Every Friday, Off The Record looks to other Milwaukee publications for bits of news we missed throughout the week.
• Milwaukee has plenty of wonderful qualities—music, art, food, festivals, sports, cheap booze—but it’s a deeply divided city. It’s one of the most segregated cities in the country, and nearly 30 percent of Milwaukee residents live below the poverty line. That division is highlighted in a 120-page report entitled “Growing Prosperity: An Action Agenda for Economic Development in the City of Milwaukee,” a draft of which was released by the city this week. Bruce Murphy digs deep into the report at Urban Milwaukee, dubbing it a “tale of two cities.” There’s a lot to chew on in Murphy’s piece, including this:
“As you look at this list of assets and deficits, the logical conclusion is that Milwaukee has invested enough money and energy on arts groups and festivals and museums and sports teams while underinvesting in its schools and transportation and central city redevelopment. There’s no doubt the solutions to poverty aren’t simple but we could probably all agree that creating a city of festivals and pro sports teams won’t do much to address the problems.”
So what does the report offer in the way of solutions that don’t involve throwing money at arts groups? There are plenty, to be sure, but throwing money at arts groups gets its due. Buried deep in the report are suggestions like “Foster an ‘Artist Entrepreneurial’ city by supporting artists and creative entrepreneurs,” “Use creative placemaking to establish places within Milwaukee in which all segments of our community and region can interact,” and “Support the growth of affinity groups like NEWaukee and FUEL Milwaukee that engage younger Milwaukeeans in civic life.”
Milwaukee’s segregation problem, meanwhile, will soon be a thing of the past thanks to marketing, crowdsourcing, and a check for $5,000.
• The Shepherd Express has info on the fourth annual MishMash Fest, scheduled for Friday, July 25 at Art Bar. In addition to music from Calliope and The Fatty Acids (as well as more acts TBA), the fest will feature a talent show, food trucks, and other zaniness. Oh, and the whole thing will coincide with the Riverwest 24, which will be insane.
• When we think “money,” we think of Milwaukee’s Sat. Nite Duets. So does NPR, apparently, since it featured the band on a recent episode of Marketplace. Items discussed: touring, Taco Bell, karma, and where to find Sat. Nite Duets’ hidden band fund. The fun starts at the 39:00 mark.
• According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, irritating indie band fun. will play Northwestern Mutual’s annual meeting, which is scheduled for July 19-23. Everyone sing! “”Toniiiiiight / We are young / But we’re also available to play corporate meetings for insurance and financial giants that provide life insurance and mutual funds / And we can burn brighter / Than the suuuuuun.”
• Stereogum premiered a new Field Report song, “Wings.” The track is from the band’s upcoming album Marigolden, due October 7 on Partisan Records.
• Michael Horne at Urban Milwaukee Digest Daily Dial penned a terrific piece on one of the best places to see live music in the city, Linneman’s Riverwest Inn.
• Lakefront Brewery won a gold medal at the LA County Fair for its newest beer, Extended Play ISA. The Milwaukee Business Journal also notes the brew received a stellar ranking from The Beer Connoisseur magazine.
• Central Standard Craft Distillery in Walker’s Point opened for business this week, says the Shepherd Express. The distillery is located next door to Milwaukee Brewing Co., and will produce handmade craft spirits including rye-based vodka, white wheat-based gin, oat-based white whiskey, and two different types of bourbon.
• According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, pita franchise Pita Pit is opening a downtown location this fall, at 229 E. Wisconsin Ave. (Below the Milwaukee Film offices.) Milwaukee’s first Pita Pit, at 2224 N. Farwell Ave., opened last year.
• One-minute-music-video wunderkinds Heavy Hand got down and dirty with the Shepherd Express and talked about their new album, Northwoods Knives. CDs and cassettes of Knives will be available at tonight’s show at the Cactus Club.
• USA Today premiered a new song from The Delta Routine, “Home With You.”
• The Shepherd Express chatted with Altos and Hello Death member Erin Wolf for its regular “Influenced” series.
• In addition to Interpol and the Tim & Eric and Dr. Steve Brule extravaganza, the Pabst announced a slew of shows this week. Among them: Journey at BMO Harris Pavilion September 3; Jason Mraz at Riverside Theater October 17; Nick Swardson at Pabst Theater September 12; and Bleachers at Turner Hall November 14.