#5: The Philomusica Quartet at the Wisconsin Conservatory.
Why? Because you’re due for your regular dose of Beethoven quartet music, and the Philomusica is on the case. Jeanyi Kim, Sascha Mandl, Adrien Zitoun, and Nathan Hackett have sampled from Ludwig’s chamber music in each of their concerts this season. And after an early and middle quartet, it’s time to tackle the mother of all quartets, Beethoven’s Grosse Fugue in B-flat Major. As if to show that this one is no lark, the quartet will also perform Haydn’s “Lark” quartet, perfect for Spring. And will also play Brahms’ Quartet in C Minor, Op. 51, No. 1.
#4: Milwaukee Choral Artists at North Shore Presbyterian Church.
Why? Because the North Shore Prebyterian Church has a new organ. And what better way to break it in than with a concert by the city’s premiere women’s choral ensemble. Organist Jeffry Peterson joins Sharon Hansen and the crew for a concert around the theme “Joy and Inspiration,” which is something we could all use around this time of year.
#3: Dueling Comedy Festivals at Turner Hall & Pabst Theater.
Why? Because you enjoy your morning drive-time DJ chuckle, but rarely (we hope) enjoy the joking with a glass of your favorite beer in hand. Two DJ teams bring their contrasting styles of comedy to town this week. Dave & Carole’s Comedy-Palooza features the popular KTI jocks, hosting a lineup that includes Jeff Cesario and local yucksters Comedy Sports. In an edgier vein is 102.1’s Kramp & Adler’s Comedy Festival, which features podcast guru Marc Maron and our favorite eyelash batting rock-star groupie (“Flight of the Concords”-style), Kristen Schaal (those are her baby blues on the left).
#2: Dianne Reeves at Alverno Presents.
Why? Because Reeves has agreed to stop by on her way to appear at Carnegie Hall’s 120th Anniversary Celebration, where she’ll hang out with folks like James Taylor, Steve Martin and Bette Middler. Because Reeves has recently made a play for broader commercial success with her album When You Know, featuring pop hits by the Temptations and Minnie Ripperton. But she is also getting ready to perform a show called “Sing the Truth” (along with Angelique Kidjo and Lizz Wright), featuring music by luminaries like Billie Holiday, Odetta and Abbey Lincoln. We’re hoping she sneaks some of those songs into this concert.
#1: Mark Morris Dance Company at the Wilson Center.
Why? Because Morris is quite simply one of the best. His company’s recent New York shows (at his own Brooklyn space) prompted the often sniffly New York Times critic Alistair MacAulay to call him “one of the dazzling artists of our day.” And because Morris travels with a full company and musicians (he insists on performing only to live music) and will offer works both old and relatively new. Included in the program is “Italian Concerto,” set to Bach, and “Going Away Party,” set to the Western swing of Bob Willis and the Playboys. Sure, Brookfield is a hike, but this is one of the highlights of the arts season.
