Feature Article from The Whitewater Press - Summer/ Fall 2010  www.thewhitewaterpress.com

    By Bagger Brown ~ Entertainment Director of the Rock River Basin

Bagger danced his way into Whitewater on a crisp fall evening and never left.  He’s been part of the cool crowd ever since and always the life of the party.  Mr. Brown knows everybody and everybody knows him, but for this gig, he decided to play the mystery man!  If you’re looking for a great time in the Greater Rock River area, this is the place to get the details!

‘We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.’  ~Japanese Proverb

The Rock River Valley is known for its rural setting and small historic downtowns that conjure up memories of a by-gone era.  What is less well publicized is the dynamic array of professional and amateur performing arts opportunities that resonate through each community.  Anyone in the rural triangle between Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, is only minutes away from hassle free performances of the highest caliber.   The following is a brief listing of nearby venues.

Music by the Lake, Williams Bay.  Each summer George Williams College of Aurora University brings high caliber performances to perform in the outdoor Ferro Pavilion.    www.musicbythelake.com

The Fireside in Fort Atkinson is an iconic Wisconsin fixture, like the Dells or Door County.  It’s as if the glacier left a ready-made stage and restaurant behind for us to all enjoy.  A perennial favorite tour bus attraction, locals know it as a great spot for Friday fried cod and engaging Broadway and family favorite shows.  www.firesidetheatre.com

The Armory is leading the charge to revitalize downtown Janesville.  With an eclectic menu, daring one to two month theatrical productions, Thursday night comedy specials and outdoor seating, The Armory is re-inventing the dinner theatre genre.   www.janesvillearmory.com

In Whitewater Wisconsin, the Young Auditorium, a non-profit auxiliary of UW-Whitewater, is a 1,300 performing arts venue that annually ushers in 25-30 touring national and international music, theatre, dance, Broadway and variety performances.  www.uww.edu/youngauditorium

Janesville Performing Arts Center.  JPAC is the home of numerous local arts agencies, including Theatre Unlimited and the Beloit Janesville Symphony.  They host touring music and theatrical performances, an art gallery, and a brown bag lunch series.  JPAC

Performing Arts Center of Jefferson.  Presents touring music, theatre and variety performers throughout the year.  www.councilfortheperformingarts.org

Edgerton Performing Arts Center.  Presenting 4-6 touring productions and High School events.  200 Elm High Drive, Edgerton, WI 53534.

Central Coast, Fort Atkinson.  Down the road from the Fireside, Central Coast serves up cuisine inspired from California’s Central Coast region, in a modern-retro setting that allows for private dining, music, and above all, dance.   
www.centralcoastrestaurant.com

Stoughton Opera House.  Since 1901 the Stoughton Opera House has been entertaining audiences.  Don’t let the opulent vintage details of the venue distract from the variety of touring music, theatre, and variety performances.  

Community Theatre and Music Opportunities.  Art is not a spectator sport.  Here are just a few local organizations that invite you to become an active art advocate.

Whitewater Arts Alliance.  Artists and art aficionados actively exhibit touring art displays and their own creations.  Hosts an annual art project that then graces downtown Whitewater WI.   www.whitewaterarts.org

theGuild ontheTriangle Gallery & Shoppe - TeaHouse & WineSalon 141 West Whitewater Street, Whitewater 262.473.3373  A jazzy gallery and shoppe representing over 75 local & regional artisans in all media.  Often has music/artists Live on Saturdays.  Check their web calendar @ www.triangleguild.com

Walworth County Arts Council.  Since 1966, WCAC members have supported the arts with quarterly art-themed events, regional art tours, trips to the MSO.  They also partner with schools for art outreach, contests and scholarships.  
www.walworthcountyartscouncil.com


Tips for Special Arts Access:

Many of the venues above provide special email offers and updates for free.  Just register your email with them to keep on top of upcoming performances.

Check to see if the organization has a Membership, Series Subscriber or Friends program.  Often for tax-deductible gifts you can get extra discounts and special access.  Also consider inquiring whether volunteer opportunities are open for volunteers.

Parks & Recreation Departments.  Many cities have excellent Parks & Rec programs that include free performances throughout the year.  Did you know that in Elkhorn the The Holton Community Band will be performing on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m, June 18th to July 23rd?  Or that Whitewater hosts free Concerts In The Parks & Family Fun on Thursday nights from June 17th to August 6th?  Lake Mills City Band also hosts free Concerts Wednesdays at the Memorial Band Shelter, Commons Park, 7:00 p.m., June 16th-Aug 4th.  

Editor’s Note:  Have a favorite performing arts venue or budget arts tip that we should know about?  Please email us @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we’ll add it to our online listing.