A Rooftop Night with DADDIO and a Surprise Janet Planet Performance at the Rusted Roost!Friday nights are for great music, beautiful weather, and spontaneous plans. This time, as my little man dashed off to an event with his friends, I found myself free to explore a night of local entertainment. And I wasn’t about to let the evening slip away. A quick check told me that DADDIO, the contemporary improvisational band that always delivers, was playing at the Rusted Roost in Downtown Menasha. An outdoor rooftop venue, live tunes, and the perfect Wisconsin summer weather? Count me in!
The Rusted Roost’s rooftop is the ideal setting for live music. I climbed the stairs and immediately spotted some friends at the bar – a bonus that always makes a good night even better. After a few minutes of catching up, the unmistakable sound of DADDIO filled the air. Already in the groove, this band is very good.
If you haven’t experienced DADDIO yet, here’s what you’re missing: they’re a group of Wisconsin’s finest, with improvisation at the core of everything they do. Saxophonist Tom Washatka (fresh off a 2023 WAMI award win), drummer Tony Wagner, guitarist Scott Dercks, and bassist Charlie Sauter know each other so well, their interplay feels like musical telepathy. They blend familiar tracks from artists like Sting and Steely Dan with their own originals, always leaving room for something unexpected. Every performance is a new adventure.
As the night progressed, things took an even more exciting turn. DADDIO announced that the one and only Janet Planet was in the house. If you haven’t heard of her, let me be the first to tell you – this woman is a powerhouse. And when she offered to join them on stage, the energy shifted into something truly special. Janet Planet not only sang with the band, she absolutely owned the stage, her passion evident in every note. It was one of those moments where you can feel the love for the art radiating from the performer.
All in all, it was an unforgettable night of music, friends, and one killer rooftop vibe. I’ve got photos and videos to share so you can relive the magic with me.
