CRACKLE is back – gather your friends and family for this fun, fall tradition at the Gardens! This year we’ll be cracklin’ with collards on menu as part of Collard Fest part II! For the past three years Olbrich Botanical Gardens has partnered with local black farmers and chef to create programming and opportunities that focus on the collard plant, a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable that carries historical significance in the black community. For CRACKLIN” Collard Fest the music and cuisine will highlight black culture, a collective spirit built on a foundation of community bonds, spiritual traditions, deep pride, and creative expression celebrated through food and music.

Friday, September 11— Emmitt James 5-piece and Biscuit
Emmitt James is a Hip Hop-Jazz artist based in Milwaukee, WI. After spending 8 years in Los Angeles, James returned to the region that loved him first. James is known for bridging the gap between jazz and rap with a live band.

Saturday, September 12—The Stephen Hull Experience
The Stephen Hull Experience gives the blues community exciting evidence that the future of music is in good hands. Born in 1999, a native of Racine, Wisconsin, Stephen Hull started playing blues at age 14 and never stopped, taking cues from Albert King and B.B. King as he developed his sweet, soulful guitar sound. Balancing that with his absolutely stellar lead vocals and infectiously buoyant personality, Stephen has been rising fast in the blues clubs of Chicago and venues across southeastern Wisconsin.

Must be 21 to attend. General admission $40/Olbrich members $35.

For tickets visit https://olbrichbotanicalgardens.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/calendar/ 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.