 24, 2018

The self-proclaimed “medium famous” comedian Hannibal Buress performed last week at the Orpheum Theater, engaging the audience with his patently warm and charming demeanor, creative multimedia usage, and of course, hilarious punchlines.

Trekkies were treated to "Star Trek II" and an appearance by Captain James T. Kirk himself.

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"Set phasers to stun": William Shatner ventures into Madison

By Brandon Arbuckle | Sep. 24, 2018

“Star Trek” legend William Shatner was beamed up to Madison this past Friday, as the prolific actor took his Midwest tour to the Orpheum Theater.

Whether it was the glittery backdrop or her silver eyeliner, Natalie Prass dazzled.

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Natalie Prass, Stella Donnelly engage audience with quirky banter, feminist empowerment

By Sammy Gibbons | Sep. 23, 2018

One couldn’t help but think of the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast” during singer-songwriter Natalie Prass’ High Noon set. She strutted around front stage, carrying all the sass music royalty needs, in a sparkling yellow dress, surrounded by her four-piece band donning dark blue button-ups and topped with fuzzy dark hair.

The divine presence of Father John Misty elicited an atmosphere of spiritual autonomy.

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Father John Misty blesses the Orpheum

By Sammy Gibbons | Sep. 20, 2018

Concerts are the closest thing to church I attend. I’ve noticed this in the stories I’ve written about shows, almost always making comments like “I think *insert artist name here* and the heavenly lights were summoning me to the afterlife.”