On Tuesday, March 15th, the Stoughton High School Band Department invites you its spring concert.

Both bands will perform, as well as several chamber ensembles and solos.

It is at 7pm in the high school performing arts center, this concert is free and open to the public.

Featured composers are Clifton Williams, Richard Saucedo, Wisconsin composer Pierre La Plante, and others.

These kids are great, you’ll enjoy them.

Winter's End River Sunset by Steven Kozar

Get out of the cold and meet the artist Steven Kozar at Robert Rae Gallery, Friday – February 21, 2011, 5-9 pm.

Many Wisconsinites and people from all over the world know the great realist paintings of Steven Kozar.  Now you can see all of his remaining originals,  and meet Steven at Robert Rae Gallery.  All of the paintings are for sale and prints are also available.  This wonderful show and sale runs through February 20th, if you don’t get a chance to get there tonight.

This versitale artist will also be entertaining you with live music, accompanied by his son Andrew Kozar.

Refreshments will be served, so you can snack while you decide on which painting to purchase.

Robert Rae Gallery
184 W. Main Street
Stoughton, WI
608-577-0177
Open 7 days a week for you!

Madison Brass Band Feb. 5th  7:30

The first members of the original Madison Brass Band, founded in 1863, were businessmen, cobblers, cigar-makers, stone-cutters, and a saloon proprietor. Only one member was a professional musician. The band went into remission for many years until the early 2000′s when it revitalized its mission to bring the great British and American brass band tradition back to the greater Madison area. In addition to concerts, festivals and many events in southern Wisconsin, MBB has also performed twice at the Grand Celebration of Brass Bands in Iowa.

Under the leadership of Craig Mason, The Madison Brass Band has become Southern Wisconsin’s premier brass ensemble performing at concerts, festivals, and prestigious brass competitions with great success and audience response. They are based on the British Brass Band model and use cornets, flugelhorn, alto horns, English baritones, trombones, euphoniums, Eb tubas, Bb tubas, and percussion.

The Madison Brass Band takes pride in the members being both good musicians and good people. They believe in playing good music, music without pretention. Come and hear an exciting and varied program of original compositions, marches, overtures, hymns, jazz, and new and traditional works for brass band.

Visit Madison Brass Band’s Website

Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra Feb. 11th 7:30pm

“Berets and Bongos” describes the Cafe Accordion experience. A loungy, eclectic mix, full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the Cafe Accordion repertoire is the romantic, gypsy-influenced valse-musette. The group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. They inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon. Their high level of musicianship and passion for performance makes them an entertaining concert to experience.

The Cafe Accordion Orchestra is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass, and Joe Steinger on percussion.

The band has the great fortune of working with some of the area’s finest guitarists and vocalists. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, The Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States.

Visit Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra’s Website

Bonnie Koloc Feb.12th 7:30pm

Crossing the boundaries of folk, jazz and blues, Bonnie Koloc was a mainstay in folk circles along with Steve Goodman and John Prine forming the “trinity of the Chicago folk scene”, drawing crowds that stood in lines around the block, hoping, at least, for a place to stand to catch the hottest act in town. With her crystalline voice and exquisite songs, she is renowned for her warm, powerful voice, stage presence and music which has elements of Folk, Gospel, and Blues in the spirit of Alberta Hunter.

Bonnie has sung on John Prine’s classic ‘Bruised Orange’ record, sung with Charles Neville as part of his Diversity Band at the Jazz & Heritage Festival, has appeared on ABC’s NIGHTLINE, has received terrific response from the Ravinia to the BBC, and is critically acclaimed by the NEW YORK TIMES. She has Also received the Governor’s Award for Best Singer, the Theatre World Bronze Award for Outstanding New Talent on Broadway, and a Drama Critics Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her talents as a singer and songwriter, Bonnie is also a print maker, painter, ceramist, and book illustrator. She is an extraordinary and passionate artist, and her artistry knows no bounds. Don’t miss this show, Bonnie will enchant you from the very first note she sings.

“A folk-ballad-pop-blues singer of enormous range, charm, and charisma.” ~ NEW YORK TIMES

Visit Bonnie Koloc’s Website

Four Bithin’ Babes present “Hormonal Imbalance” Feb. 26th Two Shows 3pm & 7pm

“Hormonal Imbalance…a Mood Swinging Musical Revue” Start with four richly gifted singer-songwriters, add 3/4 cup married life, four kids, three cats, one piano, four guitars, one rocking’ purple bass, a dollop of sharp social commentary, and a pinch of PMS. Set this on the road to tour for nearly 20 years, throw in a hot flash or two, and you’ve got Hormonal Imbalance…A Mood Swinging Musical Revue!, an estrogen-fueled, hilarious show that celebrates the best of babes, boys, and botox, starring The Four Bitchin’ Babes.

Spend an evening with these outrageously funny and multi-talented musicians as they examine and ultimately celebrate the lives of today’s women. With sorority sister chemistry they perform original songs and stories offering both poignant views and unbridled comedic commentary on the joys and dilemmas of everyday life. With heavenly harmony, they share our struggles to balance careers and family, chocolate obsessions and low carb inner peace, CNN and TV Land, and finally, dealing with inadequate pay and inadequately cut swimwear.

The Four Bitchin’ Babes are Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran and Deirdre Flint, all successful musicians in their own right.

Visit Four Bitchin’ Babes Website

Here are classes that have openings  at the time I posted this:

Instructor:  Jill McLeod

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  6

From exotic to classic, soup is one comfort food that we all gravitate towards, at some point, through the winter months.   Enjoy enticing Apple and Onion Soup while being a localvoire, if you like, then dig into the classic creamy Potato Soup, an easy and quick recipe that can be made spur of the moment for a satisfying dinner. In search of something a bit further afield?  Then the Thai coconut soup, know as Thom Kha Gai, will fit the bill.
Pakistani Winter Dinner

Date:  Thursday, February 17

Instructor:  Huma Siddiqui

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  1

Warm up a cold, dead-of-winter evening with a delicious Pakistani menu and Huma’s delightful class!  What could be better than Huma’s own Garlic Shrimp–shrimp cooked with garlic and White Jasmine Tandoori Masala sauce; Fresh Roasted Vegetables–a mixture of fresh veggies roasted with whole cumin and olive oil; a side of Couscous cooked with spices, peppers and onions; and Huma even offers a dessert of comforting Bread Pudding!  Come for Huma and the food, leave with an appreciation of the flavors of Pakistani!

Hearty Winter Soups

Date:  Monday, February 21

Instructor:  Andy Watson

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  2

What could be better on a cold February night than a hearty bowl of soup?  Join Andy tonight to stir up 3 favorites from his repetoire.  Planned are Clam Chowder with Bacon, Winter Squash Soup with spicy toasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Beef and Barley Stew with Mushrooms.

St. Patty’s Day Feast

Date:  Tuesday, February 22

Instructor:  Lydia Critchley

Class Fee:  $40.00

Availability:  2

HANDS ON!!  With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, get ready by learning to prepare traditional Irish dishes with Lydia at the helm.  Planned menu recipes will include:  Colcannon, Buttermilk Scones, Soda Bread, Irish Ginger Snaps and more.  Lydia will talk about the history of Irish cooking, foods often found in Irish menus, as well as facts of potatoes and other Irish foods.

An Evening in Morocco

Date:  Thursday, February 24

Instructor:  Betsy Piper

Class Fee:  $44.00

Availability:  5

Moroccan food is full of all the good and healthful things that Mediterranean cooking is all about.  Betsy will show you all of the delicious foods that Morocco brings to the table.  Start with Spiced Olives and Moroccan vegetable- topped hummus; a Tagine made with chicken, apricots and almonds;  Couscous; Orange- walnut salad; and finish with a Lemon Yogurt Cake and Mint Tea.

Sunday Morning Croissants!

Date:  Sunday, February 27  12:30-2:30 pm

Instructor:  Susie Feest

Class Fee: $39.00

Availability:  6

What could be better than a fresh croissant warmly out of the oven on a Sunday morning?  Or any morning?  Susie returns to show you how to work with yeast dough to make sweet and savory-filled croissants.  This class is partially hands on, so you might want to bring an apron along.

Jamaican Yard Food!

Date:  Monday, February 28

Instructor:  Patricia Collins

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  8

Patricia brings us back to Jamaica with more island home-cooking!  Think warm island breezes as you learn to prepare a delicious meal of Curry Chicken; Veg-a traditional dish of sauteed spinach, green pepper and habernero; Rice and Peas; and Festival-a Jamaican fried bread.

Mardi Gras Celebration!

Date:  Wednesday, March 2

Instructor:  Carl Povlick

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  8

Celebrate Fat Tuesday (March with some good old fashioned New Orleans cuisine!  Carl will help us rediscover Cajun food with  Seafood and Sausage Jambalaya accompanied by Stewed Okra, Roasted Cajun Potatoes and Country Cornbread.  Then learn how to make a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake, and see who will be the next King or Queen!

Introduction to Spices

Date:  Tuesday, March 8

Instructor:  Jill McLeod

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  4

Learn the ins and outs of the spices you may have on your spice rack or simply wanted to learn more about.  What to use?  Whole or ground, fresh or cooked, the spices you use can truly enhance the foods you cook and enjoy.  Jill will educate you on spices, usage and how to enjoy trying new spices in your favorite dishes.  Tonight Jill will teach you Thai-style Fresh Green Curried Shrimp, accompanied by Rice cooked in a flavorful and fragrant Aromatic Broth; and a finale of Cardamom Cookies.

Dinner in Germany!

Date:  Tuesday, March 15

Instructor:  Carl Povlick

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  1

Let Carl take you to Munich with his menu of German favorites.  Learn to prepare Rouladen, a traditional German beef roll; Potato Dumplings (to soak up the gravy!); and Red Cabbage.

Cooking for Busy People

Date:  Wednesday, March 23

Instructor:  Lydia Critchley

Class Fee:  $40.00

Availability:  4

HANDS ON!!  You need not have long ingredient lists or tons of time to cook up delicious meals when you are so busy!  Lydia will show you how, with lots of time saving tips and recipes that will get your family to the table in no time.  Planned recipes include:  Cream Biscuits; Macaroni, Cheese and Tomatoes; Cauliflower Medley; Chicken Oriental; and a dessert of Black Forest Pie.

Crepes!

Date:  Sunday, April 3   12:30-2:30

Instructor:  Laurie Conrad

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  3

Sunday afternoon with Laurie spells fun in the kitchen!  And what could be more fun than crepes for spring?  Join Laurie to learn the techniques of easily preparing fresh crepes, and enjoying creative fillings.  This class is partially hands on to experience cooking crepes and filling them.

Fresh Pasta!

Date:  Monday, April 4

Instructor:  Andy Watson

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  8

Love pasta?  You’ll love it even more when you have just made it yourself!  Join Andy as he teaches you how to make fresh pasta, and then enjoy it with some freshly made sauces.  Andy plans on teaching you how to prepare egg pasta fettucini, tagliatelle and penne, and spinach ravioli.  To accompany the pasta, Andy has a couple of sauces to share with you–a quick tomato sauce, a garlic white wine sauce and a pesto cream sauce.   The Taste of Vanilla II Date:  Tuesday, April 12 Instructor:  Jill McLeod Class Fee:  $39.00 Availability:  6 Jill will show you how different vanillas can change the taste of the food they are used in.  Taste your way through the three beautifully varied varieties of vanilla, Madagascar, Mexican and Tahitian, then follow their seductiveness into Vanilla Chili Shrimp with Noodles, Poached Pears, and Fairy Cakes (think cupcakes) with Buttercream Frosting. The Chicken or the Egg Date:  Wednesday, April 13 Instructor:  Carl Povlick Class Fee:  $39.00 Availability:  4 Chicken is such an economical way to cook up a meal for the family, and tonight Carl shows you three ways to use chicken deliciously for any meal.  Start with Eggs in a Nest, a colorful Chicken and Rice Salad with Olives, and Chicken Cacciatore.  Use any of these recipes for a weekday meal or Sunday brunch with friends! Spring Indian Tea Date:  Monday, April 18 Instructor:  Neeta Saluja Class Fee:  $39.00 Availability:  10Neeta will show you how to prepare several traditional Indian snacks, along with their tasty accompaniments and you are on your way to enjoying casual Indian fare!  Her menu includes  Samosas, the homemade pastry filled with seasoned potatoes and peas, deep fried and served with chutneys; Pakodas, a variety of vegetables dipped in chick-pea flour batter and deep fried; Tamarind Chutney, a versatile sweet, sour and tangy chutney; and a refreshing Coriander(cilantro) and Mint Chutney.  Add a delicious Chai, a sweet Indian tea prepared with ginger or cardamom, milk, sugar and tea leaves and you have enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea.
Make Ahead Mother’s Day Brunch!
Date:  Tuesday, May 3
Instructor:  Susie Feest
Class Fee:  $39.00
Availability:  5

Get organized for Mother’s Day weekend and be able to sit with your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen!  Susie will show you how to prepare delicious menu ahead, with minimal fuss.  Her scones are famous by now, and she is planning a Cheesy Cheddar Bacon Scone and a Chocolate Cherry Scone.  An overnight Chicken Breakfast Casserole keeps you ahead of the game, and a quick and Easy Caramel Monkey Bread finishes off your meal!

Mother’s Day-Lite!

Date:  Wednesday, May 4

Instructor:  Jill McLeod

Class Fee:  $39.00

Availability:  9

Join Jill for the ‘lighter side’ of a Mother’s Day meal!  You’ll like the easy preparation of Jill’s menu for a perfect light lunch or brunch for Mom and her guests!  Enjoy individual tartlets of Smoked Salmon, Dill and Horseradish; a Spring Rocket, Fig and Grape Salad; and Herbed Crostini.  Finish your sweet time together with a nibble of Lemon Sorbet accompanied by Triple Ginger Medallions.

Feasting by the Place de la Concorde

Date:  Thursday, May 5

Instructor:  Betsy Piper

Class Fee:  $44.00

Availability:  7

A light spring day in Paris calls for a lite luncheon.  Betsy’s menu could be a perfect Mother’s Day lunch or light healthful dinner full of fresh spring goodness.  Enjoy Cold fresh asparagus with chopped egg;  Poached salmon with beurre blanc;  Duchess Potatoes; a  Mixed salad with red wine/sherry vinaigrette; and a light dessert of Fraises marinees aux calvados (strawberries in apple brandy with whipped cream).

After a holiday respit the Opera House comes to life again with Pro Arte Quartet on January 23rd. 

The Pro Arte Quartet has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as one of the most enduring string quartets in existence. Founded in Brussels in 1912 by violinist Alphonse Annou and violist Germain Prevost, the Pro Arte became the court quartet to Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Its world reputation soared with a European tour in 1919, earning the group such outstanding acclaim that many composers – including Bartok, Milhaud, and Honegger – composed new works for the Pro Arte. In 1940, stranded in the United States by the outbreak of World War II, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offered the Quartet the position of Artist-in-Residence, which continues to the present day.

Current members, David Perry and Suzanne Beia, violins, Sally Chisholm, viola, and Parry Karp, cello, have continued the Pro Arte legacy.

“The Pro Arte Quartet plays all very demanding music with perfect sympathy and superb musicianship…” (American Record Guide)

Make a night of it with a stay at Naeset Roe Inn, just a short 3 block walk from this exceptional venue.

Adam and Christine

Oak Park, Ill

Stoughton is a wonderful place to escape to and we’re sure your friends will love the Inn and our town.  We have great shopping, entertainment at the Stoughton Opera House, and some nice places for liquid libations and sustenance.

Here is a link to our Gift Certificate order form,
or if you would like to call 608-877-4150 I’d be happy to take your order over the phone.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and want to wish you all a Merry Christmas

View Art Walk on Historic Main Street Stoughton, WI in a larger map

A few of my favorites will be presented.  Kathryn Vaughn at Main Street Flowers.  You may recognize this name from Madison Radio.  She hosts a wonderful show on Magic 98 every Sunday morning.  Several of her pieces are on display at Naeset Roe Inn.  Greg Rodriguez at Yaraha River Co-Op, is an outstanding painter.  He just finished a painting of Naeset Roe Inn for me that is hanging in the West Parlor.  Mona Semerau is a wonderful silversmith that does such delicate work.  Stop and see her at Vincenzo’s and have a glass of wine while you are there. So stop in and see some new art during the Main Street Stoughton Art Walk Friday, July 23rd  5-9pm.  If you can’t make it, most of these artists are displayed at other times in these shops.  Come and see them during a stay at Naeset Roe Inn.  The inn is one block from Main Street and a great walk any day of the week.

Mandt park will be humming with activity so come often and enjoy the Stoughton Fair.

Check out the schedule at Stoughton Fair.

They have added a lot of new things this year so if you have been here before it is worth your time to come again.  Can you ever have enough plants in your yard?

If you want to get an early start and live a ways away consider coming the night before and staying at Naeset Roe Inn,  Downtown Stoughton’s only bed and breakfast.  You’ll be fueled up for a full day of exploring the nursery after a restful nights sleep and Carl’s 4 course breakfast.  Or you can leave the plants in the car overnight after your explorations, and get some  rest for the drive home and all the work of planting everything you have bought.

The Flower Factory Nursery is open 9am to 7pm weekdays, 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.