Tone Madison
@tonemadison.bsky.social
Fiercely independent coverage of arts, culture, and politics in Madison, Wisconsin. Worker-owned and reader-supported.
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Read: tonemadison.com
Donate: tonemadison.com/donate
Subscribe: tonemadison.com/newsletters
Reposted by Tone Madison
This year I took a big step back from the day-to-day at @tonemadison.bsky.social, but my colleagues there have kept up the fight. They’re still publishing adventurous and adversarial journalism. And still, no one else in Madison media is doing anything like it. Please help them meet today’s goal!
We're in the final stretch of our make-or-break fundraiser. If 22 people donate for the first time, we'll also receive a $1,000 bonus.
Help us reach our goal during NewsMatch so our small-but-mighty publication can keep publishing the perspectives you really care about.
tonemadison.com/donate/
Help us reach our goal during NewsMatch so our small-but-mighty publication can keep publishing the perspectives you really care about.
tonemadison.com/donate/
December 31, 2025 at 4:34 PM
This year I took a big step back from the day-to-day at @tonemadison.bsky.social, but my colleagues there have kept up the fight. They’re still publishing adventurous and adversarial journalism. And still, no one else in Madison media is doing anything like it. Please help them meet today’s goal!
tonemadison.com/donate/
We're in the final hours of our year-end fundraising campaign, and there's still $6,800 that we could secure. These are make-or-break funds that will determine how many stories Tone Madison will be able to publish in 2026. Help us "look out for the little guy." 🙏
We're in the final hours of our year-end fundraising campaign, and there's still $6,800 that we could secure. These are make-or-break funds that will determine how many stories Tone Madison will be able to publish in 2026. Help us "look out for the little guy." 🙏
December 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM
tonemadison.com/donate/
We're in the final hours of our year-end fundraising campaign, and there's still $6,800 that we could secure. These are make-or-break funds that will determine how many stories Tone Madison will be able to publish in 2026. Help us "look out for the little guy." 🙏
We're in the final hours of our year-end fundraising campaign, and there's still $6,800 that we could secure. These are make-or-break funds that will determine how many stories Tone Madison will be able to publish in 2026. Help us "look out for the little guy." 🙏
Reposted by Tone Madison
If today and tomorrow a total of 19 people donate to @tonemadison.bsky.social who have never donated before, we get $1,000 thanks to NewsMatch. If you’ve never donated to Tone, this is the perfect time to start.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
Support us – Tone Madison
A message from Christina Lieffring, Managing Editor We can’t do what we do at Tone Madison without support from our readers—nor do we want to. We publish hard-hitting investigations, deep […]
tonemadison.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
If today and tomorrow a total of 19 people donate to @tonemadison.bsky.social who have never donated before, we get $1,000 thanks to NewsMatch. If you’ve never donated to Tone, this is the perfect time to start.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
For today and tomorrow only, our latest local-music compilation, RESOLUTION, is 25% off. That's 30 tracks of demos, alternate takes, rarities, and unreleased material from Madison-connected artists of past and present for just $15.
tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
December 30, 2025 at 4:38 PM
For today and tomorrow only, our latest local-music compilation, RESOLUTION, is 25% off. That's 30 tracks of demos, alternate takes, rarities, and unreleased material from Madison-connected artists of past and present for just $15.
tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
We're in the final stretch of our make-or-break fundraiser. If 22 people donate for the first time, we'll also receive a $1,000 bonus.
Help us reach our goal during NewsMatch so our small-but-mighty publication can keep publishing the perspectives you really care about.
tonemadison.com/donate/
Help us reach our goal during NewsMatch so our small-but-mighty publication can keep publishing the perspectives you really care about.
tonemadison.com/donate/
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 PM
We're in the final stretch of our make-or-break fundraiser. If 22 people donate for the first time, we'll also receive a $1,000 bonus.
Help us reach our goal during NewsMatch so our small-but-mighty publication can keep publishing the perspectives you really care about.
tonemadison.com/donate/
Help us reach our goal during NewsMatch so our small-but-mighty publication can keep publishing the perspectives you really care about.
tonemadison.com/donate/
We only have four days left to unlock $8,400 in matching funds. Tone Madison could unlock a total of $21,000 for journalism that's "full of heart and unafraid to punch up." But we need your help to do it.
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
December 28, 2025 at 5:24 PM
We only have four days left to unlock $8,400 in matching funds. Tone Madison could unlock a total of $21,000 for journalism that's "full of heart and unafraid to punch up." But we need your help to do it.
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
"I implore community members, our elected officials, and those participating in the confidential RFP review process to be critical of any deal that does not return proper value to taxpayers," writes Nick Pjevach, Madison Arts Commission chair, in a guest column.
Coliseum renovations should proceed with caution
Dane County should apply strict scrutiny of its partnership proposal with FPC Live, even if it's the only bidder.
tonemadison.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
"I implore community members, our elected officials, and those participating in the confidential RFP review process to be critical of any deal that does not return proper value to taxpayers," writes Nick Pjevach, Madison Arts Commission chair, in a guest column.
"The question of honest work in colonial systems and fine arts institutions raises the specter of censorship, particularly of art that is deemed 'political.' But what makes a work of art political or apolitical?" asks Managing Editor @stinadale.bsky.social after a visit to the Trout Museum of Art.
Could an exhibition like Guiding Ethos find a home in Madison?
A group show at Appleton's Trout Museum stands up for "political" art in an era of cowardice and compliance.
tonemadison.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
"The question of honest work in colonial systems and fine arts institutions raises the specter of censorship, particularly of art that is deemed 'political.' But what makes a work of art political or apolitical?" asks Managing Editor @stinadale.bsky.social after a visit to the Trout Museum of Art.
Help Tone Madison continue to be a "vital resource" for film and arts coverage through your donation during NewsMatch. An anonymous local donor has recently offered to match the next $2,500 contributed by our readers.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
December 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Help Tone Madison continue to be a "vital resource" for film and arts coverage through your donation during NewsMatch. An anonymous local donor has recently offered to match the next $2,500 contributed by our readers.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
"...Finding balance is all about mastering the layers of flavor being presented."
As #doublethegarlic dominates social media, @jesseraub.bsky.social consults with local chefs and experts about reevaluating and preparing your recipes in this month's "Small Bites."
As #doublethegarlic dominates social media, @jesseraub.bsky.social consults with local chefs and experts about reevaluating and preparing your recipes in this month's "Small Bites."
Small Bites: How much garlic is too much garlic?
With "double the garlic" dominating social media, it's time to reevaluate your recipes.
tonemadison.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
"...Finding balance is all about mastering the layers of flavor being presented."
As #doublethegarlic dominates social media, @jesseraub.bsky.social consults with local chefs and experts about reevaluating and preparing your recipes in this month's "Small Bites."
As #doublethegarlic dominates social media, @jesseraub.bsky.social consults with local chefs and experts about reevaluating and preparing your recipes in this month's "Small Bites."
Despite public hesitancy, @wisdot.bsky.social wants an additional lane to stem congestion on 20 miles of the Beltline between West and South Madison. News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez reports.
Beltline expansion proposals suggest dead-end logic
"Another lane will fix it" still reigns at WisDOT, but the public is pushing back.
tonemadison.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Despite public hesitancy, @wisdot.bsky.social wants an additional lane to stem congestion on 20 miles of the Beltline between West and South Madison. News and Politics Editor Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez reports.
This year we've...
• Questioned how local governments allocate resources by pointing out the impacts on the most vulnerable.
• Interrogated the narratives that lead to harmful economic policies.
• Championed the perspectives of workers and organized labor.
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
• Questioned how local governments allocate resources by pointing out the impacts on the most vulnerable.
• Interrogated the narratives that lead to harmful economic policies.
• Championed the perspectives of workers and organized labor.
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
December 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
This year we've...
• Questioned how local governments allocate resources by pointing out the impacts on the most vulnerable.
• Interrogated the narratives that lead to harmful economic policies.
• Championed the perspectives of workers and organized labor.
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
• Questioned how local governments allocate resources by pointing out the impacts on the most vulnerable.
• Interrogated the narratives that lead to harmful economic policies.
• Championed the perspectives of workers and organized labor.
tonemadison.com/donate/
🙏
"...Okay, we're writing the feral queers in the woods canon, finally."
@millbot.bsky.social talks with @mlfaliveno.bsky.social about queer bodies in rural spaces and much more in their upcoming novel, HEMLOCK, which is out on January 20, 2026, with @littlebrown.bsky.social.
@millbot.bsky.social talks with @mlfaliveno.bsky.social about queer bodies in rural spaces and much more in their upcoming novel, HEMLOCK, which is out on January 20, 2026, with @littlebrown.bsky.social.
Fear and queer hunger in the Northwoods of Melissa Faliveno's "Hemlock"
The new novel from the author of the "Tomboyland" essay collection finds its footing in the dark corners of Wisconsin's forests.
tonemadison.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"...Okay, we're writing the feral queers in the woods canon, finally."
@millbot.bsky.social talks with @mlfaliveno.bsky.social about queer bodies in rural spaces and much more in their upcoming novel, HEMLOCK, which is out on January 20, 2026, with @littlebrown.bsky.social.
@millbot.bsky.social talks with @mlfaliveno.bsky.social about queer bodies in rural spaces and much more in their upcoming novel, HEMLOCK, which is out on January 20, 2026, with @littlebrown.bsky.social.
"While neighboring Wisconsinites are standing up against the top-down imposition of corporate interests, Madison still plays a crucial role in formulating a model of resistance in solidarity with wider opposition to data-center development," writes Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez in today's Microtones.
Opting out of the tech-backed AI inevitability narrative
As data centers set their sights on harvesting Wisconsin's human and natural resources, refusal and resistance starts locally.
tonemadison.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:03 PM
"While neighboring Wisconsinites are standing up against the top-down imposition of corporate interests, Madison still plays a crucial role in formulating a model of resistance in solidarity with wider opposition to data-center development," writes Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez in today's Microtones.
"As comic artists themselves, the MAC Fest organizers are using their intimate knowledge of opportunity gaps within the movement to carve out a new space for growth."
@cmy-kay.bsky.social previews the inaugural event at Aubergine (1226 Willy St) this Sat, Dec 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
@cmy-kay.bsky.social previews the inaugural event at Aubergine (1226 Willy St) this Sat, Dec 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Madison Alternative Comics Fest showcases a rising art form through diverse voices
Madison's answer to the alternative comic festival circuit debuts at Aubergine on December 13.
tonemadison.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:41 PM
"As comic artists themselves, the MAC Fest organizers are using their intimate knowledge of opportunity gaps within the movement to carve out a new space for growth."
@cmy-kay.bsky.social previews the inaugural event at Aubergine (1226 Willy St) this Sat, Dec 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
@cmy-kay.bsky.social previews the inaugural event at Aubergine (1226 Willy St) this Sat, Dec 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reposted by Tone Madison
Nearly two years after police raided the encampment on Library Mall, UWPD records obtained by @tonemadison.bsky.social reveal loose justifications for arrests and inconsistent enforcement on campus.
@fayeparks.bsky.social sat down with Roman Fritz to learn more.
www.wortfm.org/uwpd-priorit...
@fayeparks.bsky.social sat down with Roman Fritz to learn more.
www.wortfm.org/uwpd-priorit...
UWPD prioritizes status quo over campus safety, Tone Madison reports - WORT-FM 89.9
Police records reveal loose justifications for arrests and inconsistent enforcement on campus, nearly two years after police invaded the encampment on Library Mall.
www.wortfm.org
December 10, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Nearly two years after police raided the encampment on Library Mall, UWPD records obtained by @tonemadison.bsky.social reveal loose justifications for arrests and inconsistent enforcement on campus.
@fayeparks.bsky.social sat down with Roman Fritz to learn more.
www.wortfm.org/uwpd-priorit...
@fayeparks.bsky.social sat down with Roman Fritz to learn more.
www.wortfm.org/uwpd-priorit...
Our final "Cinemails" column of 2025 spotlights Joachim Trier's new psychological family drama, SENTIMENTAL VALUE.
@nothingunfinished.bsky.social and Lance Li exchange largely divergent viewpoints—though, their inquiries elicit some unexpectedly intriguing dialogue on its narrative resonance.
@nothingunfinished.bsky.social and Lance Li exchange largely divergent viewpoints—though, their inquiries elicit some unexpectedly intriguing dialogue on its narrative resonance.
Evaluating tenderness and depth of family dynamics in "Sentimental Value"
Grant Phipps and Lance Li argue in favor of and against the artistic framework of Joachim Trier's latest psychological family drama.
tonemadison.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Our final "Cinemails" column of 2025 spotlights Joachim Trier's new psychological family drama, SENTIMENTAL VALUE.
@nothingunfinished.bsky.social and Lance Li exchange largely divergent viewpoints—though, their inquiries elicit some unexpectedly intriguing dialogue on its narrative resonance.
@nothingunfinished.bsky.social and Lance Li exchange largely divergent viewpoints—though, their inquiries elicit some unexpectedly intriguing dialogue on its narrative resonance.
We can't imagine a better legacy for a media outlet than to inspire aspiring writers to pursue ambitious, critical stories. But they can only do that if you continue to support us.
We are HALFWAY to our fundraising goal. THANK YOU! But we still have a ways to go.
tonemadison.com/donate/
We are HALFWAY to our fundraising goal. THANK YOU! But we still have a ways to go.
tonemadison.com/donate/
December 9, 2025 at 6:45 PM
We can't imagine a better legacy for a media outlet than to inspire aspiring writers to pursue ambitious, critical stories. But they can only do that if you continue to support us.
We are HALFWAY to our fundraising goal. THANK YOU! But we still have a ways to go.
tonemadison.com/donate/
We are HALFWAY to our fundraising goal. THANK YOU! But we still have a ways to go.
tonemadison.com/donate/
"...Campus administrations are more comfortable with simply arresting people out of sight and mind than confronting the reminders that their system is built to fail students and marginalized people," writes new contributor Roman Fritz.
UWPD's careless assault on student protest
Police records from the encampment crackdown in May 2024 show enforcement inconsistency and the "obstructing or resisting" trap.
tonemadison.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:36 PM
"...Campus administrations are more comfortable with simply arresting people out of sight and mind than confronting the reminders that their system is built to fail students and marginalized people," writes new contributor Roman Fritz.
Today, we're releasing "Resolution," a new Bandcamp compilation that will help fund Tone Madison's future.
"Each track acts as a demonstration of the perseverance inherent to Madison musicians," writes Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social.
Read more here: tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
"Each track acts as a demonstration of the perseverance inherent to Madison musicians," writes Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social.
Read more here: tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
Resolution, by Tone Madison
30 track album
tonemadison.bandcamp.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Today, we're releasing "Resolution," a new Bandcamp compilation that will help fund Tone Madison's future.
"Each track acts as a demonstration of the perseverance inherent to Madison musicians," writes Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social.
Read more here: tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
"Each track acts as a demonstration of the perseverance inherent to Madison musicians," writes Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social.
Read more here: tonemadison.bandcamp.com/album/resolu...
"...I'm a film writer without any film tees. Who am I, and what am I doing with my life?" 🙃
In this week's Microtones, @nothingunfinished.bsky.social looks to @4starvideo.bsky.social's Lewis Peterson and local shop Cosmic Cabin for some help with buying and curating movie-related attire.
In this week's Microtones, @nothingunfinished.bsky.social looks to @4starvideo.bsky.social's Lewis Peterson and local shop Cosmic Cabin for some help with buying and curating movie-related attire.
Movie tee envy
Pondering a shirt collection, and stumbling upon Cosmic Cabin, which has the goods—at least niche ones for cinephiles.
tonemadison.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
"...I'm a film writer without any film tees. Who am I, and what am I doing with my life?" 🙃
In this week's Microtones, @nothingunfinished.bsky.social looks to @4starvideo.bsky.social's Lewis Peterson and local shop Cosmic Cabin for some help with buying and curating movie-related attire.
In this week's Microtones, @nothingunfinished.bsky.social looks to @4starvideo.bsky.social's Lewis Peterson and local shop Cosmic Cabin for some help with buying and curating movie-related attire.
Before it hits @bandcamp.com tomorrow, hear a sneak preview of our newest local music compilation, RESOLUTION, at @giantjonesbrewing.bsky.social tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.!
December 4, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Before it hits @bandcamp.com tomorrow, hear a sneak preview of our newest local music compilation, RESOLUTION, at @giantjonesbrewing.bsky.social tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.!
A new restoration of Charles Burnett's THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH (1999) screens on 35mm at UW Cinematheque this Fri, Dec 5, at 7 p.m.
Hanna Kohn writes that the core couple's "courtship is the perfect mystically motivated and senior-focused antidote to your weekly 'hurt' watch of I LOVE LA..."
Hanna Kohn writes that the core couple's "courtship is the perfect mystically motivated and senior-focused antidote to your weekly 'hurt' watch of I LOVE LA..."
"The Annihilation Of Fish" wholeheartedly renders the enchanting eccentricities of a senior romance
Charles Burnett's long-lost love story from 1999 screens on 35mm at UW Cinematheque on December 5.
tonemadison.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:13 PM
A new restoration of Charles Burnett's THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH (1999) screens on 35mm at UW Cinematheque this Fri, Dec 5, at 7 p.m.
Hanna Kohn writes that the core couple's "courtship is the perfect mystically motivated and senior-focused antidote to your weekly 'hurt' watch of I LOVE LA..."
Hanna Kohn writes that the core couple's "courtship is the perfect mystically motivated and senior-focused antidote to your weekly 'hurt' watch of I LOVE LA..."
This Giving Tuesday, another anonymous local donor has offered to match the next $1,000 we raise. That means donations will be tripled! And new monthly donations are matched twice for their full annual amount, turning $15 a month into $360 for us.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
December 2, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This Giving Tuesday, another anonymous local donor has offered to match the next $1,000 we raise. That means donations will be tripled! And new monthly donations are matched twice for their full annual amount, turning $15 a month into $360 for us.
tonemadison.com/donate/
tonemadison.com/donate/
This Friday, we'll be releasing "Resolution"—a new Bandcamp compilation—as part of our year-end fundraiser. Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social goes over the concept, reveals some contributing artists, and outlines the advance listening party in our latest.
tonemadison.com/articles/loo...
tonemadison.com/articles/loo...
Look out for our next compilation album, "Resolution"
Our fourth Bandcamp collection features unreleased material from Madison artists.
tonemadison.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
This Friday, we'll be releasing "Resolution"—a new Bandcamp compilation—as part of our year-end fundraiser. Music Editor @stevenmps.bsky.social goes over the concept, reveals some contributing artists, and outlines the advance listening party in our latest.
tonemadison.com/articles/loo...
tonemadison.com/articles/loo...