Performing Arts
Theater • Dance • Music • Comedy • Storytelling
Patron Reception Fundraiser
In Recognition and Honor of Anne Drecktrah
Saturday, September 10, 2022, 5:30 pm
This evening of food, friends, and fun brings together the community and family members to honor a special person or couple who have given of themselves to support the Pump House and other arts activities or organizations in the La Crosse area. These arts philanthropists are honored at a Gala that provides a delightful time to get to know behind-the-scenes donors. Your heart will be touched and new friends will be made at the annual Pump House Patron Recognition Reception.
Tickets are $45/person until 09/03/2022, $55/person thereafter
An Evening with Michael Perry
Saturday, September 17, 2022, 7:30 pm
Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist, playwright, and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin. Perry’s bestselling memoirs include Population: 485 (recently adapted for the stage), Truck: A Love Story, Coop, Visiting Tom, Million Billion, and Peaceful Persistence. Among his other dozen titles are The Scavengers (for young readers) and his novel The Jesus Cow.
Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then detoured into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and has a few chickens. He hosts the nationally-syndicated “Tent Show Radio,” performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds. His three live humor albums include Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.
He can be found
online at www.sneezingcow.com. Michael also hosts a subscription audio newsletter at www.michaelperry.substack.com.
Performing Saturday, September 17, 2022, 7:30 pm
Past Events
La Crosse Storytelling Festival
Friday, July 22, 2022-Saturday, July 23, 2022
The 19th La Crosse Storytelling Festival is a two- day event filled with stories and music. This year our national tellers are Jeff Doyle, Pippa White, and Kay Weeden.
Friday night Tales of the Creepy and Scary will feature Jeff, Pippa, and Kay plus several of the local Bluff Country Tale Spinners. The performances will be in the comfort of the Pump House theater but will take your imagination to a dark night around a campfire of chills.
On Saturday, the children’s program will feature musician Hans Mayer, bi-lingual storyteller Kay Weeden and story themed activities. This program is free for all attendees. Reservations are not required.
The afternoon and evening cabaret performances will include all three national tellers and music by Mike Caucutt.
Do you have a story to tell? Join us for the evening Luna Story Slam.
Food and beverages will be available and several baskets will be raffled.
Make Music La Crosse
June 21, 2022
Make Music La Crosse is a free, citywide, outdoor day of music to be held annually on the Summer Solstice, June 21, 2022. Make Music La Crosse is part of the larger Make Music Day, an international celebration occurring in 1,000+ cities across the globe. Musicians of all abilities and genres are invited to sign up to play music where you are or to match with a venue looking for a performer.
Artspire
Friday, June 10 & Saturday, June 11, 2022
A production of the Pump House Regional Art Center, Artspire La Crosse is a celebration of community through the arts. It is a free, all-inclusive experience of visual, performing and literary arts in a primarily outdoor setting. Artspire is designed to develop positive partnerships and engage all peoples and cultures of the La Crosse area. Artspire is completely free to attend thanks to our many community supporters and sponsors.
Prairie Smoke-25th Anniversary Concert
The Best of Prairie Smoke ~ 25 Years of Music
The music of Prairie Smoke includes traditional American and Celtic folk music and original songs. Prairie Smoke is composed of Tom Walter on guitar, Jon Stuttgen on bass Rita Koch-Thometz on flute, Betsy Knowles on fiddle and Erin Hussey on dulcimer. Their music began with a decidedly folk flavor before being spiced up with a little Celtic charm. In time, some of their original music, truly American folk, was added to their library, giving their music a wonderfully personal touch.
Performance: Saturday, April 23, 2022, 7:30 pm
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Harmonious Wail
Americana flavored Gypsy Jazz on full tilt! Harmonious Wail combines the searing wit, humor and mandolin, virtuosity of vintage Jethro Burns performances, the Continental panache of Django and charm of Edith Piaf inspired vocals to create a unique musical journey.
“In the Gypsy Jazz field, no one does it any better than the Madison, Wisconsin based group Harmonious Wail.” -Jazz Review
“Intense playing & sense of purpose that never wavers… a mind altering experience.” -The Washington Examiner
Harmonious Wail is a trio of multi-award winning musicians. Sims Delaney-Potthoff, a mandolin virtuoso, and vocalist, Maggie Delaney-Potthoff, vocalist extraordinaire, whose percussive instrument of choice is a cardboard box (but who can also rock almost any household object), and Jeffo Weiss, a master bassist who dazzles and mesmerizes on both upright and electric 5-string bass.
Performance: Saturday, April 9, 2022, 7:30 pm
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Telling Stories: A Strong Heart
A performance combining dance, spoken word, song, and movement, celebrating our resiliency and strong heart. A La Crosse Dance Centre and Pump House Production.
Directed by: Anne Drecktrah.
Choreography by: Nikki Balsamo, Liz Camacho, Angela Imhoff, Jonathan Lamb, Aya Klein-Borgert, Elise McDonald, Ashley Williams, Vivian Stephenson, and Adelaide Wateski
Cast: Karen Acker, Rita Koch-Thometz, Jonathan Lamb, Dominique Sicard, Kate Mayer, Chelsea McManimon-Moe, Dylan Woodman, Terry Visger
Performances:
- Friday, April 1, 2022, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, April 2, 2022, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, April 3, 2022, 2 pm
Tickets on Sale Now
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Moors & McCumber
Performance: Saturday, March 26, 2022, 7:30 pm
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Celtic Stories and Music
Presented by the Bluff Country Tale Spinners who will be sharing a bit of the Irish and beyond with their Celtic Stories and Songs by Ariane Lydon playing the Celtic Harp. So put on your best ‘green’ and join us for some good o’ Irish tales and music.
Catch the news coverage here!
Watch Video: Ariane Lydon Celtic Harp
Performance: Saturday, March 12, 2022, 7:30 pm
The Bluff Country Tale Spinners (BCTS) was started in 1999 by Dr. Phyllis Blackstone and Ms. Sara Slayton. Both these women had backgrounds in teacher education and children’s literature and an abiding interest in storytelling. Phyllis belonged to a storytelling guild when she lived on the East Coast, so when she arrived in La Crosse she searched for a comparable group. There was none, but she was given Sara’s name. Sara had been teaching a storytelling class for Extended Education. The two met and the Tale Spinners guild was created. Current members include storytellers and story listeners from all walks of life; teachers, lawyers, therapists, military personnel, toastmasters, home schoolers, forensics members, parent, grandparents, retirees, and teens.
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
The Magic of Isaiah
The Magic Mystery Matinee is a 60-minute family magic show. The show will allow you to use your imagination to create the impossible. Watch as normal everyday objects levitate, sleight of hand that will amaze, clean family comedy to tickle your funny bone, and watch as you become a part of the show. The show is designed with magic for all ages to enjoy. The only requirement is your imagination.
“My interest in magic began when I was given a trick at the age of 9. I learned it and used it to entertain my friends and family. I enjoyed the feeling it gave me to make people scratch their heads in wonderment. I started acquiring more magic and gaining an audience whose excitement encouraged my love for entertainment. My passion and joy continues to grow and I take pride in perfecting the art of magic. I have had the pleasure of entertaining professionally for over ten years and have performed over 1000 shows for a variety of age groups and organizations.
Magic is about the experience and I promise to give you a memorable one. I continue to keep my audiences entertained and coming back for more. I strive for excellence and work hard so my audiences are never disappointed.” -Isaiah
Performances
- Saturday, March 12, 2022, 2:00-3:00 pm
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Johnsmith
CD Release Concert
Purchase Johnsmith Backroads CD HERE
“Big news to report. I am in the process of making a brand new CD. It’s called Backroads, the title of one of the 13 all-new original songs. Co-produced with my long time friend Tom Prasada-Rao with stellar musicians, Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Dan Sebranek, Elisi Smith-Waller, Larry Dalton, Radoslov Lorkovic, Rick MacDonald, and a few very talented Irish musicians. I’m very excited about the project and wanted to let you all know about it and reach out to friends and fans for a little help making it a reality.” – Johnsmith
Johnsmith is one of those artists so often under-recognized – he possesses a genius that cannot be denied, ignored, or overlooked. For the past thirty-plus years, Johnsmith has been sharing his music all across America and abroad. He has become a favorite at festivals, clubs, and house concerts alike. In addition to being a Kerrville New Folk Winner, Johnsmith has released eight solo CDs to rave reviews, leads musical tours to Ireland, teaches songwriting, and has served as a staff songwriter in Nashville.
With his faded jeans, his twinkly blue eyes, and his infectious smile, John immediately connects with audiences. You get the sense of a man who loves his life, his family and friends, and who loves nothing more than sharing that love in song and stories all across this land.
Performing with Dan Sebranek, Larry Dalton and Elisi Smith-Waller
Performances: SOLD OUT CONTACT PUMP HOUSE FOR WAIT LIST 608-785-1434
- Friday, January 14, 2022, 7:30 pm SOLD OUT
- Saturday, January 15, 2022, 7:30 pm SOLD OUT
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Make Music Winter
Make Music La Crosse and Make Music Winter are free live music events on the Summer Solstice (June 21) and Winter Solstice (December 21). All part of the larger Make Music Day, an international celebration occurring in 1,000+ cities across the globe, the Pump House led our community in celebrating the first Make Music La Crosse Day on June 21, 2021 with free live music on streets, porches, sidewalks and parks across the City. Now we bring to La Crosse: Make Music Winter!
How to Participate: This is an open invitation for La Crosse’s musicians of all skill levels, ages, and instruments to share their music with others-friends, neighbors, family, passers-by, other musicians, and all who want to enjoy music.
Email lacrosse@makemusicday.org for more information or to sign up to make music on December 21!
The holiday season has special magic when it includes a String Ties concert at the Pump House. Dan Sebranek, Wayne Beezley, Larry Dalton and Tom Pfaff have performed together for decades in this annual, much loved, holiday concert. When bird-lover Tom Pfaff took flight as a snowbird – Dan, Wayne and Larry were left holding Santa’s bag. Replacing Tom’s banjo + banter for the Christmas show? – no way! But they enjoyed doing the show…so, they got two of the best string players around to help shoulder Santa’s satchel.
Please join Dan, Wayne, Larry, Betsy and Rick for the launch of Sting Ties-Revised!
- Dan Sebranek, Guitar-Vocals
- Wayne Beezley, Mandolin-Vocals
- Larry Dalton, Bass-Vocals
- Betsy Neil, Fiddle-Vocals
- Rick Sampson, Banjo-Vocals
Winona fiddler Betsy Neil is a classically trained violinist who has performed in symphonies, quartets and theater pits – but early on, she got interested in, and became accomplished in bluegrass, Appalachian old time, swing, Celtic, and Cajun styles. She has performed in numerous string bands including The Buffalo Gals, and currently performs with the Twin-Cities based Cajun band, Roux La La.
Galesville banjo picker Rick Sampson is a trained luthier and the designer/builder of the internationally known Sampson banjo bridge and a builder of the Native American flute. He is an articulate and innovative player fluent in Scruggs style bluegrass banjo picking as well as melodic and single string styles. Rick was in the house band of the Big River Radio Wave show on Wisconsin Public Radio and currently performs with his son Aric as Sampson & Son.
Performances:
Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 7:30 pm – SOLD OUT
Friday, December 17, 2021 – 7:30 pm – SOLD OUT
Tickets: General Public: $30/Members: $25
Student/Military: $15 (available for purchase at the Pump House, proof of student/military needed at time of purchase)
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Directed by Anne Drecktrah
Production Manager Brett Huus
La Crosse Storytelling Coordinator Terry Visger
Produced by Pump House Regional Arts Center
Join us on Giving Tuesday, November 30, 2021 for a free, in person screening of the original Pump House production of 21: Solo Stories on the Theme Twenty One at the Pump House theater from 6:00-7:00 pm. Seating is limited and your free ticket must be reserved.
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Stories, Authors and Actors in 21:
- Cusp of 2021 – Written and Performed by Nancy Noelke
- You’re Muted – Written and Performed by Christy Wopat
- 21 Words – Written by Philip Venzke and Performed by Jim Nelson
- Three Weeks – Written by Will Ward and Performed by Chelsea McManimon-Moe
- Learning to Swim – Written by Alexia Walz and Performed by Dominique Sicard
- Meeting Bobonne – Written by Denise Rostad and Performed by Kelley Manson
- 21 Reasons Why We Should – Written by Kristina (Tina) McGiven and Performed by Jess Witkins
- Tale of 21 – Written and Performed by Jonathan Lamb
- Twenty-One – Written by Gus Fimple and Performed by Brandon Harris
- Ring Me – Written by Lisa Olson and Performed by Diane Breeser
- The Long and Short of It – Written by Gordon Fowler and Performed by August Rubrecht
- The 21st Cent – Written and Performed by Tom Williams
- Dance of the Littles – Written and Performed by Amy Jo Vanarsdall
Storyhill
Storyhill, from Bozeman, Montana, is a folk duo that brings infectious melodies, smart story songs, and heartbreaking harmonies together in one perfect package.
“Their sound recalls the harmonious interplay of Simon & Garfunkel and the acoustic juice of the Indigo Girls”. -Billboard
“It takes less than a minute to fall in love with Storyhill…Trading folk and rock passages back and forth a la early records by the Jayhawks, Chris Cunningham, and John Hermanson have crafted a timeless sound.” –Duluth Budgeteer News
Take a listen to their album here: www.storyhill.com/music/bethlehem-2020/
Performance:
- Friday, November 12, 2021, 7:30 pm SOLD OUT please contact the Pump House to get on the wait list: 1-608-785-1434
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Spooky Stories on a Dark Night
Performance
- Sat. Oct. 30, 2021-7:30 pm SOLD OUT
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
Willy Porter
“Willy plays rhythms that make me want to crawl inside his guitar and sleep there forever.“
— Tori Amos
“Porter accentuates well – rendered tales with spit – fire – percussive acoustic guitar strumming and fiery color – chord picking.“
— Billboard
Willy Porter continues on a musical and personal odyssey spanning over two decades, 11 albums, and multiple continents. His journey has been defined by an inquisitive love for humanity and the language that describes what we all hold to be true. Porter’s songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence. His live shows are guitar-driven grit, soul, silence and muscle– at times electrifying, dynamic, and unique in the way that Porter’s voice blends and fuses with his fret work.
Performance on Sat. Oct. 23, 2021 at 7:30 pm SOLD OUT
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House
2021-22 Season Opener in the Newly
Renovated Theater
*If you had tickets to the March 2020, postponed performance of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, please call the Pump House (608-785-1434) to reserve your seat at the September 2021 rescheduled performance. Thank you!
**Student and military discounted tickets available to purchase in person at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. Be prepared to show identification to receive the discount. Thank you!
***COVID-19 GUIDELINES: All theater ticket holders must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of a performance at the Pump House.
This production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore opens our 2021 theater season and debuts our newly renovated theater!
Love, Loss, and What I Wore is a play written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron based on the 1995 book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman. This funny and poignant theatrical event uses clothing, accessories and the memories they trigger to tell an intimate collection of stories about relationships and wardrobes and at times the interaction of the two, using the female wardrobe as a time capsule of a woman’s life.
Produced by the Pump House Regional Arts Center
Directed by Anne Drektrah
Performances:
- Thursday, September 16, 2021 – 7:30 pm
- Friday, September 17, 2021 – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, September 18, 2021 – 7:30 pm
- Sunday, September 19, 2021 – 2 pm
Cast Members: Diane Breeser, Mary Leonard, Nancy Noelke, Jean Saladino, Ellen Ullsvik, Terry Visger, and Lynn West
Second Weekend Performances:
- Friday, September 24, 2021 – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, September 25, 2021 – 7:30 pm
- Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 2 pm
- Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Cast Members: Susan Fox, Diane Foust, Mary Lansing, Dominique Luecke, and Emily Ware
Love, Loss, and What I Wore | Writing Contest
Love, Loss, and What I Wore, a play written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, tells stories that will delight and astonish you with a collection of stories about women, relationships, and how clothes become significant in some of life’s memorable moments. These sincere stories contain moments that all of our hearts warmly resonate with.
We invite you to write an essay sharing your own memory of love, loss, and most importantly, what was worn. Entries will be judged based on creativity, quality of writing, and stage adaptability. Essays will be sent as blind submissions to jurors and winning entries will be read on stage by a cast member at one of the performances. The winning submissions will receive 2 free tickets to this performance. The Pump House will also share the winning essays on Instagram and Facebook.
This is a continued call to writers from last year, as the 2020 performances were rescheduled to this September 2021. Submissions from the 2020 theme–evolution of style during a pandemic–will be included in this year’s contest.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS:
- Corrine Huber, The Last Dance Dress, read on stage Sunday, 09/19/21
- Heidi Blanke, The Yellow Suit, read on stage Saturday, 09/25/21
- Carrie Massine, Our Last Snowman, read on stage Sunday, 09/26/21
- Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, 7:30 pm
- Thursday, August 19, 2021, 7:30 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm
- Friday, August 20, 2021, 7:30pm
- Saturday, August 21, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, August 22, 2:00 pm, doors open at 1:30 pm
- Thursday, August 26, 2021, 7:30pm, doors open at 6:30 pm
- Friday, August 27, 2021, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, August 28, 2021, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, August 29, 2021, 2:00 pm, doors open at 1:30 pm
Tickets available at the Pump House Regional Arts Center
Call 608-785-1434 or order online
All Performances are at the Pump House Regional Arts Center, newly renovated theater!
Fri. July 23 – Tales of the Creepy & Scary: Tickets $8/person or $15 for a family of 6 (in the same household)
Door open at 6:00 pm
Emcee is Cruella aka Diane Breeser
6:40 pm: Stories for all ages
7:30 pm: Intermission
7:40 pm: Stories that are a bit scarier to very chilling
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Sat. July 24 – All performances are at the Pump House Regional Arts Center
Morning Children’s Performances: 10:30 am-1:50 pm
FREE FOR ALL** (ticket/registration required)
Doors Open at 10 am
Emcee Kay Weeden
10:30-11:00 am: Hans Meyer
11:05-11:50 am: Isiah Foster
11:55-12:15 am: Activities
12:20-1:05 pm: Bill Lepp, Featured Storyteller
1:10-1:40 pm: Activities
1:45-1:50 pm: Children’s Performance from Activities
**Thank you for Arla and John Clements for the sponsorship of free tickets for all
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Sat. July 24 – Afternoon Multi-age Performances: 1:50-5:15pm
$10/person, Children 12 and under FREE (ticket/registration required)
Emcee August Rupreccht
1:50-2:10 pm: Intermission– music by Ariane Lydon
2:10-3:00 pm: Kevin Kling
3:00-3:15 pm: Intermission- music by Ariane Lydon
3:15-3:30 pm: August Ruprecht (emcee and teller)
3:30-4:15 pm: Kim Weitkamp
4:15-4:30 pm: Intermission- music by Ariane Lydon
4:30-5:15 pm: Bill Lepp
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Sat. July 24 – Night Performances: $15/person: 5:30-9:40 pm
Emcee Michael Scott
5:30-6:30 pm LUNA Story Slam
6:30-9:40 pm Adult Cabaret
6:30-6:40 pm: Kao Xiong 6:30-6:40
6:45-7:30 pm: Kim Weitkamp 6:45-7:30
7:35-7:45 pm: Luna Story Slam Winner 7:35-7:40
7:40-8:00 pm Intermission, Silent auction ends at 8:00
8:00-8:45 pm Bil Lepp
8:50-9:40 pm Kevin Kling
Additional information is available at www.lacrossestoryfest.com
Brought to you by the Pump House Regional Arts Center,
this inaugural year of Make Music La Crosse is a live, free, musical
celebration on June 21, 2021, the longest day of the year,
with concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the city of La Crosse, WI
Visit www.makemusicday.org/lacrosse/ for a full musician and location listing
Chamber Music Concert – Ensemble Druzhba
In honor of La Crosse-Dubna Friendship Association
Friday, June 25, 2021
Free to attend, donations to the musicians encouraged.
Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Concert at 7:00 pm
Ensamble Druzhba Quintet:
Michelle Elliott, violin
Busya Lugovier, viola
Derek Clark, cello
Troy Birdsong, bass
Pamela Kelly, piano
This concert celebrates two iconic masterworks of the romantic period.
The Schumann Quartet is a work that blends lyrical beauty, suppressed excitement, and joy. The Schubert “Trout” Quintet highlights his immensely popular lied “Die Forellen” (“The Trout”) in one of the five movements. It is a sunny work of pure delight.
Past Theater Performances
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Johnsmith -
Tonic Sol Fa -
Moors & McCumber -
The Magic of Isaiah -
Michael Charles -
The Women -
Michael Scott and Scott Brouwer -
Billy & Elton -
Heart of La Crosse -
Om Shalom Trio -
Jenn Bostic -
Society of Broken Souls -
