Well, it’s that time of year again — the fall slump. Work continues to pile up, the weather is soaking the campus with cold, and the Halloween hangover has not quite disappeared. Even thinking about going out on the weekends seems painful.
Well, hurt no more. It is time to avoid the winter depression that inevitably sets in at any Midwestern university by getting out and trying new things.
With a city that never turns the music off, the sounds are not hard to find. Whether you’re into jazz, fusion, hip-hop, rock, jam, soul, eclectic folk or basically any other kind of music, it’s all here in one city.
Jazz, for instance, continues to find a home in this city at many venues throughout the downtown area, including restaurants like Cafe Montmartre or The Great Dane Pub.
Cafe Montmartre (127 E. Mifflin St.) is known for its live jazz and its martinis. The cafe hosts a variety of musicians like Bluegrass Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale and Natty Nation. But, known for its jazz stylings, Cafe Montmartre will feature Hammel on Trial Nov. 21. Or just check out its open mic night every first and third Tuesday.
Cafe Montmartre is also known for its specialized drinks — most notably, The Sidecar portion of the venue offers up terrific martinis. Mondays, buy one for just $5, or buy any bottle of wine and receive a free pizza. Check out Cafe Montmartre’s schedule at www.themomo.com.
The Great Dane Pub (123 E. Doty St.) presents a similar music genre for those who prefer house-brewed beers. The pub features a brewery, as well as great food and live music. Jazz, and even the occasional cover band, can be found at the Pub. One notable upcoming event is Mighty Short Bus, an ’80s and ’90s cover band, Nov. 15. The Great Dane Pub also has a calendar of upcoming events on its website, www.greatdanepub.com.
Speaking of home-brewed beer and live music, try the Angelic Brewing Company (322 W. Johnson St.). The Angelic strives for excellence with its mantra, “there is absolutely no compromise in the pursuit of the perfect pint.” So, enjoy an Angelic brew and open mic night every Sunday, or DJ Mike Carlson every Thursday.
As jazz has found house in this isthmus of a town, so has the ever-growing DJ forum, and a great place to find danceable music is the King Club (114 King St.). The King Club features a DJ-run hip-hop dance party every Saturday night, and, giving voice to the hip-hop fusion funk genre, brings Lisa G and Montage to the stage Nov. 21.
One could even spend a night on King Street — walk across the street to find more of the club DJ mix at Club Majestic (115 King St.). Club Majestic provides a club atmosphere unlike any other in the city. Look for Nick Nice every Saturday and Glitter with Notorious N.I.C. every Friday.
And it’s all right here. Take a walk up State Street or even a little bit farther to find something new — it’ll warm you up. There are no more excuses to sit at home and not take advantage of a town where the music never sleeps — at least, until bar time.
Still not enough local venues for you? Watch for a feature on Madison’s electronic venues this Thursday, Nov. 13, only in The Badger Herald.