Olbrich After Hours

Panchromatic Steel

Tuesday, June 25

At the heart of Panchromatic’s sound is the steeldrum, or “steelpan” as it's known in its native Trinidad & Tobago. Founded in 2016 in Madison, Panchromatic Steel has blazed an entirely new trail in the city’s music scene, fusing island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a high-energy blend that is hard to categorize but easy to love. With top-shelf multi-instrumentalism and wide-ranging appeal, Panchromatic’s music brightens any day, transports listeners to their happiest moments in the sun, and threads the needle by being artful yet accessible to virtually everyone.

Food Carts: KC Taste Asian Cuisine & Frios Gourmet Pops

Eco-friendly Org: Natural Path Sanctuary

Driveway Thriftdwellers

Tuesday, July 2

Starting out as a few guys who just wanted to play some Flying Burrito Brothers tunes, the Driveway Thriftdwellers, led by brothers Jon and Ryan Knudson, have found a home in the midwest's vibrant original Country and Americana scenes.

Food Carts: Mexsal Mobile & Cinn City Churros

Eco-friendly Org: Dane County Trash Lab

Leslie Demaso

Tuesday, July 9

Olbrich presents SIRENA: A multi-media project created by Leslie Damaso, Ben Ferris, Mike Koszewski and Jason Kutz, featuring Jon Irabagon, Janice Lee and Jose Guzman. SIRENA blends a personal story, family secrets, a mythic love triangle ending in the beginning of a nation, the displacement of its people, an individual’s perspective of belonging and a spectacular celebration of community. The music combines traditional Filipino kundiman songs, kulintang, along with jazz and classical influences. 

Food Carts: Taquitos Marimar & Frios Gourmet Pops

Eco-friendly Org: RENEW Wisconsin

Cycropia Aerial Dance, with Searchlights and Ho Etsu Taiko

Tuesday, July 16

The booming sounds of Chicago’s Ho Etsu Taiko’s drums will ring through Olbrich Botanical Gardens, extending cinematic soundscapes from the central Wisconsin band Searchlights, all connecting with Madison’s own Cycropia Aerial Dance taking flight and literally dancing in the sky. This collaboration is a celebration of bridging the earth and heavens, translating inspiration from nature to make visual and audible art. What better place for this collaboration than Olbrich where the gardens are an expression of humans channeling heavenly energy through the sun and the natural elements of plants to surround the audience in art. 

Food Carts: El Burrito Loco & Frios Gourmet Pops

Eco-friendly Org: 350 Wisconsin

The Earthlings

Tuesday, July 23

The Earthlings have spent the last decade fostering a community and reputation in Madison of one of the town's most exciting live shows. The music is cinematic and groovy. Abundant vocal harmony between brothers Noah and Elliott Gilfillan, and Luke Peters, is supported by evocative synth melodies, driving effected bass foundations courtesy of Grant Blashcka, and the pulsing rhythm of Chuckie Brown's live drum kit combined with sequencers and sampling. The guitar work of Neil Barhite ranges from ethereal to razorlike, and is complimented by the shared efforts of Elliott and Luke on rhythm guitar. The Earthlings combine these elements in a package that expertly tows the line between chaos and contemplation. It's catchy, it's groovy, it's bedlam, and it's impossible not to dance to.

Food Carts: The Roost & Cinn City Churro

Eco-friendly Org: Solarpunk Surf Club & FairShare CSA Coalition

Ben Mulwana and The Village

Tuesday, July 30

Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist residing in Kenosha, Wisconsin. With thought-provoking lyrics and a diverse range of musical inspiration, Mulwana’s music has been described as afro-soul rock that takes on a unique storytelling quality. The single features a full band composition, bringing a dynamic and high energy quality that builds on the soulful presence of his performances. Mulwana began as an acoustic, singer-songwriter act, but has since grown into a four-piece band, dialing up the flavor, depth, and infectious energy of his music. The full band set has been described as energetic and dynamic while bringing a groovy, magnetic presence that immediately captures the attention of his audience.

Food Carts: Sista's Chicken & Fish & Cinn City Churros

Eco-friendly Org: Madison Metro Transit

Mokoomba

Tuesday, August 6

Mokoomba is an explosively talented six-man crew from Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls), Zimbabwe. Hailed as one of the most exciting bands from Africa in the 21st century, they are setting dancefloors ablaze with their unique mix of traditional Tonga and pan-African music cultures with dashes of Rap, Ska, Soukous, and Afro-Cuban music. With over 40 countries and prestigious international festivals under their belt, they have performed at the world’s biggest venues; Sziget, Roskilde, North Sea Jazz, New York’s Apollo Theater, New Orleans Jazz and many more.

Food Carts: Nani & Cinn City Churros

Eco-friendly Org: Ceiba Foundation

Opera at Olbrich

Tuesday, August 13

Fresco Opera is back! Stroll through the Gardens and take in roaming performances of several operatic scenes performed in a variety of garden areas. A magical experience for all your senses.

Food Carts: Paddy's Patties & Cinn City Churros

Eco-friendly Org: Olbrich's Garden Scouts - Moth BioBlitz

Music Bookings

Olbrich After Hours is always looking for new performers to keep our series fresh. If you are interested in performing at one of Olbrich's concert series, please contact:

Mike Gibson
Program Specialist
[email protected]
608-243-0156

Please include contact information and music samples.

If Olbrich's music committee would like to inquire further about booking you or the group you represent, we will contact you with available concert dates.

Pop-up Performers

Olbrich is also seeking local creatives (dancers, poets, comedians, actors, circus artists, etc.) to submit pop-up performance proposals for Olbrich After Hours. 

The pop-up performances may accompany the main concert as a short opening act, side element, cameo, or interlude. Ideas could include spoken word, dance lesson, flash mob, acrobatics, street theater, drum circles, giant puppetry, cultural celebrations, etc.

Use this form to submit pop-up performance proposals.