I’ve been enamored by Shimon & Lindemann since I saw them years ago in their Unmasked & Anonymous exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Once, I even suckered my husband into helping me emulate them for a photography class assignment, which involved him sitting in a rocking chair outdoors in the middle of winter. So when Donna, of Wormfarm Institute, asked me to help promote the project they’re doing together, I was happy to jump on the wagon. The bandshell wagon, that is.
Harvestore Bandshell
According to their Indiegogo page, “Artists John Shimon and Julie Lindemann designed the Harvestore Bandshell as both an homage to Wisconsin’s agricultural history and as a unique and mobile performance venue.” This half-a-historic-Harvestore-silo stage will showcase poets, musicians and drama performances at the 2104 Fermentation Fest, a 9-day festival of art, agriculture and fermented food in Sauk County, Wisconsin.
In case you’re wondering, Indiegogo is one of those super, people-minded crowd funding organizations that enable even the little guys to pursue their greater purposes. Perhaps you might consider contributing to this very cool project?
Anyway, I know I’ve been orating endlessly on the Fermentation Fest (when I take on a project I give it my all, including in-your-face, excessive promotion of my client!). I’ve talked about the food, but have I mentioned there’s art? One of the highlights of Fermentation Fest is the 50-mile, self-guided tour—DTour, as it’s been branded—through the rolling farmlands of Sauk County. But it’s not just farmlands. There’s art. Like 3-D art installations in the middle of hayfields. And performances—Pasture Performances—in, yes, animal pastures. And artisan food stands in the middle of nowhere.
This week my list of Wednesday Webs is a sampling of art in Sauk County, either during Fermenation Fest or any other time. You’ve got to come and see!
Pasture Performances at Fermentation Fest:
- The Madison Ballet is performing on Saturday, October 4. FREE!
- How about folk music from the back of a pickup? Come and see Kari Arnett. Sunday, October 5. FREE!
- The Mighty Wheelhouse is a blend of Motown, Austin and Appalachian bluegrass. Sunday, October 5. FREE!
- What do the accordion and Prohibition have in common? Patricia Stone’s music and stories! Sunday, October 5. FREE!
- We Go From Where We Know is an open air improvisation. Not sure what that is? Neither am I. But it involves John Shimon playing the guitar, along with three more musicians, one of whom plays a didgeridoo. Sounds interesting, yes? Saturday, October 11. FREE!
- Are you a fan of “Letters to the Willy Street Co-op Reader”? The Sockrates Sock Puppet Carnival can’t be missed! Saturday, October 11. FREE!
- This musician/poet tours by bicycle! Ben Weaver—Americana will perform on Sunday, October 12. FREE!
- Holy Sheboygan! Their name alone sounds fun. They describe their music as “garbage folk.” Super fun! Sunday, October 12. FREE!
- Black Marigold Woodwind Quintet brings the classical to the country. Sunday, October 12. FREE!
Sauk County Art Attractions
- River Arts on Water is a a retail gallery, concert, workshop and gathering place in Prairie du Sac.
- It’s not junk! It’s Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron! Visionary artists have never been so creative!
- Circa late 1800s, white-framed and simple, until you step inside. The Painted Forest is a must-see.
Love to hear from you!