Memorial Day Weekend: Madison WI
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BRATFEST 2025 COUNTDOWN!
Brat Fest Hall of Fame
As you may know, Brat Fest is not just a free music festival. Brat Fest is 3-4,000 people who work and toil together for no money or prestige and who do whatever it takes to make it possible that people from all walks of life — of every age, nationality, of all political and religious beliefs — can get together for three days in May, to celebrate life, dreams and diversity… all while raising money for charity.
TOMMY AWARD
Brat Fest’s Tradition of Music Award is named after the founder of Brat Fest, Tom Metcalfe. This award is given to an individual who plays a significant role in non-profit business leadership who directs and guides activities that produce measurable outcomes in the community through music or performing arts in the Madison area. This individual’s role leads to building a stronger community by leading through example within the music and performing arts community.
James Mo Becker, Radio personality at 94.1 WJJO. A Veteran who worked with other veterans who struggled with PTSD. James was a strong Supporter of Local music as well as supporting many local Charities Such as donating his time for BratFest and The Middle Youth Center Benefit Concerts.
Clyde Austin Stubblefield was an American drummer best known for his work with James Brown, although most people in Madison, Wisconsin simply knew him as Clyde.
Stubblefield lived in Madison, Wisconsin, from 1971 onward. For over twenty years he played Monday nights with his band, The Clyde Stubblefield Band, in downtown Madison. The band featured his longtime friend and keyboard-organ player Steve "Doc" Skaggs, along with soul vocalists Charlie Brooks and Karri Daley, as well as a horn section and supporting band.
Clyde coped with health issues from the early 2000s onward, including cancer, but it never stopped him from performing at Brat Fest. Clyde was the happiest when he was performing, and he always loved the crowds at Brat Fest because he could communicate with them.
In 2015, a scholarship fund for music education was started and named after Stubblefield, thanks to the efforts of Joey B. Banks. This is the year Clyde was honored with the Tradition of Music Award (TOMmy Award) at Brat Fest.
Clyde passed away in February 2017. That year he was awarded accepted an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which was conferred posthumously.
Stubblefield lived in Madison, Wisconsin, from 1971 onward. For over twenty years he played Monday nights with his band, The Clyde Stubblefield Band, in downtown Madison. The band featured his longtime friend and keyboard-organ player Steve "Doc" Skaggs, along with soul vocalists Charlie Brooks and Karri Daley, as well as a horn section and supporting band.
Clyde coped with health issues from the early 2000s onward, including cancer, but it never stopped him from performing at Brat Fest. Clyde was the happiest when he was performing, and he always loved the crowds at Brat Fest because he could communicate with them.
In 2015, a scholarship fund for music education was started and named after Stubblefield, thanks to the efforts of Joey B. Banks. This is the year Clyde was honored with the Tradition of Music Award (TOMmy Award) at Brat Fest.
Clyde passed away in February 2017. That year he was awarded accepted an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which was conferred posthumously.
We would like to recognize this year’s Tommy Award Winner, Andy Davis, Brat Fest’s Founder of Free Live Music. Andy is the CEO of Remagiment Advisors Group, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Madison Youth Performing Arts Foundation, and the Music Commander at Brat Fest. Many years ago, Andy approached Tim & Kevin Metcalfe with the idea of adding music to Brat Fest. Today we have threestages packed with more than 150 hours of free live music and we all have Andy Davis to thank for that!!!
“It was unexpected and deeply touching when you presented me with the Tommy this past weekend. Having known Tom and what he stood for, what he did, and the number of people he impacted, I am humbled to receive this recognition…Brat Fest is not just a sausage festival or even a music festival. Brat Fest is 4,000 people who work and toil together for no money or prestige; who smile and growl at each other; who do whatever it takes with no thought of themselves; so that people from all walks of life, of every age, of every nationality, of all political and religious beliefs, can get together for 3 days in May, to celebrate life, dreams and diversity, all while raising money for charity with music as the medium. Brat Fest is a Madison ‘Tradition Of Music’. I am honored to be part of it. Thank you.” Andy Davis
“It was unexpected and deeply touching when you presented me with the Tommy this past weekend. Having known Tom and what he stood for, what he did, and the number of people he impacted, I am humbled to receive this recognition…Brat Fest is not just a sausage festival or even a music festival. Brat Fest is 4,000 people who work and toil together for no money or prestige; who smile and growl at each other; who do whatever it takes with no thought of themselves; so that people from all walks of life, of every age, of every nationality, of all political and religious beliefs, can get together for 3 days in May, to celebrate life, dreams and diversity, all while raising money for charity with music as the medium. Brat Fest is a Madison ‘Tradition Of Music’. I am honored to be part of it. Thank you.” Andy Davis
The Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) was founded in 1992 by Dee Baldock with the goal of providing affordable opportunities for children and adults to engage and enhance their passions in all facets of theater.
2017 was the ideal year because the VACT opened its theater and arts space that year. Having their own building in a prominent location allows VACT to continue to offer diverse theater experiences and to expand its current production ability to keep step with the growing and vibrant Verona community. This facility, opened 15 years after Dee described it, makes theater and arts more accessible for all in Verona and the surrounding area.
Dee showed earned this award because of her work
2017 was the ideal year because the VACT opened its theater and arts space that year. Having their own building in a prominent location allows VACT to continue to offer diverse theater experiences and to expand its current production ability to keep step with the growing and vibrant Verona community. This facility, opened 15 years after Dee described it, makes theater and arts more accessible for all in Verona and the surrounding area.
Dee showed earned this award because of her work
- In the role of non-profits business leadership, directs and guides activities that produce ‘measurable outcomes’ in a community/organizational setting through music and/or performing arts with a focus on community involvement in the Greater Madison area.
- In a volunteer or community role, developed and/or managed projects leading to building a stronger community and leading through example within the music and/or performing arts.
Michael and Janet Faulhaber of Ward-Brodt Music have been a mainstay in the music store business in Madison.
In 1951, Charles and Janet Faulhaber purchased Ward-Brodt Music with Charles serving as president. When Charles died, Janet became president until passing the torch on to her son, Michael, in 1983.
Janet has been an incredible resource for music educators, especially band and orchestra directors, for decades. . She has been the "Queen" who rules the business with grace, friendliness, and competence.
Michael, known more commonly as Mick, was an outstanding musician at Madison West High School. Under his tenure as president, he has kept Ward-Brodt on the cutting edge serving music educators, professional musicians, amateur musicians, and countless numbers of aspiring grade school and high school musicians. He expanded the brick & mortar music store to include e-commerce back in 2002.
Janet and Mick have maintained one of the finest music instrument repair facilities in the country, and for decades have offered Madisonians the opportunity for music lessons with well-qualified specialists. Many a Madison musician got a start or a boost on their music journey with lessons at the store.
There's an old saying, "Bloom where you are planted," and that is precisely what Janet and Michael have done. For their outstanding service to music and music education for almost seven decades, we are proud to recognize Janet and Michael Faulhaber with this award this evening.
In 1951, Charles and Janet Faulhaber purchased Ward-Brodt Music with Charles serving as president. When Charles died, Janet became president until passing the torch on to her son, Michael, in 1983.
Janet has been an incredible resource for music educators, especially band and orchestra directors, for decades. . She has been the "Queen" who rules the business with grace, friendliness, and competence.
Michael, known more commonly as Mick, was an outstanding musician at Madison West High School. Under his tenure as president, he has kept Ward-Brodt on the cutting edge serving music educators, professional musicians, amateur musicians, and countless numbers of aspiring grade school and high school musicians. He expanded the brick & mortar music store to include e-commerce back in 2002.
Janet and Mick have maintained one of the finest music instrument repair facilities in the country, and for decades have offered Madisonians the opportunity for music lessons with well-qualified specialists. Many a Madison musician got a start or a boost on their music journey with lessons at the store.
There's an old saying, "Bloom where you are planted," and that is precisely what Janet and Michael have done. For their outstanding service to music and music education for almost seven decades, we are proud to recognize Janet and Michael Faulhaber with this award this evening.
Diane Endres Ballweg, who has been known to serve on dozens of committees and boards per year, stands out for her fierce commitment to giving of her time and talent in addition to her financial resources.
Endres Ballweg is the owner of Endres Manufacturing, a steel fabricating business in Waunakee, Wisconsin, that was established by her grandfather in 1926. She started the company’s foundation in 1996 and currently serves as its president. The foundation, which has grown to $6 million, gives charitable grants of about $300,000 per year.
Diane has always loved and supported music and the performing arts.
She earned three degrees, including her UW–Madison degree in music, while raising her three children. She taught music in several area schools and through her music studio, The Perfect Octave, which she ran for 25 years. She also taught guitar at the UW Extension. She and her daughter, Kate, fulfilled a goal to visit all seven continents and swim in all four oceans before Kate graduated from high school.
Diane’s most cherished and important role is and has been that of benefactor. A member of the Bascom Hill Society, she has made substantial gifts to the School of Music, the School of Human Ecology, and other campus units and initiatives. She has also given to Madison’s Overture Center, Edgewood College, Edgewood High School, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, The Road Home, Porchlight Inc., the Madison Children’s Museum, the Madison Public Library Foundation, and the Kennedy Center’s REACH facility.
Diane serves on the board of the UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music, as well as on the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
She is driven by a favorite Einstein quote, which she paraphrases as, Try not to become a person of success, try to become a person of value. “People will reprimand me,” Diane admits. “‘You need to say no,’ they say. But it’s hard for me to say no because saying yes has always opened so many opportunities and taught me so many things!” She concludes her thoughts by adding “Some people just measure their life by how much they’re making. If you’re not giving back, what good is it?”
Civic and Professional Commitments: (2019 commitments only)
Madison Symphony Orchestra Board, Development and Organ Committees
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Advisory Board
Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Foundation Board
U.W. School of Music Board of Visitors
The National Arts Board from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Edgewood College Board and Executive Committee
Women Moving Millions National Association Member
IWF – International Women’s Foundation
Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board and Public Policy Committee
Overture Center Foundation Board
U.W.-Madison Family Business Center
Madison Community Foundation Grant Board
Madison Children’s Museum Board Member
A Fund For Women Executive Councilv YWCA Women of Distinction Nomination Selection Board
Merlin Mentor for Business Entrepreneurs
Porchlight Capital Campaign Chair
EAA Young Eagle Flight Leader
Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation President and Company Board Member
Endres Ballweg is the owner of Endres Manufacturing, a steel fabricating business in Waunakee, Wisconsin, that was established by her grandfather in 1926. She started the company’s foundation in 1996 and currently serves as its president. The foundation, which has grown to $6 million, gives charitable grants of about $300,000 per year.
Diane has always loved and supported music and the performing arts.
She earned three degrees, including her UW–Madison degree in music, while raising her three children. She taught music in several area schools and through her music studio, The Perfect Octave, which she ran for 25 years. She also taught guitar at the UW Extension. She and her daughter, Kate, fulfilled a goal to visit all seven continents and swim in all four oceans before Kate graduated from high school.
Diane’s most cherished and important role is and has been that of benefactor. A member of the Bascom Hill Society, she has made substantial gifts to the School of Music, the School of Human Ecology, and other campus units and initiatives. She has also given to Madison’s Overture Center, Edgewood College, Edgewood High School, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, The Road Home, Porchlight Inc., the Madison Children’s Museum, the Madison Public Library Foundation, and the Kennedy Center’s REACH facility.
Diane serves on the board of the UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music, as well as on the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
She is driven by a favorite Einstein quote, which she paraphrases as, Try not to become a person of success, try to become a person of value. “People will reprimand me,” Diane admits. “‘You need to say no,’ they say. But it’s hard for me to say no because saying yes has always opened so many opportunities and taught me so many things!” She concludes her thoughts by adding “Some people just measure their life by how much they’re making. If you’re not giving back, what good is it?”
Civic and Professional Commitments: (2019 commitments only)
Madison Symphony Orchestra Board, Development and Organ Committees
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Advisory Board
Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Foundation Board
U.W. School of Music Board of Visitors
The National Arts Board from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Edgewood College Board and Executive Committee
Women Moving Millions National Association Member
IWF – International Women’s Foundation
Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board and Public Policy Committee
Overture Center Foundation Board
U.W.-Madison Family Business Center
Madison Community Foundation Grant Board
Madison Children’s Museum Board Member
A Fund For Women Executive Councilv YWCA Women of Distinction Nomination Selection Board
Merlin Mentor for Business Entrepreneurs
Porchlight Capital Campaign Chair
EAA Young Eagle Flight Leader
Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation President and Company Board Member
Girls Rock Camp Madison was created over 10 years ago to support a culture of positive self-esteem and collaboration among girls while building community through music. It recognizes the potential of every young woman to be a strong, talented, creative and empowered individual while providing a safe space where all girls rock, literally.
They run an intense, one week day-camp for girls ages 8-18. Campers of all skill levels learn guitar, drums, keyboard, bass and vocals (and other instruments such as violin), form a band, write a song and perform their original composition at the end of the week for family, friends and hundreds of screaming fans. Camp also offers a professional studio recording experience as well as daily performances from female musicians.
Representing Girls Rock Camp in accepting this award are Liz Petty (President), Beth Kille (Music Director), and Beth Dohrn (Executive Director).
Since 2013, Liz has eagerly embraced opportunities to reignite her early passion for music by participating in multiple Ladies Rock Camps (LRC), writing hundreds of songs with collaborators from around the world, playing flute in a local community band, and learning to play drums in a band composed of other LRC musicians. As an elementary and middle school student she failed years of piano lessons, tortured a guitar teacher by taking a few lessons, and fell in love with the flute. She continued to study the flute through college playing in wind ensembles, with a music liturgy group, and at various weddings and recitals. She also played alto saxophone in a college jazz band and a small polka band. She gave up music after college to focus on her career as a physician scientist and to raise her sons. She was inspired to explore music again after meeting the Director of Girls Rock Camp, Beth Kille, during a Kickstarter campaign. Since then she has contributed songs to several albums made by collaborators. She has now vowed to always stay true to where music takes her. She is absolutely thrilled to be part of an organization that encourages and empowers girls and women to seek and follow their creative muse.
Beth Kille is an award-winning performing songwriter, an audio engineer/producer, a songwriting instructor, the Executive Producer of the Madison Area Music Association Awards, the host of Madison’s Chick Singer Night, the co-founder of Flannel Fest, the Music Director for Girls & Ladies Rock Camp Madison and a mom. She co-founded Girls and Ladies Rock Camp Madison in 2010, and is continually amazed at the fantastic campers, staff and community members she has had the opportunity to partner with on this journey. Her life’s mission is to inspire those around her to embrace their creativity! For more on Beth, please visit www.bethkille.com.
Beth has been with GRCM since it’s inception when her daughter attended the first camp. She has been the Girl Power Coach supporting campers and staff during camp. She has attended many Ladies Rock Camps and plays bass in 6.4.Sunday, a band with LRC friends! In her spare time, she teaches middle school and likes to go to live music shows, bike, kayak and travel. She’s a mom to two awesome kids and married to a guitar playing neuroscientist!
They run an intense, one week day-camp for girls ages 8-18. Campers of all skill levels learn guitar, drums, keyboard, bass and vocals (and other instruments such as violin), form a band, write a song and perform their original composition at the end of the week for family, friends and hundreds of screaming fans. Camp also offers a professional studio recording experience as well as daily performances from female musicians.
Representing Girls Rock Camp in accepting this award are Liz Petty (President), Beth Kille (Music Director), and Beth Dohrn (Executive Director).
Since 2013, Liz has eagerly embraced opportunities to reignite her early passion for music by participating in multiple Ladies Rock Camps (LRC), writing hundreds of songs with collaborators from around the world, playing flute in a local community band, and learning to play drums in a band composed of other LRC musicians. As an elementary and middle school student she failed years of piano lessons, tortured a guitar teacher by taking a few lessons, and fell in love with the flute. She continued to study the flute through college playing in wind ensembles, with a music liturgy group, and at various weddings and recitals. She also played alto saxophone in a college jazz band and a small polka band. She gave up music after college to focus on her career as a physician scientist and to raise her sons. She was inspired to explore music again after meeting the Director of Girls Rock Camp, Beth Kille, during a Kickstarter campaign. Since then she has contributed songs to several albums made by collaborators. She has now vowed to always stay true to where music takes her. She is absolutely thrilled to be part of an organization that encourages and empowers girls and women to seek and follow their creative muse.
Beth Kille is an award-winning performing songwriter, an audio engineer/producer, a songwriting instructor, the Executive Producer of the Madison Area Music Association Awards, the host of Madison’s Chick Singer Night, the co-founder of Flannel Fest, the Music Director for Girls & Ladies Rock Camp Madison and a mom. She co-founded Girls and Ladies Rock Camp Madison in 2010, and is continually amazed at the fantastic campers, staff and community members she has had the opportunity to partner with on this journey. Her life’s mission is to inspire those around her to embrace their creativity! For more on Beth, please visit www.bethkille.com.
Beth has been with GRCM since it’s inception when her daughter attended the first camp. She has been the Girl Power Coach supporting campers and staff during camp. She has attended many Ladies Rock Camps and plays bass in 6.4.Sunday, a band with LRC friends! In her spare time, she teaches middle school and likes to go to live music shows, bike, kayak and travel. She’s a mom to two awesome kids and married to a guitar playing neuroscientist!
MAGGIE AWARD
Named for Margaret “Maggie” Metcalfe, wife of Brat Fest founder Tom Metcalfe, the Maggie Award is dedicated to all of the people who give countless hours, not for pay but for passion. They’re the people who enrich our community through their selfless devotion to the charities they support.
John started volunteering at BratFest in 2014 on behalf of the Dane County Humane Society Wildlife Center. He volunteers setting up, grilling every day, all day, and for tear down.
John started volunteering at the Dane County Humane Society in 2009 as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Caretaker. Within a month he was called upon to rescue injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals, and to re-nest/reunite babies with their mothers. John has been up over 200 feet in tree's and cell tower rescuing or reuniting birds ranging from baby hummingbirds to Bald Eagles, underground in sewers rescuing trapped foxes and ducklings, and out on the water and ice rescuing different waterfowl. As John say's, "We do everything from Baby Hummingbirds to Bald Eagles and baby squirrels and rabbits to bobcats, badgers, fox and coyotes.
John retired from The United States Marine Corps after 22 years of active service. 14 of those years was deployed overseas. He is a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) where he has organized and holds fund raising events, Spaghetti Dinners, Brat Fry's, to support local charities like Shop With A Cop, Toys For Tots, Ruck 22 which raises awareness to help prevent suicide of Veterans. He has also organized and holds an event called Hogs and Dogs. In partnership with Harley-Davidson, Underdog Pet Rescue, and VFW 1318 it raises money for Underdog Pet Rescue and many dogs and cats are united with people that adopt them.
In November and December John volunteers as Santa for 3 different Humane Society's, Pets pictures with Santa, Shop with a Cop, and 5 other charitable organizations that support disadvantaged and disabled children.
John started volunteering at the Dane County Humane Society in 2009 as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Caretaker. Within a month he was called upon to rescue injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals, and to re-nest/reunite babies with their mothers. John has been up over 200 feet in tree's and cell tower rescuing or reuniting birds ranging from baby hummingbirds to Bald Eagles, underground in sewers rescuing trapped foxes and ducklings, and out on the water and ice rescuing different waterfowl. As John say's, "We do everything from Baby Hummingbirds to Bald Eagles and baby squirrels and rabbits to bobcats, badgers, fox and coyotes.
John retired from The United States Marine Corps after 22 years of active service. 14 of those years was deployed overseas. He is a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) where he has organized and holds fund raising events, Spaghetti Dinners, Brat Fry's, to support local charities like Shop With A Cop, Toys For Tots, Ruck 22 which raises awareness to help prevent suicide of Veterans. He has also organized and holds an event called Hogs and Dogs. In partnership with Harley-Davidson, Underdog Pet Rescue, and VFW 1318 it raises money for Underdog Pet Rescue and many dogs and cats are united with people that adopt them.
In November and December John volunteers as Santa for 3 different Humane Society's, Pets pictures with Santa, Shop with a Cop, and 5 other charitable organizations that support disadvantaged and disabled children.
Calvary Church is the organization for the Maggie Award. One of the longest organizations with Brat fest. Large group of volunteers and tough jobs. Grillers etc…
At Calvary, our mission is to be and make authentic followers of Jesus Christ. To worship God passionately, to preach and teach His Word faithfully, and to serve others in love as we share His Gospel throughout the world.
At Calvary, our mission is to be and make authentic followers of Jesus Christ. To worship God passionately, to preach and teach His Word faithfully, and to serve others in love as we share His Gospel throughout the world.
West Side Special Olympics started with Brat Fest years ago and earned $500 the first year.
Once we started logging volunteer hours – they were bringing so many people in we decided to pay individual hours and the payout grew to $5000.
West Madison Special Olympics has over 100 athletes and 150 volunteers.
When Anita started, she helped assign roles- no official “jobs” Anita just helped assign volunteers when they arrived. They were one of the first 4 groups.
As volunteer Coordinator for West Madison Special Olympics she helps make the money to pay for practice venues, uniforms, and transportation for athletes to attend regional and state events.
Her responsibilities grew into Tim Metcalfe asking her to manage the cashier line in the big tent with the other volunteers.
Anita has also been a substitute crossing guard for the Madison Police Dept on Madison's west side for the past 11 years. She is involved with her church for a variety of different events.
She helps coach Bocce ball in the summer and snow shoeing in the winter and has done other sports in the past as well. She chaperones events and assists with athletes and equipment.
Makes sure that her son Matt gets to all his competitions and he has medals in swimming, snow shoeing, basketball, baseball and now in track for the spring and went to the state right after Brat Fest in 2019.
Anita enjoys the people- all walks of life, new nonprofits, the yearly reunion and there are lots of really good people that return every year. They're all in it for the same reason- to make money for their non profits
West Madison Special Olympics has over 100 athletes and 150 volunteers.
When Anita started, she helped assign roles- no official “jobs” Anita just helped assign volunteers when they arrived. They were one of the first 4 groups.
As volunteer Coordinator for West Madison Special Olympics she helps make the money to pay for practice venues, uniforms, and transportation for athletes to attend regional and state events.
Her responsibilities grew into Tim Metcalfe asking her to manage the cashier line in the big tent with the other volunteers.
Anita has also been a substitute crossing guard for the Madison Police Dept on Madison's west side for the past 11 years. She is involved with her church for a variety of different events.
She helps coach Bocce ball in the summer and snow shoeing in the winter and has done other sports in the past as well. She chaperones events and assists with athletes and equipment.
Makes sure that her son Matt gets to all his competitions and he has medals in swimming, snow shoeing, basketball, baseball and now in track for the spring and went to the state right after Brat Fest in 2019.
Anita enjoys the people- all walks of life, new nonprofits, the yearly reunion and there are lots of really good people that return every year. They're all in it for the same reason- to make money for their non profits
Advanced Employment, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation that provides supported employment services to adults with a wide range of developmental and physical disabilities. We believe that every person should have the opportunity to work in his or her community. Our mission is to provide the training, assistance and support needed for each individual served by the organization to successfully access and maintain job placement in their community. To achieve this we provide services such as employment assessment, job development & placement, as well as job coaching with an emphasis on job retention. In accordance with our mission, we do our best to place individuals in community-based jobs that take into account personal strengths and preferences and provide the training and support necessary for each individual to achieve success.
A brat fest charity for years, they have assisted on many levels and we congratulate them as the 2020 Maggie Award winner.
A brat fest charity for years, they have assisted on many levels and we congratulate them as the 2020 Maggie Award winner.