World Music Of Long Ago

Early Music Now presents East of the River, Saturday, March 15

The music is rather hypnotic and comes from the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Middle East, but it is from long ago, the Medieval period. It might almost fit into a world music concert, and in fact, the musicians in this group, called East of the River, have backgrounds in world music and jazz, as well as classical music. All of which suggests that the venerable Milwaukee group, Early Music Now, is more varied in its offerings than you might expect from a group that programs Medieval, Renaissance and early-Baroque works.

Its concert this week features the acclaimed touring ensemble East of the River, which was founded by early music specialists Daphna Mor and Nina Stern, praised as “recorder virtuosos” by the New York Times, and also features world-renowned kanun player Tamer Pinarbasi, percussionist Luke Notary, and Balkan violin sensation Jesse Kotansky. They released their first self-titled album in 2009 and their most recent album last spring. Their newest album, “Levantera,” means a strong easterly wind of the Mediterranean. This is classic music of long ago with haunting melodies arranged and interpreted by top-flight musicians. Members of the ensemble have performed with such musicians as Yo Yo Ma, Philip Glass, Sting, Natalie Merchant, Aerosmith and many others.

Here’s a sample of the group performing: http://www.earlymusicnow.org/20132014season/mareastoftheriver.html

The concert is Saturday, March 15 at 5 p.m. at the UWM Zelazo Center. Preferred selection tickets are $40, $20 for students 6 and older. General admission tickets are $25, $10 for students 6 and older. Tickets are available online or call (414) 225-3113.

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center: Songs Still Sung featuring the American Contemporary Music Ensemble, Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$39, $20-$36 for seniors, $12-$20 for students, available online or call (414) 766-5049.

Italian Community Center: Cure for Cabin Fever Series presents Pete Sorce with Jeff Labarge and Swing Explosion Tuesday March 11 at 6:30 p.m. Free admission and parking for guests.

Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) “Music Under Glass” series presents St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with music from Tallymoore, 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. Tickets are $6.50, $5 for seniors/students.

The Riverside Theater: David Garrett with special guest Martynas Thursday, March 13. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35-49.50, available online or call (414) 286-3663.

Festival City Symphony: Timeless Romance Sunday, March 16. Tickets are $14, $8 for children, students and seniors, available online or by mail order form.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Cherish the Ladies at the Marcus Center March 14-16. Tickets range from $22-$102, available online or call (414) 291-7605.

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts: Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul at Harris Theater March 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 -$65, available online or call (262) 781-9520.

The Riverside Theater: Jennifer Nettles with special guest Brandy Clark, Friday March 14. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35.75-45.75, available online or call (414) 286-3663.

Theater

Uprooted Theatre presents The Sunset Limited March 13-23 at Next Act Theatre. Tickets are $20, available online or call 414-278-0765.

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre: Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Stackner Cabaret March 16 – May 18. Tickets range from $55-$75, $50-$65 for seniors, $20 for ages 19-35 and students 18 and younger, available online or call (414) 224-9490.

Skylight Music Theatre: Hydrogen Jukebox, March 14-30 at Cabot Theatre. Tickets range from $13.50-$67, available online or call (414) 291-7800.

Sunset Playhouse: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 13 – April 6. Tickets are $25, $23 for seniors, students and military personnel, $16 for those 16 years old and younger, available online or call (262) 782-4430.

Waukesha Civic Theatre: Curtains, March 13-30. Tickets are $23, $20 for seniors and students, available online or call (262) 547-0708.

Visual Art

Tory Folliard Gallery: New exhibitions “The Figure in Clay” and Chris Berti “Concerning Nature” Saturday, March 15 – April 19.

Dance

Alverno Presents LeeSaar the Company: Grass and Jackals on Saturday, March 15

Alverno Presents: LeeSaar the Company: Grass and Jackals at Pitman Theatre Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35, available online.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center: Lucky Plush Productions Dance March 11 and 13. Tickets range from $14-$29, available online.

Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Guest Artist Series presents Iveria – Georgian National Song and Dance Ensemble at Schwan Concert Hall Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $31, available online or call (414) 443-8802.

Comedy

The Pabst Theater: Anthony Jeselnik of Comedy Central’s “The Jeselnik Offensive,” Saturday March 15. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25, available online or call (414) 286-3663.

Special Events

Waukesha County Expo Center: Spring Treasures Craft and Art Show March 15-16. Admission is $3, free for kids 16 and younger.

Last Chance

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: The Whipping Man, through March 16. For review of show see https://urbanmilwaukeedial.com/2014/02/10/theater-a-twisted-tale-of-slavery/

In Tandem Theatre: Chesapeake, through March 16

First Stage: Anatole, through March 16

Ongoing

Fireside Dinner Theatre: Mary Poppins, through April 20

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: An Iliad, through March 23. For review of show see https://urbanmilwaukeedial.com/2014/03/03/theater-i-sing-a-song-of-sadness/