WXPR Concerts
WXPR Concert Series at Nicolet College
The annual WXPR Concert Series continues to be a favorite event and with good reason - stacked with amazing talent, every concert is a must-see! Hot up-and-comers, current stars, absolute legends - the artists that take the Nicolet College Theatre stage are some of the finest in the world and deliver performances packed with diverse musical styles and sounds!
Tickets will be held at the box office unless specified. Tickets that are ordered online can be printed as an e-ticket. Please contact WXPR if you have any questions at 715-362-6000.
The Nicolet College Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Please order by phone and let us know that you require wheelchair access.
Support for the 2025 WXPR Concert Series is provided by the Green Bay Packers Foundation, Rhinelander Community Foundation, Rhinelander Tourism and Marketing Committee, the Northern Arts Council and Holiday Acres Resort.
Superior Siren
Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 PM
Nicolet College Theatre
Superior Siren is an eerie-folk project created by singer-songwriter Laura Sellner. The music offers an alluring yet dangerous expression of vulnerability and desire, with inspiration from Lake Superior and Siren mythology. When Sellner joined forces with cellist Rachel Gobin, bassist Nyssa Krause, and drummer Emma Deaner a sisterhood of sirens was formed. The band haunts stages and crafts a mesmerizing blend of vocals, strings, & percussion. Superior Siren has released two solo EPs, one LP, and is in production of the next full-length album. The band has toured throughout the Midwest while supporting acts such as Low, Trampled By Turtles, Charlie Parr, Bon Iver, DeVotchKa, and HALEY. A recent collaboration with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra has influenced their sound.
Join us in welcoming Superior Siren to the Nicolet College Theatre on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 PM.
More at superiorsiren.com
Joseph Huber
Saturday, January 18 at 7:30 PM
Nicolet College Theatre
Joseph Huber hails from the state of Wisconsin, and seems to bring forth the varied voices of whatever it may be that lies dormant within either the fertile soil or the callous concrete of that world. It has been said, "You don’t just like Joseph Huber’s music. You feel it’s something that the rest of the world needs to hear, and how criminal it is that it isn’t spreading far and wide." That sentiment could be related to the fact that the voices which Huber unearths are subtle and take more than a hurried listen to truly absorb. A person who appears reserved and matter-of-fact in everyday speech brings forth songs that are anything but that.
As the singer, songwriter, performer, recorder and producer of all of his own material, Huber has his hands full, but never seems to miss a beat. And his own 'solo' material has now certainly surpassed the output of his past efforts, both in volume and substance. As one of the founding member of the .357 String Band--a group that would probably fit better in today's 'Americana-saturated' environment than in the early to middle aughts--he's gradually honed a sound that seems to fill a very real gap within the still-emerging genre. Having progressed, Huber continues moving onward and upward captivating folks with his sincere and well-crafted songs under his own name along with the impeccable musicianship of his fellow touring partners. Whether it's irresistible, fiddle-driven, dancing tunes or honest, heart-wrenching "songwriter" songs, Huber's songs and shows spans the spectrum of 'Roots' music while preferring not to stay within the boundaries of any strict genre classification.
His lyricism and introspective writing style has received high acclaim from music enthusiasts looking for a more substantive substitute to much of today's music. Maintaining a solid touring schedule, playing all throughout both the U.S. and all around Europe, Huber continues to gain positive press, including being listed on L.A. Weekly's '10 More Country Artists To Listen To.' Blue Ridge Outdoor writes, “Songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Chris Smither, and John Prine can marvel listeners in the simplest of acoustic settings,...From time to time, I stumble upon a new singer/songwriter whose work warrants comparison to the luminaries on this list. ...Huber’s songwriting has me comparing him to my favorites above.” He's had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many artists including Tyler Childers; Hackensaw Boys; Scott H Biram; The Tillers; Possessed By Paul James; Dave Simonett; Robert Earl Keen; Ben Nichols; The Tossers; Charlie Parr; Amy Lavere; Horseshoes & Hand Grenades; Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band; Henhouse Prowlers; Keller Williams, and more...
As of now, Huber has delivered five solo records: 'Bury Me Where I Fall' (2010); 'Tongues Of Fire' (2012), 'The Hanging Road' (2014); and 'The Suffering Stage' (2017), 'Moondog' (2019) and now 2021 give us 'The Downtowner'--Huber's latest effort which rollicks between social and personal spheres while mixing elements of rock and folk music that fans will immediately see as maintaining a solid continuity of sound and attitude with his previous two albums--rollicking between the feelings of freedom and severity, with both wit and earnestness.
More at josephhubermusic.com.
Laura Rain and the Ceasars
Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 PM
Nicolet College Theatre
Detroit’s Laura Rain and the Caesars transform funky soul and r&b into their own unique vision. Inspired by the spirit of classic recordings of a bygone era, Laura Rain creates her own environment of expression with a powerful and soulful voice.
Formed in the Motor City in 2012 with her husband George Friend, the pair set off on a creative journey writing and recording their own music. The two garnered many accolades within the music press and radio with their debut release “Electrified” in 2013. Performing with a stripped down lineup of organ, guitar and drums the band developed it’s signature sound, and cultivated a vintage toned energetic foundation. The second release “Closer” (2014) expanded the sound exposing the bands’ love for Memphis soul, juke-joint blues and tough Detroit funk and r&b.
Starting in 2014, the band began touring heavily within the U.S. and Canada. Starting in Chicago with regular appearances at the House of Blues and Buddy Guy’s Legends, Laura Rain has stunned audiences with her intensity and powerful voice. Performing in over 25 states from California to New York, the band has delighted audiences with their dynamic performances. Featured at the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, Marquette Area Blues Festival, Edmonton Blues Festival, the Legendary Blues Cruise and many other top tier clubs and festivals, Laura Rain and the Caesars continue to grow making new friends and fans along the way.
In October 2015, the release of the third album “Gold” broadened their audience considerably thanks to substantial Triple A airplay of the single “Work so Hard” (a pounding homage to Motown). “Gold” also propelled Laura Rain onto the national radio charts making the top 50 on Roots Music Report for numerous months, and holding at #1 in the state of Michigan for over a year! 2016 highlights also included a tour of France and winning a prestigious Detroit Music Award for “Outstanding Blues Songwriters.”
In 2018, with the release of her fourth album “Walk with Me”, Laura Rain once again pushed the envelope of her unique soul music. Touring in support of the latest single “Pleasure Zone”, and channeling inspiration from Detroit’s incredible musical history, Laura Rain gives modern music a raw, yet sophisticated shot of much needed authenticity and heart.
More at laurarain.net.