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In Madison, the music scene reigns. Nearly every weekend, some nationally, or even internationally, known band or musical troupe takes to one of the capital’s many stages, wowing concert-goers at the Majestic, The Annex, the Barrymore Theatre, the Orpheum, the Alliant Energy Center or even the Memorial Union Terrace. In the last academic year alone, these Madison venues have been visited by the New Pornographers, Aesop Rock, The Flaming Lips, Vampire Weekend, and the list goes on.
Too often, however, residents forget the lesser-known music venues the city offers and subsequently miss out on the hidden talent displayed on Madison’s smaller stages. Don’t be one of these unfortunate souls. Instead, indulge your musical appetite — and your sense of adventure — and discover the best of Madison’s smallest-scale music venues.
The Frequency (121 W. Main St.) is the newest kid on the block among Madison’s list of smaller music venues. Doubling as a bar as well as an arena for local talent, The Frequency mostly hosts shows for those who are 21 or older. But for those able to attend, the music from bands like Marcus King and Thee Royalty or Patchwork is not to be missed. Besides, what makes a better combination than beer and rock ‘n’ roll? Nothing.
Not only is it an art gallery, but the Project Lodge (817 E. Johnson), which opened in February of this year, is a thriving music venue which highlights smaller national indie acts as well as the sounds of local bands. Early this year, the Lodge hosted Say Hi (formerly Say Hi to Your Mom) and The Zebras, also offering a glimpse at Madison artists like Sleeping in the Aviary and The Buffali. In addition to the venue’s ability to satisfy the eyes and ears, Project Lodge also satisfies the stomach with its weekly Sunday Brunch Potluck.
For those less-inclined toward raucous rock shows or indie acts, Madison also conceals a hidden gem in The Ivory Room, located on the 100 block of West Mifflin Street. This classic piano bar is a gleaming testament to the thriving art of lounge music, showcasing the talented pianists from Milwaukee and Madison, while revelers can bask in the glow of old favorites like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” or even songs from Ben Folds Five.
In addition to live performances, Madison is also a hotbed for local DJs and emcees. Some spin tunes from the Top 40 and MTV’s TRL lists, while others mix international tunes into their lineup of hip-hop and Benny Benassi laden set lists. Although some of these DJs make appearances at events like the recent “’80s vs. ’90s Night” at the Majestic, they can usually be found playing beats for dance-happy crowds at restaurants that double as nightclubs. Notable Madison DJs include DJ Nick Nice, who plays global music every Sunday at the Natt Spil, and DJ Papi Love, who creates reggaeton-infused mixes for occasional performances at restaurants like Cafe Montmartre and Le Chardonnay.
A visit to any one of these hidden venues is a sure bet to satisfy any music enthusiast’s appetite. Not to mention that smaller locations mean smaller crowds. Still, the largest reward of a visit to any hidden locale is knowing you’ve immersed yourself in Madison’s music scene, and there’s no better than the scene we have here.
