When veteran local freelance writer Scott Weinberger died unexpectedly last August at the age of 45, it was a shock to everyone who knew him.
In attempting to come to grips with how someone so young could be here one day and gone the next, Weinberger's friends and family sought a way to make sure Weinberger leaves behind an enduring legacy.
And so, they launched the Scott R. Weinberger Scholarship Fund, which will provide scholarships to a graduating senior at Oakfield High School (Weinberger's alma mater in Oakfield, near Fond du Lac) who intends to pursue higher education and has been deemed to "most epitomize the values and character associated with the late Scott Weinberger."
To kick-start the fund, some of Weinberger's local musician friends band together for ScottFest, Friday, April 16, at 9 p.m. at Club Garibaldi, 2501 S. Superior St.
"Scott was a very smart and creative man whose life was cut tragically short. He was a warm soul and the kind of friend," says Brian Wooldridge. "He was a huge supporter of my music life and of my personal life. ... He was the consummate supporter and just a great guy. Doing the show is just a small way for all of us to 'tell' Scott what he meant to us."
The bill, headlined by the Wooldridge Brothers, also features Liv Mueller & Friends, Longacre, Gregory Cone, Hoosier Millionaires, Steve Dawson (of Chicago's Dolly Varden) and Chicago's George Brumis and Friends.
"After Scott passed away, we had a group of friends over to our house," says Wooldridge, explaining the genesis of the event. "Amid the sorrow and disbelief, people started discussing doing 'something' to keep his memory alive and to honor the incredible friend he was to so many.
"Someone said, 'we should start a fund or a scholarship in Scott's name.' Then the discussion led to doing a tribute show, so now we're here on April 16, Scott's birthday."
Admission is $10.
For more information on Weinberger, the show and the scholarship fund and how to donate, visit scottwfund.org. -- Bobby Tanzilo
In a town that worships Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, the Braun brothers at the nucleus of Reckless Kelly may want to consider donning No. 8 jerseys for their show Wednesday night at Shank Hall. Or, they could do what they've always done and rely on their musical chops and showmanship to push across an infectious alt-country vibe. Willy (vocals, guitar) and Cody (vocals, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica) have put out a number of strong albums, including 2008's "Bulletproof," which included sociopolitical themes such as the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina. Sarah Pierce opens the show. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $12 at the door. --Drew Olson
If you love AC/DC, you already know what's going to happen Wednesday night at the Bradley Center. (Hint: Cannon on each side of the drum riser on "For Those About to Rock...") If you're curious to see how the band has held up over the decades -- and whether new songs can stand up next to the classics -- pop in and see if leather-lunged frontman Brian Johnson and guitar hero Angus Young can provide an answer to the age-old question: "How can you pump both fists if there is a beer in each one?" --D.O.
Spring break is over, which means the college crowd will be out in full force Friday night at Shank Hall, where Pat McCurdy holds court in his semi-regular stop at the East Side club. It's about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on (at a cost of $6). --D.O.
