This weekend’s slate of local events will inspire Kenoshans to bundle up and brave the cold to see what’s happening. Highlights include a unique annual event, top-notch live music, in-person and virtual events for families and one of Kenosha’s best-loved traditions with a new twist.
Best Bet
An ethereal speakeasy is the backdrop for this year’s K-Town Burlesque Show, “Seventh Heaven,” 8 p.m. Friday (Jan. 28) and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 29) at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 504 56th St.
“What do the angels do at the end of a hard day of harp solos and interventions? Where do they go to unwind? Well, come to the K-Town Burlesque to find out,” touted the show’s event page.
This adult variety show, directed by Eric Houghton, will feature house band Tail Spin, as well as magician Magic Dave, comedian John O’Neill, singer Erin Riccio, sketch comedy by the Pressed Ham Players, and burlesque dancers Vee Valentine, Bobby Spear, Mae Summers and Ms.J Blue.
Tickets which have sold out in previous years, are available online. Silver seating is $15, gold seating is $18, and table seats are $25.
Top Picks
Blue House Books will host a special edition of their Sunday Storytime this week (Jan. 30), as Justin Mendez, author of “Darryl the Dinosaur” will be on hand, reading from his book beginning at 2 p.m. Joining Mendez will be the book’s illustrator, Payton Weirich. The author and illustrator will also have an activity for children following the reading.
“Darryl the Dinosaur” is a warm-hearted tale about accepting and appreciating the differences in each of us. It tells the story of a stuffed toy who longs for a child to take him home. An error in manufacturing has left him unwanted and unloved, until one day a special boy comes into his life to show him love and acceptance.
Copies of “Darryl the Dinosaur” will be available for purchase during story time, and are also found on the BHB website.
***
Beloved Kenosha tradition Band-o-Rama is set for this weekend, with all KUSD band students invited to participate in the annual all-city concert. This year, the show will be available via video on KUSD’s YouTube channel beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 30). The show will be recorded Saturday at Indian Trail High School as students will perform by grade level.
***
Take a trip back to the ‘80s Saturday night (Jan. 29) as rock/pop band Fast Times visits The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. with opener Band X, followed by Fast Times’ 80s show.
Day Tripper
Ice Castles, a winter family fun event at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, is now open for the season.
Whether it is adventure or beauty visitors seek, Ice Castles has it. Attractions include caverns and tunnels, slides and canyons to explore, as well as fountains, thrones, wishing wells and sleigh rides.
Lake Geneva is one of five cities in the country to host Castles. Other locations include Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York and Utah.
Tickets are $27/$22 for children under 12 on Friday-Sunday, and $21/$16 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The attraction is closed Tuesdays. For tickets and hours (which vary based on weather conditions), see the Ice Castles website.
Heads Up
Tickets are now on sale for the Winter Warmer Run/Pint Festival on Feb. 5, hosted by Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. The $50 ticket get participants into the Pint Run (1,600m) and the Winter Warmer Festival, including event glassware and souvenir knit hat, post-run snacks and unlimited sampling of specialty beers from host Public and all participating breweries. The run starts at 10 a.m., and the festival kicks off at noon.
The Lineup
THURSDAY, Jan. 27
Music
The Rhythm Dog’s Blues Jam, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Art
Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show featuring Carthage College and UW-Parkside artists, 1-8 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., 4601 Sheridan Rd.
Theater
Carthage College Music Theatre Workshop presents “The Last Five Years,” 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, 2001 Alford Dr. Tickets $7.
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
Kenosha Public Library Virtual Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. on KPL’s Facebook Live
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.
FRIDAY, Jan. 28
Music
Eddie Muniz, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
The Hooks, 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. (Final day).
Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 4601 Sheridan Rd.
Theater
Carthage College Music Theatre Workshop presents “The Last Five Years,” 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, 2001 Alford Dr. Tickets $7.
Potpourri
K-Town Burlesque Show, 8 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $18-25.
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
Kenosha Public Library Virtual Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. on KPL’s Facebook Live
KPL Kidding Around Yoga (Virtual) 4:30-5:15 p.m., ages 5-12. 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.
SATURDAY, Jan. 29
Music
Fast Times w/ Band X, 9 p.m., The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St., $10.
Grateful Dead Night, 8 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. $10.
Toke Magic, 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
The Blue Flames with Modern Blues, 58 Below, 504 58th St.
Art
Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 4601 Sheridan Rd.
Meet the Artist reception with local artist Thomas Schlenker, 5 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St.
Theater
Carthage College Music Theatre Workshop presents “The Last Five Years,” 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, 2001 Alford Dr. Tickets $7.
Potpourri
HarborMarket Indoor Season, 9-1 p.m., Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Ave.
Kenosha Public Market Indoor Season, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Vault, 625 57th St.
K-Town Burlesque Show, 7 and 10 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $18-25.
Workshop: Wet-felted Earrings and Essential Oil Diffuser, 10 a.m.-noon, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. $40/$25 members.
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
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. 30
Music
Open Mic with Daniel Thompson and His 3AM Saints, 4-8 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave.
Cy’s Piano Jams, 4-7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Art
Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 4601 Sheridan Rd. (Final day)
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
Sunday Storytime with Author Justin Melendez and illustrator Payton Weirich, 2 p.m., Blue House Books, 5915 6th Ave. A.
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.
