Wisconsin Bandshells and Stands
9 7 2024; The ETC
Community Theater at Stone Horse Green, Middleton
Wisconsin Bandshells and Stands is a collection of bandshells and bandstands in the state. It includes photos, history and anecdotes. The material was gathered over a period of many years with the intent making it available for your enjoyment. Updates from you are most welcome.
A few bandshells and stands (not many) have some fall and winter events.
Watch for 2025 schedules, usually out in April-May. Be sure to check them out!
Over time, these venues have evolved from the "stand" to the "shell" to the "stage" or "performance center". The stand was not big enough for larger bands or other types of entertainment and sound was not the best; thus the shell evolved, using the acoustics of the architecture to project the sound to the audience. Today the newer stages have integrated electronics and sound systems so sound carries to all.
Bandshells and bandstands abound across the state of Wisconsin. Almost any evening during the summer, music or other entertainment can be heard or seen. From Superior to Kenosha, from Florence to Monroe, people of all ages gather to enjoy the performances. Usually entertainment is provided by local musicians and artists who have practiced throughout the year to bring their talents for viewing and hearing. Various kinds of music is played for regularly scheduled concerts, festivals, or Fourth of July celebrations. They also are often used for weddings, military ceremonies, or other special events. The surroundings of them, such as veteran memorials, artistic sculptures, athletic fields, and other historic community buildings, reflect the community.
Each bandstand or bandshell has a unique story to tell. They are
- old and historic or modern with new and up-to-date technology;
- serve large or small audiences;
- simple or elaborate in design;
- near lakes, rivers, ponds, lagoons, or in centrally located parks;
- in cities, villages, and townships;
- built with privately gifted funds, Work Progress Administration funds during the 1930s, grants, and/or other public funds;
- and are dedicated to local leaders, band masters, or groups.
They hold and make memories, are fun, and appeal to all ages. They form a part of our Wisconsin fabric, heritage, and culture.
A few bandshells and stands (not many) have some fall and winter events.
Watch for 2025 schedules, usually out in April-May. Be sure to check them out!
Over time, these venues have evolved from the "stand" to the "shell" to the "stage" or "performance center". The stand was not big enough for larger bands or other types of entertainment and sound was not the best; thus the shell evolved, using the acoustics of the architecture to project the sound to the audience. Today the newer stages have integrated electronics and sound systems so sound carries to all.
Bandshells and bandstands abound across the state of Wisconsin. Almost any evening during the summer, music or other entertainment can be heard or seen. From Superior to Kenosha, from Florence to Monroe, people of all ages gather to enjoy the performances. Usually entertainment is provided by local musicians and artists who have practiced throughout the year to bring their talents for viewing and hearing. Various kinds of music is played for regularly scheduled concerts, festivals, or Fourth of July celebrations. They also are often used for weddings, military ceremonies, or other special events. The surroundings of them, such as veteran memorials, artistic sculptures, athletic fields, and other historic community buildings, reflect the community.
Each bandstand or bandshell has a unique story to tell. They are
- old and historic or modern with new and up-to-date technology;
- serve large or small audiences;
- simple or elaborate in design;
- near lakes, rivers, ponds, lagoons, or in centrally located parks;
- in cities, villages, and townships;
- built with privately gifted funds, Work Progress Administration funds during the 1930s, grants, and/or other public funds;
- and are dedicated to local leaders, band masters, or groups.
They hold and make memories, are fun, and appeal to all ages. They form a part of our Wisconsin fabric, heritage, and culture.
INTERVIEWS
October 17, 2022 "In the 608" - an interview at the new Stone Horse Green, Middleton, WI, with Josh Spreiter, CBS, Channel 3, Madison.
On June 22, 2022, Isthmus posted an interview I had with Linda Falkenstein titled "Badger bandstands".
On March 11, 2022, there was an interview by Chase Browning about Milwaukee's Washington Park's Emil Blatz Temple of Music on WUWM NPR "Bubbler Talk". I was delighted to participate along with Bobby Tanzil (OnMilwaukee). Check out the webpage for additional details and photos about the Emil Blatz Temple of Music!
January 27, 2021, an interview by Bobby Tanzilo, OnMilwaukee "Wisconsin Bandshells A Labor of Love".
On August 2019, I was invited to WI Public Radio's Morning Show to talk about WI bandshells and stands. If you missed it the first time around, you can listen to The Stories Behind Wisconsin's Bandstands by linking to https://www.wpr.org/stories-behind-wisconsins-bandstands.
Two corrections about what I said during the broadcast:
October 17, 2022 "In the 608" - an interview at the new Stone Horse Green, Middleton, WI, with Josh Spreiter, CBS, Channel 3, Madison.
On June 22, 2022, Isthmus posted an interview I had with Linda Falkenstein titled "Badger bandstands".
On March 11, 2022, there was an interview by Chase Browning about Milwaukee's Washington Park's Emil Blatz Temple of Music on WUWM NPR "Bubbler Talk". I was delighted to participate along with Bobby Tanzil (OnMilwaukee). Check out the webpage for additional details and photos about the Emil Blatz Temple of Music!
January 27, 2021, an interview by Bobby Tanzilo, OnMilwaukee "Wisconsin Bandshells A Labor of Love".
On August 2019, I was invited to WI Public Radio's Morning Show to talk about WI bandshells and stands. If you missed it the first time around, you can listen to The Stories Behind Wisconsin's Bandstands by linking to https://www.wpr.org/stories-behind-wisconsins-bandstands.
Two corrections about what I said during the broadcast:
- I said the Lake Harriet was built around 1900s, but actually it was built in the 1980s; and
- I misspoke about the Siren bandshell - I was really thinking of the one in Solon Springs. The topic of the moment was acoustics, and the Solon Springs was specifically designed with that in mind. Both are very great ones for their communities.
THANKS
Many thanks to all those - historical societies; libraries; local parks departments; city, town, and village officials; Chambers of Commerce; architects; individuals; friends and family - who have helped create this website by providing information, stories, newspaper articles, and photos.
Many thanks to all those - historical societies; libraries; local parks departments; city, town, and village officials; Chambers of Commerce; architects; individuals; friends and family - who have helped create this website by providing information, stories, newspaper articles, and photos.
CONTACT
Please feel free to contact [email protected] with any new information, photos, ideas, questions, comments or edits.
© Copyright 2025
Marjorie A. Kozich
All Rights Reserved
Marjorie A. Kozich
All Rights Reserved