Genre: Soul

Ben Mulwana Band

Ben Mulwana Band

 

BAG POLICY

Bags (max size 12″ x 6″ x 12″) are allowed and will be searched upon entry. Exceptions will be made for necessary medical equipment and bags for nursing mothers. We encourage you to pack light with only the necessities to make the entry process as smooth as possible.

PAYMENT POLICY

We are a cashless facility meaning that we are unable to accept cash as a form of payment. Our Box Office and Coat Check will only accept credit and debit. Our Bars will only accept credit, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Please note that artist merchandise sales are separate and may still accept cash.

 

Ben Mulwana

Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist residing in Kenosha, Wisconsin. With thought-provoking lyrics and a diverse range of musical inspiration, Mulwana’s music has been described as afro-soul rock that takes on a unique storytelling quality. The single features a full band composition, bringing a dynamic and high energy quality that builds on the soulful presence of his solo performances.

Mulwana began as an acoustic, singer-songwriter act, but has since grown into a four piece band, dialing up the flavor, depth, and infectious energy of his music. The full band set has been described as energetic and dynamic while bringing a groovy, magnetic presence that immediately captures the attention of his audience.

Sam Ness

At 24 years old, many people have a quick double-take when meeting Sam Ness. “His hair and beard conjure images of Jim Morrison circa 1969, and, like Morrison, Ness writes poetry that he sets to music and prefers the character of old European cities. But Ness isn’t as lost as Morrison was” (Wisconsin State Journal). But it’s not just his looks that often surprise. After leaving his small hometown of Sauk City, WI, Sam has already seen and lived more than most could in several lifetimes.

Sam made a big entrance to the stage when he started performing in his high school Show Choir and Musicals, earning him awards such as Colby Show Choir Invitational Outstanding Male Soloist Award, Lacrosse Logan Show Choir Invitational Showstopper Award, Onalaska Show Choir Invitational Outstanding Male Soloist Award, Milton Show Choir Invitational Outstanding Male Soloist Award, and Monona Grove Show Choir Invitational Outstanding Male Soloist Award. To pair with the show choir season, Sam performed in several musicals landing him The Wisconsin Tommy Award – Outstanding Lead Performer (Role of Beast in Beauty and the Beast), as well as a Wisconsin Tommy Award Nomination for Outstanding Lead Performer (Role of Marius in Les Miserables).

Outside of theater productions, Sam made time for competing at a varsity level on the Football team as well as Track and Field teams, while competing nationally on the Trap and Skeet team. The athletics and theater productions came naturally to Sam after practicing Karate (Taekwondo) for a decade.

Sam started seriously writing his own songs at age 15, and started religiously playing 8 open mic nights a week in Madison, WI as soon as he got his drivers license. This landed him his first residency gig performing weekly at Madison’s Tip Top Tavern. While his family and friends urged him to pursue theater, Sam felt connected to his songwriting and needed to see it through first.

With several scholarships to study theater in New York, California, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Wyoming, Sam rejected them all when he felt called to take some time to travel. With a his guitar, a rucksack, and a few hundred dollars, Sam was given a one-way ticket to Edinburgh, Scotland by a fan he had briefly met. After he landed, he quickly ran out of money. He befriended the staff at a hostel while he learned the craft of busking (street performing). After he spent months honing his skill, he hitch-hiked and hopped busses for almost a year across Scotland, England, France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland, sleeping in hostels, people’s couches, and occasionally in the street.

Sam returned home to Wisconsin shortly before he turned 19. He started building a following in his home, as well as recording his first full album, “Whispered on the Wind” which landed him the Madison Area Music Awards 2018 Alternative Album of the Year shortly after receiving the Madison Area Music Association Breakthrough Artist Third Place Winner 2017. He made a promise to perform for his livelihood, or starve to death, and so far he’s still playing music, and loving every moment of it.

A few of the friends Sam made hitch-hiking through Scotland came to visit him the following year on their way home to New Zealand. Shortly after, they invited him to perform at their wedding just outside Christchurch, NZ. Off like the wind, Sam spent a few months hitch-hiking and busking across both the North and South Islands, mixed with a 23 show tour across Thailand and Cambodia arranged by an agent out of Bangkok.

Sam returned home to keep touring the following summer. Come Autumn, Sam got itchy feet again and decided to revisit his friends in the UK. He recorded a few ideas shortly before he left, then finished writing and mixing his sophomore album, “Lullabies & FaerieTales” from his laptop during his journey. The album was nominated for several Madison Area Music Awards, and he was award the Male Vocalist of the Year 2019.

Roaring into 2020, Sam released four new Live in Studio videos, which led into the release of his “Sam Ness – Live in Studio” (Later rebranded as Sam Ness – Down the Road) album on March 8th, 2020. Shortly after, he landed a track on Sofar Session’s Spotify playlist, “Now Playing”, played 105.5FM’s Studio M Session, as well as opened for the band America on their 50th Anniversary Tour at the Crystal Grand Music Theater in Wisconsin Dells.

Sam could only roar so far into 2020 though. Along with other musicians, he locked himself at home daydreaming about being back in the world. His song, “Six Feet Away feat. Grace Gladem” debuted mid-summer, alongside a music video featuring Kallie Tierney.

Knowing he couldn’t be on the road a while, Sam took the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the last 1000 shows in the middle of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. He spent the winter isolated in a Cabin recording an album that was released in May 2021 called, The Cabin. Hitting the ground running, Sam left the cabin and played over 150 shows through the Summer of 2021.

Stay tuned for what’s next!

People Brothers Band Album Release

People Brothers Band Album Release

 

BAG POLICY

Bags (max size 12″ x 6″ x 12″) are allowed and will be searched upon entry. Exceptions will be made for necessary medical equipment and bags for nursing mothers. We encourage you to pack light with only the necessities to make the entry process as smooth as possible.

PAYMENT POLICY

We are a cashless facility meaning that we are unable to accept cash as a form of payment. Our Box Office and Coat Check will only accept credit and debit. Our Bars will only accept credit, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Please note that artist merchandise sales are separate and may still accept cash.

 

People Brothers Band

Originally hailing out of Madison, Wisconsin, The People Brothers Band (PBB) are a staple of the Midwest’s vibrant music scene. Featuring some of the best vocalists and musicians in the region, the PBB have blossomed into a unique brand of Rhythm and Soul dedicated to uplifting the hearts and minds of its friends and fans. The PBB’s core mission is to bring people together by spreading love through music. Coupled with their energetic live shows and infectious stage presence, they are guaranteed to bring the party.

Dee Oh Gee

DeeOhGee is the new chapter in the story of a band of brothers who’ve now been through it! Emerging on a fresh platform to share their unique blend of great American music.

Formerly touring under the name “Blackfoot Gypsies”, they have dropped the old name but kept the same spirit. A spirit arising from a life dedicated to Rock-n-Roll. The group established a loyal fanbase across the US and Europe, while releasing a catalogue of music documenting their journey. After going through inevitable changes over the course of hundreds of shows and thousands of miles – it only felt right right to start a new book, with a sharper sense of who they are and what they’re doing.

DeeOhGee is now comprised of Matthew Paige, Zack Murphy, and Dylan Whitlow. Each member contributes songs and brings different musical expertise to the table. These 3 musicians cover a huge spectrum of instruments – everything from timpani to pianos and banjos to harmoniums. Every single note and voice you hear on their recordings, is them. No studio musicians. They are beyond dedicated to their craft and eagerly work toward giving the world their life’s work. Collecting vibrations from every walk of life in this world and turning them into a hummable tune, with a wink of humor. Now, after all these years of honing their craft, the music is a concentrated serum exported from their souls, for all to share and enjoy. DeeOhGee is a band of people, made of people, for the people.

Funky Christmas

Funky Christmas

 

COVID-19 POLICY

Based on the latest local guidelines, attendees are no longer required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test AND/OR vaccination for entry into this event. Other shows on our calendar may still have specific health and safety requirements based on artist request. Be sure to check our venue website for the latest updates and guidelines as entry requirements are subject to change.

BAG POLICY

Small personal clutches / purses / fanny packs (max size 6.5″ x 4.5″ x 1″) or clear plastic / vinyl / PVC bags (max size 12″ x 12″ x 6″) are the only carry-in bags that are allowed.  We encourage you to pack light with only the necessities to make the entry process as smooth as possible.  Exceptions will be made for necessary medical equipment and bags for nursing mothers.

PAYMENT POLICY

We are a cashless facility meaning that we are unable to accept cash as a form of payment. Our Box Office and Coat Check will only accept credit and debit. Our Bars will only accept credit, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Please note that artist merchandise sales are separate and may still accept cash.

 

Pack the High Noon with Christmas cheer for Funky Christmas featuring The Funkee JBeez, The Pocket Kings (Appleton) and DJ Trevor Banks (Brooklyn NYC). The two bands will be performing funky arrangements of some of your favorite Christmas songs and more, and DJ Trevor Banks will be spinning Funky Christmas tunes and rare grooves on vinyl.

 

The Funkee JBeez

The Funkee JBeez is a music ensemble based out of Madison Wisconsin that is led by award winning drummer Joey B. Banks. The band is made up of some of the best musicians in the midwest and performs Jazz, Funk, Soul, Pop and R&B music from the 70’s to the present. The band is best known for their high energy Clyde Stubblefield tribute that features songs “The Funky Drummer” performed with James Brown. The band performs shows and festivals around Madison WI. area and Midwest region. Featuring:

  • Joey B. Banks-Band leader, drums and vocals
  • Katie Cass-vocals, sleigh bells (V05)
  • Paddy Cassiday-percussion (Immigre’, JB3’s)
  • Dave Adler-Keyboards,vocals (Steely Dane, Willy Porter)
  • Tom Mattioli-Mallet Kat (Steely Dane, Tony Castenada)
  • Dan “Spiffy Neuman-guitar (JB3’s)
  • Chris Clemente-bass,vocals (Kick The Cat (Chicago), JB3’s)

The Pocket Kings

The Pocket Kings are a crack unit of elite musicians trained in the fine art of igniting guerrilla dance parties and whipping crowds into a groove-inspired frenzy. Their weapon of choice? The best R&B, Soul, and Funk music of the modern era.

But wait, let’s get specific for a minute. We’re talking about the top-shelf stuff. Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, D’Angelo, Ike and Tina, and The Isley Brothers. Heck, we even throw in the Roots covering Mya covering Les McCann covering Roberta Flack. Deep, right? And there’s so much more.

The point is, The Pocket Kings bring an incredibly tight musical performance full of interesting, funky, danceable songs that will keep any joint jumping all night. The music sounds great, and people can’t resist shakin’ something when they hear it. Preferably, what their mamas gave them.

The band is made up of Greg McMonagle (vocals), Kelvin Kaspar (guitar), Gary Smith (keys), Mike Malone (drums) and Matt Vanderlinden (bass). Collectively, they’ve played all over the Fox Valley and beyond, including events like Waterfest and the Oshkosh Main Street Music Festival, and venues like Deja Vu Martini Lounge (Appleton), Peabody’s Ale House (Oshkosh), The Source Public House (Menasha) and The Varsity Club (Oshkosh).

If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them…maybe you can hire The Pocket Kings.