Blues Powerhouse to Perform at Thrasher

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The historic Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake is proud to announce an evening of soulful, “heavy blues” featuring the world-renowned singer, bassist, and songwriter Danielle Nicole on Friday, February 20th at 7:30 p.m.

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Kansas City, Missouri, Danielle Nicole has spent her life commanding stages both domestically and abroad. As a founding member of the family band Trampled Under Foot, Nicole exploded onto the worldwide scene over a decade ago.

Now, as a solo force, she continues to garner international acclaim, earning the ultimate praise from the “Queen of the Blues” herself, Koko Taylor, who remarked, “That girl gets down to the nitty gritty.”

Nicole’s musical pedigree is deep-rooted; she was inspired by watching her father play blues guitar and her mother sing with Little Eva and The Works. That early spark evolved into a career defined by a tireless work ethic and an inventive playing style.

Guitar World notes she has won “respect and admiration throughout the American blues scene,” while Blues Music Magazine raves that Nicole “brings it, bakes it, and serves it up blazing on a silver soul-rocking platter.”

A Career of Chart-Topping Excellence

Since embarking on her solo career, Nicole has become a staple at the top of the Billboard Blues charts:

• Wolf Den (2015): Peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts with 7.5 million Spotify streams.
• Cry No More (2018): Debuted at #1, received a Grammy nomination for Contemporary Blues Album, and has amassed over 10 million streams.
• The Love You Bleed (2024): Her latest release on Forty Below Records, which has already surpassed 1.2 million streams in less than a year.

With eight Blues Music Awards under her belt—including multiple wins for Bass Player and Female Contemporary Artist of the Year—Nicole’s performance in the intimate, acoustic splendor of the Thrasher Opera House promises to be a highlight of the 2026 season. As the Kansas City Star aptly noted, Nicole is following in the footsteps of legends like Bettye LaVette, becoming “increasingly believable as she matures.”

Event Details:

• Who: Danielle Nicole
• When: Friday, February 20, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Thrasher Opera House, 504 Mill St, Green Lake, WI
• Tickets: $27
• Purchase: Tickets are available online at www.thrasheroperahouse.com by calling 920.294.4279 or at the door (subject to availability).

This performance is presented by the Victor F. Braun Foundation.  Additional support is provided by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Wisconsin Arts Board, and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Hospitality support is provided by Heidel House Hotel & Conference Center, Goose Blind Grill & Bar, Sturgeon Spirits, and Sassafras.