Every Friday, Off The Record looks to other Milwaukee publications (and beyond) for bits of news we missed throughout the week.
• Brazilian zinger Seu Jorge found fame in Wes Anderson’s 2004 film The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (“ESTEBAN!!!”), playing the guy who plays acoustic versions of David Bowie songs in Portuguese. Now, Jorge will do the same thing at the Pabst Theater on June 16, “recreating the set to the film A [sic] Life Aquatic on stage alongside screens crafted as boat sails that will be displaying images from the film.” Yes, everything is awful now, but at least this is happening. [RadioMilwaukee]
• The owner of Bartolotta Fireworks has filed for bankruptcy. Per a Facebook post from Jeff Bartolotta:
“It comes with great sadness that I have to inform you Bartolotta Fireworks (as it stands) is closing. I am, however, very excited to announce that Bartolotta Fireworks is becoming Wolverine Fireworks. As the largest distributor of firework products, Wolverine Fireworks has long been a valued friend and colleague of the industry.
“Moving forward, I will remain your contact for your Wolverine Fireworks displays. It is important to note that business will continue to operate with the same level of professionalism and safety as it has for the last 39 years. I will personally ensure that as valued customers, your needs are not just met, they’re exceeded.
“I love fireworks and look forward to continuing to entertain and work with all of you. Thank you again for your loyalty and support.”
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “the Delafield-based fireworks business, which is not affiliated with The Bartolotta Restaurant Group in Milwaukee, says it’s still in operation and is booking shows for this year, including Milwaukee’s Summerfest.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Speaking of Summerfest, a “comprehensive exhibition” delving into the 50-year history of the Big Gig will open at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. Summerfest and MCHS are also asking the public to donate any photos or memorabilia that would make sense for the exhibit. [OnMilwaukee]
• STREETCAR TRACK STEEL HAS ARRIVED. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Good City Brewing has been open for less than a year, but it’s already looking to expand. The Farwell Avenue craft brewery is “requesting a $400,000 loan from the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation to help fund an expansion into the vacant Crank Daddy storefront to the south.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Evan Rytlewski talked to Piles about their excellent new album Expeller. A release show is set for tonight at Riverwest Public House. [Shepherd Express]
• Milwaukee chef Justin Carlisle—of Ardent and Red Light Ramen fame—is one of the final nominees for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Midwest” award. Winners will be announced May 1. [OnMilwaukee]
• Milwaukee wants to buy a 2.7-acre green space next to the Lake Freeway from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The city would pay a mere $425 for the lot, and plans to “maintain the property’s public access and will keep it to maintain a buffer between homes and the commercial activity at the Port of Milwaukee.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Snifters Tapas & Spirits—”a new small-plate restaurant that will blend both Latin and soul food, and serve craft cocktails and cigars”—is set to open in the former Klik Launja on Fifth Street by May 5. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• John McGivern is writing for Milwaukee Magazine now, which seems like something that should have been a thing eons ago. [Milwaukee Magazine]
• Alpine Valley Music Theatre will not be hosting any music in 2017! [MyWalworthCounty]
• The Milwaukee Theatre is gonna be the “Miller High Life Theatre”! [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Have a great weekend, Milwaukee!