Every Friday, Off The Record looks to other Milwaukee publications (and beyond) for bits of news we missed throughout the week.
• Well, it was another awful/idiotic week in America! What else is new? We won’t run down the latest homegrown horror stories (that’s what Facebook and Twitter are for), so let’s focus on something positive, shall we? Yeah, we know that’s kind of a cop-out in these troubled and divisive times, but good lord, we all need a break.
Here’s a lovely and inspiring video, directed by Wes Tank and MC(mikal), featuring 7th graders from Alexander Mitchell Integrated Arts School, along with Milwaukee musicians MC(mikal), Klassik, and SistaStrings. According to the description for “El Color De La Libertad (The Color Of Freedom)”:
Sparked by the 2016 presidential election, Lead Teacher Nora Justin worked closely with Lead Artist Mikal Floyd-Pruitt, who performs under the moniker MC(mikal), to shape an experience that would empower her classroom. Ms. Justin explains, “Prompted by the effect the political climate was having on Alexander Mitchell’s predominantly Latino Student body, I felt it was important to provide space for discussion and to teach my students that their words can be powerful tools of change.”
“Our country needs to be peaceful and calm so everyone can be happy.” You said it, all-too-wise 7th grader. [YouTube]
• The Oriental Theatre will reopen August 10 under the stewardship of Milwaukee Film. What can we expect from Milwaukee Film’s Oriental Theatre? Its first two films will be Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman, and a documentary about British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. [Milwaukee Film]
• The owners of Shorewood’s Camp Bar want to open another camp-y place, Campsite 131, in the former home of Chic Lounge in the Third Ward. [BizTimes]
• Mad Planet has changed ownership—Rosemary Silagy sold the Riverwest club to Frank Straka and Neso Malinovic—but the new owners promise little else will change. [OnMilwaukee]
• Here’s the lineup for the 2018 Brady Street Festival, coming July 28. [88Nine Radio Milwaukee]
• The forever-awesome Kopp’s has a new burger! The KRK Burger ($7.25) “begins with a toasted bun that’s layered with ketchup, mayo, fried onions, American cheese, a burger patty, bacon, more American cheese, tomatoes, raw onions, even MORE American cheese, pickles and spicy mayo.” [OnMilwaukee]
• WebsterX has declared summer 2018 to be “WebsterX’s Restless Summer.” The tireless Milwaukee hip-hop star will be releasing a handful of new tracks this season, including the awesome “Feels.” [Soundcloud]
• Construction of that new Milwaukee Bucks arena you’ve heard about it is pretty much finished. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Kool Keith is playing the Riverwest Public House August 2! Aaaaaaand it’s sold out. [Facebook]
• Component Brewing Co. will hold its grand opening Saturday, June 30 at its home in the former Eagle Park Brewing space in Bay View. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Artisanal bitters maker Bittercube is moving from Bay View to a larger facility on Milwaukee’s west side. The new digs will include a tasting room, retail shop, and more. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Reminder: SHAH JEE’S IS OPENING A NEW LOCATION ON DOWNER AVENUE NEAR UWM. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Let’s take a moment to remember the man, the myth, the impeccably bronzed Milwaukee legend, Dick Bacon. [WUWM]
• Have a great weekend, Milwaukee!