ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Lil Rev
Musician, Educator
I grew up on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, WI which was a working class neighborhood in all its splendor.
I graduated from John Marshall High School in 1987 and The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1993 {with a B.S. Degree in Community Education}.
My musical inspiration started when I was just a kid listening to my dad’s record collection and my mom singing Broadway show-tunes.
I had an early morning paper route which afforded me the chance to purchase my first guitar, along with some rock n roll records and a few guitar lessons to boot.
That was over 40 years ago, and I’ve lived each day, to listen to, play, perform and teach music any chance I can get. It still amazes me all these years later that I am able to make my living doing what I love!
I first heard Bruce Springsteen sing Born to Run and Thunder Road in 1979 {I was 11 years old} and I’ve never been quite the same ever since.
Music had to be a part of my life, for some perhaps its a hobby, but for me it was an obsession.
After hearing Woody Guthrie sing I Ain’t Got No Home, when I was 14, I had to have an acoustic guitar! More importantly, Woody posed a question in his music, that has always haunted me….“What does it mean to be an American?” This is the same question, that, I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to answer in story and song.
Eventually, I heard Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, and man, once I did, the deal was sealed, I was bound to become a musician come hell or high water!
From 1993 until 2000, I toured the Midwest as a troubadour, performing at coffee shops, nursing homes, street corners, house concerts and community festivals both solo and later on with the Milwaukee Super group Frogwater. During this time, I played at so many nursing homes, assisted living centers and veterans homes that my friends jokingly called me, The King of The Nursing Home Circuit! For the record, I was, and am, proud of that title! I love being with our elders!
As of 2020, my music career largely revolves around touring North America, teaching at music camps, festivals, and concert series, as well as presenting my one man musical history shows like: Scraps of Quilting Music, The American Uke Master Show, Jews n Blues, and The Jews of Tin Pan Alley, When Dylan Met Guthrie as well as my one man Uke history show: American Uke Master.
Will Branch
Musician, Educator
Over his 35-year career, musician and songwriter Will Branch has performed in many different lineups and situations. As a solo artist, he has performed around the US and his original songs have been played on folk radio around the world. As a member of the duo Fox & Branch, Branch has performed for thousands of children and family members at festivals, libraries, and concert series.
With his playing partner Dave Fox, as the duo Fox & Branch, Branch played nearly 2,000 shows over the course of more than 25 years. Fox & Branch recordings won five Parent’s Choice recommended awards. The duo appeared at festivals such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival, The Philadelphia Folk Festival and The Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival (Westport, Ireland). They have been featured at venues like The National Theater in Washington D.C., Symphony Space in New York City, Club Passim in Boston and The Overture Center in Madison, WI.
Branch is also an experienced educator, teaching classroom music at Montessori schools for 20 years. He has been a guest lecturer at music classes in high school and college classes. For over 2 decades, he has taught Music Together classes around the Milwaukee area, providing great musical experiences for families and young children.
https://willbranch.com/bio
TICKETS
MAINSTAGE PRICING
Adult: $36
Senior (60+) / Military: $33
Subscriber / Group (10+): $30
Under 18: $27
ACCESSIBILITY
The Margaret Brate Bryant Civic Theatre building is fully accessible, and WCT is proud to offer a number of services to our patrons who have special needs. Please contact our Box Office for more information about listening devices, transfer seats, wheelchair positions, Sensory Friendly performances, and Sensory Kits.
CONCESSIONS AND BAR
You may bring snacks and beverages that you purchase from our bar into the theatre to enjoy during the show. Water, soda, beer, wine, snacks, both sweet and savory are available.