As you all know by now, Aretha Franklin  has left us. Many knew her as an angel of a performer, and sometimes a difficult and unpredictable person when off-stage. All that may be, but we are left with an amazing trove of performances, both as a singer and an under-rated piano player, whose subtle keyboard work was often the core of spectacular arrangements. She was a continual voice during my life, both as a singer and as a defender of everyone's rights.

The Pablo Center at the Confluence has announce the initial schedule for their opening season. The schedule includes a mix of local peformance groups, films, and performers brought in from far and wide. Highlights for me are likely to include Ailey II, Kate Lindsey and  Baptiste Trotignon, Cassel/Block, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. The complete Pablo schedule brochure is linked below.

I recently read When the Hills Are Gone - a book about the sand mining activists in Wisconsin during the period of the frac sand boom. The author, Thomas W. Pearson, is an associate professor of anthropology at UW-Stout. A disclaimer - I've known Tom for years, particularly since the frac sand activist period documented in this book. 

The music school at UW Eau Claire holds many music events, many from the faculty and students at the University, and some with visiiting performers. One of those opportunities to see a great performance will happen next week as the Pro Arte Quartet holds a recital at the University. It is free and open to the public. April 4, 7:30 PM.  Details are listed at the links below.