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April 4, 2017
by: Ted Hamm, Director

Melissa Etheridge for Good: 'Memphis Rock & Soul' Revives 1960's Musical History

Melissa Etheridge and her full band will close out Season 4 of The Étude Sessions on Thursday, April 20th at the Stefanie H. Weill Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In a recent interview with The Sheboygan Press, Etheridge promised that the show will feature some of her classic songs as well as music from her now album, 'Memphis Rock and Soul.' The unique album is a tribute to the Memphis Blues and a historic time in America music. Stax Records was among the first to recognize that soul music transcended racial segregation in the 1960's - recording renown artists like Booker T and the M.G.s, Otis Redding, and the Mar-Keys. By reimagining songs from the Stax Records songbook, like "Respect Yourself" by the Staples Singers, Etheridge reminds us of some of the lessons learned through the Civil Rights Movement. At the same time, she applies her special rock artistry to move Memphis Blues into a new genre. 

In a Rolling Stone interview, Etheridge shares the following about Stax and the Memphis Blues:

"It was just a joy of music and spirit and creating soul music, which is the music that inspired everybody. It inspired the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and everything you were hearing coming out of England. They were all listening to this music. I've seen Janis Joplin watching Otis Redding onstage, and then you go watch a clip of her at Woodstock, and she's moving and singing just like him. It's the deep inspiration, the deep birth of rock & roll that came from this music and this spirit. I think the spirit of rock & roll is that which excites and makes people think and moves us beyond our comfort zone, and that's why I really wanted to bring these songs back and reimagine them in a rock & roll way."


Melissa Etheridge is well known for giving voice to marginalized communities. We love that she brings her own energy to "Good Cause" as an artist in The Étude Sessions. Moreover, 'Memphis Rock and Soul" is an example of how artists become students of other artists, experts and their work. Our Good Cause is, of course, students in The Étude Group schools, who we hope to empower as leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and citizens through authentic learning experiences beyond classroom walls. The funds raised by this concert and season will support opportunities for students to participate in real world problem solving, college visits, artist-in-residence programs, and field experiences. 

Please join us for a night of great music, supporting our schools and a tradition of empowerment through the arts.


December 9, 2016
by: Zoe Farrell, Étude Studios Writing Intern

Why we make music: Interview with Birds of Chicago

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Before their concert, band Birds of Chicago[etude-sessions/2016-2017-season/the-etude-sessions-presents-birds-of-chicago/], featuring husband and wife duo JT Nero and Allison Russell, was kind enough to sit down for an interview with Étude Studios Interns. Birds of Chicago has been together since 2012, and they provide an eclectic mix of folk and indie style music.

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October 10, 2016
by: Ted Hamm

Good Music: This is How we Fundraise

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Dear Parents, Students, and Friends,

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April 26, 2016
by: Beth Carreño

Expanding Horizons: Opportunities of Experience for Our Students

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A core part of our educational philosophy is to provide our students experiences outside of the traditional classroom. These opportunities are critical to developing background knowledge, one of the strongest indicators of how well a student will learn and succeed.

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April 26, 2016
by: Beth Carreño

Jeff Tweedy: A Sheboygan State of Mind

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The 2015 – 2016 season for the Étude Sessions is winding down, but not before Wilco's Jeff Tweedy brings his musical stylings to Sheboygan’s Historic Weill Center on Friday, April 29th. This will be a memorable night of Good Music + Good Cause in Sheboygan.

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April 26, 2016
by: Beth Carreño

Etude Sessions Sponsors: Good Music + Good Cause

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The music you hear at the Etude Session is a reminder of the learning that takes place at ESAA[/elementaryschool/], Mosaic[/middleschool/], and IDEAS Academy[/highschool/]. Money raised through this concert series supports our schools and learning without limits.

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March 17, 2016
by: Beth Carreño

A Sheboygan State of Mind

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Friday night brings a great Étude Session when Reina Del Cid[http://reinadelcid.com/]and company bring their rich sounds to Paradigm Coffee and Music. Good Music + Good Cause is delivering on its name in Sheboygan.

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March 15, 2016
by: Beth Carreño

Reina Del Cid Coming to The Etude Sessions on March 18th

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The Étude Sessions are excited to bring the rich sounds of Reina Del Cid and company (Toni Lundgren, Andrew Foreman and Zac Schmidt) to Paradigm Coffee and Music on Friday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m. Hailed for her complex songwriting and undeniable musical talent, Reina Del Cid has gained attention and praise for the latest release, The Cooling.

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March 11, 2016

Étude Sessions Season Three Photo Galleries

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A look back at The Étude Sessions Season Three so far.

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January 4, 2016
by: Janelle Bane

More Étude Sessions Season Three Shows Announced

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On January 5th, The Étude Sessions announced Jeff Tweedy will finish out the season at the Weill Center on April 29th. This announcement came right on the heels of the announcement of three shows at Paradigm Coffee and Music: Haley Bonar, Reina Del Cid and Gospel Machine.

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