Now that New Year’s festivities have come and gone, folks in Milwaukee are forced to come to terms with the harsh realization that winter is here in full force and there’s not much to do outside. Fortunately, on the horizon there sits an eight-hour respite from the seasonal doldrums that offers an outdoor escape from the norm every February. For the past four years, Burnhearts’ Mitten Fest has helped combat cabin fever for thousands of people who converge in a two-block stretch on Bay View’s Potter Avenue (and part of Logan last year) with a wintry mix of live music, food, beverages, and charity.
That equation alone is enough to have more than 3,000 people already pledging their interest in attending the 5th annual Mitten Fest on Facebook, even though the entertainment lineup hasn’t been announced. Until now, that is. Exactly a month out, Milwaukee Record—an official media sponsor of Mitten Fest along with WMSE—is proud to announce the eclectic and altogether awesome musical lineup that will take the stage (listed projected headliner to opener) on Saturday, February 4.
Lorde Fredd33
Paper Holland
Field Report (Christopher Porterfield solo set)
Storm Clouds
(Between-act DJing by Chris Schulist)
As if the stacked cast of musicians isn’t enticing enough, Burnhearts will serve rare and limited beers from Central Waters and Founders, barrel old fashioneds, Korbel and Tullamore Dew craft cocktails, and ginger brandy (plus a full bar inside). Goodkind, Honeypie/Palomino, Iron Grate BBQ Co., Gypsy Taco, and Valentine Coffee Roasters will offer food and non-alcoholic beverages. Cortney Heimerl (Hover Craft) will enlist a varied grouping of local vendors for an art, craft, and maker fair. As always, Burnhearts will also accept cash and non-perishables for Hunger Task Force along with clothing donations. Also, Compost Crusader will strive to reduce waste.
Happy Mitten Fest, Milwaukee! We’ll see you there.