Kenosha Calendar: MLK Day holiday weekend includes everything from history heroes to hoops

The MLK Day holiday weekend provides an extra day to take advantage of a wide variety of entertainment and educational local events for all ages, both in-person and virtual. 

Best Bet

Kenosha’s Kindness Week kicks off with a host of events (as featured in a recent Kenosha.com preview), including special guests sharing wisdom with both adults and young learners at the Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. 

The Young History Heroes Story Hour is designed to introduce young readers and students to American historical figures through age appropriate books and activities. 

The Story Hour features the book  “Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream and You” by Carole Boston Weatherford at 11 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 15) in the Civil War Museum’s newly redesigned Resource Center. 

“This inspirational book follows a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality,” said Museum Education Manager Doug Dammann. 

The Civil War Museum is also offering The Families’ Civil War, a talk by African American history professor Dr. Holly Pinheiro via Zoom to an in-person audience at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Museum’s Freedom Hall. 

During his Zoom talk Dr. Pinherio will explain how African American Civil War veterans and their families’ experienced economic and social instability for years and even generations after soldiers left the battlefield. The event is free and open to the public. 

Civil War Museum Visitors can also visit with and learn from members of A Living History Encampment with Company F, 29th USCT (United States Colored Troops), who portray the lives and accomplishments of the men in the only African American Civil War unit from Wisconsin. 

The UW-Parkside women’s basketball team will be in action 3 p.m. Monday.
PHOTO: PARKSIDE ATHLETICS

Top Picks

Like the NBA, college hoops offer special daytime games on MLK Day. The  UW-Parkside women’s basketball team hosts Northwood 3 p.m. Monday (Jan. 17) at the Sports and Activity Center’s De Simone Arena, 4130 Petrifying Springs Rd.

The Parkside men’s team has a home game Saturday (Jan. 15) vs. Purdue Northwest at 3 p.m. Ticket information for all games is available on the Parkside Rangers website

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UW-Parkside and Carthage College will celebrate their artistic collaboration at the Opening Reception for the Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show set for 3:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 13) in the H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art on the Carthage College campus, 2001 Alford Dr. 

“This exchange among artists is a valuable opportunity for Carthage students to share their work with a broader audience and to learn from the work presented by their peers,” organizers said.

The gallery is open from noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Extended hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. All art exhibits are free and open to the public. Visit the #StaySafeCarthage Fine Arts Events page for safety protocols.

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Area colleges are presenting special programs in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day Monday (Jan. 17). 

Gateway’s 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: Nonviolence or Nonexistence is set for noon-1 p.m. Monday (Jan. 17) as part of the 26th annual Kindness Week. 

Gateway’s 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: Nonviolence or Nonexistence

The keynote presentation is a panel discussion on nonviolence in our communities featuring panelists Gregory Bennett Jr., CEO, Peace in the Streets Kenosha; Patrick Kennelly, Director, Marquette University Center for Peacemaking; Katherine Marks, City of Kenosha Community Outreach Coordinator; and Richard Stein, director, Law Enforcement Academy, Gateway Technical College. The panel discussion will be moderated by Adelene Greene, a leader with the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism.

The Gateway program will also feature a spoken word poem by Carthage College student Natalie Lall. 

Carthage College is also celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. with a Day of Hope and Togetherness Community Gathering from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Monday (Jan. 17) in the A. F. Siebert Chapel on campus, 2001 Alford Dr.

While the in-person, ticketed event is open to Carthage students, faculty, and staff only, the community can join us from home through the school’s livestream.

The gathering will include speakers from administration, faculty, student organizations and alumni including Carthage College President John Swallow and post-doctoral fellow Julius Crump. Also featured are performances by dance and musical theater performance students/alums.

Free Fishing Weekend is Jan. 14-16.
PHOTO: THOMAS CORRAO

Day Tripper

Grab those good boots and fishing equipment and head to any lake in the state, because the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering Free Fishing Weekend Friday-Sunday (Jan. 14-16).

The event is truly open to everyone – anglers of all ages including residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps. All other 2021-2022 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits. 

The bi-annual event is held the third full weekend in January as well as the first full weekend in June. The DNR cautions all participants to use caution when approaching ice, using the slogan “No ice is safe ice! Brush up on safety before you go!” 

Heads up!

Ken Wiele

Each week, Kenosha.com will let readers know about an upcoming event that may fill up quickly or may have a registration deadline. This week, we are spreading the word about a virtual class on jazz music taught by Ken Wiele, a beloved KUSD band director who recently retired. While the class is a week away (Jan. 20), Registration closes Thursday (Jan. 13).

“What Makes a Great Solo,” a Land O’ Lakes Arts Jazz Discussion Series class with Ken Wiele, is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 via Zoom. During the evening of listening and discussing Wiele will share iconic jazz solos by artists Louis Armstrong, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and John Allred. He will provide commentary on the emotional elements of each solo along with a historical background. This class is for ages 13 and up at all levels of interest, a musical background is not required. Participants can join the discussion or just listen. Cost is $5 with proceeds going to Land o’ Lakes Arts.

The Lineup

THURSDAY, Jan. 13 

Music 

The Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Art 

Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show featuring Carthage College and UW-Parkside artists, 5-8 p.m., H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free. 

Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Potpourri 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (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. 

Family 

Storytime Live, 10:30-11 a.m., Kenosha Public Library’s Facebook page. Presenters use books, fingerplays, and songs to help develop early listening and literacy skills in this classic storytime. No registration required.

Uptown StoryWalk featuring “Augustus and His Smile” by Catherine Raynor in the windows of participating businesses. Route maps are available at any library branch or online. 

Stu the Piano Guy

FRIDAY, Jan. 14

Music 

St. Tragedy with special guests Broken Bones, doors 8:30 p.m., show 9 p.m. Fusion, 5014 7th Ave. $10. 

Mykal Bass & the Delivery Men (Alt Folk) 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Stu the Piano Guy, 8 p.m., 58 Below, 504 58th St. 

Art 

Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show featuring Carthage College and UW-Parkside artists, 1-5 p.m., H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free. 

Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts Presents Beauty and the Beast, 7:30 p.m., Indian Trail Auditorium, 6800 60th St. 

Potpourri 

Mardi Gras Party & Gumbo Dinner featuring Beads & Pieces IPA, beginning at 5 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. 

Lecture: The Families’ Civil War, presented by Furman University history professor Dr. Holly Pinheiro via Zoom to an in-person audience at 1 p.m., Civil  War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Free. 

Lecture: Five Factors Impacting Prison Camps During the Civil War, presented by David Keller. Noon, Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Free. 

Free Book Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave. 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (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. 

Family

Leave No Child Inside: Snow Day (all-day event). Snow-related nature activities will be posted at the front door of Pringle Nature Center. Activities are self-guided; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, no registration required. The Pringle Nature Center building will be temporarily closed throughout January, visitors will not be able to go inside during this event. 

Storytime Live, 10:30-11 a.m., Kenosha Public Library’s Facebook page. Presenters use books, fingerplays, and songs to help develop early listening and literacy skills in this classic storytime. No registration required.

Uptown StoryWalk featuring “Augustus and His Smile” by Catherine Raynor in the windows of participating businesses. Route maps are available at any library branch or online. 

Cruzotti

SATURDAY, Jan. 15

Music 

Forever Flannel, 9 p.m., The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St., $10

Flat Creek Hwy (bluegrass), 7-10 p.m., Kenosha Brewing Co., 4017 80th St.

Oscar Green with special guest Malcolm Wright, 9 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave. $10. 

Cruzotti (Original/Covers) 8-11 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.

Severio Mancieri, 8-11 p.m., Rustic Road, 5706 6th Ave.

Revival, 9 p.m., 58 Below, 504 58th St.

Art 

Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show featuring Carthage College and UW-Parkside artists, 1-4 p.m., H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free. 

Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts Presents Beauty and the Beast, 7:30 p.m., Indian Trail Auditorium, 6800 60th St. 

Potpourri 

Virtual Awards Ceremony for Kindness Committee/Coalition for Dismantling Racism’s Creative Arts Contest, “Spreading Dr. King’s Message of Kindness in Kenosha.” 10 a.m., streaming live on the Kenosha Kindness Week Facebook page, and will repeat at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

A Living History Encampment with Company F, 29th USCT, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Visit with and learn from members of Company F, 29th USCT (United States Colored Troops), who portray the lives and accomplishments of the men in the only African American Civil War unit from Wisconsin. 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (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. 

Family

HarborMarket goodies

Young History Heroes Story Hour, “Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream and You” by Carole Boston Weatherford at 11 a.m., Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Free. 

Leave No Child Inside: Snow Day (all-day event). Snow-related nature activities will be posted at the front door of Pringle Nature Center. Activities are self-guided; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, no registration required. Please note: The Pringle Nature Center building will be temporarily closed throughout January, visitors will not be able to go inside during this event. 

HarborMarket Indoor Season, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Ave. 

Kenosha Public Market Indoor Season, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Vault, 625 57th St. 

Uptown StoryWalk featuring “Augustus and His Smile” by Catherine Raynor in the windows of participating businesses. Route maps are available at any library branch or online. 

SUNDAY, Jan. 16

Music 

Cy’s Piano Jam, 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. 

Art 

Make your own Dome-a-Rama with Michelle Ranee, 3 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave. Create a dome using moss, bark bones and mushrooms. All supplies included and participants are encouraged to bring small trinkets to add to their creation. $20. 

“Beauty and the Beast” at the Indian Trail Auditorium

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts Presents Beauty and the Beast, 2 p.m., Indian Trail Auditorium, 6800 60th St. 

Potpourri 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (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. 

Family

Story Time at Blue House Books, 2-3 p.m., featuring a special guest storyteller and activities. 5915 6th Ave. A. 

Leave No Child Inside: Snow Day. Snow-related nature activities will be posted at the front door of Pringle Nature Center over the long weekend to help kids explore Bristol Woods. Activities are self-guided; children must be accompanied by an adult. All Day, Free, no registration required. Please note you cannot go inside; the Pringle Nature Center building will be temporarily closed for the month of January. 

Uptown StoryWalk featuring “Augustus and His Smile” by Catherine Raynor in the windows of participating businesses. Route maps are available at any library branch or online. 

To submit an event for Kenosha.com’s Calendar, please email Laura@Kenosha.com and be sure to include contact information.

Laura Marran

After two decades in journalism, Marran earned her Master’s degree in Exceptional Education from UW-Milwaukee and has served as a special education teacher with Kenosha Unified School District since 2006. A Marquette University School of Journalism alum, Marran has lived in Kenosha since 1987.

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