Bringing Back Essen Haus Dinner Theater!

Dinner Theater Returns to Essen Haus

Once upon a time actors, instead of accordion players, stood on the Essen Haus stage and performed to diners feasting on fine food and drink.  Over the past couple years the Essen Haus began reinstating the dinner theater on Sunday nights.

This summer the Essen Haus welcomes JD Productions to the Essen Haus stage to begin the Summer Dinner Theater Series on Sun.  June 10.  Bringing Mary Miller’s Ferris Wheel, JD Productions is the first company to create a set for this play using an actual Ferris wheel car.  Another interesting aspect to this play is that while performed in theaters throughout the country, health professionals also utilize the play as a means of dealing with fears and phobias.  

The free performance begins at 7:30 and lasts only 10 minutes.   Essen Haus offers a complimentary bottle of wine with two dinner entrees on Sundays.  Reservations suggested.

STEP RIGHT UP TO THE GREATEST ART SIDESHOW KNOWN TO MADISON!

Come one, come all! Step right up to the greatest art sideshow known to the spectacular city of Madison! Live interactive art pieces that recall the aesthetics of old timey sideshows will wow spectators.

 On July 14, 2012 from 1-6pm artists from the Madison Metro area invite you to try your hand at their creative carnival-like activities!    Art on the Side Show will take place at 514 E. Wilson St. at the Essen Haus/Come Back In Lot where the two businesses hold various festival and events.

Located just off the square, marketing and promotions director of the Essen Haus and Come Back In, Mary Jane Connor, hopes the event draws a significant crowd from the Art Fair on the Square. 

“We will certainly not be competing with the Art Fair on the Square, but it is such an exciting time that I hope we can contribute to the festive atmosphere while exposing the edgy side of the Madison art scene,” said Connor.

The idea of having an interactive show came after Connor discussed the possibility of the event with several Madison-based artists.  Jason Erikson suggested 10 minute portrait drawings which instigated the consideration of an entirely interactive exhibition.  Plans were finalized with contributions from Sarah Stolte, PhD candidate in Art History at UW-Madison.

Connor, who has curated and contributed to community art events in Fiji, Milwaukee, Madison, Sauk City, and with the Wormfarm Institute in Reedsburg, WI always looks for new approaches to make art more accessible. 

“I am extremely excited to have such a great venue to promote local artists and bring creativity into the community.  I think the light and fun interactive theme will demonstrate how art is not just about white walled galleries and expensive price tags,” said Connor.

All the activities will cost between $1-10 dollars and go directly back to the artists.  The Essen Haus and Come Back In are not charging the artists to utilize the space. 

Free admission, live music, food, and of course a great selection of import and microbrews, along with fun art-inspired drink specials will be available.

Art on the Side Show is currently accepting proposals until May 9^th.  Visit the Spass Platz side bar on essen-haus.com for details.

EASTER BUNNY ADMITS TO BOOT DRINKING!

In years past, during Essen Haus’ traditional Easter Dinner, the Easter Bunny has made surprise appearances while  greeting diners and offering a sampling of sweet treats to excited children.   Rumor has it, this year the Easter Bunny will make a repeat visit on Sunday, April 8.  “I love polka music and always have a good time at the Essen Haus.  During the off season you may even spot me partaking in a boot,” said the Easter Bunny.

The popular Easter Dinner that attracts families year after year includes ham you carve yourself at the table, and choice of baked chicken, tenderloin tips, BBQ ribs, or vegetarian kase spaetzle.  Diners also enjoy relish and fruit trays, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered baby carrots, bread and butter, assorted desserts, tea, coffee, milk or soda.

Children under 5 eat free, and those of the age 6-10 eat for $6.95.  The dinner costs $16.95 for all other ages.

PARTY ALL DAY! Come Back In starts St. Patrick’s Day at 8a.m

Party all day at the Come Back In and Essen Haus!  Begin your festive St. Pat's day at the Come Back In with O'Connor's Irish Breakfast, a German-sized serving of corned beef, eggs and potatoes, of course!  We will also be serving from our extensive breakfast menu.

Enjoy the always festive atmosphere at the Come Back In with boots and mugs of green bier!  

At 4pm our St. Pat's Day Buffet begins in the Essen Haus with Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Stew, Stuffed Pork Loin with Irish Whiskey, Shepherd's Pie, sides and dessert for only $16!

For your chance to win a boot of green beer fill in your lucky shamrock at the Come Back In.  As always, live music rocks both the Essen Haus and Come Back In all night! 

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.

New Years Eve Party 2011

Madison's favorite exclusive all inclusive annual New Years Eve party. Food, drinks & entertainment from 6pm December 31st until dawn January 1st 2012 only $60 per person.  Advance tickets $55 if purchased before December 25th. 


Live Entertainment! 2 bars, 2 bands, 2 dance floors, 2 buffets, 10,000 square feet of party for one price!
(608) 255-4674 Event Webpage

call for information & purchase tickets by phone today!