Madison Marimba Quaret
The holiday arts season is wrapping up this weekend with the annual free concert by the Madison Marimba Quartet. The calendar also includes: the Leo Villareal exhibit at MMoCA; stand-up by Carl LaBove; a performance by Dead Man's Carnival; live music from BoDeans, The Velvet Smash, and Dwarves; and a final chance to see the Holiday Fantasy in Lights.
Friday 12.28
NOTEWORTHY: Spain recognizes Mexico's independence, 1836.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, through Dec. 30
Villareal uses light as a medium, from strobes to LEDs. His stunning sculptures and installations are often inspired by nature, with computer-driven patterns.
Comedy Club on State, 8 & 10:30 pm. Also Thursday (8 pm), Saturday (8 & 10:30 pm) & Monday (5:30, 8 & 10:30 pm), Dec. 27, 29 & 31
LaBove made his reputation collaborating with such brutally honest comic legends as Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison in the 1980s. He still deserves the moniker "Outlaw of Comedy."
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
The Milwaukee-area roots-rockers offer a fix of '80s and '90s radio staples like "She's a Runaway" and "Closer to Free."
High Noon Saloon, 9:30 pm
Vaudevillian high jinks and jaw-dropping circus stunts converge when this Milwaukee act performs.
Saturday 12.29
UW Humanities Building's Mills Hall, 1 pm
The ensemble presents its annual free concert -- called "Our Gift to You" -- for music lovers seeking live entertainment between Christmas and New Year's. It's fun for the whole family, with a range of classical, jazz and holiday music arranged for this unique instrumentation.
Brink Lounge, 7 pm
Reptile Palace Orchestra's Anna Purnell fronts this new, retro-futuristic lounge act, who'll release an album called Smashing at this show.
Frequency, 10 pm
Celebrate the tawdry history of these Chicago punk legends, which includes onstage sex acts and a death hoax, as they perform selections from 2011's The Dwarves Are Born Again. With the Gusto and Warhawks.
Sunday 12.30
NOTEWORTHY: Israel and Vatican City establish diplomatic relations, 1993.
Olin-Turville Park, daily from dusk to dawn, through Dec. 31
The dazzling seasonal light sculptures in Olin Park are a festive Madison tradition, courtesy of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 159. Thanks, union members.
