With winter break just around the bend, two upcoming events may intrigue UW-Whitewater students who live in the Madison and Milwaukee areas. 
An upcoming band, The Lucas Cates Band, and a timeless Christmas classic, “A Christmas Carol,” could be popular performances for students to attend over the holiday break.
The Lucas Cates Band
The Lucas Cates Band, a national touring band based out of Madison, will be performing twice in the Madison area during the upcoming break.
Having three albums and 31 different songs, The Lucas Cates Band is one of the many upcoming bands in Wisconsin.
Originated in 2006, the band blends pop, rock, blues, reggae, funk and alternative country covering a wide-variety of music types.
“The vast majority of our songs are written by me,” lead vocalist Lucas Cates said.
The band also consists of guitarist/violinist Kenny Leiser, bassist Mark Noxon and drummer Jesse Warmka. The group has changed since its formation but Castes said it “has formed a great chemistry.”
The Lucas Cates Band has recently played with the Gin Blossoms. The band has also played with famous singer Marc Broussard.
The band will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Coliseum Bar in Madison.
On New Year’s Eve, they will host a New Years Bash at 9:30 p.m. at Quaker Steak & Lube in Middleton.
The band will also perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 and 21 at Dejope Casino.
A Christmas Carol
The holiday spirit is running rampant at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre with their production of “A Christmas Carol.”
With 36 years of success, “A Christmas Carol” is a long standing tradition at the historic theatre, located at 108 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee.
The classical story written by Charles Dickens was adapted by Joseph Hanreddy and Edward Morgan and directed by Hanreddy.
A Christmas Carol depicts the journey of greedy Victorian era business man, Ebenezer Scrooge.
He is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, which lead him towards a changing of ways and a realization of his holiday spirit. This classic play presents the meanings of joy and happiness the Christmas season represents.
“It warms my heart to see so many families attend this iconic holiday production, and to hear their stories of what it has meant to them over the years,” artistic director Mark Clements said. “It really has become Wisconsin’s favorite holiday tradition.”
“A Christmas Carol” will play now through Dec. 24 at the Pabst Theater. Ticket prices range from $15 to $65 depending on seating. For specific showtimes visit the Milwaukee Repertory website at www.milwaukeerep.com.
