Metro Wire Staff
STEVENS POINT — The Portage County Historical Society will launch its 2026 Music at the Mill concert series May 26 with a performance by Wisconsin native and recent “American Idol” contestant Genevieve Heyward.
The annual summer series is held at the historic Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville and features a mix of live music and local history in an intimate setting. Organizers say the 1868 mill draws hundreds of attendees each year while helping support preservation efforts at the site.
“We’re especially excited to open this year’s series with Genevieve Heyward,” said John Harry, executive director of the Portage County Historical Society. “Her rising national profile presents a unique opportunity to bring new audiences into the Mill and introduce them to both the space and the work we do.”
The 2026 lineup includes five performances:
May 26 — Genevieve Heyward (acoustic rock)
June 30 — Joyful Little Band (New Orleans jazz)
July 22 — Charlie Parr (folk blues)
Aug. 19 — Rucksack Revolution (acoustic folk rock)
Sept. 16 — Bomber and Red (Americana folk)
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are recommended. Ticket prices vary by performance, with discounts available for Portage County Historical Society members.
Proceeds from the series support maintenance, preservation and programming at the Rising Star Mill.
The series is sponsored by David and Amy Bakken; William Schierl and Sarena Melotte; Ric and Lorry Walters; Jim Canales; and the International Bank of Amherst.
The Rising Star Mill is a historic structure and is not ADA accessible.
More information and tickets are available at pchswi.org.