If you’re headed through the Midwest, consider taking a trip north to Madison, Wisconsin. Often written off as simply the home of cheese curds and overly enthusiastic football fans, in reality it’s a surprisingly excellent place for live music. It not only has a burgeoning music scene of its own, but also an atmosphere that beckons for more. It’s a scene that has existed under the radar, just waiting to be discovered. With a handful of old style music halls, bars and venues (both large and small), there is a space for every type of music, band, show, and concert-goer.

VENUES

The Majestic Theater
115 King St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 255-0901
www.majesticmadison.com
Located on King Street, just a stone’s throw from the capital building. One of Madison’s oldest venues and home to a wide array of local, national, and international acts. Features a great old theater set up. Floor space is ample and complimented by balcony seating. Provides an intimate feel while still accommodating large crowds.

High Noon Saloon
701 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 268-1122
info@high-noon.com
www.high-noon.com
A local favorite – a blend of bar and concert venue that provides patrons and performers with a vibrant atmosphere. The space highlights the city’s local talent and brings to the stage several genres of music on a nightly basis.

Orpheum Theater
216 State St.
Madison, WI 53703
An off-shoot of the beloved Boston venue and packs just as much of a wallop. The space offers abundant seating and is perfect for larger and more elaborate performances. It is a diamond in the rough, well worth checking out.
www.madison-theatre.com

Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
aec@alliantenergycenter.com
www.alliantenergycenter.com
A large venue built for over-the-top shows – home to big name acts like Elton John and the outdoor venue offers superb concert options in the warmer months. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but with enough space for 10,000, it’s a premiere spot for big events.

PRESS

Maximum Ink
P.O. Box 3245
Madison, WI 53704-0245
(608) 245-0781
webmaster@maximumink.com
www.maximumink.com

Isthmus: The Daily Page
101 King St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 251-5627
www.thedailypage.com

RECORDING STUDIOS

Blast House Studios
1117 Jonathon Dr.
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 276-4446
madisonmusicfoundry@yahoo.com
www.blasthousestudios.com

DNA Music Labs
2057 Winnebago St.
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 244-0111
dnamusiclabs@gmail.com
www.dnamusiclabs.com

RECORD STORES

Ear Wax Record Shop
254 West Gilman St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 257-6402
earwax666@hotmail.com
www.earwaxwisconsin.com

B-Side Records
436 State St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 255-1977
www.b-sidemadison.com

Sugar Shack Records
2301 Atwood Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
info@sugarshackrecords.net
www.shop.sugarshackrecords.net

GEAR

MC Audio
515 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
www.mc-audio.com

Ward-Brodt Music Center
2200 W. Beltline Highway
Madison, WI 53713
www.ward-brodt.com

Greg Ginter’s Guitar Shop
2215 Atwood Ave.
Madison, WI 53701
(608) 241-8848
www.guitarshopofwisconsin.com