THE MAGIC OF MUSIC AT THE MABEL: Can't-Miss Shows at the Mabel Tainter
the historic theater hosts a plethora of events year-round, including these must-sees!
The Mabel Tainter is an absolute gem, and not just because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic building hosts an array of stunning shows and events that complement its own visual beauty, the space is regarded as a premier example of a restored vintage American theater. From comedy to theater shows, to live music and special events, its stage is no stranger to talent from across the world.
Here are some truly can't-miss shows coming up in the remainder of this year and early 2024.
Garden Party
Aug. 24, 7-9pm | Free
Garden Party is a trio of talented locals – Teresa Jolivette, Marjorie Craemer, and Tom Lockhart – who first met as members of the Ukulele Club of Eau Claire. They bring the flare of folk and Americana with pop tunes to the stage.
Mythical Strings
Aug. 25, 7-8:30pm | Free
Mythical Strings is a stunning trio made up of accomplished harpist Sarah Ohr, cellist Angie Sutliff, and pianist Amber. While Ohr and Sutliff have performed together for years, Amber joined to form the trio just this year, their euphonious blend offers eclectic instrumentals from classic, modern, and cinema music genres.
Dr. Nanji Kim
Sept. 9, 7:30-9pm | $20
Dr. Kim is a piano professor at UW-Eau Claire and graduated from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris with First Prizes in piano, chamber music, and harmony. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degrees from the Juilliard School and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Manhattan School of Music. A multi-time prizewinner and finalist of national and international competitions, she will bring an absolutely unforgettable night of music to the Mabel Tainter stage.
Riders in the Sky
Sept. 29, 7:30-8:30pm | $42
With a vast, accomplished career, this quartet shares award-winning harmonies, wacky Western wit, and high-yodeling adventures to the stage every time. They've toured all 50 states and across the globe, have spent 35 years on the Grand Ole Opry, recorded 40 albums, and have made more than 7,000 film and TV appearances. Get ready for a performance like no other!
Diane Schuur
Feb. 8, 7:30-9:05pm | $40
Long regarded as one of Contemporary Jazz's leading vocalists, Schuur is as eclectic as she is brilliant. She grew up steeped in traditional American jazz, courtesy of her parents’ formidable record collection with ample LPs by Duke Ellington and Dinah Washington.
Haley Reinhart
Feb. 17, 7:30-9pm | $46
The platinum-certified Chicago-born and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter exudes an empowering level of charisma and confidence earned by a quiet, decade-long grind. Her take on the Elvis Presley classic, “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” received a platinum plaque from the RIAA and generated over 150 million Spotify streams and 70 million YouTube views within three years of its release.
Always Olivia - Olivia Newton-John Tribute
March 9, 7:30-9:30pm | $35
Always Olivia authentically captures the essence and sounds of Olivia Newton-John’s timeless music. Starring celebrated singer, Annie Aiello, and five of Chicago’s hottest singers and musicians, this show lovingly incorporates five decades of Olivia’s music and career history with audience participation, costume changes, and stimulating video projection.
Michael Perry and the Long Beds
April 20, 7:30-9pm | $32
Perry began writing songs in the early 1990s during long nights when he was struggling to survive on prose (he is the author of numerous books including Population 485, Truck, The Scavengers, and the New York Times bestseller Visiting Tom). Since his first album release in 2006, Michael has released four albums, several singles, and toured backed by a collection of renowned musicians who have performed on numerous stages throughout the world (including The Tonight Show, Austin City Limits, and Eaux Claires festival) and worked with a host of artists, including Bon Iver, S. Carey, The Staves, Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, Field Report, The Tallest Man on Earth, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and many more. The Long Beds bring a show built on roughneck ballads and freight train rockers interspersed with off-the-cuff humor from Michael.
See the Mabel Tainter's full events schedule online and keep up with them on Facebook.