Attending the Madison Symphony Orchestra's annual Christmas spectacular is very much like enjoying a party with old friends.

I don't know what's going on in Republican circles these days, but it is pretty clear that insanity is kicking in big time.

Ken Kosier, a gifted amateur pianist and a friend for 59 years, seemed excited as he greeted me before the Madison Symphony Orchestra concert Friday.

One way to explain how much the Madison opera scene has improved since the 1980s is that I was once allowed to sing in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "La traviata" and was applauded for my efforts.

California is on fire ... again.

Rachel Barton Pine, one of the world's most accomplished violinists, brought her artistry back to Madison this weekend to highlight an all-Russian program for the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

American Players Theatre has just completed its 40th anniversary season and, I think, it was the best ever.

This is the time of year when "seasons" begin, so we are accustomed to first days of school, first football games, you know, that sort of thing.

Here are two quotes from the current climate debate:

So much bad news fills the news these days that it is difficult to isolate any individual moment of outrage.