September is a time of transition. This month finds summer officially giving way to fall. This month also signals the informal end of Milwaukee’s festival season. Though the seasonal shift brings about a decline of outdoor events in town, local clubs and theaters are escalating the volume and the caliber of talent they book in effort to keep the entertainment coming as the temperatures outside dip. That said, Milwaukee isn’t exactly ending this summer with a whimper or lurching into autumn. Between great touring talent, Bay View Bash, the start of our Halftime Show concert series, and much more, there’s a lot to keep you entertained this month. Here are 15 of our favorites.
Friday, September 6
Mondo Lucha @ Turner Hall
Since starting in 2008, Mondo Lucha has brought high-flying wrestling action, burlesque dancers, and live music to its annual Turner Hall showcase. Along the way, the variety show has managed to work with renowned pro wrestlers, sell out numerous shows, and become a must-attend Milwaukee event. The beloved local variety show returns to its familiar ballroom haunt Friday, September 6!
Saturday, September 7
Maximiano (album release) + Long Mama, King Courteen @ Cactus Club
Maximiano will celebrate the release of their new album, The Real Truth, with a Cactus Club show that also features opening support from Long Mama and King Courteen.
Sunday, September 8
Spoon + A Giant Dog @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Austin rock legends Spoon are coming to Milwaukee a couple years removed from the release of its Grammy-nominated Lucifer On The Sofa and they’re bringing A Giant Dog with ’em.
Monday, September 9
Avril Lavigne + Simple Plan, Girlfriends @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
We don’t want to go and make things so complicated, so we’ll just state it clearly and concisely: Avril Lavigne will headline AmFam Amphitheater on Monday, September 9 as part of the accomplished singer’s “Greatest Hits Tour.” Simple Plan and Girlfriends will play in support.
Tuesday, September 10
Afroman @ X-Ray Arcade
If you’re planning to see Afroman at X-Ray Arcade on Tuesday, September 10, please, please take a lesson from the veteran rapper’s most popular song and refrain from getting high beforehand. We don’t want you to miss out on this show!
Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14
Frank Caliendo @ Milwaukee Improv
Not unlike an American Idol favorite or a late night talk show host, Frank Caliendo’s career is dependent on the work of other, usually more famous, people. As far as this specific comic crevice is concerned, Caliendo is the Kelly Clarkson of celebrity impersonations and the Johnny Carson of pop-culture mimicry. His ability to meld spot-on vocal replications and exaggerated character traits of politicians, actors, and sports figures has yielded the comic such impressive opportunities as a place in the MADtv cast, the role of resident funny man for two football pregame shows, a short-lived TBS show called Frank TV, and the ability to tour the country. He’ll return to his native region for four shows September 13-14.
Saturday, September 14
Charly Bliss + Raffaella @ X-Ray Arcade
Less than a month removed from the release of their new record, Forever, the NYC power pop purveyors in Charly Bliss will drop by X-Ray Arcade in nearby Cudahy for a can’t-miss show that will help summer end in style.
Thursday, September 19
Johnny Pemberton @ Shank Hall
While you probably know him as an actor (on shows like Fallout and Superstore and movies like 21 Jump Street and Action Point) first and foremost, Johnny Pemberton is also one heck of a comedian. He’ll come to Shank Hall on September 19 for his first Milwaukee performance in 10 years.
Saturday, September 21
Bay View Bash @ Kinnickinnic Avenue, between Potter and Clement
Milwaukee saves one of its best summer festivals for last. Bay View Bash will return to Kinnickinnic Avenue on Saturday, September 21 (summer’s penultimate day!) and will fill the eponymous neighborhood with 11 hours worth of live entertainment, family fun, retail vendors, food, and drinks (including a new Bash Beer). We’ll be there and we hope you join us!
Sunday, September 22
Jane’s Addiction + Love And Rockets, Crawlers @ BMO Pavilion
In case you missed it, legendary alternative band Jane’s Addiction recently reunited with all of its original members. Yep, Dave Navarro, too! Now, along with ’80s greats Love And Rockets, the band is in the midst of a 23-city tour city. That tour kicked off in August, and lands in Milwaukee on Sunday, September 22 at the BMO Pavilion. Crawlers play in support.
Bean Plant Block Party @ Anodyne Coffee’s Walker’s Point Roastery
As a means of celebrating its 25th year in business, Anodyne will host its third annual “Bean Plant Block Party” on Sunday, September 22. From 12-9 p.m. that day, the Walker’s Point location (and a portion of Bruce Street outside the cafe until 5 p.m.) will feature an abundance of offerings. There will be food available from the likes of Frida’s Cocina, Twisted Plants, and Pete’s Pops. On top of Anodyne’s everyday caffeinated specialties, Indeed Brewing and the newly-opened 1846 will handle beer and other beverages. 414 Flea will have vintage items for sale, as an Adventure Rock climbing wall and Cream City Skatepark ramps/obstacles will bring outdoor activity to the event. Oh, and there will be music—provided by local acts that feature Anodyne employees in its ranks—will outside from 12-5 p.m. before giving way to a free show inside from 6-9 p.m. Here’s the lineup.
Wednesday, September 25
Milwaukee Record Presents ‘RoboCop’ @ Avalon Theater
This action-packed 1987 sci-fi classic finds police officer Alex Murphy (played by Wisconsin native Peter Weller) in dystopian Detroit suffering the wrath of a ruthless crime boss (played by Wisconsin native Kurtwood Smith) and having his body used for an experimental new law enforcement cyborg called RoboCop. Destruction, a laughable level of violence and gore, apt commentary about the dangers of police militarization, and some memorable one-liners ensue. It rules. Come to our RoboCop screening at Avalon Theater on Wednesday, September 25. Thank you for your cooperation.
Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27
Jackie Kashian @ Milwaukee Improv
Since leaving her hometown of South Milwaukee, Jackie Kashian has sustained a long and successful career in comedy that includes a Comedy Central special, a few Conan appearances, and her long-running Dork Forest podcast. She’ll return to the region for a total of three performances over two nights.
Friday, September 27
Alkaline Trio + Spanish Love Songs, Slomosa @ The Rave / Eagles Club
A few months removed from putting out its tenth album, Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs, Alkaline Trio will take the stage at The Rave in belated support of the record. Spanish Love Songs and Slomosa open.
Monday, September 30
The Roast Of Milwaukee @ The Cooperage
Milwaukee Record’s long-running “Roast Of Milwaukee” event is back! Like previous years, the event—which is done in association with the Milwaukee Comedy Festival—will feature a stacked cast of local comedians gently (or, in some cases, viciously) making fun of our fair city. This year’s event features a wide range of locally-sourced Roasters including Dana Ehrmann, AJ Grill, Luise Noé, Ryan Mason, Syed Hasnain, Elijah Holbrook, Caitlin Baratti, as well as a few extra special surprise guests dropping in to take some swipes at the city. And the laughs won’t just be at the expense of Milwaukee. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to Milwaukee Women’s Center.
