United Way of Dane County Announces Line-up for 25th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert
Madison, WI (February 9, 2026) – Bluegrass enthusiasts will celebrate community with live, local music on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the 25th Annual United Way Bluegrass Benefit at the Barrymore Theatre. The show features bands of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. with support by Sugar Maple Music Festival, WORT-89.9 FM and Isthmus. Audrey Martinovich and Stephanie Benicek of Audio for the Arts provide sound and recording services.
“Whenever you meet a friend, or help a neighbor, or assist a stranger…you build a better community. Community and family well-being are what United Way is all about,” explains Dave Kinney, an Oscar Mayer retiree and bluegrass fan who founded the annual benefit concert with musician Bob Batyko. Kinney was a United Way Loaned Executive for 12 community fundraising campaigns and remains a dedicated donor and volunteer. Batyko is liaison to the bands and will again play with two acts at this year’s show.
The annual event began as a family-friendly, neighborly and inexpensive activity and has continued to offer bluegrass fans, families and United Way advocates that opportunity. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the show. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and a maximum of $20 per family. Kids under age 5 are admitted for free.
The musical groups donating their talents on February 15 include:
1:00 pm Cork ‘n Bottle String Band
2:00 pm SpareTime Bluegrass Band
2:45 pm David Landau, “The King of Kids Music”
3:15 pm They Talk TOO Much with the Silent Partners
4:00 pm Soggy Prairie
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Communications and Digital Media, United Way of Dane County at Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137. On-site, day of interview requests, please contact Kristi Shepard, Supervisory Director, Foundation & Gift Planning, United Way of Dane County at (608) 630-7815
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About United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.