Our fat-free, dolphin-safe Milwaukee events calendar is chock-full of things to do, but only a handful of events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for August 15-21, 2022.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
Jack White + Ezra Furman @ UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Jack White rules. We haven’t seen Jack White since 2014, so we’re excited to see Jack White again. White’s so-called “Supply Chain Issues Tour” is in support of two albums he released in 2022: the delightfully bonkers Fear Of The Dawn and the more chill and traditional Entering Heaven Alive.
Chill On The Hill: Paul Cebar @ Humboldt Park
Chill On The Hill’s 17th season—which kicked off June 7—features a total of 13 weeks worth of free, family-friendly entertainment. Like last year, Chill has expanded its footprint by designating the space between the band chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for show-goers. The ever-popular concert series continues its 2022 season with performances by Milwaukee music legend Paul Cebar. Go find your lawn chairs, break out your comfiest blanket, and put some beverages in the cooler.
Daniel Thrasher @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
Milwaukee Night Market @ 3rd Street Market Hall
Remember the NEWaukee Night Market? The big art fair/food truck fair/”Hey, it’s the Milwaukee Blacksmith family!” fair that would take over a prime chunk of Wisconsin Avenue outside the old Shops of Grand Avenue four times a year every summer? It was great! Well, it’s now just the Milwaukee Night Market (and the old Shops of Grand Avenue are now 3rd Street Market Hall), but it’s back! Tonight’s night market will be followed by just one more installment this summer, on September 21.
Tosa Tonight: The Drowsy Lads + Boxing Banjo @ Hart Park
Since 2000, the Tosa Tonight summer concert series has brought free and family-friendly live music to Rotary Performance Pavilion in Wauwatosa’s Hart Park. Following a pandemic-prompted hiatus in 2020, the series returned with eight concerts in the summer of 2021. Thankfully, Tosa Tonight is back again in full force this summer. The series continues tonight with performances from Ohio-based Irish band The Drowsy Lads and Ireland-based Irish band Boxing Banjo.
The Toasters + Something To Do, Highball Holiday @ X-Ray Arcade
Evelyn Gray + Next Paperback Hero, Ali J @ Cactus Club
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Kendrick Lamar + Baby Keem, Tanna Leone @ Fiserv Forum
Why mince words? Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers and producers out there right now (and maybe ever?). A few months after the release of his long-awaited and widely celebrated return album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, the world-renowned performer takes the stage at Fiserv Forum. Baby Keem (Lamar’s cousin) and Tanna Leone are also set to perform.
Milwaukee Irish Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through August 21)
If the blur of whisky, corned beef, and green beer every mid-March isn’t enough Irish heritage for you, Milwaukee Irish Fest strives to extend the celebration into August. Attendees milling about the Summerfest grounds can imbibe in popular Irish fare and enjoy a heft of Irish and Celtic music.
Third Space Presents: Caley Conway @ Third Space Brewing
Every Thursday through September 15, “Third Space Presents” brings a different musical act to the Menomonee Valley brewery’s new and improved outdoor patio. In addition to the concert (which runs from 6-8 p.m., including an intermission) and plenty of award-winning local beer on site, Triciclo Peru is always on hand to serve empanadas and other Peruvian goodies out of its food truck. This week’s can’t-miss installment features the always can’t-miss Caley Conway.
Milwaukee A la Carte at the Zoo @ Milwaukee County Zoo (through August 21)
Moonglow + Adorner, Loud Library @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Disaster Kid + Crawlspace, LoBi @ Bremen Cafe
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
GGOOLLDD + A Giant Dog, Tigera @ The Cooperage
It’s always a treat when GGOOLLDD plays a show in Milwaukee—i.e. the group’s recent set at Brady Street Festival. And it’s even better when the electronic pop outfit’s rare hometown outing features bands like the Austin rockers A Giant Dog and local up-and-comers Tigera. GGOOLLDD’s most recent single is the glitzy and cinematic “Superstar.” Don’t miss what’s sure to be an incredible time at The Cooperage.
After The GGOOLLDD Rush (Tyler Maas DJ Set) @ Boone & Crockett
As GGOOLLDD, A Giant Dog, and Tigera are melting faces at The Cooperage, Milwaukee Record co-founder/editor Tyler Maas will be playing records in the next room. This Boone & Crockett DJ set starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m., long after the show at The Cooperage is through. Come by after the show to keep the fun going with a steady diet of ’80s and ’90s hits, indie rock favorites, local music gems, and everything in between. Consider this to be the official GGOOLLDD post-show party.
Lilliput Records Grand Opening @ Lilliput Records (through August 21)
Rising from the ashes of the shuttered Exclusive Company on Farwell Avenue, Lilliput Records is here to keep the independent record store dream alive on the East Side. The store is owned by former Exclusive managers Brian Kirk and Tanner Musgrove, who sprang into action (and received an outpouring of community support) when Exclusive announced it was going out of business and closing its stores. This weekend, Lilliput celebrates its Grand Opening with deals and discounts, raffles and beer, and, of course, live music.
Float Fest @ Float Milwaukee
Float Milwaukee—the city’s first sensory deprivation flotation tank business—is getting into the fest business with Float Fest 2022. Starting at 5:30 p.m., a parcel of pavement on the 200 block of Freshwater Way will be closed off to allow for live entertainment, food vendors, and refreshments. Your senses won’t be deprived at Float for a change, as the likes of Immortal Girlfriend, classically trained solo cellist Tieg Gielow, and DJay Mando perform. There will be fire-bending, fire-eating, and hoop-dancing by Taylor Flows, as well as aerialism from Mooncat and Ms. Kristen. Meat On The Street’s food truck will be on-site, and Float Festers are also encouraged to pick up sweet treats from neighboring businesses Purple Door Ice Cream and Indulgence Chocolatiers. And yes, there will be a cash bar there as well. Float Fest is free to attend.
Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise: The Grovelers + Crazy Rocket Fuel @ Milwaukee Boat Line
Every Friday night between early June and the end of August, a variety of Wisconsin bands board the Vista King to perform on the lake vessel’s poop deck while the beer and pre-mixed margaritas flow liberally from 9-11 p.m. Milwaukee Boat Line’s Concert Cruise series continues this week with some punk- and rockabilly-infused entertainment from The Grovelers and Crazy Rocket Fuel.
Friday Night Freak Show: ‘Trainspotting’ (1996) @ Times Cinema
Spoy + Overhand, The Nile Club @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Brendan Demet Band (EP release) + The Breadmen @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Brady Street Art Walk @ Brady Street
Curated by Jeff and Dana Redmon of Scout Gallery, the Brady Street Art Walk will feature some of Milwaukee’s finest artists taking part in a one-day art extravaganza. Come walk up and down Brady and see talented artists in action! Lilliput Records will also have a pop-up on Brady Street across from the Walgreens parking lot.
Wisconsin IPA Fest 2022 @ Third Space Brewing
It’s Third Space Brewing’s 6th annual Wisconsin IPA Fest! Sample some of the finest IPA offerings from breweries all over the state and cast you vote for Wisconsin’s best. General admission tickets include “all the IPAs you can responsibly sample from 2-5 p.m.” and a limited edition Wisconsin IPA Fest glass. There will also be food trucks on-site, a make-your-own-shirt station, and a VIP ticket option that comes with extra incentives.
Strummerfest MKE 2022 @ Club Garibaldi
The Bloody Mary Festival @ Fiserv Forum Plaza
Social Cig (record release) + Bug Moment, Scam Likely, DJ Megadon @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
Gigs 4 Good: Joe Crockett + Janice Scholz @ The Tonic Tavern
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
Milwaukee Makers Market @ Discovery World
Now deep into its sixth season, Milwaukee Makers Market gives customers an opportunity to explore a market featuring 50+ local makers and small businesses that create artwork, jewelry, clothing, kids appeal, herbal tea, soaps, candles, stickers, pastries and more. This month’s installment takes place at Discovery World and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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