Wisconsin Public Radio will celebrate its 100th birthday on June 1 at the Rothschild Pavilion with a family-friendly event showcasing two nationally acclaimed bands.
The Simply Folk Centennial Shindig will be emceed by Simply Folk Host Dan Robinson and recorded for broadcast and will feature two popular bands.
The evening starts at 7 p.m. with Milwaukee’s Dead Horses. The duo is currently on a three-month tour supporting their new album, “Cartoon Moon,” produced by Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo). American Songwriter calls lead vocalist Sarah Vos “a combination of Norah Jones and Eilen Jewell.”
Dead Horses is the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s “Wisconsin Band to Watch” in 2017. No Depression adds, “Beautiful and fresh, Vos’ exceptional songwriting becomes music magic.”
At 8:30 p.m., Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (HHG) takes over the stage with what writer James Farley says is a, “chemistry that takes the fiery soul of bluegrass to new heights!” Coming off a tour of sold-out shows across the country, Stevens Point’s HHG is known for blending and bending its roots in bluegrass, old-time and folk music. Onstage, that translates into a hard driving, fancy picking and foot stomping performance.
“Growing up in Wisconsin, WPR has always been a piece of our lives,” said band leader Adam Greuel. “In fact, all of us really enjoy listening to various programs, including Simply Folk, which in many ways led us down the path we’re on now. To get to celebrate the wonderful work they do is going to be a joy and an honor. It’s something we look very forward to.”
This family friendly event will also feature great food from Urban Street Bistro and beverages for purchase. Tickets are $15 for adults and on sale now at wpr.org/100. Children 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult. WPR’s Simply Folk Centennial Shindig is supported by Ruder Ware and 4imprint.
