Tone Madison
@tonemadison.bsky.social
Fiercely independent coverage of arts, culture, and politics in Madison, Wisconsin. Worker-owned and reader-supported.
📧 Get our newsletter!
Read: tonemadison.com
Donate: tonemadison.com/donate
Subscribe: tonemadison.com/newsletters
📧 Get our newsletter!
Read: tonemadison.com
Donate: tonemadison.com/donate
Subscribe: tonemadison.com/newsletters
Pinned
Help Tone Madison live to fight another day
With advertising revenue down, we need your help more than ever.
tonemadison.com
For 11 years, Tone Madison has made it our mission to cover the corners of culture involving the people, places, and movements that often get overlooked in our local media landscape. Help us continue to tell those stories.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
On Sat, Nov 29, we've teamed up with MAMA to spotlight four emerging acts as part of the "New Artist Listening Room" at Harmony Bar & Grill. Show starts at 8 p.m., and cover is just $10!
Hear on-the-rise local talents Marigold Motel, Jonathon Millionaire, The Stoplights, and @rockstarelise.com. 🎶
Hear on-the-rise local talents Marigold Motel, Jonathon Millionaire, The Stoplights, and @rockstarelise.com. 🎶
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
On Sat, Nov 29, we've teamed up with MAMA to spotlight four emerging acts as part of the "New Artist Listening Room" at Harmony Bar & Grill. Show starts at 8 p.m., and cover is just $10!
Hear on-the-rise local talents Marigold Motel, Jonathon Millionaire, The Stoplights, and @rockstarelise.com. 🎶
Hear on-the-rise local talents Marigold Motel, Jonathon Millionaire, The Stoplights, and @rockstarelise.com. 🎶
Reposted by Tone Madison
it’s never a bad time to start a $5/month donation to @tonemadison.bsky.social
i promise i don’t mean to high horse this but if you’re thinking about giving lizza ten bucks there are a lot of good independent journalists whose work you could subscribe to for a month instead
November 22, 2025 at 3:26 PM
it’s never a bad time to start a $5/month donation to @tonemadison.bsky.social
On Sat, Nov 29, we're co-hosting a showcase of new and emerging local artists with Madison Area Music Association at Harmony Bar & Grill (2201 Atwood Ave).
In this week's Microtones, Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social shares a few words on the announcement and our valuing of the music community.
In this week's Microtones, Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social shares a few words on the announcement and our valuing of the music community.
Tone Madison Presents: MAMA New Artist Listening Room
Join us on Saturday, November 29, at Harmony Bar & Grill for a night of live music from emerging Madison artists.
tonemadison.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:57 PM
On Sat, Nov 29, we're co-hosting a showcase of new and emerging local artists with Madison Area Music Association at Harmony Bar & Grill (2201 Atwood Ave).
In this week's Microtones, Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social shares a few words on the announcement and our valuing of the music community.
In this week's Microtones, Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social shares a few words on the announcement and our valuing of the music community.
"What does it mean to be a co-op if the Group Health Cooperative Board is now going to disregard the unanimous votes at a well-attended and well-noticed meeting of its own membership?" ask Adam Chern and Rebecca Kemble in a joint guest column.
Is Group Health still a Cooperative?
Instead of union-busting, the Board should see union organizing as a gift of collective problem-solving.
tonemadison.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:42 PM
"What does it mean to be a co-op if the Group Health Cooperative Board is now going to disregard the unanimous votes at a well-attended and well-noticed meeting of its own membership?" ask Adam Chern and Rebecca Kemble in a joint guest column.
"The sequential rhythms of INERTIA FOLLIES are intermittently anxious and contemplative but persistently thrilling. Credit that to director Chelsea Gaspard's guiding belief in the show's improvised components as 'living and breathing and shifting,'" writes @nothingunfinished.bsky.social. 🎭
The semi-improvised parameters of "Inertia Follies" engender its subtly and radically transformative scenes
The avant-garde performance-art showcase, which involves six local artists, runs for a final weekend—November 20 through 23—at Broom Street Theater.
tonemadison.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:20 PM
"The sequential rhythms of INERTIA FOLLIES are intermittently anxious and contemplative but persistently thrilling. Credit that to director Chelsea Gaspard's guiding belief in the show's improvised components as 'living and breathing and shifting,'" writes @nothingunfinished.bsky.social. 🎭
"We are asking the UW Board of Regents to stand up for students' right to learn and the faculty's right to teach, both of which are intertwined with democracy itself," writes Neil Kraus, AFT-Wisconsin VP of Higher Education.
The shady tactics shaping policy in the UW System
Unwritten "political deals," perpetual audit threats, and fear are being used to reduce educational opportunities outside of UW–Madison and UW–Milwaukee.
tonemadison.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:32 PM
"We are asking the UW Board of Regents to stand up for students' right to learn and the faculty's right to teach, both of which are intertwined with democracy itself," writes Neil Kraus, AFT-Wisconsin VP of Higher Education.
"Even as MDEV expands, making the industry accessible to newer indie developers remains a key focus of the conference."
@manateemailbox.bsky.social reports from the @wigamesalliance.bsky.social MDEV conference (Nov 7-8), and talks with game developers and industry representatives alike. 🎮
@manateemailbox.bsky.social reports from the @wigamesalliance.bsky.social MDEV conference (Nov 7-8), and talks with game developers and industry representatives alike. 🎮
Amid industry tumult, the 2025 MDEV conference captured Madison as an impending game-development hotspot
On the ground with indie developers and industry representatives at the annual, bustling, two-day showcase of video games.
tonemadison.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
"Even as MDEV expands, making the industry accessible to newer indie developers remains a key focus of the conference."
@manateemailbox.bsky.social reports from the @wigamesalliance.bsky.social MDEV conference (Nov 7-8), and talks with game developers and industry representatives alike. 🎮
@manateemailbox.bsky.social reports from the @wigamesalliance.bsky.social MDEV conference (Nov 7-8), and talks with game developers and industry representatives alike. 🎮
"Low on prep and high on passive cooking time, roasting is a godsend."
In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.bsky.social gives us a low-effort guide to bringing maximum flavor to the table when seasonal produce is limited in late autumn.
In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.bsky.social gives us a low-effort guide to bringing maximum flavor to the table when seasonal produce is limited in late autumn.
Small Bites: To make it through the fall, roast your vegetables
A low-effort guide to bringing maximum flavor to your table when seasonal produce is limited.
tonemadison.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:06 PM
"Low on prep and high on passive cooking time, roasting is a godsend."
In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.bsky.social gives us a low-effort guide to bringing maximum flavor to the table when seasonal produce is limited in late autumn.
In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.bsky.social gives us a low-effort guide to bringing maximum flavor to the table when seasonal produce is limited in late autumn.
Amendments to the 2026 budget the Dane County Supervisors passed—including freezing 20 unfilled positions at the Dane County Sheriff's Office—better fit the county's needs than the original budget by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, writes @stinadale.bsky.social.
What Dane County needs vs. what Sheriff Barrett wants
The Dane County Board's 2026 budget amendments meet the moment.
tonemadison.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Amendments to the 2026 budget the Dane County Supervisors passed—including freezing 20 unfilled positions at the Dane County Sheriff's Office—better fit the county's needs than the original budget by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, writes @stinadale.bsky.social.
The Black Film Festival returns this year—November 12 thru 15—with screenings and discussions at Fountain of Life Covenant Church and @madisonlibrary.bsky.social locations throughout the city.
Film section editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social takes a closer look at the scope of the programming.
Film section editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social takes a closer look at the scope of the programming.
In its third year, the Black Film Festival commits to deeper regional representation
The Nehemiah Center and Justified Anger partner with Madison Public Library to honor Black lives and culture November 12 through 15.
tonemadison.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Black Film Festival returns this year—November 12 thru 15—with screenings and discussions at Fountain of Life Covenant Church and @madisonlibrary.bsky.social locations throughout the city.
Film section editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social takes a closer look at the scope of the programming.
Film section editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social takes a closer look at the scope of the programming.
Reposted by Tone Madison
Join us for Office Hours next week at State Line Distillery! We'll be kicking off our year-end fundraiser and raffling off merch, copies of our body cameras zine, and tickets to "The Moth" StorySLAMs in Madison.
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
November 6, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Join us for Office Hours next week at State Line Distillery! We'll be kicking off our year-end fundraiser and raffling off merch, copies of our body cameras zine, and tickets to "The Moth" StorySLAMs in Madison.
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
In a story we're republishing from @wisconsinwatch.org and Wisconsin Public Radio, @addiecostello.bsky.social and Trisha Young report on Habitat for Humanity's La Crosse affiliate embracing an affordable manufactured housing project and development model.
While barriers persist, factory-built homes are helping families realize ownership dreams
A more efficient, affordable development model helps Habitat for Humanity build more homes during a housing crisis. But some Wisconsin municipalities exclude manufactured homes from neighborhoods.
tonemadison.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:01 PM
In a story we're republishing from @wisconsinwatch.org and Wisconsin Public Radio, @addiecostello.bsky.social and Trisha Young report on Habitat for Humanity's La Crosse affiliate embracing an affordable manufactured housing project and development model.
As a number of Wisconsin basketball teams kick off their seasons, Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social examines the state's relationship to basketball, touching on everything from Madison's many courts to the influx of excitement surrounding the sport.
tonemadison.com/articles/bas...
tonemadison.com/articles/bas...
Basketball is back, but it never really left
Madison's basketball courts are reflective of endurance, persistence, and Wisconsinites' growing embrace of the sport.
tonemadison.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM
As a number of Wisconsin basketball teams kick off their seasons, Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social examines the state's relationship to basketball, touching on everything from Madison's many courts to the influx of excitement surrounding the sport.
tonemadison.com/articles/bas...
tonemadison.com/articles/bas...
Join us for Office Hours next week at State Line Distillery! We'll be kicking off our year-end fundraiser and raffling off merch, copies of our body cameras zine, and tickets to "The Moth" StorySLAMs in Madison.
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
November 6, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Join us for Office Hours next week at State Line Distillery! We'll be kicking off our year-end fundraiser and raffling off merch, copies of our body cameras zine, and tickets to "The Moth" StorySLAMs in Madison.
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
tonemadison.com/event/tone-m...
"The women interviewed for this story all pointed out that accountability and making amends are crucial concepts in the world of recovery, and yet they’ve seen little in the way of [that]."
Four years after grooming allegations, David Henzie-Skogen has reemerged. @scottgordonwi.bsky.social reports.
Four years after grooming allegations, David Henzie-Skogen has reemerged. @scottgordonwi.bsky.social reports.
As a musician stages his comeback, his accusers ask where the accountability is
Four years after allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct, David Henzie-Skogen is back on the road with Youngblood Brass Band.
tonemadison.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:17 PM
"The women interviewed for this story all pointed out that accountability and making amends are crucial concepts in the world of recovery, and yet they’ve seen little in the way of [that]."
Four years after grooming allegations, David Henzie-Skogen has reemerged. @scottgordonwi.bsky.social reports.
Four years after grooming allegations, David Henzie-Skogen has reemerged. @scottgordonwi.bsky.social reports.
For 11 years, Tone Madison has made it our mission to cover the corners of culture involving the people, places, and movements that often get overlooked in our local media landscape. Help us continue to tell those stories.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
Help Tone Madison live to fight another day
With advertising revenue down, we need your help more than ever.
tonemadison.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
For 11 years, Tone Madison has made it our mission to cover the corners of culture involving the people, places, and movements that often get overlooked in our local media landscape. Help us continue to tell those stories.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
In today's Microtones, film section editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social defines what Project Projection—the soon-to-be quarterly local film and video art showcase at @artlitlab.bsky.social—has meant to the culture of Madison since programmer James Kreul began hosting.
Local open-mic cinema
Project Projection at Arts + Literature Laboratory is assembling all facets of Madison's DIY and more professional film culture alike.
tonemadison.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:41 PM
In today's Microtones, film section editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social defines what Project Projection—the soon-to-be quarterly local film and video art showcase at @artlitlab.bsky.social—has meant to the culture of Madison since programmer James Kreul began hosting.
Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social highlights—and finds what unifies—great recent releases from Aergo, Baby Tyler Band, Calamity, Frozen Charlotte, Alex Yaco Kalfayan, and a collaboration between Slick and In Ropes in our latest.
tonemadison.com/articles/mad...
tonemadison.com/articles/mad...
Madison musicians bare their teeth
New releases from September and October seize a cathartic aggression.
tonemadison.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social highlights—and finds what unifies—great recent releases from Aergo, Baby Tyler Band, Calamity, Frozen Charlotte, Alex Yaco Kalfayan, and a collaboration between Slick and In Ropes in our latest.
tonemadison.com/articles/mad...
tonemadison.com/articles/mad...
This week, in our final "Oddsconsin" selection for spooky season, Howard Veregin tours the UW Zoological Museum (at 250 N Mills St). He observes the thousands of dermestid beetles that clean animal skeletons so they can be preserved for study and research.
Oddsconsin: Flesh-eating beetles
Touring the dermestid beetle colony home at UW Zoological Museum.
tonemadison.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This week, in our final "Oddsconsin" selection for spooky season, Howard Veregin tours the UW Zoological Museum (at 250 N Mills St). He observes the thousands of dermestid beetles that clean animal skeletons so they can be preserved for study and research.
"Keep holding us accountable. But please do so with curiosity rather than condemnation."
In response to David Rivera-Kohr, Madison Common Council President Regina Vidaver offers her point of view and further clarity on the recent closure of the Dairy Drive encampment.
In response to David Rivera-Kohr, Madison Common Council President Regina Vidaver offers her point of view and further clarity on the recent closure of the Dairy Drive encampment.
Another perspective on Dairy Drive
Madison Common Council President Regina Vidaver responds to David Rivera-Kohr's October 7 editorial.
tonemadison.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:42 AM
"Keep holding us accountable. But please do so with curiosity rather than condemnation."
In response to David Rivera-Kohr, Madison Common Council President Regina Vidaver offers her point of view and further clarity on the recent closure of the Dairy Drive encampment.
In response to David Rivera-Kohr, Madison Common Council President Regina Vidaver offers her point of view and further clarity on the recent closure of the Dairy Drive encampment.
"No amount of scrutiny and harassment is going to force any community to hide its pride."
In this week's Microtones, News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez celebrates the new Puerto Rican Studies Hub at @uwmadison.bsky.social, the first of its kind in the Midwest.
In this week's Microtones, News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez celebrates the new Puerto Rican Studies Hub at @uwmadison.bsky.social, the first of its kind in the Midwest.
Resilience and strength in ethnic studies
Federal attacks on representation can't overshadow visibility, as UW–Madison establishes the first Midwestern Puerto Rican Studies Hub.
tonemadison.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:27 PM
"No amount of scrutiny and harassment is going to force any community to hide its pride."
In this week's Microtones, News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez celebrates the new Puerto Rican Studies Hub at @uwmadison.bsky.social, the first of its kind in the Midwest.
In this week's Microtones, News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez celebrates the new Puerto Rican Studies Hub at @uwmadison.bsky.social, the first of its kind in the Midwest.
Our Managing Editor @stinadale.bsky.social examines the increased frequency of human-bat encounters during this time of year. Lieffring talks with Madison East-Sider Sara Woolery, who was awakened in the middle of the night last month to a brown bat in her bedroom. 🦇
Bats in the bedroom
Spooky season coincides with increased human-bat encounters.
tonemadison.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Our Managing Editor @stinadale.bsky.social examines the increased frequency of human-bat encounters during this time of year. Lieffring talks with Madison East-Sider Sara Woolery, who was awakened in the middle of the night last month to a brown bat in her bedroom. 🦇
Wisconsin has more UFO sightings per capita than any other state in the Upper Midwest with 2,544 since 1947.
Howard Veregin recaps the phenomena in our "Oddsconsin" pick for this week.
Howard Veregin recaps the phenomena in our "Oddsconsin" pick for this week.
Oddsconsin: UFOs and alien abductions
Perhaps we should be proud of our state's status as a hotbed of UFO sightings.
tonemadison.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Wisconsin has more UFO sightings per capita than any other state in the Upper Midwest with 2,544 since 1947.
Howard Veregin recaps the phenomena in our "Oddsconsin" pick for this week.
Howard Veregin recaps the phenomena in our "Oddsconsin" pick for this week.
"...I'll use the title as a way to get us all on the same page. I really want my audience to be engaged from the beginning, so that you can trust me, and I'll carry you through the poem."
@rmbanting.bsky.social talks with poet Sasha Debevec-McKenney about her debut collection, JOY IS MY MIDDLE NAME
@rmbanting.bsky.social talks with poet Sasha Debevec-McKenney about her debut collection, JOY IS MY MIDDLE NAME
Sasha Debevec-McKenney catalogs a museum of her 20s in "Joy Is My Middle Name"
The formerly Madison-based poet gives justice to our city and the richness of girlhood in this debut poetry collection.
tonemadison.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:18 PM
"...I'll use the title as a way to get us all on the same page. I really want my audience to be engaged from the beginning, so that you can trust me, and I'll carry you through the poem."
@rmbanting.bsky.social talks with poet Sasha Debevec-McKenney about her debut collection, JOY IS MY MIDDLE NAME
@rmbanting.bsky.social talks with poet Sasha Debevec-McKenney about her debut collection, JOY IS MY MIDDLE NAME
In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.bsky.social turns to express his feelings on the inanity of ordinary life while our country descends into havoc under the current regime.
Small Bites: How to make a cheeseboard
An informative guide to an affordable luxury while ICE terrorizes the United States.
tonemadison.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:41 PM
In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.bsky.social turns to express his feelings on the inanity of ordinary life while our country descends into havoc under the current regime.