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The Wisconsin Union’s Outdoor UW, Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee and Hoofer Outing Club are ready to make a splash with the Union’s first-ever Lakefront Live at the Memorial Union Terrace on July 14 at 6 p.m. The free outdoor concert – featuring indie pop band Sleeping Jesus – turns the band at the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage 180º around to face audience members on paddle and watercraft on Lake Mendota.

Community members and visitors can rent single or double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards – including an eight-person stand-up paddleboard called the SUPSquatch – or canoes from Outdoor UW to soak in the show from Lake Mendota. To rent Outdoor UW equipment for this event, each person must make a reservation. Each reservation is $15 and secures one spot on an Outdoor UW paddlecraft for the entirety of the event (6-9 p.m.). 

The Outdoor UW team encourages those interested in a certain paddlecraft to arrive early, as patrons with reservations will receive a spot on a craft on a first come, first served basis. Renters may arrive starting at 3 p.m., and all members of a party must be present to select their shared craft. Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult both at the service desk and while on Lake Mendota to rent an Outdoor UW craft during this event. Those under the age of 16 must also be in the same craft as their guardian. The Outdoor UW team will provide safety guidance and lifejackets. 

Guests can make online reservations at members.hoofers.org/event/87366. 

Additionally, the Hoofer Outing Club will offer free canoe rentals on a first come, first served basis to individuals 18 and older, starting at 5:30 p.m. on July 14.

The presence or consumption of alcohol/drugs is not permitted on Outdoor UW or Wisconsin Hoofers watercraft. Individuals who are believed to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs will not be allowed to board a craft.

Those with their own watercraft may paddle over to enjoy the concert, as well.

The one-of-a-kind concert can also be enjoyed from the Terrace, where audience members can pull up an iconic sunburst chair and savor a brat and other food options from Memorial Union’s many dining options while taking in the show.

“We are so excited to collaborate across the Union to bring an event that speaks to both our love for music and for the outdoors,” said Sean Michael Dargan, Wisconsin Union advisor. “It’s a true celebration of some of the best parts of Madison summers – getting out in nature, relaxing, live music and feeling the joy of community.”

Sleeping Jesus is a Minnesota-based band with a carefree pop style that has attracted a growing following – with more than 56,000 monthly listeners and 1.5 million streams of its hit song “Goddess” on Spotify, alone.

If there is a blue-green algae bloom on the day of the event, Outdoor UW will refund rentals, and water outings will be canceled, with Lakefront Live transitioning to a Terrace-facing event. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor rentals will be refunded, and the concert will occur inside Memorial Union at der Rathskeller. Details of this event are subject to change. The Wisconsin Union team aims to announce any unanticipated changes in this event by 4 p.m. on July 14. 

Lakefront Live is one of the many live music events held at the Terrace as well as throughout the year at Memorial Union and Union South. For a full lineup of this summer’s concerts and other Terrace season events, visit terracesummer.com.