The Wisconsin Union Theater has announced its schedule of live entertainment for the 2010-2011 season. As always, the appealing lineup includes classical, pop and world-music events. The events are divided into series; here are some highlights.
Kicking off the Special Events series is folk legend Joan Baez (Oct. 8), whose previous Madison appearance was a 2009 show at the Barrymore Theatre. The series also includes the multiple Tony-award-winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening (Oct. 23-24), about disaffected 19th-century German youths, as well as a cappella favorites Naturally 7 (Feb. 5) and the veteran bluegrass supergroup Psychograss (April 9).
The Concert Series features classical music and again includes the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (Nov. 21). Other standouts are the young violinist Hilary Hahn (Feb. 17), the Jerusalem String Quartet (Oct. 22) and pianist Jeremy Denk (April 21).
The Isthmus Jazz Series brings incomparable singer Dianne Reeves (Nov. 5), as well as Latin jazz king and great pianist Eddie Palmieri (Nov. 5).
In the World Stage Series, look for a return visit by the Acoustic Africa (March 10) tour, this time featuring Afro-beat powerhouse Habib Koite along with Afel Bocoum and Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi. And just in time for Mardi Gras, the Fete de Louisiane (Feb. 11) will rollick with Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole, plus Feufollet.
The Wisconsin Union Theater schedule also includes droll pianist-lecturer Jeffrey Siegel (Nov. 9, March 22), and six events in the Travel Adventure Film Series. Complete schedule and ticket information is available here.