Every Friday, Off The Record looks to other Milwaukee publications (and beyond) for bits of news we missed throughout the week.
• It’s been a minute since we chatted with world-by-way-of-Milwaukee rapper Juiceboxxx, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy, per usual. A new album, Freaked Out American Loser, is due July 28 on Dangerbird Records, and, oh yeah, he recently dropped by public affairs show Racine & Me and performed a new theme song and almost made the host cry.
Yes, in an episode set to air this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. on WBME MeTV (and re-air at 9:30 a.m. on WMLW The M), Juiceboxxx “crashes” the tastefully appointed Racine & Me set, plays giant chocolate bar Jenga with the folks from Burlington’s ChocolateFest 2017, and performs the new theme song against a green screen. “Racine and me / Racine and me / Talkin’ ’bout Racine / Talkin’ ’bout the surrounding counties,” goes the track. Host and CBS 58 News reporter Jacob Kittilstad gets a little emotional at the end. Enjoy. [Racine & Me]
• This week in downtown strip club news: Milwaukee’s Licenses Committee denied a request from the Ladybug Club—a.k.a. 618 Live on Water—to add “adult entertainment” to its repertoire. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Sculpture Milwaukee, the “outdoor urban sculpture experience” taking place June 1-October 22 along Wisconsin Avenue, began installing its 22 pieces. Here’s where to find them. [Shepherd Express]
• Lakefront Brewery is updating the logos on some of its most popular brews. Riverwest Stein, Fuel Cafe, Eastside Dark, and more will sport new looks this summer. Says Director of Business Development Chris Johnson: “With our 30th anniversary right around the corner, it was a good time to reevaluate our image and identity in the market.” [My Beer Buzz]
• The Fatty Acids rummaged around in their boxes of old VHS home movies and put together a video for “Digested,” from this year’s excellent Dogs Of Entertainment. It’s one of the sweetest, funniest, and most adorable things you’ll see all week. [Impose]
• Summerfest is getting a new elevated viewing deck. According to a press release, the “Level Up” deck, located in the renovated Miller Lite Oasis area, will feature “a private bar and restrooms, seating, and flat-screen TVs. Level Up will be open during the 11 days of Summerfest and guests will receive a wristband which will allow come and go access from 6 p.m.-midnight.” [Summerfest]
• Speaking of Summerfest, the Big Gig is throwing a Picnic in the Park this Sunday at Clarke Square Park. The fun, featuring family-friendly activities and music from De La Buena, begins at 2 p.m. [Summerfest]
• Downtown Milwaukee has a new live venue. Sort of. “Backstage” is located upstairs and, well, backstage from the newly christened Miller High Life Theatre, formerly the Milwaukee Theatre. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• NO/NO unveiled a new video for the infinitely awesome “Whatever,” and oh buddy, it’s as infinitely awesome as the song itself. [Shepherd Express]
• BMO Harris Bank will donate more $4 million to neighborhood programs throughout Wisconsin. In Milwaukee, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, United Performing Arts Fund, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee will benefit from BMO’s largesse. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Thai Lotus on National Avenue is closed. [OnMilwaukee]
• Value Cinema in Oak Creek is closing this Sunday. Admission through the weekend is only $1. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Have a great weekend, Milwaukee!