August 4th - August 9th 2025
Wausau Noon Optimist
Wisconsin Valley Fair Lineup
See you at the Fair! 

Brad Emanuel is a Wisconsin musician/entertainer who has been performing in public for over 15 years. He's performed at everything from wedding ceremonies to country music festivals. With a repertoire of over 200 songs and growing, ranging in style from country to rock, and spanning over 5 decades, he's ready for your party or venue! And he's not just a solo act. He's played in duo, trios, and full bands. He can dress up for your formal party or wedding, or dress down for your backyard barbecue. Music Done Fun!

The String Cheese Band is a dynamic and versatile trio based in Wausau, Wisconsin, known for delivering high-energy performances and a wide variety of music tailored for all occasions. Comprising Chad Brecke, Joe Brown, and Jim Waterman, the band specializes in classic rock and other genres.

Their engaging and enjoyable performances have earned them a strong local following, with notable appearances at venues like Bull Falls Brewery in Wausau and Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.  

Honky Tonk Highway is a vibrant country and southern rock band hailing from Wisconsin, delivering a high-energy mix of classic and contemporary country hits. Known for their authentic honky-tonk sound, the band captures the spirit of Nashville’s Lower Broadway with a Midwestern twist, blending twangy guitars, driving rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics. Honky Tonk Highway has built a loyal following through their dynamic live performances at local venues across Wisconsin, including festivals, bars, and community events. Their setlists feature covers of country legends like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, alongside modern favorites, ensuring a foot-stomping good time for audiences of all ages. 

The musicians in Blindside have a diverse musical background and decades of entertainment experience.  Blindside has performed with various lineups for the last 25 years or so.  Our current setlist contains danceable, rock and blues tunes from the 70s up to present.  The setlists are a comfortable blend of recognizable music as well as a touch of interesting "B side" tunes. You are likely to hear Edgar Winter, Foo Fighters, Blackberry Smoke, Sister Hazel and Pink Floyd  all in the same set.  Three part harmonies are tight and the musicianship is top-notch.

Come show the Wisconsin Valley Fair what you got! Join us in the Wausau Noon Optimist Beer Stand for Open Mic! Bring your guitar or use Brad’s. Just sign up when you get there and give us your best 15 minutes… and then check “perform at the fair” off your bucket list! 

Joining Brad Saturday night will be some of the better known area players, including vocalist Sidney Rose, instrumentalists Harold Melo and Jordan Miles, Matt Rhyner on drums, and the legendary John Altenburgh on keys. From country to rock, from the old stuff to the new… they’ve got you ‘covered’!

Known as one of the most versatile bands in Wisconsin, the music performed by these entertainers is a variety of Polka, Waltzes, Big Band, Country and the ‘50’s. Add the four-part harmony, tight music arrangements, their vibrant personalities and great showmanship, make this band truly entertaining. We are pleased to offer two options to see a performance by this group.