All Ages

The Yahara River Chorus is a local chapter of Sweet Adelines International and they have competed at all levels of competition. 

They earned the right to compete at the highest level in 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii, taking "4th Place Small Chorus in the World", and obviously, they all are very proud of that accomplishment. 

Their Director, Jennifer Johnson, and her Mom and Grandma, Linda Johnson and Harriet Steventon, were all DeForest residents.  Linda started the chorus back in 1984 and they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2024.

Master entertainer, Bobby Way, will close out the 2022 summer concert series on July 26 with a rollicking good time. Based in Milwaukee, he promises to dish up a tasteful blend of music, entertainment and comedy.

Bobby accompanies himself on guitar, trumpet and sax aided by state of the art computer driven keyboards to give you a "full band" experience.  He provides an infectious, crowd-pleasing feast of entertainment that will have you asking for more.

Audience members should get ready to kick up their heels with Hoot ‘n Annie, a vocal centric string band, on July 19. Be prepared to enjoy a hootenanny– essentially a folk song party–packed with songs that are fun to sing in harmony backed by fiddle, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, cello and guitar.

Tony Rocker will have Market Street rocking when he returns to the Library’s summer concert series July 12. Born in Milwaukee, Tony was greatly influenced by Elvis, Sam Cooke, and Dion, among others.

He has brought Elvis’ music to life for more than 20 years, working diligently to master the King’s mannerisms, hand gestures, vocals, and dance moves. Tony strives to present authentic performances, wearing exact replicas of Elvis’ jumpsuits and singing in the same keys.

He has performed in Haiti, Jamaica, San Diego, Memphis, and Branson, as well as many other locations.

Members of the UW-Madison Marching Band will march back to the Library to provide their annual kick-off to Concerts on Market Street on Tuesday, July 5.

Bucky Badger and the band members will have the audience up, singing and dancing, to the sounds of an extended 5th-quarter performance.

• Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs for the concerts; a limited amount of grassy space is available for blankets.
• Cub Scout Pack 35 will be selling refreshments, including popcorn and rootbeer floats.

Rain location: Library

Concerts at the Rocks wouldn’t be the same without Elmore Lawson and his drum circle program. He has been with us since the beginning. He returns June 28 to introduce people of all ages to a variety of world percussion instruments and to lead a simple drum circle that includes rhythms, chants, call and response, and solo phrases.

David Landau, a DAPL favorite and award-winning musician, and entertainer will return to the Library on June 21. A former first-grade teacher, he travels to elementary schools, preschools, and libraries to perform musical programs that are educational, entertaining, and motivating.

David’s programs are an extension of his favorite part of teaching, which is helping children understand themselves and the world around them. His personal appearances are upbeat musical programs that keep children engaged and constantly thinking.

The Library is excited to welcome Wendy & DB, an award-winning kindie duo from Chicago, for their DAPL debut. They write and perform songs about science, nature, diversity, animals, safety, and the arts with two guitars, a ukulele, and their voices.

The 2022 Concerts at the Rocks will kick off Tuesday, June 7 at 1 pm with Junebug and Beni Daiko. Junebug, also known as Junko Yamauchi Stewart, is a DeForest resident who is a multi-talented musician and educator who is locally known for her Music with Junebug programs at the Madison Children’s Museum.

She is also the founder of Beni Daiko, Madison's premiere mainland Japanese taiko drumming group. "Beni" means "deep red" in Japanese, representing Madison, and "Taiko" means drum.

Stock up on hot summer reads at the Friends of the DAPL Book Sale. Volunteers will be on hand to help you find just the right books for you and your family in the book sale rooms and the racks throughout the Library's lower level.

Can't make it that day? Stop by for the self-service sale in the hallway and children's book sale room. Payment can be made at the circulation desk on the Library's main level (cash or check only; no change available).