Oldies highlight historical events

A musical performance inspired by music tracks popular during the World War II era will help promote the return of the Ozaukee Historical Society’s WWII Living History event.

A Tribute to the Music of WWII will feature a USO-style song and dance show performed by the Radio Rosies. The trio has performed classic harmonies of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s throughout the Milwaukee area for events such as the USS Milwaukee Commissioning, an Honor Flight send-off and the 101st Airborne Division Reunion in Madison. The Rosies have also appeared at Sunset Theater in Elm Grove, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, Waukesha Civic Theater, and Vogel Hall in the Marcus Center of Performing Arts.

The classic female vocal group formed in 2013 modeled their look and performances off groups like Andrews Sisters and McGuire Sisters.

The Rosies will perform at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center on May 14, and early bird tickets are on sale. The $20 general admission tickets will be discounted $2 if purchased before April 14.

 Tickets are available at the Cedarburg branch of Port Washington State Bank or at www.ochs.co.ozaukee.wi.us/.

Mary Ann Velnetske of the Ozaukee County Historical Society said this is the first time the group has organized a concert at a formal venue and that she hopes ticket sales reach 400.

During intermission, re-enactors participating in the WWII Living History event will promote the event.

This will be the first time the re-enactment event has been held since 2019 due to cancelations caused by the pandemic.

The encampment will be held on Armed Forces Day, May 20, and on May 21 at Ozaukee County Pioneer Village in Saukville, 4880 Hwy. I. During the event, re-enactors will be stationed in camps dressed as soldiers from the United States and regions throughout Europe. Exhibits, military vehicle displays, various demonstrations and battles will also be featured.

On May 21, a military vehicle parade will be held at 11 a.m. and staged battles will occur at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Ozaukee County Historical Society partners with the Veterans Military Museum, which provide the vehicles to display, and with the Living History Re-enactors, that provide an authentic portrayal of the war and life on the homefront. 

A school day and group tour day will be held on Friday, May 20, and focuses on educating attendees about life during WWII. Area schools and senior centers are invited to tour the encampment for a discounted rate. On May 21, the event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10, $8 for students aged 13 through 17, $5 for children aged 5 through 12, seniors and veterans and free for WWII veterans.