
An in-depth look into what makes our community so special — and the arts, creativity, businesses and culture that sustain it.

Alys and the Ark captivates opening as Violet Palms album release electrifies the Slowpoke Lounge
On the stroke of midnight on Sept. 11, the electrifying sound waves from the band, Violet Palms, was released into the world. Twelve songs from the band’s debut album, “Compassion Fatigue”, were celebrated on the renowned stage at Slowpoke Lounge and Cabaret in downtown Spring Green, in preparation for the marked, midnight release. Opening for…

REVIEW: Spring Green band Violet Palms announces release show for debut album ‘Compassion Fatigue’
Spring Green-based alt-rock band Violet Palms will be launching their new album Compassion Fatigue during a special performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at the Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret (137 W Jefferson St, Spring Green). The event will be opened by music from Alys and the Ark. Slowpoke suggests that attendees donate $5-10…

The (not so) Plain and Simple Correspondent: Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom
In the Roman pantheon, Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade and strategy. Gracious! It boggles the mind that even a goddess could possibly incorporate so many sterling qualities. As it happens, there is a human being who comes close. She lives at Taliesin – “Shining Brow”,…

Shitty Barn session preview: With phenomenal ‘Carving Canyons’ indie-folk artist Lissie brings heartbreak, rebirth to forefront
“It’s allowed to hurt; I’m allowed to burn.” Midwestern Folk artist Lissie sings gently on her recent single: “Flowers.” With a soft yet melancholy tone, Lissie allows her strong, smoky voice to carry listeners to another world almost: a world of heartbreak and rebirth.

Local musician Jake’O competes in national televised song contest representing Wisconsin
‘There’s music everywhere but the Driftless is definitely magical for me’
A local artist from our very own River Valley area recently returned home after representing Wisconsin on the national stage as part of NBC’s “American Song Contest”. Jake’O performed an original song on the show last month and shared his inspiration and thoughts with…

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announces creation of Taliesin Institute, sparks conversations about educational legacy
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation recently announced the creation of the Taliesin Institute, a new collection of programs that seek to advance the principles of organic architecture, seen as the core of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. However, other stalwarts of Wright’s legacy debate the need for such an initiative following the Foundation’s final split…

Valley Sentinel moves to a bi-weekly model to offer more in-depth content, better serve and build community
We’ve shared many times some of the quotes that grace the wall of our newsroom. We’ve definitely focused on the first, making things work and then making them work better. We’ve definitely focused on the second quote and we’ve called people and powers-that-be out where necessary. The third quote we haven’t covered enough because —…

Review: Lake Louie offers a taste of summer with hard kombucha
Local favorite Lake Louie Brewing, formerly of Arena and now part of Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona, recently sent over a couple cases of their newest product — hard kombucha!

Valley Sentinel launches Impulse Initiative
Valley Sentinel lends platform in print and online to foster community ideas
We are pleased to announce the (soft) launch of Valley Sentinel’s Impulse Initiative. It has always been our goal to build community and over the past year plus we’ve been talking to area residents every day about their wants, hopes and dreams for…

Review: Roarin 20s offers inspired 2020s options surrounded by 1920s flair
We finally had the chance to Waltz by and try out the newest dining and social club in the Valley. Pairing veteran businessman Mike Haight as owner and general manager with classically trained executive chef David Moreno, Roarin 20s Dining and Social Club (1170 Main Street, Plain) adds art deco charm to downtown Plain. In…

Review, Q&A as Rocket Man Pizza lifts off, bringing hand tossed pizza to Plain
We recently had the chance to stop by and try out the newest pizza place in the Valley. With veteran pizzaman and restaurateur Rich Peterson at the helm, Rocket Man Pizza (1150 Main Street, Plain) is a gem in downtown Plain that will delight. (Disclosure: They even sent us home with some more options to…

The School of Architecture founded by Frank Lloyd Wright back in Spring Green for summer immersive design program
The School of Architecture, founded by Frank Lloyd Wright as the Taliesin Fellowship in 1932,was back in Spring Green July 11-17 for a “Summer Design Discovery 2021” immersive design program. The visit comes months after the School dropped ‘Taliesin’ from its name following a split from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, settling into a new…

Rehabilitation complete on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wyoming Valley School, new era of cultural arts begins for the space
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Wyoming Valley School just wrapped up on a four month renovation to get the building back in the best shape—and back to some of its original design.

Art from around the Valley: Jen Salt’s “Prickly Pear Cactus”
The Prickly Pear Cactus is native to Wisconsin and one of the best places to view these beautiful yellow treasures is at the Spring Green Preserve Natural Area.

Local kids jam in Downtown Spring Green
On recent hot summer days you may have seen Eli Saperstein and Dylan Perry sitting on the corner of Lexington and Jefferson Streets in Spring Green — or, rather, you may have heard them first. Equipped with five gallon buckets and drumsticks, both describe themselves as long time drummers.
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