Kids in the Rotunda Summer Sessions

Duke Otherwise

A white man in a navy suit and tophat holding an acoustic guitar. The background is a stone wall with two trees.

Tuesday, July 30

11am

Black Earth Children’s Museum

1131 Mills St., Black Earth

Free

Age Recommendation

All Ages

Runtime

45 minutes

Please note: this is an off-site performance at Black Earth Children’s Museum!

Duke Otherwise is a playful wordsmith, a spirited performer, a skilled guitarist and a captivating tap dancer. Using his distinct baritone, he sings hilarious and imaginative songs that delight all ages. From Madison, Wis., Duke performs around 150 family shows per year, each filled with audience participation, dancing, a vast array of musical styles and outrageous fun!

Kids in the Rotunda Summer Sessions

Series runs May 4 -  August 10!

Get ready to embark on a summer adventure as Overture Center's beloved Kids in the Rotunda program hits the road, bringing joy and excitement to Madison and surrounding communities. Packed with family-friendly entertainment and boundless opportunities for laughter and learning, this series promises six unforgettable events that are free and open to all. Gather your little ones, mark your calendars and prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of music, laughter and memories!

LEARN MORE

Exciting news! This year, we would like to invite our friends (YOU!) to color our sharks that will guard the Rotunda stairs throughout the season! Download one of our shark coloring pages or pick one up in-person near the information desk in the Rotunda Lobby. Please turn in your submission by the end of the day, Saturday, August 10 (our last summer Kids in the Rotunda performance at Memorial Union Terrace).
To be considered for the contest, submissions must either be turned in in-person or scanned as a PDF and emailed to kidsintherotunda@overture.org. Please be as colorful and creative as you like! If you have any questions, please reach out to kidsintherotunda@overture.org.

COLORING SHEET

Thank you to our Kids in the Rotunda Sponsors

Funding provided by Madison Gas & Electric, American Girl's Fund for Children, the Evjue Foundation – the charitable arm of the Capital Times, UnityPoint Health-Meriter and Au Pair in America with additional funding from Ian’s Pizza, Exact Sciences Corporation, Nelnet and contributions from Overture Center for the Arts.

Upcoming Kids in the Rotunda Events

  • January 24

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Magic Morgan & Liliana

    Rotunda Stage

    Magic Morgan & Liliana blend the art of illusion and comedy to create wholesome family entertainment. Expect humor, magic, mime and more as they dazzle the audience.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • January 31

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Angela Puerta

    Rotunda Stage

    Angela Puerta and her band bring a unique blend of entertainment and education to young audiences by incorporating small instruments that kids can play along with during the show. The interactive experience not only keeps kids engaged but also fosters a love for music in both English and Spanish.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 7

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Drum Power

    Rotunda Stage

    The Drum Power advanced performing group features local youth ages 12-16, showcasing drumming and dance from Guinea, Senegal and Mali in West Africa and Salvador Bahia and Rio, Brazil.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 14

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Jazz, Kids in the Rotunda, Music NOLA Tribute

    Rotunda Stage

    Get ready for a musical journey with the New Orleans Tribute! This talented group, featuring members from Mama Digdown's Brass Band and Madison's top jazz musicians, brings the vibrant sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Secondline music to you—no plane ticket needed.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 21

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X

    Rotunda Stage

    L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 28

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Fringe Festival, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Mark Hayward

    Rotunda Stage

    Mark Hayward's performance is a delightful mix of comedy and object manipulation. Using props like yo-yos, tops, juggling equipment and even a mousetrap, he creates a fun and witty show that everyone can enjoy.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 14

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company

    Rotunda Stage

    Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 21

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease

    Rotunda Stage

    One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 28

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet

    Rotunda Stage

    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 4

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Trinity Irish Dance Academy

    Overture Hall Main Lobby

    Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 11

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance

    Rotunda Stage

    Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 18

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise

    Rotunda Stage

    Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 25

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Lullaby Project

    Rotunda Stage

    Join local musicians and teaching artists for a very special day of sharing songs created for the little ones in your life.

    Multiple Showtimes