A Celebration of Song: BIG SING 2026 Comes to Appleton on April 25th

A Celebration of Song: BIG SING 2026 Comes to Appleton on April 25th

At 7:00 pm Saturday, April 25th, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (P.A.C.) in Appleton will resonate with the powerful harmonies of male voices from across the Upper Midwest as the BIG SING 2026 takes center stage. This highly anticipated choral event—hosted by the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus—promises an evening of uplifting, community-focused music in the heart of the Fox Cities. This is a chance to experience the power and richness of male choral singing within one of northeastern Wisconsin’s premier performing arts venues, an ideal setting for this large-scale choral production!

A Rich Tradition of Community and Harmony

The BIG SING is an annual event begun in 1949 by the Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCofA), bringing together male choruses from across the Upper Midwest for performance, skill development, fellowship, and shared musical experience. This year, with Steve March-Tormé serving as Compere, over 260 singers from the 14 choruses that make up AMCofA are scheduled to join voices as one chorus in a celebration of song that highlights both choral excellence and community spirit. The performance is particularly special in 2026 as it aligns with celebrations honoring America’s 250th anniversary, adding a patriotic and reflective element to the evening’s repertoire.

A list of AMCofA member choruses is posted on www.macdowellchorus.com and on https://www.facebook.com/MacDowellChorus.

Hosted by Appleton’s Own MacDowell Male Chorus

The Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus—an ensemble with deep roots in the Fox Valley musical community—serves as the host for this year’s BIG SING. Founded in 1934, the chorus has a long history of bringing people together through song, contributing to local events, educational programs, and charitable causes. Their role as host continues this tradition, inviting both seasoned choral singers and enthusiastic members of the public to take part in a memorable evening of music.

An Evening at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Tickets are ideally available in-person at the P.A.C. Ticket Office, by calling them at (920) 730-3760, or online at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of choral music or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience in the Fox Cities, BIG SING 2026 offers something for everyone—an evening where song, community, and celebration come together in harmony.

Calling All Homeschoolers! Catholic Schoolhouse Appleton invites homeschooling families to attend a Visit Day! 

Calling All Homeschoolers! Catholic Schoolhouse Appleton invites homeschooling families to attend a Visit Day!

Calling All Homeschoolers! Catholic Schoolhouse Appleton invites homeschooling families to attend a Visit Day and see our Catholic, classical homeschool co-op in action. Meet our families, experience science and art activities, and explore learning together in a supportive community. We are a non-profit organization established in 2024.

Visit days are no commitment, and all ages are welcome! Upcoming dates: February 17th, March 3rd, and March 24th.

For more information, contact Jessica Boham at (920) 980-5726 or AppletonWI@CatholicSchoolhouse.com.

Pillars Summer Donation Drive – July 9th through July 23rd

Pillars Summer Donation Drive – July 9th through July 23rd

Pillars’ Summer Donation Drive will run July 9th through July 23rd and is completely digital, making it easier than ever to get involved and support basic needs for our Fox Cities neighbors!

The Summer Donation Drive is accessible through Pillars’ Amazon wish list. All items will be shipped directly to Pillars’ main office at 605 E Hancock St in Appleton.

Access the Wish List here!: https://tinyurl.com/PillarsSDD2025.

Our website has a blog post with more information on the purpose of the drive here: https://pillarsinc.org/news/pillars-summer-donation-drive-is-completely-online/

Christmas Stars – Open Auditions on May 13th

Christmas Stars – Open Auditions on May 13th

Christmas Stars, an annual holiday-themed musical revue, will hold an open audition on Tuesday evening, May 13th at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre located at 1600 W. Prospect Avenue in Appleton.

Students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade in the 2025-2026 school year and adults of all ages who enjoy singing and dancing are invited to audition.

An online application and audition scheduling instructions are available at the “Join Our Cast” link on the production’s website:  www.christmasstars.orgAuditions are by appointment.  Music and accompaniment are provided by the producers.

The men of the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcome Janet Planet to our 91st Anniversary Season performance stage!

The men of the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcome Janet Planet to our 91st Anniversary Season performance stage!

“The men of the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcome Janet Planet to our 91st Anniversary Season performance stage. She will join us in song as we present a concert of hope and inspiration for a fast-moving world. 

Two concerts remain in Appleton: 

May 3rd at 7 pm in the Xavier High School Fine Arts Theatre 

May 4th at 2 pm in the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel 

Tickets are available for $20 from all chorus members, at the door, and on our website: www.macdowellchorus.com. Follow us on Facebook for details about the chorus, joining the chorus, and future events.”

Holy Spirit Parish/School has an opening for Principal – Appleton

Holy Spirit Parish/School has an opening for Principal – Appleton

Holy Spirit Parish/School Position Opening

Holy Spirit Catholic School is seeking a faith-filled, dynamic principal to lead our thriving Preschool 3–Grade 8 community starting July 2025!

If you’re a passionate Catholic leader ready to inspire students, staff, and families in faith and academics, this is your calling.

Join us in shaping the future! To apply visit the WECAN site at https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/229220.

Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage of Visitation on Holy Thursday with Bishop Ricken – April 17th

Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage of Visitation on Holy Thursday with Bishop Ricken – April 17th

Join Bishop David L. Ricken for a pilgrimage to the three jubilee pilgrim churches in Green Bay. Enter into this holy night to keep vigil in prayer at the altars of repose.

To reserve your bus seat by Friday, April 11th, please contact the Office of Divine Worship by calling (920) 272-8341 or via email at: jmontano@gbdioc.org.