A close-knit crowd gathers in the Frederic Arts Center as Web and Jay perform Bob Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street.” – Photo by Sophie Horgan
FREDERIC – Kicking off a new season of live music, Frederic Arts held an indoor “Raising the Roof” concert the windy evening of Feb. 28. Live music by Web and Jay filled the intimate setting as guests listened and laughed together throughout the packed house. Popcorn was provided by the Frederic Arts Center, and beverages were available for purchase as well. A “ribbon” (toilet paper) cutting ceremony took place during intermission, finally introducing the nearly finished accessibility bathroom, also known as “the Potty Project.”
Web and Jay, an iconic musical duo, played tunes of bluegrass, folk and other genres alike. The two seasoned artists have been playing together for 25 years now, with no end in sight. Although they come a long way from Maryland and Colorado, the pair now resides in Northwest Wisconsin, and take on venues all around the Wisconsin and Minnesota area. Filling the space between songs with thoughtful and relatable humor, their performance was well-received among the familiar crowd, and never failed to make the room laugh or tap along with the music. Web and Jay will be back in Frederic soon enough, performing at the Barrel House on March 19.
The Potty Project—an accessibility mission by the Frederic Arts Center—has persisted in their pursuit for an accessible bathroom, leading to a near-finished product to be introduced at Friday’s concert. Always cleverly on theme, the arts center had all guests at the concert draw a piece of toilet paper from their 3D-printed toilet (a symbol of this long-lasting project) to determine who would get to cut the “ribbon,” which was actually just more toilet paper. By luck of the draw, Larry Pederson did the honors, followed by the sincere eruption of applause and excitement for the nearing success of their mission.
