- Spineshank, Monday, June 1, The Annex, 6 p.m.: Vintage music niches eventually cycle through into a following with later generations; is it nu metal’s time to return? ‘90s vets Spineshank hope so, as three original members reunited in 2025 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album The Height of Callousness. They’re back out this summer for the “Nu Metal Sucks” tour, joined by fellow veterans (hed) PE and Primer 55, plus Oceans on Other Planets and Wausau’s own Un-Broken. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
Opal Lee, left, and Charles Taylor.
Opal Lee, left, and Charles Taylor.
- Freedom’s Journey, Wednesday, June 3, Monona Terrace, 1 p.m.: Advocacy is a task that requires steadfastness and patience. Opal Lee embodied both in her decades-long activism to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which became a reality in 2021 when signed into law by President Biden. This event hosted by Roar Enterprises will feature a taped interview with Lee by Madison filmmaker and author Charles Taylor, plus a conversation by Lee and Taylor (via Zoom) followed by a Q&A. Taylor will also sign copies of his book Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom. Register at eventbrite.com.
- André Darlington, Wednesday, June 3, Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, 6-8 p.m.: Former Isthmus food and drink writer André Darlington returns to his home turf to celebrate the national launch of the 10th anniversary edition of The New Cocktail Hour, his first book, co-authored with his sister (and former Isthmus staffer) Tenaya Darlington. He’s since penned 12 more collections, and is happy to revisit this title with this expanded edition. Where else to celebrate a book by the man who wrote a book called Booze & Vinyl than at the bar that brings them together IRL: Lola’s. After book signings, there’s a listening party for Channel Orange by Frank Ocean — a chill summer listen included in Booze & Vinyl Vol. 2.
Larry Meiller at an audio board.
- An Evening with Larry Meiller, Wednesday, June 3, Barrymore, 7 p.m.: For a lot of Madison, Larry Meiller isn’t just a Wisconsin Public Radio host, he’s an essential part of their day. Meiller announced last December that he will retire from his show at the end of June, and at this special in-person event will tell stories from his nearly six decades on WPR, joined by longtime collaborator Jill Nadeau. It’s a safe bet there may be some gardening tips and other practical advice, along with a wide range of other topics. RSVP at eventbrite.com.
- Refuge & Resistance, through June 13, Imaginary Factory; reception June 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: It makes sense that a distillery and craft cocktail hangout called Imaginary Factory would support the artistic community. This exhibit from four Madison-area artists celebrates both realism and abstraction in a way that foregrounds art’s ability to engage an audience with issues as well as soothe a troubled mind. Ciel Skål, Issis Macias, R-Lo and Bob Hemauer embrace a number of varied techniques, from Skål’s adventures in pigment making to R-Lo’s experiments in charcoal, erasers and rags. A portion of sales will go to support Voces de la Frontera. The reception from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on June 4 will feature a Q&A session with the artists at 6:30 p.m.
- Wisconsin Women’s Voices, June 4 & July 9, Mystery to Me, 6 p.m.: This two-night poetry event features eight Wisconsin writers gathering for readings and conversation. Wisconsin Women’s Voices kicks off June 4 with P.R. Dyjak, C. Kubasta, Sarah Sadie and Marnie Bullock Dresser; July 9 features Cathryn Cofell, Emilie Lindemann, Wendy Vardaman and Lisa Vihos. The setting, a woman-owned bookstore, is a bonus (and a livestream is available for anyone with couch-time plans). Find more info on the poets and RSVP links at mysterytomebooks.com.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art at dusk.…