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PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTIONS
What can you expect:
Jorge Vallentine & The Honest Love
A heartfelt exploration of indie, folk and rock ballads performed with the guitar, cajon, and foot tambourine. Soulful melodies.
The Hi-Waves
A heaping spoonful of Homegrown Midwest rock and roll…Take a sonic leap to where all roads meet. A deep understanding of blues, hip-hop, acid rock, and gospel.
D-Man the Takeover and Traviance “Buckerfly” Witherspoon
Energy, wit, and originality. This rapping, krumping, dancing, and singing duo takes fun vibes to a new level.
Saint Tragedy
High octane, unique hard rock sound. Where there’s fuel there’s fire which the band has been bringing to the stage Since 2008. Original music.
Adam Blackwood
Witty and “tongue in cheek” original songs performed with piano, keys, bass, and drums
Miglė Valentinavičiūtė and Gabriel Jafet Cruz-Diaz
The duo will perform a selection of classical and contemporary compositions on flute and cello.
Nuke Plant Chickens
This spirited loud rock band excels at all original funk rock, punk rock, and heavy metal.
Better Together
A collaboration of Lakeside Poets and Food for Thought poetry groups will read original poetry and words.
Prairiedogs
A high-powered country band performing beautiful, original ballads. Guitars, bass, drums, piano.
TJ Morris/Storiword
TJ Moriss’ Original storytelling and poetry bring new awareness to audiences.
Eliana Alcocer
A concert featuring the Marimba that showcases its versatility in a range of styles as a solo instrument as well as with vocal accompaniment.
Cheryl McCrary Band
Cheryl’s lush vocals gracefully capture various styles and charisma of inspiring, timeless blends of jazz, standards, love song ballads, country, and so much more.
Kenosha Hootenanny
Founded over 30 years ago, the Hootenanny brings together musicians with acoustic instruments (guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, banjos, etc.)to play folk songs from near and far. Sing along with lyrics provided.
Kenosha Story Circle
Several storytellers, each with a different story, will capture the audience’s imagination.
Prairie String Quartet
Enchanting violins, viola, and cello plus vocals will perform an original composition and classics.
Jamey Buencamino
Multi-faceted virtuoso focusing on classical guitar. Passionate, unique personal sound.
MGV Harmonia
Heralded German Men’s Choir. Performs traditional music acapella nationally, as well as locally.
Jim and Max
Jim Zuhlke and son, Max, entertain with folk rock and guitar, electric bass, and vocals.
Friends of Music Trio
The trio, piano, violin, violoncello, elegantly performs classical piano trios of Franz Joseph Haydn.
The Racine International Folk Dancers
Music and folk dances from around the world collected for 50 years.
Fourth Friday Bluegrass/Gospel Band
Guitars, banjo, mandolin, bass, autoharp. Band performs favorites and encourages sing along.
Unplugged Acoustic Rock Band
Vintage acoustic rock music guitar, bass and cajon. Lyrics provided to sing along.
Anne Morse-Hambrock
Anne is a dynamic performer known for her mastery not only of classical repertoire but original Jazz and Celtic music for harp. Her performances are spiced with insightful humor.
Brent Mitchell
Songwriter and former Kenosha poet laureat, Brent’s beautiful, poignant melodies reflect on his life experiences.
Ghost in Color
Jacob Kleinhardt brings a lively, energetic musical experience to the stage with his acoustic guitar and vocals.
Matt Mifflin
With a deep background in music performance, Matt captivates audiences with classical guitar.
Ballet Kenosha
The Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts brings beautiful variations on the timeless Nutcracker Ballet to the festival.
Mami Zaddy
If you don’t know Spanish you’ll wish you did when you hear the infectious beats and vocals of Mami Zaddy. Guaranteed to get your feet moving.
Kenosha Writers Guild
Members will perform original poetry and share their inspirations with the audience.
Bone Appetit Trombone Ensemble
An adult professional trombone ensemble that performs in the Southeast Wisconsin/Northeast Illinois area.
Performing Arts Festival in Downtown Kenosha
The Kenosha Creative Space Inc., a leading arts organization in downtown Kenosha, is hosting a celebration of the performing arts on October 5-6, 2024. The Kenosha Performing Arts Festival will bring together performers throughout the Kenosha area for a weekend of live performances at four venues in downtown Kenosha. “The motivation for the festival,” said Francisco Loyola, Creative Space Director, “is to showcase the wide variety of performing arts and the amazing depth of talent in our community”. Ballet, classical guitar, jazz, hip-hop, bluegrass, poetry reading, and much more will be explored in the 30-minute performances.
The festival was inspired by a group of friends involved with the Kenosha Performing Arts Center proposed in the Kenosha downtown redevelopment plan. The proposal for the center had two theatres, and one was for local groups to perform. In the revised plan, the center was not included. The friends group, led by Marsha Caporaso, reimagined how to support the performing arts, and approached The Creative Space about hosting the festival. “It’s a natural fit for us,” said Loyola.
The Creative Space was founded in 2016 as a hub to grow the local creative economy, supporting artists and other entrepreneurs to leverage a community of learning and collaboration. Located at 624 57th St. in downtown Kenosha, it hosts community events and festivals throughout the year. It also provides meeting and event space for concerts, workshops, and art shows.