As if you needed another reason to come to Madison, this Friday brings White Night to Prairie Village, here on the beautiful shores of Lake Herman. Here's the rundown of Friday night's events, courtesy of the Madison Area Arts Council:
Main Music Stage (Outside the Wentworth Depot)
- 5pm: More than Heroes
- 7pm: Wumpus
- 9pm: Pasque
Welk Opera House Stage
- 6pm: South Dakota Humanities Council speaker Tim Hoheisel of Sioux Falls, 'Skeletons of the Prairie' on historic structures
- 7pm: Regional Poetry Reading/Open Mic.
- 8pm: Theatre Performance, TBA
Music, spoken word... all free!
Of course, you can spend some money at this event. Prairie Village will run its train at 7 p.m., so you can take a break from the art, buy a ticket, and go for a ride around the village. You can also make a night of it and buy a camping spot: $15 for a plug-in, $12 if you just want to pitch a tent.
The forecast says it may rain and blow a bit tomorrow, but even if the weather is less beautiful than it is right now (and as I type, I look out my window at a glassy, transquil lake reflecting brilliant blue sky), the Opera House is available for the bands as well as the speakers.
So come to Madison for White Night Friday! Get some chow at the Village... or hop across the highway for one of Jim Hanson's fancy burgers or a steak at the Moonlite, and enjoy some free outdoor music!
p.s.: Hey, Chris Francis! If you're already looking for acts to book for White Night 2012, consider Portland OR-based EMA, fronted by Sioux Falls native Erika M. Anderson. Nathan Johnson suggests EMA is making a greater cultural contribution than fellow Sioux Falls export January Jones. After a couple listens, I'm inclined to agree. But don't press play if you're at work: EMA does some cussin' right at the top!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BacPDrDeY8U
I must admit, it would be interesting to hear that music ringing across the lake on a Friday night. A big iPod demographic whose musical tastes aren't served by the bland wasteland of South Dakota commerical radio would likely agree.