A WORTHY AND GREAT LOCAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE:

24 AREA BANDS RALLY TOGETHER FOR 3 CHARITIES

On Mar. 10, 24 area bands will rock 3 venues to raise money for 3 charities. That’s right, 3 bars, 3 charities and 24 bands- an all day music extravaganza called the Charity Jamborie.

Taking place at the Essen Haus, Come Back In, and Up North Bar, a $10 donation/cover allows the music-goer to float among the bars from Noon till bar close and soak up Madison’s local music scene while feeling groovy about their donation. 

 

All the bands participating in the event are donating their time and talents for the UW Carbone Cancer Center, the American Diabetes Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

These charities lie close to the hearts of the organizers and musicians.  Teresa Marie, Up North Music Manager and lead singer of the People Brothers Band, organized the event with Steve and Jane Schmeiding and band mate Timothy Lochner with the help of many others.  Steve and Jane Schmeiding began Music Can Beat MS.  Teresa Marie’s parents battle with diabetes, and this past year a person close to the many of the musicians was diagnosed with cancer. 

“We also have musician friends and family who have fought with cancer.  Some of whom will be playing in the benefit, some of whom we’ve lost,” said Teresa Marie.

In addition to presenting a wide collection of musical genres, raffles at each venue showcase a variety of items, from gift certificates to hotel stays. 

“We believe that our love of music can beat anything.  We hope to raise more money for these charities than anyone thought possible,” said Teresa Marie.  

http://peoplebrothers.wordpress.com/charity-jamborie/

http://www.musiccanbeatms.com/

Celebrating Mardi Gras/Fasching- German Style

Everyone has heard of Mardi Gras, but who knows what Fasching is?  The Essen Haus does, that’s who.  For another year the Essen Haus is throwing in a bit of fasching flair into their huge Mardi Gras celebration.

 

Fasching, the German equivalent of Mardi Gras or Carnival, traces back to Medieval times. Although celebrated throughout Europe, Germans claim the prize for most enthusiastic celebrators.  Madison, also known for the festive spirit and the history of German heritage, makes Fasching a must-have in the area.  Where better than Madison’s only German restaurant and drinking hall!

The history of Madison’s German heritage begins in the 1860s when German immigrants began building and starting businesses on East Wilson St.  In 1872 William Schumacher built Germania House, a hotel that catered specifically to German travelers.  Nearly all the innkeepers and merchants in this area were German and it became Madison’s first German neighborhood.

The increasing railroad system brought nine converging tracks in Madison along with a train depot located on the Wilson St.  With the railroad came travelers and wanderers which produced an environment for partying.  This block of downtown has seen its ups and downs, but Schumacher and the original German immigrants would be happy to see that their heritage lives on at the Essen Haus.  Likely, this was the very location that immigrants celebrated Fasching and other traditional holidays over 150 years ago.

While the Essen Haus rocks the Fasching party with Copper Box, the Come Back In will host the New Orleans-style Mardi Gras party with Otis & the Alligators, beads and all.