Stage

Shock 'n' Roll

a new festival in Menomonie will feature art, music for two days

Tracy Chipman |

ART. ROCK. Whale House is one of many bands performing for Culture Shock on Saturday, May 19.
ART. ROCK. Whale House is one of many bands performing for Culture Shock
on Saturday, May 19.

Culture Shock is an exciting two-day festival in Menomonie, put on by Menomonie Theater Guild, on May 18 & 19 celebrating the best of local music, art, and food. With two unique evenings planned, coinciding with Main Street Menomonie’s new SummerDaze festival, Culture Shock will zap the local art and music scene with a current of new energy by presenting a sort of culture crawl involving downtown spaces that wouldn’t typically have these activities. 

Blaine Halverson, MTG’s executive director, believes, “a rising tide lifts all boats, meaning the more we can help promote local art, food, music, culture ... the more it benefits the entire area arts scene in general.” 

The Friday night event, “Culture Shock: Breaking & Entering,” is a unique, self-guided fundraising tour of local music, art and food in four of Menomonie’s most interesting “private” spaces. Places that you may have wondered what it would be like to go inside and have a peek. Here is
your chance. 

On Saturday,  “Culture Shock: Audio Invasion,” done in cooperation with Main Street, will feature area musicians such as Madilyn Bailey, Kenzie Joy, Whale House, Heart Pills, Mike Rambo Project, Irie Sol, Revolver, Katie Belville, Rod Belville, and more. Food from local restaurants will feature local yummies and there will be beer and wine tastings from local brewers and winemakers. 

Last, but certainly not least, art exhibits and live art by area artists will tie Culture Shock all together.