Our fat-free, dolphin-safe Milwaukee events calendar is chock-full of things to do, but only a handful of events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for November 26-December 1.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Three Floyds Punk House Kegger @ Burnhearts
While most Milwaukeeans know Burnhearts for its beloved annual Mitten Fest and Pabst Street Party celebrations or, you know, being on the short list of great local beer bars every day, the Bay View corner tap also keeps busy with other, smaller-scale events spread throughout the year. This November, Burnhearts will partner with Indiana’s Three Floyds Brewing Co. for a popular autumn standard, the Punk House Kegger. The tradition of hosting a craft beer takeover in a setting that’s reminiscent of a house show will continue on Tuesday, November 26 with the sixth annual Punk House Kegger. This year’s event will be headlined by veteran punk outfit Avenues, preceded by Convert (which features members of Get Rad, Stink Lines, Brain-Bats, and Assault & Battery). As always, this indoor affair is free and 21+. The tap takeover will begin and 6 p.m. and run through 10 p.m. See the full beer list here.
Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss @ The Underground Collaborative
Shane Mauss brings his show, Stand Up Science, back to The Underground Collaborative. The night will feature sets from Shane and others during a show that’s equal parts haha and aha! Shane opens the show with some of his best funny material on brainy topics, followed by his special guests who will, in turn, make you laugh as much as you learn. It’s funnier than a TED Talk and smarter than a traditional night of stand-up comedy. After the performances, Shane and his guests return to the stage for an interactive discussion and Q&A with the audience.
Elvis Costello & The Impostors @ Miller High Life Theatre
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Nod To Bob: A Bob Dylan Tribute @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Nod To Bob has long served as an autumn evening of charity and entertainment at Linneman’s. For the 21st year, an eclectic group of songwriters will gather at the Riverwest bar to honor one of music’s most influential songwriter’s and iconic voices with a night of Bob Dylan covers. While some cover bands aren’t without their cheesiness, there’s nothing hokey about this once-a-year festivity that also serves as a benefit for Hunger Task Force.
Thanksgiving Throwdown with 5 Card Studs + Radio Radio @ The Cooperage
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Saliva + Paralandra @ Rock Country MKE
Things we didn’t know until moments before writing this blurb: 1. There’s a music venue in Milwaukee called Rock Country MKE. 2. Saliva is still a band. 3. Saliva is playing at Rock Country MKE on November 29. Now you know all of this too!
Testa Rosa (record release) + The Cutouts @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Lucky Boys Confusion + Hot By Ziggy @ The Back Room At Colectivo
The Aluar Pearls @ Company Brewing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
‘Joe Pera Talks With You’ Special Premiere Screening @ Avalon Theater
Following the first season’s respectable ratings and rave reviews, Adult Swim renewed Joe Pera Talks With You for a second season, which will premiere on Adult Swim on December 6. Once again, the bulk of the episodes were shot right here in Milwaukee. So it makes perfect sense that locals will get an early preview of the upcoming episodes. Join actors Joe Pera, Conner O’Malley, and Marty Schousboe at Avalon Theater on Saturday, November 30 for a special premiere screening of Joe Pera Talks With You’s second season. A total of seven episodes will be shown, followed by a Q&A with the aforementioned cast members (and potentially more TBA). In addition to the opportunity for an extended sneak peek of new episodes, we’re told attendees will also get some “swag” related to the show.
Found Footage Festival @ The Back Room At Colectivo
For more than 15 years, Wisconsin natives Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have been bravely scouring America’s cut-out bins, Goodwills, and dumpsters in order to find some of the most bizarre and delightful VHS oddities this side of that “Hairdresser” lady. Their Found Footage Festival collects their finds in a riotous live show that is a must-see for fans of stilted industrial tapes, retro workplace training tapes, and ill-conceived workout tapes. It’s like YouTube, but better: affectionate, curated, hosted by Pickett and Prueher, devoid of ads.
Heavy Hand + Tan @ Circle A Cafe
Dramatic Lovers + Faux Fiction, and Hello, Face @ Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom
All Ages Arts MKE Presents: Golden Grenades + Vengaza, Frankenstein @ Cactus Club
Punk Rock Rummage Sale: Small Business Saturday @ Club Garibaldi
The Spill Canvas + The Juliana Theory (acoustic), Cory Wells @ X-Ray Arcade
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Hover Craft 2019 @ Pritzlaff Building
Since 2009, Hover Craft has brought some of the most skilled local artists, crafters, retailers, and others residing beneath the broad “maker” umbrella together to bring Milwaukee-made goods to area consumers during the holiday season. After stays at the Bay View Brew Haus (RIP), Sweet Water Organics (RIP), and Turner Hall Ballroom, Hover Craft has thrived in the Pritzlaff Building since 2015. The collection of crafters will return to the same site Sunday, December 1 between noon and 6 p.m. for the 10th annual Hover Craft. Like past two years, more than 100 vendors will partake in this year’s Hover Craft festivities. Admission is $5. Kids get in free. Check out the full vendor list HERE.
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: The Unitaskers @ Cactus Club
The Milwaukee Record Halftime Show concert series at Cactus Club is back! Once again, we’ve assembled a stacked roster of 16 projects to provide FREE (21+) halftime entertainment. And, once again, our friends at Miller High Life are sponsoring our football-focused festivities, meaning fans can enjoy “The Champagne of Beers” for $2.50 a bottle, or $10 for a bucket of five beers all game long. And, yes, there will be touchdown shots.