On the surface, a show featuring classic hits of The Doors doesn’t sound like a holiday event, but remembering those we’ve lost, helping those who are here, and celebrating through a shared love of music truly embodies what the season is all about.
Best Bet
The Dewars band will perform at 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10) at Fusion, 5014 7th Ave., to benefit the Amyloidosis Foundation. There is no cover, but donations of any denomination will be accepted and greatly appreciated.
The Dewars could be considered a Southeastern Wisconsin “super group” with members hailing from area legends like R&B Cadets. It is the brainchild of Tom Nickel (Big Nick and the Zydecos), who contacted a circle of musicians with the idea of a “project band” with a limited lifespan. The result is a collaboration including keyboardist Nickel, vocalist Dave Surber (Trip), guitarist Jim Corrigan (R&B Cadets), bassist/vocalist Jeff Baas (Memory Fields), and drummer Angus McBoomBoom.
As the group prepared for this show, they made their home right here in Kenosha in Baas’ basement.
“The combination of talents that had either played together on and off for decades or had known and respected the other’s talents was the draw for the members to join,” Baas said.
“We were never in it for the money. When it came time to actually book a gig, we decided that we’d use whatever money we could raise at the door and donate it,” Baas said.
Proceeds from the benefit will go to the Amyloidosis Foundation, a cause that is near and dear to the bands’ hearts, to say the least. A year ago Baas lost his brother Tim to amyloidosis, a rare, debilitating and sometimes fatal disease that causes abnormal protein deposits to build up in organs.
“Having lost my brother Tim on December 18, 2020 to amyloidosis, I suggested we donate to the Amyloidosis Foundation. The band agreed instantly,” Baas said. “We’ll take donations at the door and have set up an online link on the Dewars Facebook page for people who might not be able to attend.”
The Dewars plan a 90-minute set of classic and not-so-classic Doors songs. Even for these talented and veteran musicians, that proved to be a bit of a challenge.
“The music also sounds easier than it is to play. I was surprised at the odd arrangements more than anything. But, we’ve done our best to be true to the original songs,” said Baas.
Nickel noted in the band’s press release that “the band loves to play music and doesn’t fully understand that the psychedelic era has passed,” inviting people to “wear tie-dye and truck on down.”
Top Picks
Ye Olde Englishe Christmasse Feaste will hold court before a live audience once again, at 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10) and 3 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) in the Tremper Auditorium, 8560 26th Ave.
More than 100 students as well as staff and volunteers contribute to the royal festivities, including vocalists, instrumentalists, jesters and more.
Tickets are $12 for the general public, $5 for students and senior citizens and are available online. A separate ticketed event, “Wassail and Toasts,” is at 2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) to give audiences a chance to toast the season, tickets are $5 for adults.
For more information, see the Kenosha.com feature on this year’s Madrigal Feast HERE.
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Christmas with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra returns to Reuther Auditorium, 913 57th St., Saturday (Dec. 11) from 3-6 p.m. This annual holiday concert, supported by Snap-On, Inc., features Christmas staples from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” popular Christmas songs and John Finnegan’s Christmas Sing-along. Tickets are $30 for adults, 18-under are admitted free.
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The GFWC Pleasant Prairie Woman’s Club is holding its annual Holiday Cookie Walk fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday (Dec. 11) at Pleasant Prairie Village Hall, 9915 39th Ave. The event will feature a wide variety of homemade cookies available for purchase. All proceeds will go toward community service projects.
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The Southport Light Station Museum, 5117 4th Ave. is usually only available May-October, but this beloved symbol of Kenosha will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) to help Santa navigate his way to Simmons Island. Santa himself will visit the neighboring Kenosha History Center (220 51st Pl.).
The maritime museum inside the keeper’s house preserves the history of Kenosha’s lighthouse keepers, shipping/fishing history and local shipwrecks. The 1866 Southport Lighthouse tower’s 72-step spiral staircase takes visitors to the lantern room for an unparalleled view of Kenosha and the surrounding area. The tower will be open for climbs, weather permitting.
Maritime Historian Ron Luttrell will give a short presentation on the Rouse Simmons Christmas Tree Ship at noon on Saturday inside the Southport Light Station Museum.
Admission to the keeper’s house and the Christmas Tree Ship presentation are free, donations are welcome. The lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12 and over, $5 for children 8-11 years old. (Must be 8 or older to climb.)
Day Tripper
For anyone who has visions of performing at a big Chicago stage, that dream can now come true! The new Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (previously “Caroling at Cloud Gate”) invites visitors to sing out and celebrate Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions at 4 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10 and 17). According to organizers, “this series has been reimagined to be more inclusive of Chicago’s many faith backgrounds, cultures and holiday music traditions.” Songbooks will be available, and American Sign Language translation will be provided at each show.
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Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., hosts the annual MATC Parade of Gingerbread through Dec. 16, making this the only weekend of the popular, free attraction. A creative variety of gingerbreads structures created by the talented students of MATC’s baking program are displayed on the second level of the market. Visitors can vote for their favorites, and even place a bid.
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The Lineup
FRIDAY, Dec. 10
Music
Startograpers, Domestic Men and Lightfoils, 8:30 p.m., Public Craft Brewing 628 58th St.
Dewars (Music of the Doors) Benefit for the Amyloidosis Foundation, 8 p.m. Fusion, 5014 7th Ave. No cover, but donations greatly appreciated.
Would You Kindly? (indie rock), 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Billy Garner, 6-9 p.m., Coins, 1714 52nd St.
Theater
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” presented by Lakeside Players, Inc. 7:30 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10.
“Frozen,” presented by KUSD Theater Arts, 6:30 p.m., KTEC West, 5710 32nd Ave.
Art
Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free; donations appreciated.
Potpourri
Ye Olde English Christmasse Feaste, 7 p.m., Tremper Auditorium, 8560 26th Ave. Tickets $12 general public, $5 students/senior citizens.
Free Book Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave.
Family
Light it Up Holiday lights-themed crafts and activities for families with children, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Uptown Neighborhood Library, 2419 63rd St. To register, call 262-564-6150.
Preschool Story Time, 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave.
SATURDAY, Dec. 11
Music
Spirit Shakers, 8 p.m, Rustic Road 5706 6th Ave.
Celtic Christmas (Irish/folk jam), 7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Christmas with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, 3-6 p.m. Reuther Auditorium, 913 57th St., $30 general public, 18-under admitted free.
“Bach to the Future” student recital, Gabrielle Garnowski ’22, 7:30 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall, Carthage College Campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free.
Theater
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” presented by Lakeside Players, Inc. 7:30 p.m. at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10.
“Frozen,” presented by KUSD Theater Arts, 6:30 p.m., KTEC West, 5710 32nd Ave.
Art
Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free; donations appreciated.
Kenosha Creative Store at Kenosha Creative Space, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 624 57th Ave.
Potpourri
Ye Olde English Christmasse Feaste, 3 p.m., Tremper Auditorium, 8560 26th Ave. Tickets $12 general public, $5 students/senior citizens.
Wassail and Toasts, 2 p.m. Tremper cafeteria (toasts at 2:30 p.m.), $5.
A Kenosha Christmas Carol Holiday show and Toy Drive, Fusion, 5014 7th Ave. Tickets for the live event are sold out. Liive-stream is available at 7 p.m. on Facebook pages, including: Kenosha Fusion, Ktown Connects Podcast, and Koerri Elijah. Donations can be made during the live stream.
Behind the Scenes tour of Simmons Library, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 711 59th Pl. Registration required.
Christmas Tree Ship presentation, noon, Southport Light Station Museum, 5117 4th Ave. (Museum open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Pleasant Prairie Women’s Club annual Holiday Cookie Walk, 9 a.m.-noon, Pleasant Prairie Village Hall, 9915 39th Ave.
Holiday Open House, Kenosha Yacht Club Bar & Grille, 5130 4th Ave., Santa and Mrs. Claus visit from 2-4 p.m., ornament decorating, basket raffles, ugly sweater contest. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Winter Wonderland Ball, Doors 7 p.m., events 7:30-10 p.m., Simmons Auditorium at Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. Music by Southport Sound Band. Tickets $20 online or at the door.
Kenosha HarborMarket, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Union Club, 3030 39th Ave.
Kenosha Public Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., two locations: The Vault Banquet Hall, 625 57th St. and Public Craft Brewing Co., 628 58th St.
Family
Durkee Mansion Historic Holiday, 1:30-4:30 p.m., 6501 3rd Ave.
Breakfast with Santa presented by Somers Fire & Rescue, 9 a.m.-noon, 7511 12th St. $10 adults, $5 seniors and kids 5-12, kids 5 and under eat free.
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. daily (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
SUNDAY, Dec. 12
Music
Cy’s Piano Jams, 4-7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Open Mic with Daniel Thompson and His 3 AM Saints, 4-8 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave.
Theater
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” presented by Lakeside Players, Inc. 2 p.m. at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10.
Art
Featured Artist Reception with Lemon Street Gallery’s Lynn Johnston and Rick Braunshausen, 3 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave.
Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free; donations appreciated.
Kenosha Creative Store at Kenosha Creative Space, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 624 57th Ave.
Potpourri
RG Radio Productions Old Time Radio Show: Gunsmoke Christmas Story, 1 p.m., Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Free.
Special Guest Author Meg Bonney, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave. Free.
GFWC Woman’s Club of Kenosha Christmas Tea, 12:30- 2 p.m., 6028 8th Ave., $20 in advance. The Woman’s Club of Kenosha Christmas Open House follows at 2 p.m.
Pancake Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 1865, 8 a.m.-noon, VFW Post 1865, 6618 39th Ave. $8 per person, age 2-under eat free.
To submit an event for Kenosha.com’s Calendar, please email Laura@Kenosha.com and be sure to include contact information.
