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 25-31.
Monday, July 25
Dälek + Stumblesome, The Demix @ Cactus Club
Less than 24 hours after the inaugural Synth Fest MKE, the Cactus Club keeps the experimental vibe going with a show from legendary New Jersey hip-hop outfit Dälek. Local forward-looking noise makers Stumblesome and The Demix join the group for this early-week treat.
Tuesday, July 26
Vans Warped Tour @ Marcus Amphitheater
Founded in 1995, Milwaukee has been a part of most Warped Tour schedules in the traveling (primarily) pop-punk and ska festival’s 20-year run, including last year’s rendition, which we called “the worst Warped Tour in recent memory.” The weak cast Warped trotted out last year even failed to strike a chord with our 14-year-old correspondent. This time around, the 80-act arsenal coming to the festival grounds features respected hip-hop talent like Waka Flocka Flame and PROF. There will be dynasty bands like Good Charlotte, Sum 41, New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, and Every Time I Die. Even relevant bands of today are involved, such as Knuckle Puck and Madison’s own Masked Intruder.
Also: NO/NO + Candace, Soup Moat @ Riverwest Public House
Chill On The Hill: Rocket Paloma + Atomic Spins, Myles Coyne @ Humboldt Park
BØRNS + Lewis Del Mar, Beau @ Pabst Theater
Wednesday, July 27
The Baseball Project + Wooldridge Brothers @ Anodyne Walker’s Point
R.E.M. may never return, but from one dream group’s demise comes the birth of another. Shortly after the iconic act’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, Peter Buck and Mike Mills came together with members of The Minus 5 and The Dream Syndicate to form a supergroup of sorts. Want to see half of R.E.M. play an all-ages show at a coffee shop? Sure you do.
Thursday, July 28
New Age Narcissism @ Central Library
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. The group has been especially busy this year, with an excellent Lorde Fredd33 album, a WebsterX tour, and an opening slot for The Roots at Summerfest under its belt. But tonight’s performance for Milwaukee Public Library’s “Library Loud Days” takes the cake: The streets around MPL’s downtown Central Library will be closed for a music-filled block party, and the band and library staff will take part in music-themed workshops.
Also: 414 Music Live: Soul Low @ 88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Ayre In The Square: Space Raft @ Catalano Square
Ra Ra Riot + Paper Holland @ Turner Hall
Friday, July 29
Riverwest 24 @ Riverwest
VIVA LA RIVERWEST!
Also: The Trusty Knife + Andy Positive & His Blu Riders, Stumblesome @ Company Brewing
German Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Vincent VanGREAT + SAFS Crew @ Bremen Cafe
I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast Live @ Turner Hall
Saturday, July 30
Brady Street Festival @ Brady Street
If you missed the Summer Solstice Music Festival and absolutely need to attend a similar East Side fest (with less emphasis on Earth’s tilt) a few blocks away and a little over a month later, head to Brady Street Festival. The nine-block parcel of shops, restaurants, bars, and juggling emporiums plays host to various local food/beverage and retail vendors, belly dancers, drag performers, and multiple stages worth of local music.
Also: Milwaukee Brewfest @ Old Coast Guard Pavilion
Twenty One Pilots + MUTEMATH, Chef’Special @ BMO Harris Pavilion
Sunday, July 31
Hari Kondabolu @ Turner Hall
While Hari Kondabolu isn’t exactly a household name to anyone who isn’t an avid @midnight viewer, the Brooklyn-based comedian is well on his way. The fearless funnyman, whom The New York Times called “one of the most exciting political comics in stand-up today,” will make his Turner Hall debut after releasing his second comedy album, Mainstream American Comic, on Kill Rock Stars just days earlier.
Also: Body Futures + OUT, Hungry Man, Petrillo @ Cactus Club