WABENO – The Big Easel Gallery & Bistro will be hosting a special dinner concert featuring the music of Rupert Wates on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The evening will begin with dinner served at 5:00 pm, followed by a live concert performance.

About Rupert Wates

Rupert Wates is known for his eclectic blend of acoustic, melodic art and folk music, infused with elements of jazz, vaudeville, and cabaret. He has released twelve solo albums, each of which has earned critical acclaim and international airplay. His songwriting is widely respected, with artists from the UK, Canada, and the U.S. covering his work. Notably, two full-length tribute albums—Crazy Puzzle (2015) and Wide Open Heart (2017)—were produced independently by other performers and feature songs composed entirely by Wates. In 2016 alone, more than twenty cover recordings of his songs were released.

Performance Highlights and Recognition

Wates performs an average of 120 shows annually across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He favors intimate listening rooms, where audiences can connect deeply with his storytelling. His dedication to live performance earned him the Artist of the Year award from Concerts In Your Home in both 2013 and 2016, and he was their most-booked performer for five consecutive years. In 2018, he was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Song Contest and was recognized as an Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

Location Details

The Big Easel Gallery & Bistro is located at 1784 Maple Ave in Wabeno. For additional information or to reserve your spot, please call 715-889-1179.

Photo Credit: Rupert Wates

Published on: Mar 20, 2026 at 1:42 pm