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 26-September 1, 2019.
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
Musical Mondays: SistaStrings @ Lake Park Summer Stage
Even though SistaStrings just released their debut EP this summer, siblings Monique and Chauntee Ross started playing string instruments since before they were in grade school. As children in a church family who were also raised on classical music, they learned a wide variety of both gospel and orchestral songs. Along with two of their older sisters, Monique and Chauntee spent much of their youth plying their early experience in a band called Sisters Of Praize that played enough church gigs, nursing homes, and corporate events to fund their education. In recent years, they decided to blend their varying areas of expertise with their own material to start SistaStrings.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
Chill On The Hill: Buffalo Gospel + Shonn Hinton, Steve Beguhn @ Humboldt Park
The concept of Bay View’s Chill On The Hill is simple: laying out on a blanket and imbibing food and beverages brought from home (or purchased from a series of vendors on site) whilst enjoying a diverse bevy of homegrown talent. Tonight’s season finale is a stellar one, with the always-great Buffalo Gospel bidding adieu to another year of summertime hill chilling.
The Erotic Adventures Of The Static Chicken @ The Jazz Estate
SOURCED: Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers @ The Ivy House
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
Milwaukee Rally @ various locations
Remember the big Harley-Davidson debacle of 2003, in which the secret headliner for the company’s 100th Anniversary Celebration was revealed to be…Elton John? Good times. Anyway, lots of bikes, bands, parties, tattoo contests, and more are lined up for this fest, which takes place at various Harley-Davidson locations. And hey, Jon Spencer is playing the Harley-Davidson Museum on the 31st! (Through September 2.)
MKE Punk Fest 9 @ various locations
The Local (a.k.a. Club Anything) and Quarters are once again the main stomping grounds of this year’s MKE Punk Fest. The fest features six nights of shows spread out over two weeks, and is hosted by Jess The Ska Kid. Want details on the September 7 after-party? Ask a punk! (Through September 7.)
New Canyons + Deserta, LUXI, DJ Erik Void @ Riverwest Public House
Macy Gray @ Potawatomi Northern Lights Theater
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Where In The Hell Is The Lavender House: The Longmont Potion Castle Story @ X-Ray Arcade
Hey listen, I ain’t jokin’, dickface. X-Ray Arcade is showing a documentary about Longmont Potion Castle as part of the Cudahy bar’s “Movies Under The Knife” series. The film, Where In The Hell Is The Lavender House: The Longmont Potion Castle Story, is described as “a film within a film” that tries to capture the history and ethos of the legendary underground prank artist, all while celebrating the cult calling icon and understand his process.
Friday Nite Music: Ian Olvera @ Colectivo Lakefront Cafe
For a second year, Colectivo Coffee has asked Milwaukee Record to put together a free, weekly concert series called Friday Nite Music. Every—you guessed it!—Friday night, we bring you a different Wisconsin singer-songwriter or band outside Colectivo’s Lakefront Cafe from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Don’t miss tonight’s season finale with the talented and ICP-loving (or so we’ve heard) Ian Olvera.
Fresh Coast Jazz Festival @ Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
A new tradition begins in 2019 with the inaugural Fresh Coast Jazz Festival. Jazz superstars and newcomers like Ronnie Laws, Lindsey Webster, and Lee Ritenour will play the event, along with a bevy of local artists. (Through September 1.)
Toad The Wet Sprocket @ Pabst Theater
Them Coulee Boys + Joseph Huber @ Turner Hall Ballroom
MT Twins + Lil Saucy, Ayo Dante, Milo Vuitton, NB Lauren, Lonny Lohon @ Miramar Theatre
Midsommar (Director’s Cut) @ Oriental Theatre
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Third Ward Art Festival @ Historic Third Ward
If Gallery Night and Day isn’t your thing but you just can’t quit the art and fashion buzz of Milwaukee’s Third Ward—a.k.a. “Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District”—the eighth annual Third Ward Art Festival is for you. Art, more art, live music, food, and family-friendly activities are included. (Through September 1.)
Demolition Doll Rods + IfIHadAHiFi, Mr. Clit & The Pink Cigarettes @ Circle-A Cafe
Lady Cannon @ Hacienda Beer Co.
Deadbeat Beat + Hughes Family Band, Graham Hunt with Claynkee @ Cactus Club
Bandoleer Bacall (record release) + Whiskey & The Devil, Vanity Plates @ Company Brewing
Midsommar (Director’s Cut) @ Oriental Theatre
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Big Pig BBQ Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
It’s Labor Day weekend and you’re hungry. Really hungry. Then stop by the Summerfest grounds for the return of the Big Pig BBQ (now organized by Swarmm Events). The event is a barbecue-tastic cookout that, in past years, has featured a ton of food, live music, the Big Pig Award for best professional barbecue, and an open-to-the-public rib competition.
Julien Kozak + Pete Freeman, Jon Blair @ Circle-A Cafe