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Series/Columns

Limited series and ongoing columns on Madison minutiae, the outdoors, and more.

Two laptops are open on either side of a desk that's pushed against a white wall. The laptop on the left is open to the home page of The Yellow Button, the laptop on the right is open to the home page of see/saw. Between the laptops, from closest to the camera to furthest away, are a synth, a microphone clamped into a small stand, and two drumsticks in front of a practice drum pad.

A new wave of Wisconsin punk commentary

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Microtones
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March 21, 2025

The Yellow Button, see/saw, and the shape of music coverage to come.

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Latest in Series/Columns
A photo shows an aisle at a closing Joann Fabrics store with an empty expanse of product racks. Several white rectangular signs at the top of the shelves on the right-hand side read "VALUE YARN" in black lettering.
Excavating creativity and joy out of Joann’s remains
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Microtones
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March 14, 2025

The importance of arts, crafts, and imagination as the world collapses.

A photo shows a medium-sized dog, of the black lab breed, sitting on a rug and looking up at the camera. Several crumpled empty beer cans sit at her feet.
A reflection on Wisconsin music’s cultural connection to alcohol
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Microtones
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March 7, 2025

Several local musicians sound off on the struggle.

A photo shows several pieces of handmade pasta sitting atop a counter surface covered with coarse flour. A grooved wooden board is visible in the foreground. Basil leaves, lemons, and garlic are visible in the background. The photo is framed with an illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner, a small chef, with a comically large mustache, stands on a spoon and says, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: Fresh pasta meditations
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Small Bites
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February 28, 2025

Working through the horrors of modern life one cavatello at a time.

A photo inside a bookstore displays wooden shelves of books in the background. In the foreground, a black cat sitting on a rolling step stool prepares to jump off onto the floor.
From the archives: Rainbow Bookstore closing its doors
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From The Archives
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February 27, 2025

Celebrating Tone Madison's 10th anniversary with some highlights from the past decade.

A still from the film "L.A. Confidential" shows actor Danny DeVito in the role of a tabloid journalist, Sid Hudgens. Hudgens is shown in a close-up shot, holding a telephone receiver in an office, with covers from his gossip publication "Hush-Hush" hanging on the wall in the background.
Madison needs an evil gossip rag
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Microtones
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February 21, 2025

A gross proposal for desperate times.

A black and white illustrated portrait of former Madison police chief Shon Barnes.
Scratching the surface of Shon Barnes
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Microtones
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February 14, 2025

Madison's former police chief had a lot to say. But what did he do?

Rapper Fred Really performs during Tone Madison's 10th anniversary party at Gamma Ray Bar. He's cast in a cool blue stage light, wearing a DOOM hoodie and beanie. The microphone is near his face. He's positioned to the slight right and takes up the majority of the image. The backdrop is pitch black.
An expanded look at Madison music throughout 2024
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Music
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February 7, 2025

The third entry in our live music photo essay series places the focus back on Madison musicians and performances.

A photo shows a badger resting on the ground amid some rocks. The badger is facing the camera, with what appears to be a sad or defeated expression.
Are you witnessing anticipatory obedience?
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Microtones
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January 31, 2025

Searching for clarity as Wisconsin confronts a new round of fascist power grabs.

A winter photo atop a cliffside shows an expansive landscape of trees on the horizon. A flakey pastry and white mug with a hot beverage rest on a rock in the foreground. The photo is framed with an illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner, a small chef, with a comically large mustache, stands on a spoon and says, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: Infinite treats
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Small Bites
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January 24, 2025

Finding balance among the city's incredible bakeries.