I had the pleasure of attending a meeting this morning and sitting next to a very interesting gentleman from Salem, Indiana. He is a successful businessman, and he is contemplating an investment in a new venture here in Madison. (Complete details in the Courier, if the deal goes through). But during our conversation, he struck a very familiar refrain. “I’ve been spending a lot of time over here, and I’m not gonna lie … I wouldn’t mind moving to Madison! The quality of life here is something special.”
If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it a thousand times now. People get a taste and they want the whole meal! Those of us who are either natives or were able to get in when the getting was good should count ourselves lucky. Do not take Madison for granted, and do what you can to keep the magic alive.
Which offers a nice segue to the subject of today’s column. Robert and Judy Staicer are East Coast natives, by way of Long Island, New York, and New England. They met in 2015 and became a couple soon after. Judy is the sister of John Staicer, the director of Historic Madison Inc. They, like so many before and since, fell in love with our town and decided to make it home.
“John moved to Madison in 1992,” explains Judy. “He was hired to do the restoration on the Saddletree property. Of course, when that project was done he and Maureen never left Madison, why would they? So that meant Robert and I were visiting here a lot over the years, for holidays and vacations.”
At this point Robert (who also uses the last name Schwartz outside of his coupled life with Judy) picked up the story. “John and Maureen were out on a downtown walk one day, and they passed the home of Rick and Anne Lostutter. Rick was in the yard and remarked that he was about to put the house up for sale. John said, ‘Hold up before you list it, I think my sister Judy will buy it!’
“Well, we took one look at it and said, we’ll take it! That was back in 2021, just as Judy was retiring. The house has a big addition on the back with a large room that is perfect for our ballroom dancing hobby. We just love everything about the house, the location, and being part of this community.”
Robert is a man of many talents and interests, and he didn’t waste any time finding his niche here in Madison. He and Judy both became docents with Historic Madison, giving house tours and walking tours, brimming with Madison lore and history. Robert is also a big fan of classical music, which led him to the Madison Performing Arts Foundation (MPAF.)
“My first wife was a harpist in the Boston area where we lived, and we used to host a series of house concerts with the many world-class musicians who call the East Coast home. At first it was mostly classical artists that my wife knew, but soon we branched into jazz, folk and other genres.
“Anyway, when Judy and I moved here to Madison and bought a house with a large room in back, I was thinking about restarting the house concert series here in Indiana. But when I learned about the Performing Arts Foundation and what they were doing, it was only natural that I join that group and add my music contacts and experience to what they are doing.
“I’ve taken over the MPAF website, publicity and email, and I’m booking about 25% of the concerts, mostly musicians I knew and hosted back in Boston.”
Judy has her share of talents also, having spent her career doing theatrical scenery and architectural lighting. “We tore down the old garage behind our house and we’re building a new art studio where I can do my photography, painting and fiber arts.”
Which brings us full circle to how I began this column. If you are fortunate enough to live in Madison, be sure to give something back. Do like Robert and Judy and use your unique talents and energy to make it an even better and more magical place. It’s the people, the folks I write about every week, who make Madison great.
Hot Tip of the Week
One of the great sort of underground traditions in Madison is the inimitable Stan Attenberger doing his set of acoustic Christmas favorites. His voice and folksy manner are just so perfect, and there’s no better way to get in the holiday mood. This year Stan is doing a four week run, all through the month of December on Sundays at Vintage Lanes Wine Bar, from 6-8 p.m. If you miss it … you’ll have a Blue Christmas, for sure!
This weekend in Indiana’s Music City there’s a special event for all the Johnny Cash fans out there, with a top-notch tribute style act performing at the Ohio Theatre on Friday night. And on Saturday Thomas Family Winery has one of their fun Celtic party bands keeping things lively. Get in the spirit people
On a final note, It’s not too soon to start thinking about New Year’s Eve. So far we’ve heard about Rusty Bladen up at Clifty Inn, Madpaddle Brewery is doing a Big Brass 1920s themed event, and Timeless LIVE is bringing in the popular Rockin’ Cowboyz Band. We’ll keep you posted if any more NYE events pop up.
Charlie Rohlfing is a retired advertising man and partner in The Red Bicycle Hall music venue. Look for his distinctive fedora bobbing above the crowd anywhere local live music is happening.
Music Events Schedule
Friday, Dec. 5
Ohio Theatre – A.R. Cash (Johnny Cash Experience)
Thomas Family Winery – Donnie Rose (7 p.m.)
American Legion Post 9 – The Legacy Band (8 p.m.)
Mad Paddle Brewstillery – Red Dirt Road (8 p.m.)
Central Hotel – Killin Smalls ( (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
TailGators – DJ Scratchy Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Rivertown Grill – Smokin Jokers (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Tiki LIVE – L & L Karaoke (9-1)
Vintage Lanes Wine Bar – Jazz (7-9 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 6
Thomas Family Winery – Clocgheann (7 p.m.)
Timeless LIVE! – Joe & Deano (8-11 p.m.)
Mad Paddle Brewstillery – JDC Band (8 p.m.)
Central Hotel – Zach Hackney (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
TailGators – Eric Hamblin Band (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Rivertown Grill – Live DJ Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Tiki LIVE – L & L Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 7
Vintage Lanes Wine Bar – Stan Attenberger (6-8 p.m.)