10/20/2026
We have something special, Waupaca!
We hoped for 75 of you on the first night of The Opening. More than 100 came, and you didn't just fill the room, you opened it up. Open ears, open hearts, and a welcome that carried the music all night.
Several people were moved to tears and stood to applaud more than once, and we're still hearing what a wonderful night it was. The KATE McGARRY Trio felt it too. They told us how welcoming everyone was from the moment they arrived until they said goodbye. At the end of the show, Kate shared how surprised the band was by the warmth and excitement of the continual warm welcome from our volunteers and community. Hearing that was music to our ears. Thank you for helping us give these touring artists that experience.
That's why The Opening exists: adventurous music, close to home. Last night showed that Waupaca is ready for it, and that the people here will show up for it.
This took a village, so thank you:
Marci Reynolds, who works tirelessly to bring music to Waupaca and was hugely instrumental in getting The Opening off the ground
The Woodpile Foundation, for believing in the power of brininging top-shelf talent to Waupaca.
The Waupaca Community Arts Board board and its Live Music Booking Committee (Chuck Reynolds, Bob Tevis, and Tony Wagner), who championed this new series.
The Waupaca Community Arts Hub staff (Carol Couillard, Rachel Bailey, and Laura Reynolds), for making room for us in this fantastic new arts center.
Kyle Knoke, Ryan Wanta, and Andrew White of Jazz Coterie, our co-presenters, for helping us set the bar high and being a joy to work with
Brok Mende for gorgeous sound, Tammie Jo for keeping us on track, Dave Willems for his expertise, and WAUP 99.1 FM for helping us spread the word
The local businesses and organizations that put up our posters.
Bob Tevis and Dan Bootz at the bar, and Cathy Palazzolo, Cheryl Sletten, and Cindy Kelm for the delicious charcuterie and mocktails.
Our whole volunteer team, who are the reason this is happening, and Sam Holtane, Zack Bartel, David Church, and Jacqueline Des Isles, who were essential to the night.
And all of you, who bought tickets to something new before you knew exactly how it would feel
You brought it on the very first night, and we can't wait to do it again.
NEXT UP: Saturday, November 7
Metropolis, Live Score. Nashville pedal steel guitarist Luke Schneider and Ryan Norris (Coupler) perform a live score to Fritz Lang's 1927 silent masterpiece, right in front of the screen. Co-presented with WEGA ARTS at the Woodpile Foundation Performance Hall, just days before the Weyauwega International Film Festival (Nov. 11-14).
Tickets available soon. Stay tuned!
