William Elliott Whitmore returns to the Opera House stage on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM, with opening act Sam Ness. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Tickets range from $25 to $35 (plus taxes and fees) and will increase by $5 on the day of the show. Tickets will go on sale for Friends of the MPOH on Tuesday, August 5, at 8 am and for the general public on Tuesday, August 19, at 8 am.

A man armed only with a banjo and a bass drum can be a formidable force, especially if his name is William Elliott Whitmore.  With his powerful voice and honest approach, Whitmore comes from the land, growing up on a family farm in Lee County, Iowa.  Still living on the same farm today, Whitmore has truly taken the time to discover where his center lies, and from that he will not be moved.

Whitmore has repeatedly carved his own path, honoring the longstanding tradition of folk music throughout his nearly 20 year career, while always allowing his blues, soul and punk rock influences to shine through.  Getting his first break opening for his friend’s hardcore band with just a banjo in hand, he would discover bands like The Jesus Lizard, Bad Brains, Lungfish and Minutemen and soon learn to play his own brand of rural, roots music with that same DIY ethic.

William Elliott Whitmore has been back and forth across the United States and to cities around the world.  He’s toured with such diverse acts as Frank Turner, Trampled By Turtles, Clutch and Chris Cornell to name a few.  He’s appeared on some of the biggest stages around the world including Stagecoach Fest, Byron Bluesfest (Australia) and End of the Road Fest (UK).  His willingness to take his show to any playing field has proved invaluable as he turned strangers to diehards with every performance.

Sam Ness is the youngest person to enter the Madison Music Hall Of Fame (for Male Vocalist 2024). Sam writes songs that sound like open roads and quiet mornings. Blending indie-folk grit with looping guitar rhythms, his music carries stories from years spent busking across the world — honest, human, and heart-forward. With a vault of international busking adventures and more than 1300 shows under his belt, Sam’s catalog is steeped in authenticity. His songs trace the roads he’s walked — from city streets to quiet cabins — always searching for something true. If you’re looking for grit, melody and a voice that moves, Sam’s already on the road.

Alongside the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Folk Performer of the Year (2025), and Madison Music Hall Of Fame (for Male Vocalist 2024), He has shared the stage with America (The Band), Styx, Night Ranger, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), and many others.

15 MAMA Awards (Madison Area Music Awards) and 2 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Awards to match, Sam Ness is sweeping across the Wisconsin music scene.