Battle of the bands helps preview new Union South

In anticipation of the new Union South, UW–Madison will hold a battle of the bands to help preview the facility’s state-of-the-art music venue Tuesday, Feb. 15 at the Memorial Union.

Groups will take the stage in the Rathskeller beginning at 7 p.m., competing for a chance to perform at the spring grand opening.

“More than 20 bands applied, covering many genres including metal, noise rock, jam, and big band,” says Brooke Jackson, music advisor for the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD).

When Union South is unveiled April 15, it will feature a technologically updated, main level performance zone called The Sett.

“The new club will be a flexible space, with a powerful P.A. system built into the venue, a lighting rig, great sightlines, a huge stage, a crow’s nest DJ booth, and a giant projection screen,” Jackson says.

The Sett will attract a variety of programming, according to WUD, like free local and touring rock shows, high profile jazz and world music acts, comedy, interactive art gatherings and trivia.

February’s band competition culminates a yearlong series celebrating the $94.5 million Union South project. Past events previewed the facility’s restaurants and ice cream shop, climbing wall, bowling lanes, and 350-seat cinema.

Students approved an initiative for the new building in 2006, and construction of the 277,000-square-foot facility is funded by student fees, donations, and Union operating revenue.