What is Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center About?
You.
Mission
A central goal of LWPAC has always been to make the arts accessible for everyone. You won't find another venue where you can get tickets at such reasonable prices - and all children 15 years old and under are admitted FREE. And yes, you can bring your own food (no glass please). Need something to do with the family this summer Saturday? This is it.
Our ticket prices are low because of our generous donors. The money that you and others have donated, and that our sponsors have given for each specific show, goes directly to pay for the costs of putting on the shows. We can keep ticket prices low because our donors have essentially covered part of the cost of your ticket. If you enjoyed your visit, and you recognize the value of keeping the arts accessible to everyone, and it is within your means, please consider making a donation.
Mission Statement: Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center brings family and community together through the presentation of music and other arts.
Vision: To present excellent performing arts in an authentic rustic venue
Value: To provide affordable, quality arts to the Northland.
ABOUT
At the heart of LWPAC is a beautiful amphitheater crafted from red pine logs and tamarack panels, all harvested from the black forest in Gordon, Wisconsin. While this amazing amphitheater is at the center, it is surrounded by beautiful woods, trail systems, and nestled above the beach on Lake St. Croix.
You couldn't find a better place to bring the family and enjoy a summer day. Take a walk, take a swim, soak in the sun, and settle in for a show. It's not just about coming to a concert. It's about truly enjoying your summer while you enjoy the arts.
About Lucius Woods County Park
Lucius Woods Park is a County Park located in a beautiful 40-acre sanctuary named in honor of Nicholas and Emma Lucius who preserved the land and the environment during the early 1900s. The park is located in the Village of Solon Springs, Wisconsin on the shores of the Upper St. Croix Lake. It offers a beautiful swimming beach, playgrounds, nature trails, camping facilities, picnicking areas with grills, pavilion, two picnic shelters and the Giesen Concert Shell.
For more information about the park, including camping and rental of the pavilion and / or concert shell, visit their website or call DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT at 715-378-2219.
History
The first LWPAC concert was held in July of 1994. The dream of Frank and Mary Giesen, they took the reins in fund-raising and organizing the project. They researched other venues with the help of the Wisconsin Arts Board, and in 1994 they created a 12-member Board of Directors and incorporated. Music in the Park was brought to the community through the dedication and leadership of the Giesens and those who made in-kind contributions, financial gifts and gave thousands of hours of volunteer time.
Board of Directors
If you have a moment, please thank a member of our Board of Directors. They donate their time and expertise to keep LWPAC shows going every season.
Terri Neumann
Board President
Therene Stearly
Vice President & Treasurer
Charlotte Sanborn
Secretary
Holly Diesel
Board Member
Moved to the Northwoods in 2017 after many years in St. Louis, Missouri. I’ve also lived in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Texas, New Hampshire, and Virginia, each place adding something unique to my life and perspective.
I’m a semi‑retired nursing professor with a lifelong passion for education, mentoring, and helping others grow. I’m married, with two children and one granddaughter who keeps life joyful.
I love the outdoors and spend much of my time tending to extensive flower and vegetable gardens — a labor of love that keeps me grounded, creative, and connected to the land.
Austin Hamilton
Board Member
Mary Jo Nelson
Board Member
Staff
Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center has one staff position, the Executive Director. Our volunteers are essential and greatly appreciated!
James Shafstall
Executive Director
James Shafstall started as Executive Director for LWPAC in October of 2025. He grew up in Solon Springs, and spent much of his childhood walking the trails of Lucius Woods Park. After moving away from Solon at the age of 12, his education and career took him to other landscapes, where he studied Music, Recording Technology, Creative Writing, and Mass Communication at undergraduate and graduate levels. He worked in Marketing for fifteen years for manufacturing companies, a software company in Milwaukee, and most recently, Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, WI.
In addition to being the Executive Director for LWPAC, James currently operates his own music teaching and recording studio called Lakewinds Music in Washburn, WI. He also works as a professional performing musician with several groups, leading his own shows as a solo performer and band leader, and using his accomplished guitar skills in support of various other well-known area artists as a member of Molly Otis’s Danger Band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra (Big Top Chautauqua), Nick Kuka & the Rocky Mountain Regulators, among others.
Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center is a 501(c) (3) non-stock, not for profit corporation formed in 1994. If you have questions or are looking for more information regarding the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Inc, we invite you to call our main office line at (715) 378-4272.