糖心Vlog传媒

Anthony Wahl 

Leslie West tests her aim while playing a hunting simulator game at the Ironworks Golf Lab in downtown Beloit.

Anthony Wahl 

Kyle Rich takes a swing at the ball while playing a home run derby style game in one of the simulator bays at Ironworks Golf Lab in downtown Beloit.

Ironworks Golf Lab in downtown Beloit has three simulator bays for playing games ranging from golf to zombie dodgeball.

Anthony Wahl 

Trying to slip a puck past a simulated goalie is one of several games offered at Ironworks Golf Lab in Beloit.

Anthony Wahl 

The front bar area of the Ironworks Golf Lab in downtown Beloit.

BELOIT鈥擡xperiencing the thrill of golfing at Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Pinehurst No. 2 and Bethpage Black right in Rock County might not be hard as it sounds.

Those well-known venues are just a few of the more than 80 golf courses available on a series of simulators housed at in Beloit, said Steve Hahn, the facility鈥檚 summer manager.

Two of the formerly shuttered factory鈥檚 three simulators offer games beyond golf that include baseball games such as pitching and hitting; football games such as field-goal kicking and passing; soccer; basketball and, yes, zombie dodgeball.

While the latter might stand out more than the others, zombie dodgeball is virtually what it sounds like. Hahn said two people throw balls at zombies who appear on the screen in different settings, such as in farm or space mode. The number of zombies arriving in front of players increases over time.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an action pace; a very fun game,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the most popular games we have.鈥�

The zombies come to Beloit through visual sports simulators, which are booths with white screens and a projector, Hahn said. High-speed cameras pick up where the balls are being thrown.

鈥淭echnology in this day and age is amazing,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou have to really see it to believe how great it really is.鈥�

The simulators are available to rent for periods of time, and Hahn said most games cycle within three or four minutes.

The cost for a high-definition golf simulator can reach up to $100,000, Hahn said, while other visual sports simulators can cost as much as $75,000.

Ironworks Golf Lab is pretty new鈥攐nly in its third year, Hahn said. Business tends to pick up in winter when the weather isn鈥檛 as nice and golfers have fewer outdoor options.

The slogan on Ironworks鈥� website is, 鈥淔ocus on the game, not the weather.鈥�

The facility鈥檚 original premise, Hahn said, was to address that need. When Ironworks representatives visited other locations, Hahn said they saw the value in offering simulators that provide more sports than simply golf.

鈥淭hat was a great decision,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really increased the popularity of the Ironworks Golf Lab.鈥�

From November through March, Hahn said it is 鈥渉ighly unlikely鈥� someone can walk in without a reservation and use the simulators as Ironworks runs golf leagues on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights during colder seasons. During summer, however, walk-in opportunities abound.

Another local option providing golf simulation is Riley鈥檚 on the Green, 221 W. Milwaukee St., 糖心Vlog传媒. According to the company, tee times in summer are only available through advance registration by calling 608-756-4949.

Ironworks鈥� Hahn said simulators offering sports games are popular for events such as kids鈥� birthdays or company gatherings. Ironworks offers reservation packages that also bundle pizza and drinks.

The most popular package, he said, includes two hours of play with two simulators.

鈥淏elieve me, after the two hours, whoever is having the party ... they normally don鈥檛 wanna leave,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e having that much fun.鈥�

Anthony Wahl 

Matt Pickart

Editor’s Note: Kicks presents 20Q, a feature that introduces readers to people involved in the area’s arts and entertainment community. Compiled by kicks Editor Greg Little, each piece will include a short bio, photo and answers to questions that provide insight into not only that person’s artistic interests but also his or her unique personality.

Matt Pickart

Beloit native Matt Pickart could never have imagined his childhood dream of becoming a professional musician would not only come true, but it would do so in such fantastic fashion.

In addition to performing in such iconic venues as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, the violinist/violist/jazz musician/teacher has studied at the feet of modern music’s most recognized names. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, violin performance, and is working toward a doctorate in musical arts, viola performance. Pickart has shared the stage with the likes of Barry Manilow, Bernadette Peters, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and others, and he is founder of the Clazz International Music Festival held annually since 2016 in Arcidosso, Italy.

Pickart, a 2003 graduate from Beloit Memorial High School, discovered his joy for music at home from parents John Pickart and Martha Dunegan, both cellists and teachers. He also was a student of renowned Fort Atkinson music teacher Alison Lee Jewer.

In addition to jazz, Pickart enjoys delving into other genres. As a soloist, he has appeared with orchestras throughout the US, in Italy and in the Netherlands. When not touring to perform, Pickart is an assistant professor of music at Webster University in St. Louis, where he resides.

Pickart has two local performances planned, including one at 7 p.m. today at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Woman’s Club, 108 S. Jackson St. A fundraiser for the Clazz festival, the show will feature Pickart performing with his parents, with Jewer and with friend/colleague Zachary Peterson.

Pickart will make his conducting debut at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 7, while guest directing the Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 749 Bluff St., Beloit.

To learn more about Pickart, visit .

1. How old were you when you decided playing violin was going to be your thing? I grew up surrounded by music. Both my parents are cellists and retired orchestra teachers. My older brother was pretty serious about the violin growing up, as well. So it was just a normal thing, I guess. I started lessons when I was 3. There were a few pivotal moments along the way that strengthened my resolve. Getting to see Itzhak Perlman play Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” with the Rockford Symphony when I was 7 was one of them. For the next few months after that concert, I couldn’t put my violin down. My parents had to plead with me to stop practicing at night. Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” and Itzhak are still two of my absolute favorites, 27 years later.

2. How does a kid from Beloit get on stage with the likes of Barry Manilow, Bernadette Peters and Trans-Siberian Orchestra? I’ve been very fortunate to know the right people at the right times, booking the orchestras. Of course, I’ve had to work very hard along the way to be in the pool of talent that is considered for these performances. Just a few weeks ago, I got to play in an orchestra for The Who.

3. Has there ever been a time where you thought reaching for your dreams was going to be too hard and considered giving up? I think almost every musician goes through tough times. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to give up, thankfully, but there has been a fair share of hard times. I always try to surround myself with better musicians to learn from and to be inspired by. I listen to amazing music daily, and getting to teach the young is my greatest source of inspiration.

4. Your performance skills are world-class. Did it all come from hard work, or is some of that talent God-given? It is hard work and a lot of experience. I think being a third-generation musician is something that helps gives me confidence.

5. You have an extensive background in orchestral and jazz music. Ever just sit down and jam out to old-school rock? Oh, for sure. I’ve actually recorded and played with a number of different rock bands over the years—everything from punk to indie electronica. Classic rock is some of my favorite music, too. I used to gig with some bands around Pittsburgh playing a lot of classic hits, and I also have done a fair amount of Beatles tribute shows.

6. The violin is an extremely versatile instrument when you consider the musical genres in which it is featured. Does it get the credit it deserves? I don’t think people perceive violin as diverse of an instrument as it really is. You can literally play any genre on the violin. That’s part of what I am trying to explore in my own career.

7. People would be surprised to find out that I: Used to take figure skating lessons growing up. I loved it, but I had to drop it after four years when it became too intense with all the music studies.

8. You have traveled the world to perform. What venue left you most in awe? I think getting to play with Robert Rodriguez at Dizzy’s Club for Jazz at Lincoln Center overlooking Central Park in New York City was pretty jaw-dropping.

9. I would think it takes a lot of energy to perform as a professional musician. Do you employ any particular workout regimens to make sure you’re on top of your game? I should. I keep telling myself I’ve got to get back on the bandwagon with that. I used to run years back.

10. You live in St. Louis these days. What do you miss about Beloit? I haven’t lived in Beloit since 2003, and in between I was in Madison; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Lansing, Michigan. I definitely miss my parents and friends still around the area, but I try to come back often. I think I miss the feeling of how simple life was back then. I always enjoy taking walks and reliving memories when I return.

11. At Webster University, you teach classes in “music entrepreneurship.” What is that? Musicians need to know how to survive in the real world. It’s tough. A huge part of what I teach in the classes is how to have the right mindset, how to create your own opportunities, and how to reach your goals.

12. When it comes to jazz, who are your musical heroes? Oh man, there are so many. Two of my classic favorites are Stuff Smith and Oscar Peterson.

13. If someone else paid for the experience, would you go bungee jumping? I’ve always had a fear of heights, but it’s gotten better the older I get. I think I would be down.

14. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Realistically, I think I would want to be an expert cook. I love food, possibly more than music. I’m just lazy about leveling up my cooking skills. Beyond reality, time travel would be pretty awesome.

15. Who is your favorite Muppet? Animal was pretty cool. He likes music and food.

16. Do you have any pre-gig rituals? I have a lucky bicentennial dollar coin I always have in my pocket for performances.

17. My kid plays guitar and video games, and he claims the two complement each other when it comes to quick thinking and dexterity. I think he just wants to play more video games. Is there something to his theory? Maybe if he’s playing “Guitar Hero”? Yeah, I think he’s trying to pull a fast one on you.

18. If you could perform with any group/person across any genre, living or dead, which/who would you choose, and why? Bach, definitely Bach. As a performer and improviser, he was incredible. You can hear that in his amazing body of compositions.

19. Do you play any other instruments? I play viola as often as violin. I did my doctoral studies at Michigan State University primarily on viola. I enjoy singing with jazz groups. I took bass guitar, guitar and piano lessons when I was younger. I accompany my younger students on piano in lessons and occasionally perform with my beginners.

20. Do you believe in karma? I think people who treat others well often find themselves to be successful.

JANESVILLE鈥擶hile American pride is a constant year-round in the good old USA, it tends to increase significantly during 鈥減atriot season鈥濃�攖hat stretch of time between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

This year, the Badger Chordhawks Chorus is giving music fans another opportunity to express their love for the red, white and blue with a series of patriotic concerts later this month at First Lutheran Church, 612 N. Randall Ave., 糖心Vlog传媒.

鈥淩ock Prairie Presbyterian Church hosted these concerts for many, many years, but they discontinued them about three years ago,鈥� said Christopher A. Smith, who is music director for both the Chordhawks and Rock Prairie Presbyterian. 鈥淭here have been a lot of requests and inquiries about it, so we just decided it was time to bring it back. It is obviously something the community wanted, and it was always well attended.鈥�

The series kicks off Thursday, June 27, with a 鈥減atriotic prelude鈥濃�攁n exclusive performance featuring harpist Karin Gunderson. On Friday-Saturday, June 28-29, concerts will showcase not only Gunderson and the Chordhawks but also Smith, a nationally-renowned opera singer; local pianist/composer Ben Johnston-Urey, and a Patriotic Concert Choir consisting of 60-plus local singers.

In addition to the musical performances, a color guard from the local VFW post and a contingent of women from northern Wisconsin known as The Living Flag are scheduled to take part. The latter group, which features women in dresses that collectively depict the American flag, is expected for Saturday鈥檚 show.

鈥淭he shows will be mostly the same, but each will be a little different,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭here will be performance-specific things, so if you just come one night, you might miss things from the other performances.鈥�

Smith believes reviving these popular performances will mean a lot to the community, but he knows they are especially gratifying for the members of his choral group.

鈥淭his event is particularly important to the Chordhawks because we have a lot of veterans in our group,鈥� Smith explained. 鈥淭his is our way of giving back to the community that we sing for and that supports us. It also gives the community a chance to come together and recognize the people who have and who continue to risk their lives to protect our country in the service of freedom.鈥�

The concerts are free and open to the public, but a free-will offering will be collected. Donations will benefit Rock County Veterans Services. If proceeds allow, other local organizations might also benefit.

In its final year at Rock Prairie Presbyterian, the concert raised nearly $15,000, Smith said.

鈥淚 have no idea what to expect,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y hope is to match what Rock Prairie raised that last year. I don鈥檛 know if that鈥檚 doable, but that鈥檚 my hope. It requires we get as many people to come as possible.

鈥淚f we get full capacity of the church in, I think we can do a lot of good here.鈥�