Though it feels like summer just started, we’ve now entered the last full month of the season. Summer isn’t going out with a whimper, though. Quite the opposite. Since this looks to be an active August, Milwaukee Record has attempted to help you out by finding 16 especially worthwhile things you should do this month. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 1
Paramore + Foals, The Linda Lindas @ Fiserv Forum
Should we really bother writing about this Paramore show? If we did write something, we’d probably just say Paramore is awesome, we’re excited to see they’re regularly performing and releasing music again, and we’re pumped they tapped Foals and The Linda Lindas to open for them at this August 1 show at Fiserv Forum. We don’t need to write that, though, because there’s a good chance you’re probably already planning to go.
Thursday, August 3
Drake + 21 Savage @ Fiserv Forum
Worldwide music superstar (and major annoyance to Bucks fans during the 2019 NBA Playoffs) Drake will perform in Milwaukee for the first time ever when he drops by Fiserv Forum during his “It’s All A Blur” tour. He’ll be joined in the arena by 21 Savage.
Tuesday, August 8
Stevie Nicks @ Fiserv Forum
The one and only Stevie Nicks will play Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, August 8. The show will serve as the kickoff to the second leg of Nicks’ 2023 “Live In Concert” tour. And that’s it! Stevie Nicks! August 8! Fiserv Forum!
Friday, August 11 and Saturday, August 12
Eddie Griffin @ Milwaukee Improv
While he’s an accomplished actor and a cultural touchstone that’s been a known figure in entertainment since the early ’90s, Eddie Griffin is a comedian first and foremost. Thankfully, Griffin—whom Comedy Central accurately declares to be one of the 100 funniest comedians of all time—is still taking the stage to do what he does best. Whether you want to mark him off your stand-up bucket list or you’re anxious to hear his new material in action, you’ll have four opportunities to catch Griffin when he comes to Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield August 11-12.
Saturday, August 12
Less Than Jake + The Toasters, Devon Kay & The Solutions @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Skank your way over to The Rave for a straight up stacked ska-punk showcase featuring the incomparable Less Than Jake and support from The Toasters and Devon Kay & The Solutions. Pick it up!
Monday, August 14
P!nk + Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, KidCutUp, and Grouplove @ American Family Field
It’s P!nk! On her “Summer Carnival” tour! With appearances by Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Milwaukee’s own KidCutUp, and Grouplove! At American Family Field!
Tuesday, August 15
Jimmy Eat World + Manchester Orchestra, Middle Kids @ The Rave/Eagles Club
It isn’t too often that Milwaukee gets a non-festival tour stop from Jimmy Eat World. However, the longstanding and beloved emo outfit is swinging by The Rave on August 15 with Manchester Orchestra and Middle Kids. Are you listening?
Saturday, August 19
Local Natives + Annika Bennett @ Pabst Theater
Roughly six weeks after the release of its latest, Time Will Wait For No One, Local Natives will pop into Pabst Theater to perform songs off that new record and material from its outstanding back catalog. The pop-tinged psych rockers will be preceded by opener Annika Bennett.
Tuesday, August 22
Tim Heidecker @ Turner Hall
Whether you know Tim Heidecker as the influential and innovative comedian/actor or you know him as the gifted singer/songwriter, you’re likely a huge fan of his work. And if you’re fond of both his humor and his music, we have some incredible news for you. On Tuesday, August 22, the multi-faceted performer will treat Turner Hall to “The Two Tims,” which includes an acerbic stand-up set by Heidecker and some original songs performed by him as well.
Wednesday, August 23
Milwaukee Record presents ‘Jaws’ @ Avalon Theater
We’re screening Jaws at Avalon Atmospheric Theater and it’s going to rule. Get your tickets fast because “You’re going to need a bigger theater” isn’t an option.
Friday, August 25
Social Cig + Fellow Kinsman, Diet Lite, Bug Moment @ Turner Hall
We’re in the midst of a special time in Milwaukee music. As we speak, a new crop of young bands are helping to push the local scene into exciting and unfamiliar sonic territory. Four of the bands ushering in that encouraging artistic evolution—Social Cig, Fellow Kinsman, Diet Lite, and Bug Moment—will share a bill at Turner Hall on August 25. If you want to get up to speed on some of the great things happening in Milwaukee music right now, this late August affair would be a nice place to start.
Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26
Ms. Pat @ Milwaukee Improv
The life story of Patricia Williams (aka Ms. Pat) is nothing short of astounding. Once a teen mom who was selling drugs in Atlanta, she turned her life around and, by way of her incomparable perspective and undeniable talent, shifted her focus to comedy. In the years that followed that significant life change, Ms. Pat has amassed an abundance of TV credits, started a popular podcast, wrote a critically-acclaimed and NAACP Award-nominated memoir, and has toured extensively. Ms. Pat will drop by Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield for a total of four shows spread between two boundary-pushing August nights.
Saturday, August 26
WMSE’s Backyard BBQ with Bob Mould @ Humboldt Park
Legendary punk/alt-rock pioneer Bob Mould—he of Hüsker Dü, Sugar, and solo fame—will headline the WMSE Backyard BBQ in Humboldt Park on Saturday, August 26. Mould will be joined by his Bob Mould Band for the free summer festival show. Holy crap. Also setting up shop in Humboldt Park’s bandshell that afternoon and early evening will be (in order of appearance) Chicken Wire Empire, Girls Rock Milwaukee, Telethon, and Esso. WMSE DJs will provide music throughout the day. Again: HOLY CRAP.
Matt Braunger @ The Laughing Tap
Following a few ill-fated attempts to reschedule during the pandemic, actor, writer, and comedian Matt Braunger was finally able to bring his wealth of television credits and thousands of hours of stage time to The Laughing Tap in Walker’s Point in late 2021. The veteran comic will return to the Tap on Saturday, August 26 for what’s sure to be a memorable night.
Tuesday, August 29
The Offspring + Sum 41, Simple Plan @ American Family Amphitheater
About 15 months removed from a show at The Rave, veteran radio rockers The Offspring will return to Milwaukee to, once again, play in support of their 2021 album, Let The Bad Times Roll, during a headlining performance at the AmFam Amphitheater. The Offspring will be joined by Sum 41 (who have announced their intentions to end the band next year) and Canadian pop-punkers Simple Plan.
Thursday, August 31
The Weird And Wonderful World Of Industrial Musicals with Steve Young @ The Cooperage
If you’re aware of Industrial Musicals—an obscure subgenre that basically combines Broadway-style numbers with sales jargon you’re likely to hear in a boardroom—in any capacity, you’ve almost certainly heard of Steve Young. The former Letterman writer’s affinity for this odd musical sect was chronicled in Bathtubs Over Broadway, an acclaimed documentary about Young and his unique hobby. As one of the world’s most avid Industrial Musical collectors and among the foremost authorities on the subject, Young occasionally treats audiences to some of his favorite pieces during live shows. On August 31, join Steve Young and Milwaukee Record—proud media sponsors of the event—in celebrating “The Weird And Wonderful World Of Industrial Musicals” at The Cooperage.