Category Archives: South Milwaukee PAC

Reminder: “Around The Corner” Premiere Set For February 23

10577082_664195156994701_7456079397241422769_nThings are coming together nicely in planning for the “Around the Corner” premiere event on Monday evening, February 23, at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

Music by the South Milwaukee Municipal Band, appearances by John McGivern and John Gurda, the first showing of the South Milwaukee episode of the Milwaukee Public Television series, followed by a special community social … I can’t wait!

Thanks to Joan Lindstrom, Bryan Lorentzen and the folks at the SMPAC for their work in planning what should be a really fun night — and a great celebration of what makes South Milwaukee special.

Stay tuned for more details, including how to get your (free) tickets. For now, mark your calendars.

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

12 Days Of South Milwaukee Christmas: Performing Arts

Give the gift of performance art this Christmas!

Perhaps a St. Nick stocking stuffer to one of the great Christmas shows coming up …

Or tickets to another show that is part of the PAC’s 10th anniversary Performing Arts Series … learn more here.

  • Address: 901 15th Ave.
  • Website: http://southmilwaukeepac.org/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMPAC.Arts

Leave a comment

Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

Big Start For SMPAC’s Performing Arts Series

pas-960x400-01The 10th anniversary season of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center promises to be a special one.

Its Performing Arts Series starts this Saturday, as Davell Crawford and His New Orleans Creole Jazz Men come to town for a night of jazz. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are still available.

From the SMPAC website

A rare breed of artist, Davell Crawford is a musicians’ musician, an artists’ artist. He lives firmly by his affection for New Orleans music, which is showcased in his latest undertaking, “Davell Crawford and His New Orleans Creole Jazz Men.” Specializing in New Orleans Traditional Jazz from the early 20th century, Davell on piano is accompanied by the instrumentation of trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, slide trombone, banjo, upright bass and drums, performing material such as Twelfth Street Rag, Muskrat Ramble, High Society, Tiger Rag, Milenberg Joys, Margie, Tailgate Ramble and Royal Garden Blues. Almost all of the musicians in this band can trace their Louisiana musical heritage back generations to the originators, performers and celebrities of this music.

Check out the full season event schedule here.

Please support this local treasure!

Leave a comment

Filed under South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

Show Off Your Talent For The SMPAC’s 10th Anniversary

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year, and they want local residents to be part of the show.

The SMPAC’s “10th Anniversary Gala: An Extravaganza of Local Talent!” is set for May 1, 2015. Ten performers will be chosen for the show, with auditions to be on October 29.

From the SMPAC …

Tomas Kubinek will be our Master of Ceremonies and we invite you to take part in this unique and heartfelt performing arts extravaganza. Indulge your creativity with this community driven theatre, vaudeville, musical and “who-knows-what” curated and performed by you and other, like-minded patrons of the SMPAC community.

Check out an application here, and here is a schedule of upcoming SMPAC events. It’s an impressive list. 

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

New Leadership For South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center

Farewell, Chad Piechocki. Welcome, Rachel Sorce.

Rachel is taking over for Chad as director of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the SMPAC announced this week.

Chad will be missed, as he becomes the managing director of Present Music, an ensemble performance group. He was a visionary, focused on big ideas that have helped the SMPAC grow into the community treasure it is today. I was impressed with him from the start, and his passion, dedication, hard work and creativity were always evident.

Rachel – most recently the SMPAC’s marketing director and box office manager — brings those same qualities into the role, and she will build on the strong foundation to make the facility and its performances that much better.

I’m excited for the future of the SMPAC. I hope you are too.

From Chad’s farewell statement …

It has truly been an honor and pleasure to lead SMPAC over the past four years and with your support help facilitate its continued growth. Thank you to the many patrons, subscribers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, students, families, teachers, administrative staff, technicians, community members and SMPAC Council who supported me and SMPAC along the way. My fondest memories are those moments right before the curtain went up when the audience and artists were hanging in anticipation of what was about to happen on stage. That energy is something that I believe can only happen with a live performance. It has been an inspiration to witness the responses of thousands of patrons over the years and to bring the brilliance of the performing arts to students and community members of various walks of life. The success of the past 10 years is a testament to what can happen when a community of people works together to fulfill a dream of many generations. South Milwaukee will always have a special place in my life. I hope to see you at an upcoming show during the 10th anniversary season! 

From Rachel’s statement …

I’m excited about this opportunity to serve SMPAC in an expanded role as Director and work towards helping SMPAC reach its greatest potential for enriching lives with performing arts. I look forward to our 10th Anniversary season and all of the wonderful experiences that will be brought to life on and off our stage.

2 Comments

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

Happy Anniversary: South Milwaukee PAC Plans Special 10th Anniversary Season

10th anniversaryHard to believe that it’s been 10 years …

The SMPAC announced its 10th anniversary performing arts series this week, and it’s another good one.

From the press release

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) announces the 10th Anniversary Performing Arts Series.

“Our 10th Anniversary Series features 10 shows that highlight topics relevant to our hometown and surrounding community. It will be the busiest, most diverse and engaging season in our history. Each show speaks to a memory of our city’s proud past, reflects on a shared experience, or brings hope and optimism for a bright, creative future,“ says Chad Piechocki, SMPAC Director.

“Some shows are celebratory and entertaining, while others address important social issues like the changing nature of Main Street or what it means to be “broken” yet inspired,” says Piechocki. “We strive to bring together diverse audiences and foster a deeper connection to our world and with one another. To this end, we’re planning a season finale that engages our patrons as key collaborators. Our 10th Anniversary Gala will be a variety show curated by patrons within the SMPAC community, featuring Tomas Kubinek as Master of Ceremonies.”

Season series tickets are now on sale, and please consider buying one or three, or at least attending a few shows. This is a terrific facility, with  mix of terrific performances we are lucky to have in our city.

And one other note: I want to wish Chad, the SMPAC director, well. Chad is headed to Present Music, a Milwaukee-based ensemble music organization. I’ve gotten to know Chad quite well the past few years, and his passion, energy, creativity and willingness to embrace big, bold ideas will be missed in this community.

Good luck, Chad. You leave a strong foundation for whoever comes after you.

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

What A Year At The South Milwaukee PAC

Chad and his team have a terrific recap of the year that was at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center … and some information on what’s to come, including a June 10 10th anniversary season announcement.

(Hard to believe it’s already been 10 years, right?)

Check out the newsletter here, and please continue supporting this community treasure.

2 Comments

Filed under Community, Schools, South Milwaukee PAC

Big April: Terrific Music And More Coming To PAC, Indoor Market

Lots of chances to hear some great live performances around South Milwaukee in coming weeks …

  • Sunday, April 6: Knightwind Ensemble Presents “From Russia With Love,” 3 p.m. at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Learn more here.
  • Tuesday, April 15: Red Green’s “How to do Everything” tour, 7 p.m. at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Learn more here.
  • Friday, April 25: I’m Not a Pilot and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Learn more here.
  • Saturday, April 26: South Milwaukee Indoor Market. More than 60 vendors are expected for the latest indoor market at South Milwaukee High School. But don’t forget the live music, which includes everything from Celtic to folk to jazz clarinet acts. See the full schedule on the market Facebook page.
  • Saturday, April 26: Jason Moran Fats Waller Dance Party, 7:30 p.m. at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Learn more here.

Did I miss something? Post in the comments below!

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee Farmers' Market, South Milwaukee PAC

Reminder: Badger Band Concert Set For Saturday

Good seats are still available for the show at 2 p.m. Saturday at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

See more details in my previous post.

I’ll see you there, and on Wisconsin!

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, Schools, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

South Milwaukee PAC Update: Arts Bring Diverse Audiences & Artists Together In One Day, One Place

Big happenings on Wednesday at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center … 

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) is living up to its mission of creative, innovative and diverse programming on Wednesday, December 11, by bringing together five professional a cappella singers from Leipzig, Germany, 30 South Milwaukee high school choir students, a theatre company from Walker’s Point and 1,000 Milwaukee public elementary school students.

The a cappella ensemble, Calmus, will meet with South Milwaukee High School choir students at 7:30 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. for two hour-long educational workshops. At 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, the Skai Academy of Performing Arts, a Walker’s Point theatre company, will perform “The Snow Queen” musical for students visiting from several Milwaukee Public Schools. Calmus will perform live on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. as part of the SMPAC’s 2013-14 Performing Arts Series.

The South Milwaukee PAC is bringing these diverse audiences and artists together in one day, in one place, to provide meaningful arts experiences for students and people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. The SMPAC blends public education interests with professional performing arts in innovative ways that create new relationships, strong bonds and positive synergies.

Learn more at the South Milwaukee PAC website.

Leave a comment

Filed under South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

12 Days Of South Milwaukee Christmas: Performing Arts Center

I’ve written a lot about the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, and for good reason — it’s a unique selling point for our city, an amenity that many communities our size can not boast.

And there are some great shows (Christmas gift opportunities) coming up, including the “Calmus: Christmas a Cappella” on Wednesday, Dec. 12, and a show by the Milwaukee Ballet II on Jan. 25.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

And check out my 2012 12 Days post on the PAC here.

1 Comment

Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee PAC

“Jungle Book” Comes To Town

Putting in a quick plug for this Saturday’s South Milwaukee Youth Theatre presentation of “The Jungle Book” at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

Show times are 1 and 6 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-17  (under 5 are free), and they can be purchased at the show or at the PAC box office this week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I hope to see you there — because my five-year-old is the Baby Elephant!

(Also, the SMYT seniors put on the “Little Mermaid” July 26-28.)

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee PAC

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Announces 2013-14 Season Lineup

It promises to be another great season at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

The PAC has announced its 2013-14 season schedule, and it includes a unique mix of performances that cities our size simply don’t get too often. Here is the lineup …

2013 Shows

  • Oct. 26: 500 Clown — Frankenstein
  • Nov. 16-17: Flamenco Vivo/Carlotta Santana
  • Dec. 12: Calmus — Christmas A Cappella

2014 Shows

  • Jan. 25: Milwaukee Ballet II World Premiere feat. Music of Cole Porter
  • Feb. 8: Baby Wants Candy
  • March 13: ACME — Songs Still Sung feat. Weinberg Op. 18
  • April 25: I’m Not a Pilot and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
  • April 26: Jason Moran — Fats Waller Dance Party

Learn more here … and consider buying a season ticket to support this terrific local treasure. They make great Father’s Day gifts.

Leave a comment

Filed under South Milwaukee PAC

Big Finish To The SMPAC Season

The next month or so provides quite a finale for the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center’s 2012-13 season.

Here are a few of the upcoming shows …

  • Friday, April 26: Frank Ferrante in an “Evening With Groucho”
  • May 10: Arlo Guthrie
  • May 12: Jesse Cook
  • May 17: Jason Bishop “Believing is Seeing”

The April 26 and May 17 shows are part of the PAC’s season series — and they and the others are examples of the type of acts we are lucky to land in South Milwaukee because of the quality of our facility (and hard work of the PAC staff).

Celebrate the PAC! Learn more here. And here is a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story on the Ferrante show.

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, South Milwaukee PAC

Swimming And Singing Through Time: Beatles Tribute Band Concert To Benefit South Milwaukee Swim Team

Here’s a unique sports team fundraiser — a Beatles concert.

OK, it’s not the Beatles. It’s a local Beatles tribute band called Liverpool ’64, and it promises to be a fun night when they play on Saturday, April 6, at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for high schoolers and younger. A bake sale, raffles and performances from the South Milwaukee High School swim team are also planned.

Learn more in this flyer. Here is the band’s website.

Leave a comment

Filed under Community, Schools, South Milwaukee PAC, Sports