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Tone Madison

@tonemadison.bsky.social

21K followers 201 following 583 posts

Fiercely independent coverage of arts, culture, and politics in Madison, Wisconsin, that was worker-owned and reader-supported. 2014–2026. Archive available at tonemadison.com

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Tone Madison

Scott Gordon @scottgordonwi.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

If you have been donating to @tonemadison.bsky.social and want some other ideas for supporting good writing/art/journalism with your money, I have some suggestions for you, including ongoing projects from some of Tone’s wonderful freelancers:

Reposted by Tone Madison

Grant @nothingunfinished.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

in my last true piece for Tone, I—maybe most appropriately—connected with an artist who has significant ties to my home state of Pennsylvania. highly recommend making it to at least one of the Midwest Video Poetry Fest programs this Saturday at Art Lit Lab artlitlab.org/events/2026-...

Reposted by Tone Madison

amelia zollner 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 @manateemailbox.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

my final story for tone madison is about my favorite semi-niche hobby and the coolest guy to do it with in wisconsin! (he's been leading weekly walks, which i like to call "the berghain of birding," for around 13 years)

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

In our final Microtones, current and former editors—@scottgordonwi.bsky.social, @stinadale.bsky.social, @stevenmps.bsky.social, @nothingunfinished.bsky.social, Oona Mackesey-Green, and Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez—reflect on Tone Madison's life and legacy. Thanks for reading, 2014–2026.

tonemadison.com

The meanings of Tone Madison

Current and former editors reflect on the publication's life and legacy.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

"...If you have a network, bring them together, then tell them to bring their friends. Have an open door, be inclusive, and you're gonna end up just building something before your very eyes, before you even really know it," Porch Flowers player and arts organizer Evan Fernandez tells Aaron Grych.

tonemadison.com

Creating a music community on the isthmus with "Evan's style"

Musician and arts organizer Evan Fernandez discusses the importance of managing the HQ practice space for local bands and his own ensemble, The Porch Flowers.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

LIMERENT PITTSBURGH (2025) is a highlight among the 30 selections of this year's Midwest Video Poetry Fest at @artlitlab.bsky.social on Saturday, April 4, starting at 6 p.m.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

"...[Anne] Ciecko determinedly forges her own path through multimedia, and packs in a staggering amount of history in not only her vivid diction but in affectionate, architectural-focused footage around the rust belt city," writes Arts Editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social.

tonemadison.com

"Limerent Pittsburgh" intricately constructs a folkloric affection of place

Artist Anne Ciecko's 2025 videopoem is a highlight among the 30 selections of this year's Midwest Video Poetry Fest at ALL on April 4.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

"...Even in the winter on particularly birdless days, [Henrikson] enjoys looking at the patterns that ice crystals form and seeing if he can conjure birds in their shapes," writes @manateemailbox.bsky.social. 🐦

tonemadison.com

Good birding in all seasons with the storied Charles "Chuck" Henrikson

The retired lecturer and winsome ornithologist has been coordinating Tuesday birder hikes at the Arboretum for well over a decade.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

STAGECOACH and YOUNG MR. LINCOLN (both 1939) screen at the UW Cinematheque—4070 Vilas Hall—on April 17 and 24, respectively.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

"[Lea Jacobs' JOHN FORD AT WORK is] rich in behind-the-scenes details, rigorous in frame-by-frame analyses, and readable with a strong, articulate voice that paints a vivid historical picture and line of thinking to guide the readers through the many elements at work in the films," writes Lance Li.

tonemadison.com

Lea Jacobs sheds new light on an old master in "John Ford At Work"

The UW Professor Emeritus' new book on the storied American director coincides with a five-film UW Cinematheque series this spring.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

"It's easy to build a great food culture in [Madison] just by going out more often, especially during non-peak hours.... One small change in dining habits would have a massive impact," writes @jesseraub.online in his final "Small Bites" column.

tonemadison.com

Small Bites: How I would fix Madison dining

Going out on Sundays and other thoughts on building a more sustainable food city.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Milwaukee filmmaker Ben Balcom talks extensively with Arts Editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social about his latest experimental short, THE PHALANX, which is premiering locally at the @chazenartuw.bsky.social during the 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival on April 12.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

"...This is a challenge that really interests me as a filmmaker: of 'empty space' or the question about whether or not the camera and its mere presence in space can index a historical trace or the latency or the presence of a ghost past. Can that be transmitted purely by the presence of the camera?"

tonemadison.com

Inspiriting radical communal aspirations: an interview with Ben Balcom on "The Phalanx"

The Milwaukee filmmaker's latest experimental short premieres locally at the Chazen Museum during the 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival on April 12.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

"...Lisa Low's REPLICA, after all, is a book of reconciliations: between who society expects us to be and who we are; between what our love looks like to others and what it really is; between the need to justify our existence and letting our defiance speak for itself," writes @rmbanting.bsky.social.

tonemadison.com

Lisa Low's "Replica" grapples with racial alienation and whiteness

Moving from childhood to adulthood, the author's new poetry collection confronts and reconciles expectations in order to live authentically.

Reposted by Tone Madison

WP @gadus.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

A huge loss to Madison and local journalism. Tone has been an amazing source of impactful and insightful local journalism for over a decade, an an important voice in Madison politics and culture. I'm hugely grateful for the work they produced. It will be sorely missed.

Reposted by Tone Madison

cyst o’donovan @trentaioli.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

great local publication that I am gutted to see go. we should all be so lucky to have the kind of coverage everyone over there was able to provide.

Reposted by Tone Madison

sam @wisconsam.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

my favorite tone work i did was this four-part, seasonal series on dane county's oak savannas. I love oak savannas tonemadison.com/series-colum...

tonemadison.com

A Year On The Oak Savanna Archives – Tone Madison

A four-part series tracing a year in the life of Dane County’s oak savanna restoration projects.

Reposted by Tone Madison

Rachel DL @racheldl.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Thank you @tonemadison.bsky.social and especially editors @stinadale.bsky.social & @scottgordonwi.bsky.social for working with me these past two years, with a lot of patience and flexibility, to publish more of my writing (7!) than any single news outlet. I will miss working with this publication ❤️

Reposted by Tone Madison

Jason Joyce @jasonjoyce.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

@tonemadison.bsky.social did the damn thing and they did it on their terms. That's very difficult, especially now. I'm sad to read this, but everyone over there deserves congratulations and respect for doing what they did, how they did it.

Reposted by Tone Madison

frood 🔨 @frood.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Tone was one of those things I'd point to when I'd talk about Madison and say "it's a city that punches way above its weight class" a real Lion of a publication that made me proud to live there. Scott created a small miracle that defined the kind of character Madison has at its best.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Tone Madison is saying goodbye on April 3. Though we're sad, we're also grateful. Over the next couple weeks, we'll be proud to bring you a few more fiercely independent stories on local arts, culture, and politics.

tonemadison.com

Tone Madison is saying goodbye

We are sad, but grateful too.

Reposted by Tone Madison

Jonathan Mertzig @mertzigzag.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Sad to hear @tonemadison.bsky.social is closing up shop, but appreciate the years of hard work from all the great folks involved. They’ve been a unique and truly “progressive” voice (in a town that often doesn’t meet the meaning of that label). Don’t take your local independent media for granted!

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

From @tomkertschernews.bsky.social of @wisconsinwatch.org:

tonemadison.com

Wisconsin communities face scrutiny over data center secrecy

The town of Beloit is the fifth Wisconsin community with an NDA for a possible data center.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

"A Taylor win would prevent conservatives from flipping the court until at least the end of this decade... as Wisconsin faces continued legal debates on elections, abortion, labor, and the role courts should play in overseeing immigration enforcement," writes @burness.bsky.social for @boltsmag.org.

tonemadison.com

Eyeing voting rights, liberals aim to secure Wisconsin Supreme Court through 2030

In the April election, Wisconsin liberals are hoping to expand their majority on a body that could be a critical backstop for voting rights during the next presidential race.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Join us and Madison Music Radar tonight at 8 p.m. at Gamma Ray Bar for a "Rising Artist Showcase"—featuring Bloodroots, Alewives, Sapsucker, and Dicot! All proceeds will benefit a Minneapolis rent relief fund. 🌟

Madison Rising Artist Showcase, presented by Madison Music Radar and Tone Madison w/ Bloodroots, Alewives, Sapsucker and Dicot | Gamma Ray Bar

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

"...The only surveillance we need to keep each other safe is community surveillance on these technologies to ensure residents are informed of their presence," writes News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez in today's Microtones.

tonemadison.com

Police surveillance technology needs proper accountability

Grassroots resistance against Flock cameras are writing the blueprint for comprehensive reform.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Arts Editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social introduces our extended preview of the 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival (April 9 through 16): "...May your experience offer a hopeful pleasure that reminds you of the potential for better days, and the collaborative power of art through community." 🎞️

tonemadison.com

Continuity and expressive experimentation in the 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival

Eight writers share their initial insights on the eight-day extravaganza, April 9 through 16, across UW campus and Madison.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

"[mk zariel's] BOY APPARITION is a collection that breaks wide open everything we think to be true and provides us with curious and daring alternatives," writes @rmbanting.bsky.social.

tonemadison.com

"Boy Apparition" finds queer liberation by challenging normative constructions of masculinity

mk zariel's chapbook coaxes us to the edges of our imaginations, and is infused with the undercurrent of love that is necessary to keep going.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

"Running for local office should be an accessible entry point into politics, one where forging relationships with your neighbors and understanding your community matter more than working more formalized political connections," writes @scottgordonwi.bsky.social in today's Microtones.

tonemadison.com

Don't shrink the Common Council and County Board

Madison needs more representation, not less.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

New contributor and Madison Music Radar founder Aaron Grych rounds up five of his favorite local music releases (songs and projects) from January and February 2026. Grych's picks include @alewives.bsky.social, Cause and Control, Worms for Sale, Sandhill Strangers, and Hush Now, Sweet Halo. 🎶

tonemadison.com

Madison acts rivetingly ring in 2026

Five local bands offer new songs and projects, and capture a hopeful feeling in the new year.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

"Film has been a pivotal way for me to learn about Cuba," says programmer Victoria Gutierrez. Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez details the new Cine Cubano series at The Cardinal Bar as well as the venue's sustaining connections to the island nation. The next screenings are on Sunday, March 8. 🎞️

tonemadison.com

The Cardinal Bar's Cuban film series invites local support for Madison sister city

Cine Cubano bridges interest in Cuban cinema with the cultural exchange and aid mission of the Madison-Camagüey Sister City Association.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

"...The dream of the inexpensive starter home is not compatible with our economic reality, but a starter apartment under $200,000? That's more realistic," writes Managing Editor @stinadale.bsky.social in our latest Microtones.

tonemadison.com

Starter homes? No, we need starter apartments

As homeownership continues to be out of reach for too many Madisonians, we should build more owner-occupied, multi-family housing.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

"...All people, children and adults, are the arbiters of their own bodies and should not be forced into a box to fit someone else's design," writes @anodynerhyme.bsky.social.

tonemadison.com

The federal war on trans healthcare mirrors that of abortion

Hospitals are folding to anti-trans hate, but the community continues to advocate for trans youth.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

In this month's "Small Bites," @jesseraub.online meticulously meditates on making bread: the process, flour, flavor, time, and place. 🍞

tonemadison.com

Small Bites: How I make bread

Meditating on the process, flour, flavor, time, and place.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Phipps also explored new experimental video art by Chele Isaac, @sawingsound.bsky.social, and Aaron Granat as part of The Bubbler's 150 Artists x 150 Years exhibition at Madison Public Library - Central. He revealed the creative depths of their works: PHOTO><SYNTHESIS, EYE SEES TIME, and APHANTASIA.

tonemadison.com

Three video artists tap into personal histories in the 150 Artists x 150 Years exhibition

Chele Isaac, Toby Kaufmann-Buhler, and Aaron Granat reveal the creative depths of their works, which are on display through February 28 at Central Library.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Managing Editor @stinadale.bsky.social insisted that Madison needs a wake-up call after she unpacked a few recent news stories. The longer we pretend this City is a progressive haven, the more people will be harmed.

tonemadison.com

Madison needs a wake-up call

The longer we pretend this City is a progressive haven, the more people will be harmed.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Arts Editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social chatted with Josiah Wampfler at OCA Media and hand-picked some inspiring screening events in Madison throughout 2025. Additionally, they each shared several standout movie performances of the year.

tonemadison.com

Video: Sizing up local screening events and prominent performances of 2025

A chat with Josiah Wampfler at OCA Media about our favorite movie-going experiences and acting roles of last year.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

This week - February 12 thru 17 - on Tone Madison! ✨

This week on Tone Madison:
Video: Sizing up local screening events and prominent performances of 2025. By Grant Phipps.
Madison needs a wake-up call. The longer we pretend this City is a progressive haven, the more people will be harmed. By Christina Lieffring.
Three video artists tap into personal histories in the 150 Artists x 150 Years exhibition. By Grant Phipps.
Read on ToneMadison.com // February 11-17, 2026.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

We also republished this @wisconsinwatch.org piece by Hongyu Liu on our state's stagnant minimum wage—what it means for workers and our economy

tonemadison.com

What Wisconsin's stagnant minimum wage means for workers and the economy

With its minimum wage frozen at $7.25 since 2009, Wisconsin lags most states, and shrinks the buying power of many workers while fueling debate over economic trade-offs.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Reporter Kristen Billings detailed how Wisconsin energy utilities are sacrificing affordability and sustainability to fuel the AI gold rush. Gas plants used to power data centers are increasing costs for consumers, the risk of exposure to pollutants, and accelerating the harms of climate change.

tonemadison.com

Wisconsin energy utilities sacrifice affordability and sustainability to fuel the AI gold rush

Gas plants used to power data centers increase costs for consumers, risk of exposure to pollutants, and accelerate the harms of climate change.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

For Microtones, arts editor @nothingunfinished.bsky.social talked to a handful of community voices involved with local film programming about the recent spotlighting of new films by known abusers (Roman Polanski, Brett Ratner, Luc Besson) in campus spaces and at commercial cinemas.

tonemadison.com

Stop spotlighting new films by known abusers

Madison boasts a dynamic movie culture, yet still needs programmers and community voices to facilitate change.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

@drboffa.bsky.social assessed Bi Gan's latest art-house epic, RESURRECTION, which explores human perceptions through the historical labyrinth of cinema. It premiered locally last Thurs, Feb 5, at UW Cinematheque (and will likely be added to Criterion Channel within the next month)

tonemadison.com

"Resurrection" explores human perceptions through the historical labyrinth of cinema

Bi Gan's latest art-house epic premieres locally at UW Cinematheque on February 5.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

The past week-plus on Tone Madison: February 2 through 10! ✨

This week on Tone Madison:
RESURRECTION explores human perceptions through the historical labyrinth of cinema. By David Boffa.
Stop spotlighting new films by known abusers. By Grant Phipps.
Wisconsin energy utilities sacrifice affordability and sustainability to fuel the AI gold rush. By Kristen Billings.
Read on ToneMadison.com // Feb. 2-10, 2026.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

In his final Microtones as Music Editor, @stevenmps.bsky.social centered a more personal vantage point in sharing how he achieved a broader focus through music photojournalism in 2025 with the fourth installment of our live music photo essay series.

tonemadison.com

Achieving a broader focus through music photojournalism in 2025

The fourth installment of our live music photo essay series centers a more personal vantage point.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

@anodynerhyme.bsky.social argued that @usrowingorg.bsky.social's recent trans-exclusionary policies only divide us all. Amid institutional erasure of their autonomy, trans athletes deserve to be openly embraced by their teammates and representatives.

tonemadison.com

USRowing's trans-exclusionary policies only divide us all

Amid institutional erasure of their autonomy, trans athletes deserve to be openly embraced by their teammates and representatives.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Student journalist George Clyde got to know Reggie and Anne, who were navigating life without housing after the early-autumn closure of Dairy Drive. Clyde asks our community what we owe each other, and what do we value?

tonemadison.com

What do we owe each other?

Reggie and Anne navigate life without housing after the closure of Dairy Drive.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

This week on Tone Madison: January 26 through February 1! We featured two stories by new contributors. ✨

This week on Tone Madison: What do we owe each other? Reggie and Anne navigate life without housing after the closure of Dairy Drive. By George Clyde.
USRowing's trans-exclusionary policies only divide us all. Amid institutional erasure of their autonomy, trans athletes deserve to be openly embraced by their teammates and representatives. By Cam T.B.
Achieving a broader focus through music journalism in 2025. The fourth installment of our live music photo essay series centers a more personal vantage point. By Steven Spoerl.
Read on ToneMadison.com // Jan. 26 - Feb. 1, 2026.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

In the monthly "Small Bites" column, @jesseraub.bsky.social pondered the moral cost of meat and how a bad dream prompted more intentional eating in the new year.

tonemadison.com

Small Bites: The moral cost of meat

How a bad dream prompted more intentional eating in the new year.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

@scottgordonwi.bsky.social wrote that the Madison "uniparty" is not oppressing you because it's not real, in response to three recent Cap Times columns. Local debates aren't what they should be, but they're not being crushed by the far left.

tonemadison.com

The Madison "uniparty" is not oppressing you, because it's not real

Local debates aren't what they should be, but they're not being crushed by the far left.

Tone Madison @tonemadison.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Nine of our writers—@nothingunfinished.bsky.social, Lewis Peterson, Edwanike Harbour, Sara Batkie, @jesseraub.bsky.social, Lance Li, @drboffa.bsky.social, Jason Fuhrman, and Hanna Kohn—offered "one movie meditation after another" for the year 2025, processing these trying times through cinema.

tonemadison.com

One movie meditation after another: toiling through 2025

Nine writers processed these trying times through cinema, at the theaters and at home.