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LIVE MUSIC: The Double Stops

Monday, April 20, 2026

Based in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley, The Double Stops perform a relaxing blend of guitar-centric pop, classic rock, 90s alternative, and vocal jazz. The duo consists of Emily Watkins (guitar/vocals) and Dustin DeGolier (guitar/vocals), both freelance musicians and educators in western WI. Individually, they frequently perform with various ensembles, exploring jazz, rock, country, funk, blues, and original music. Emily and Dustin both serve on the faculty at the Shell Lake Arts Center summer camps.

LIVE MUSIC: Jack Norton

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Travel back in time with Emmy Award winning songwriter Jack Norton, for a concert of vaudeville blues, old-time country, and vintage Americana folk music.

Singer/songwriter Jack Norton says he was born somewhere in rural Georgia during the summer of 1879 to a family of itinerant workers. He spent his childhood in the Deep South, drifting from town to town, eventually learning how to play the guitar from legendary blues musician Blind Lemon Jefferson.

When he was 12, he ran away from home to join the circus and later worked as a banjo player, vocal contortionist, and comedian in a traveling medicine show.

He eventually resurfaced in New Orleans, playing acoustic guitar in Jelly Roll Morton’s band. It was here that Norton tried his hand at songwriting, crafting songs which were stolen by Buddy Bolden.

Never one to settle down, Norton moved to New York City and quickly found himself in the heart of Tin Pan Alley, penning hit songs for Al Jolson, Rudy Vallee, and a young Bing Crosby.

Norton recorded his first records for Okeh in Asheville, North Carolina, in the summer of 1925. It was here that he influenced Jimmie Rodgers and Emmett Miller. He has been recording and touring ever since. Throughout the 1930s, Norton drifted from town to town, riding the rails and singing for his supper. During the folk boom of the early 1960s, Norton would influence artists such as Dave Van Ronk and Bob Dylan.

Today, Jack Norton is celebrating over 100 years as a recording artist. He continues to perform live, touring the world, playing his unique blend of vintage blues, ragtime jazz, and hokum folk.

PATIO SESSIONS: Todd Adams

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Todd Adams is a singer / songwriter from the Chippewa Valley who is currently finishing his second album. The show will focus on this album and his previous but, will be strewn with songs from folks throughout the years. Guitar and vocal of the acoustic vein. Music of sin and salvation, love and loss, reflection and revolution.

LIVE MUSIC: Between Howls

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Between Howls are dynamic vocalist/violinist Ren Cooper Howl & guitarist/singer-songwriter Nick Muska Howl. The two perform a blend of folk, rock and blues featuring a distinctive take on the catalogs of artists past & present alongside their own original material.


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