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THELMA Announces 11 Thursdays Summer TO THE MAX Lineup

Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA) hosts a Thursday night outdoor concert series, 11 Thursdays of Summer. This year THELMA added an additional seven concerts totaling 18 concerts naming the series 11 Thursdays of Summer TO THE MAX.

“We are feeling the itch for live music just like the rest of you,” said Jacqui Corsi, THELMA’s Executive Director. “We decided to hold this year’s series the maximum number of days so all may get the chance to come.”

This series brings bands from across the Midwest to Fond du Lac, attracting audiences of all ages and interests. The section of Sheboygan Street, in front of THELMA, closes for the evening.

Each concert begins at 7 pm, with the bar opening at 6 pm. Food will also be available. All concerts are free admission thanks to the 11 Thursdays of Summer sponsors: Summer Series sponsor: Michels Corporation. Presenting sponsor: Fox Valley Savings Bank. Platinum sponsors: C.D. Smith, The Goldsmith, Bill & Karen Shaw, Wisconsin Arts Board, National Exchange Bank Foundation. Silver sponsors: Kevin and Debbie Freund, Huberty, Mike’s Music, von Briesen & Roper. Bronze sponsors: Connie’s Diner, Hometown Bank. Friend sponsors: 18 Hands Ale Haus, Annie’s Fountain City Café, Cujak’s Wine & Spirits. Media sponsor: Sunny 97.7.

Kicking off the series on June 3, The Milbillies. A WAMI nominated New Artist of the Year (2020), 5-piece string band that trades vocals like a fifth of bourbon and solos like a bull on a rope, slinging high-energy bluegrass stripped raw with Americana grit.

Next in the lineup is The Pocket Kings on June 10. A crack unit of elite musicians trained in the fine art of igniting guerrilla dance parties and whipping crowds into a groove-inspired frenzy. The best R&B, Soul, and Funk music of the modern era.

Copper Box will perform the third concert of the series on June 17. The roots/Americana quartet with Danny Jerabek and his wife Michelle (Thull) Jerabek were both nominated for the 2018 WAMI Reeds/Brass Award, plus Danny Jerabek was nominated for the 2019 Polka Artist.

On July 24, Barbaro, the Minneapolis-Winona based rising stars who have created their eclectic sound through original songwriting craft, with inspiration derived from bluegrass, jazz and chamber music.

Performing on July 1 is Radio Radio with great danceable music with a punchy rock and roll edge. This unique and specific genre draws fans from an amazingly wide range, from twenty-somethings discovering new wave for the first time to forty and fifty-somethings with old cassette collections filled with these bands.

Next is Tweed on July 8. Part of the “soul-revival” movement with their own style of Memphis flavored soul, roots, and blues! 2019 WAMI nominee for R&B/Soul Artist, Tweed has appeared at some of the top festivals and blues rooms in the Midwest, South, and Northeast.

Continuing the series on July 15 is Brother Elsey. The trio from Detroit express themselves in their Southern Rock and Contemporary Americana music.

VIVO will take the stage on July 22. A group of five talented musicians creating a lively & contemporary jazz·pop bossa·samba music ensemble.

Armchair Boogie will perform their unique style of Bluegrass Folk music on July 29. A four-piece band formed in the heart of Central Wisconsin.

Next in the lineup is Maple Road performing on August 5. A high energy, four-piece band out of the Washington County area that has been delivering a unique blend of blues and rock for over ten years.

Cathy Grier and The Troublemakers includes a professional musician since 1978, with Cathy Grier’s undeniably powerful voice accompanied by tasty Blues guitar stylings, both acoustic and electric, affirms her place on the world stage.

Performing on August 19 is the 90’s cover band Throwback Stereo. Bringing a high-energy show from the best of music’s most popular decade and playing popular hits.

The WhiskeyBelles keep things going on August 26 with an all-female traditional country and Americana trio featuring pitch-perfect three-part harmonies and their own hot fiddle, guitar and bass playing.

On September 2, Bascom Hill, a trio of lager-loving, Wisconsin-raised musicians known for its effortless hooks, memorable choruses, and clever lyrics. Bascom Hill has fully embraced life as an indie band.

Continuing the series is Riding Shotgun on September 9. Riding Shotgun is a high energy power trio that plays upbeat and danceable Rock, Pop and Country hits spanning several decades.

Nearing the end of the series on September 16 is the Hot and Dirty Brass Band. Nominated for 2019 Horn/Big Band Artist and 2018 New Artist of the Year, when the house lights go down and the stage lights come up… it’s time to get Hot & Dirty!

Performing the second to last concert of the summer on September 23 is Unity the Band, an award-winning original roots reggae group based in Wisconsin. They have been nominated for 2018-2019 Artist of the Year and 2019 World/Reggae/Ska/Latin and are the 2018 WAMI winner for World/Reggae/Ska/Latin.

Concluding the series on September 30, the roots/Americana quartet, Copper Box will again perform.

View more event information at thelmaarts.org!

THELMA is located at 51 Sheboygan St., in the heart of Downtown Fond du Lac’s Arts and Entertainment District. THELMA is a member-based, privately funded nonprofit dedicated to providing arts experiences not readily available in the area. Intimate concerts in the Great Hall, street concerts with major performers, indoor films, and art from world-renowned artists are available at THELMA. THELMA also offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, meetings, and all social and corporate gatherings.

Learn more about THELMA at thelmaarts.org