Fish Creek, Wis. (June 3, 2021) – Door Community Auditorium (DCA) has announced its 2021/2022 30th Anniversary Main Stage performance schedule, featuring a diverse array of performers that includes Mavis Staples, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Four Tops, The Wailers, Ballet Hispánico, and more.
After a season that was scuttled by Covid, the DCA board and stuff are eager to light the lights, host musicians as they return to the road and stage, and provide a space for performers and audiences to share the balm of the performing arts.
“We all need this,” Cari Lewis, DCA’s executive director said. “The industry, performers, presenters, and our communities—we’re ready to gather and share, to listen and feel, to reflect and receive. We think it’s time, and we’ve put a great deal of preparation and care into doing it safely.”
The season’s lineup contains many shows that were originally scheduled for 2020, as well as some that have been booked specifically for 2021. The acts range in genre (from folk to dance to big band and blues rock) and fame (from international legends like Mavis Staples to Madison cult favorites Steely Dane), but all are certain to draw an enthusiastic response from DCA’s audience.
DCA will kick off the 2021 season with a performance by Door County blues outfit Mighty Mouth (June 25), followed by Chicago bluegrass band The Special Consensus (July 2), New York City—by way of Sturgeon Bay—songwriter Todd Carey (July 8), Nashville roots duo A Tale of Two (July 17), Door County native “piano man” Eli Mattson (July 24), and Twin Cities brother duo The Cactus Blossoms (July 30).
August begins with post-punk soul from JC Brooks Band (August 4), Americana string band swagger from Old Crow Medicine Show (August 8), and blues rock from North Mississippi Allstars (August 16). Back by popular demand, Mavis Staples performs August 19. A double bill of John Hiatt and The Jerry Douglas Band (August 22) and indie folk from Milwaukee duo Dead Horses (August 28) round out the month.
Country torchbearer Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives appear September 11, followed by beloved reggae band The Wailers September 19 and Steely Dan tribute band Steely Dane September 25.
Comedian Paula Poundstone of “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” brings her renowned humor to Fish Creek October 3, and Door County supergroup Buckets of Rain pays tribute to the songs of Bob Dylan October 9 and 10. “Manitowoc Minute” comedian Charlie Berens appears October 17, and on October 20 Latino dance troupe Ballet Hispánico performs an evening concert as well as daytime educational programming for Door County students. Motown legends The Four Tops appear October 22.
On November 27, critically acclaimed Native American singer Joanne Shenandoah presents “Giving Thanks to Mother Earth.” DCA will celebrate the holidays with Glenn Miller Orchestra at Christmas December 11.
In winter and early spring of 2022, DCA will present several Passport Program presentations for students of all ages: “Bessie, Billie, and Nina: Pioneering Women in Jazz” (February 25), “Dinosaur Zoo” (March 6), Zimbabwean vocal ensemble Nobuntu (March 25), and “classical boom” duo Black Violin (April 5). All Passport Program shows contain educational elements for Door County youth as well as evening performances for the general public.
DCA also hosts a variety of community events throughout the season.
In response to Covid concerns, DCA’s HVAC system has been upgraded. Masks will be required for all patrons until further notice, and DCA will begin the season by operating at 25% of capacity, with a plan to expand to 60% capacity starting August 8. Full refunds will be offered to any patron who stays home because they do not feel well.
Tickets go on sale to the general public June 15. Special ticket pre-sales for DCA VIPs begin June 8. (For more information on becoming a VIP by joining the Auditorium Society, visit www.dcauditorium.org.) Audience members who plan on attending multiple shows may be interested in becoming season subscribers (subscribers receive VIP ticket processing and save 10 percent on tickets for all events throughout the season). DCA’s office will reopen to the public June 8; tickets may also be purchased over the phone at 920-868-2728 or at www.dcauditorium.org.
Sponsors are still needed for many of this season’s shows. Sponsors, who may choose from a variety of sponsorship packages, will be gratefully recognized in several ways.