Trapper Schoepp's Tom Petty Tribute
A new generation of Heartbreakers will soon take our stage—led by Wisconsin singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp.
“For me, it’s about being a link in the chain of musicians before and after my time,” Trapper says. “Tom Petty’s music has been a soundtrack through much of my life, and bringing his songs to life is a joy—for me and for audiences.”
Backed by a four-piece band, Trapper delivers the full range of the Tom Petty catalog—from the fired-up urgency of “American Girl” and “Refugee” to the intimate beauty of “Wildflowers” and “Walls.” The performances honor the spirit, swing, and soul of the originals while allowing the band’s chemistry and care to shine through.
Schoepp’s connection to Petty’s world runs deep. His latest album, Siren Songs, was recorded at Johnny Cash’s historic Cash Cabin—the same space where Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers served as Cash’s backing band on the Grammy-winning Unchained (American Recordings II). He has also released tender, atmospheric recordings of “Free Fallin’” and “Walls,” further cementing his reputation as a thoughtful interpreter of Petty’s work.
Beyond the tribute, Schoepp brings an acclaimed original career. In 2019, he released a long-lost song co-written with Bob Dylan, making him the youngest artist to share a writing credit with the Nobel Prize laureate. The release sparked a #1 trending article in Rolling Stone and led to over 100 tour dates worldwide.
Schoepp has released five albums, collaborating with members of Wilco, The Raconteurs, and The Jayhawks. PBS praised his songs as “story songs that explore and explode the conventions of rock and roll,” while Rolling Stone France called his work a “charming 100% Americana opus.”
An international touring artist, Schoepp has shared stages with The Wallflowers, Three Dog Night, Old 97’s, The Jayhawks, and Frank Turner, performing at iconic venues including New York’s Town Hall, Los Angeles’ Roxy Theatre, and SXSW.
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The Bend Theater
Built in 1929, The Bend Theater was originally built as a Vaudeville theater in West Bend. Over the decades, the theater underwent many changes but always retained its rich history and iconic “West Bend” blade sign.
In 2020, the Theater was restored to its original beauty by a nonprofit group called Historic West Bend Theater, Inc. These efforts landed The Bend Theater a designation on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The Bend Theater is now reopened to serve West Bend and the greater Milwaukee region with arts opportunities, music, theater, comedy, movies and an experience unlike any other.