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 22-28, 2022.
MONDAY, AUGUST 22
Alice In Chains + Breaking Benjamin, Bush, The L.I.F.E. Project @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
The dream of the grungy ’90s is alive with this stacked show featuring forever awesome Alice In Chains, unfairly maligned Bush, early ’00s notable Breaking Benjamin, and opener The L.I.F.E. Project. The show is sponsored by 102.9 The Hog, so get ready to rock.
An Evening With Peter Hook & The Light – Joy Division: A Celebration @ The Pabst Theater
ULNA + Crawlspace @ Cactus Club
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23
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.
Chill On The Hill: Ethan Keller + The Breadmen @ 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 stalwart Ethan Keller, and instrumental group The Breadmen. Go find your lawn chairs, break out your comfiest blanket, and put some beverages in the cooler.
Thundercat @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
Sunny War + Steph Lippert, flowers* @ Cactus Club
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
Joe Pera @ The Pabst Theater
Hello. Joe Pera—who headlined two sold-out shows at The Back Room @ Colectivo in April—returns to Milwaukee to perform comedy at the Pabst Theater. The show will be part of the incomparable comic’s “Summer In The Midwest And Rustbelt Tour.” If you’re new to this website and somehow unfamiliar with Joe Pera, the comedian/actor was the star and namesake of Joe Pera Talks With You, a heartwarming and hilarious Adult Swim series that was filmed primarily in Milwaukee by a largely local crew. We’re big fans of his work. Sadly, since his show was not renewed, this might be your last chance to see Pera in Milwaukee for a while.
Polls And Politics With Charles Franklin @ Dandy
Join The Recombobulation Area‘s Dan Shafer as he moderates a live interview and discussion with Marquette University Law School Poll director Charles Franklin. The conversation will address the state’s gold standard poll, this year’s midterm elections, and much more. This event will also feature John D. Johnson, research fellow at the Marquette Law School’s Lubar Center.
Off With Their Heads + Seth Anderson @ X-Ray Arcade
Ryan and Kyle from beloved Minneapolis punk band Off With Their Heads will delight X-Ray Arcade with stripped-down renditions of OWTH songs. Seth Anderson with either open or, like, play with them or something. Honestly, we’re not 100 percent sure what’s happening here, but there’s no way in hell we’re missing it.
Human Issue + Holy Shit!, Curbsitter, Primrose @ Bremen Cafe
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
The Wallflowers + Trapper Schoepp @ The Pabst Theater
What’s better than Jakob Dylan and his always stellar Wallflowers? How about The Wallflowers and Milwaukee’s own Trapper Schoepp, who always seems to play with The Wallflowers! The Wallflowers’ latest record is 2021’s Exit Wounds (their first new record since 2012), while Schoepp has been playing behind 2021’s May Day.
Argopelter + Caley Conway @ Boone & Crockett patio
Argopelter is an improvised experimental trio composed of Barry Paul Clark (bass), Devin Drobka (drums), and Christopher Porterfield (guitar). The group’s frequent residencies at Boone & Crockett are always appointment viewing/listening, especially when coupled with incomparable singer-songwriter Caley Conway. Tonight, Argopelter and Conway return for one more summer date.
Third Space Presents: Kid Dakota @ 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 Minneapolis indie rocker Kid Dakota.
Long Mama + Jack Klatt @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Compulsive Gamblers + Hue Blanc;s Joyless Ones, DJ Andy Junk @ Cactus Club
Futurebirds @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
Tae & The Neighborly + Ben Harold & The Rising @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
Mexican Fiesta @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through August 28)
Mexican Fiesta has called Henry Maier Festival Park home almost as long as Summerfest has. Starting on the south side in 1973, the fiesta moved to the lakefront grounds in 1977. The longstanding event is rooted in pillars of community, education, Mexican heritage, and cultural advancement. We’re all about the delicious food and the jalapeño-eating contest, and we’re excited to see it return to full strength in 2022.
Nineteen Thirteen @ The Jazz Estate
Nineteen Thirteen is a group that’s more normal than its two-person lineup may suggest—and one that’s much, much weirder. On one hand, founding Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo and cellist Janet Schiff produce surprisingly accessible music, especially considering the musicians play the drums and a 100-year-old cello, respectively. On the other hand, Schiff’s cello is often processed through a dizzying array of effects pedals, DeLorenzo’s occasional cool-cat vocals seem beamed in from another dimension, and the overall effect is akin to listening to a band crash the Roadhouse from Twin Peaks. It’s familiar, but it’s also slightly off-center.
Canni Music Series: BLOOD @ Canni Hemp Co.
Canni Hemp Co.’s aptly named “Canni Music Series” features intimate performances on store’s newly renovated rear patio space on select Thursday and Friday nights. The series continues tonight with BLOOD. These 18+ shows start at 7 p.m. and a minimum purchase of $10 (or $5 for Canni Members) is required to attend.
Chastity Washington @ The Laughing Tap
Chastity Washington has earned her fair share of attention and accolades from some pretty impressive places. The 25-year stand-up comedy veteran earns a living touring the country, and she’s appeared on HBO’s Def Jam, BET’s Comic View, and was a finalist for the “Stand Up NBC” comedy diversity showcase. In 2015, Washington earned another credit to her undeniable comedy career, as she beat out three other finalists to win the 2015 American Black Film Festival’s Comedy Wings Competition. She’s opened for Roy Wood Jr., Tommy Davidson, David Mann, and Charlie Berens. Washington will headline two Laughing Tap shows August 26-27.
Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise: Radio Radio @ 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 a sold-out performance from new wave cover band Radio Radio.
Milwaukee Oktoberfest @ War Memorial Center (through August 28)
Fresh Coast Jazz Festival @ The Pabst Theater (through August 27)
Polica + Joe Rainey @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Pitbull + Iggy Azalea @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Alternative Radio + Venganza, Silk Stranger @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Cactus Club Independent Film Festival @ Cactus Cub (through August 28)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
WMSE’s Backyard BBQ @ Humboldt Park
WMSE’s 12th annual Backyard BBQ will set up shop at Humboldt Park from noon to 8 p.m. What can you expect from the Backyard BBQ? Food, fun, and music, of course! And hey! This year’s music lineup is topped by Seratones, a soulful rock band based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Also performing at this year’s FREE festival is Guerrilla Ghost, Paper Holland, The Hungry Williams, and a super secret guest…GGOOLLDD!
Monica Martin + Jake Sherman @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
In her career as a musician, Monica Martin has toured in Australia, New Zealand, around Europe, and throughout the United States. She’s performed on late night night television, shared the stage with world-renowned bands like The Head And The Heart and The Lumineers, and played a bunch of major music festivals. Though she’s done so much already, Martin seems to only be getting started. The Los Angeles (by way of Wisconsin) singer-songwriter, whom you might know from PHOX, is now releasing music under her own name and preparing to release a new album.
Ray’s Malört Fest @ Ray’s Wine & Spirits
With the Cubs—and an abundance of their fans—making their way to town for a series August 26-28, Ray’s Growler Gallery is welcoming rival fans with an event focused on…distinct flavors. Similar to the inaugural Malört Fest held at Ray’s back in 2019, there will be a Malört-incorporating “Chicago Citrus Slushie” offered at the micro-fest, as well as something called “Uncle Carl’s Happy Boilermaker” (which we’re told is a shot of Malört dropped into a pint of Third Space’s Happy Place). In addition to Third Space, Ray’s has put together a beer list composed of “some of the best of Milwaukee and Chicago area breweries.” There will also be free hot dogs and Jeppson’s swag aplenty. Bring a friend…especially if they’ve never tried Malört before.
Gathering Place Brewing 5th Annual Block Party @ Gathering Place Brewing
This weekend, Gathering Place Brewing will host a celebration of “good beers, good company, and good times” in the form of the Gathering Place Brewing 5th Anniversary Block Party. From 2-10 p.m., the business—located at 811 E. Vienna Ave.—will be bustling with a winning blend of beer (including two limited edition anniversary releases), live music, food, and local vendors. Gathering Place has the beer part handled. Meanwhile, Looney Lumpia will be on site selling snacks from 4-8 p.m., and Plants On The Street will be selling plants during that same time frame. From 3-8:30 p.m., the block party will get musical accompaniment from the likes of Ricky Orta Jr., Nathan Mayfield (of JazzMenMKE), and Jabril Yousef.
MKE Fringe Festival @ Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Lavish Waste (record release) + The Women @ Circle-A Cafe
Chastity Washington @ The Laughing Tap
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
The Hangover Show @ The Laughing Tap
End your weekend with some locally sourced laughs at The Laughing Tap. “The Hangover Show” starts at 2 p.m., and features specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Keith Urban + Ingrid Andress @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
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