Our fat-free, dolphin-safe Milwaukee calendar is chock-full of things to do, but only a handful of events contained therein are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for the week of July 11-17.
Tuesday, July 12
Chill On The Hill: Soul Low + Paper Holland @ Humboldt Park
The concept for Chill On The Hill is so simple: laying out on a blanket and imbibing food and beverages brought from home (or purchased from a series of vendors on site) whilst enjoying a diverse bevy of homegrown talent. This year’s Chill lineup is especially stacked, and perhaps no single show is better than the mid-week series’ Soul Low and Paper Holland doubleheader.
Also: Carter Hulsey, Siren, King Courteen @ Cactus Club
Wednesday, July 13
River Rhythms: New Age Narcissism @ Pere Marquette Park
There’s no bigger name—or would that be names?—in Milwaukee hip-hop these days than New Age Narcissism. WebsterX, Lex Allen, Lorde Fredd33, Siren, Bo Triplex, and Jay Anderson are just some of the artists that make up the tireless collective. With an excellent Lorde Fredd33 album, a WebsterX tour, and a recent opening slot for The Roots at Summerfest, expect tonight’s River Rhythms show to be characteristically huge.
Swans + Okkyung Lee @ Shank Hall
After 14 full-lengths and more than 30 years (on and off), it’s safe to say Swans are pretty established. Even after 13 years away, the experimental rockers have lost none of the mystique. While they could rest on their laurels and lean on past work, Swans continue to put out new music, including their fortnight-old The Glowing Man. Hear songs off the latest record and cuts from the 13 predecessors in a rare mid-week Milwaukee showing.
Also: Black Lips + Chain & The Gang, Platinum Boys @ Turner Hall
Black Lips After Party: Banditos + Midnight Reruns, DJ Platinum Boys @ Cactus Club
Banditos + Midnight Reruns, and DJ Platinum Boys @ Cactus Club
NEWaukee Night Market @ Downtown
Thursday, July 14
Bastille Days @ Cathedral Square (through July 17)
Bastille Days has been a Milwaukee cultural mainstay since the early ’80s. The last three decades have seen the weekend-long festival grow to feature a 5k run, top-tier local music, wine tasting, and delectable foodstuffs, all under the shadow of a 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica. The 35th annual Bastille Days includes music from fest favorites like Robin Pluer, WhiskeyBelles, Brett Newski, Chicken Wire Empire, and more.
Spatola + Adam Faucett, and Myles Coyne @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
As the unofficial Troy McClure of Milwaukee music, you may remember Myles Coyne from such projects as Temple, US Male, The Zelda Routine, Ladders, his short stint as live support for The Fatty Acids, founding the Breadking tape label and collective (and starting the annual Breadfest event), and playing in a number of other bands. Though he continues to drum in Ladders and the Breadking cassette catalog keeps growing by the month, Coyne has made no secret about piling the bulk of his almost endless energy and passion into his eponymous solo project. The newly electrified Coyne opens for a Thursday night bill that also features Spatola and Adam Faucett.
Also: Inter Arma + Withered, and Ara @ Cactus Club
Friday, July 15
South Shore Frolics @ South Shore Drive (through July 17)
A spry 67 years young, the Bay View-based celebration is back with more of the same—but sometimes that’s a good thing. Amid the usual onslaught of classic cars, canceled-and-then-uncanceled-and-then-canceled-again fireworks, a Friday fish fry, and a (canceled) parade, South Shore Drive gets endearingly tacky with the musical accompaniment brought by an array of cover bands. Let’s do this, Strip ‘D: An Acoustic Trip Back To The ’80s Sunset Strip.
Huey Lewis And The News @ Gathering On The Green in Mequon Rotary Park
This show features Huey Lewis And The News and it’s taking place in Mequon. What more do you need to know?
Also: Surgeons In Heat + Karen Meat, SIN BAD @ Riverwest Public House
Super Furry Animals @ Turner Hall
Little Tybee + Bo Triplex And His Beautiful Band, Shoot Down The Moon, Rocket Paloma @ Cactus Club
Counter-Craft Night Market @ Company Brewing
Saturday, July 16
Marilyn Manson @ The Rave
There’s an old Onion article where a just-past-his-prime Marilyn Manson is going door-to-door in a small Kansas City suburb trying to shock people. Draped in sheep entrails, Manson arrives at the home of a mother preparing to drive her daughter to a Girl Scouts meeting. “I tried to be nice and humor him a little,” the mother says. “I said, ‘Yesiree, that sure is some shocking satanic imagery, no doubt about it. And that one eye with no color in the pupil, very disturbing. I’d sure like to suppress that.’ I mean, what do you say to Marilyn Manson?” Anyway, Manson is playing The Rave July 16.
Also: Cree Myles + D’Amato @ Riverwest Public House
Ravi/Lola + The Rutabega, Blizzard Babies, Korean Jeans, Heavy Hand @ Riverwest Public House
Twins + Mooner, Indonesian Junk @ Club Garibaldi
Secret Colours + Canopies @ Cactus Club
Steely Dan + Steve Winwood @ BMO Harris Pavilion
Nuthin’ But ’90s Dance Party @ Mad Planet
Sunday, July 17
Car Seat Headrest + Stef Chura, The Pukes @ Turner Hall
After self-releasing an astounding 12 (TWELVE!) albums in the band’s first four-plus years of existence, Car Seat Headrest—the pet project of 23-year-old Will Toledo—inked a deal with Matador. Since then, Car Seat Headrest’s production has been comparably light, with two records cast into the world since last October. Its latest, May’s Teens Of Denial, finds the lo-fi venture in expanded form, with a dozen tracks rife with supporting musicians that span 70 enjoyable minutes. Stef Chura and Milwaukee’s own The Pukes will play in support.