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 29 – September 4, 2022.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30
Chill On The Hill: Vincent Van Great & Amanda Huff + Jalen Romell, Tigera @ Humboldt Park
Chill On The Hill’s 17th season—which kicked off June 7—wraps up tonight. Sigh. (Where did the summer go?!) Like last year, Chill has expanded its footprint by designating the space between the band chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for show-goers. Go find your lawn chairs, break out your comfiest blanket, put some beverages in a cooler, and enjoy this fantastic season-closer featuring Vincent Van Great and Amanda Huff, along with urban-folk singer-songwriter Jalen Romell and earnest alt-rock/power-pop group Tigera.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31
Milwaukee Record Presents: ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Director Joe Dante injected plenty of dark and subversive humor into 1984’s Gremlins (look no further than the infamous “Santa Claus story”), but when it came time to direct the sequel six years later, Dante went full Dante. Tonight, you can experience (or re-experience) this pure, uncut Dante when we screen 1990’s Gremlins 2: The New Batch at the Avalon Atmospheric Theater. Reserved seating tickets are $11, and are on sale NOW. Like all our Avalon screenings, our G2 screening is being sponsored by our pals at Lakefront Brewery.
Washington Park Wednesdays: Back 2 School @ Washington Park Bandshell
And another summer music series comes to a close. Sigh. (Seriously: Where did the summer go?) For the final Washington Park Wednesday of the season, Milwaukee’s multimedia maestro Wes Tank (he of “rapping children’s books” fame) heads up a “Back 2 School”-themed night of music featuring DJ DRiPSweat, School Of Rock, and the New State.
CC + SV Present: Tommy Wright III + Zed Kenzo, ORGAN-ISM, INNUENDO @ Cactus Club
Videovomit’s VHS Night: ‘Hellraiser’ + ‘Candyman’ @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Rat Bath + Crawlspace, Mortgage Freeman, Bathhouse Kill Squad @ X-Ray Arcade
Rat Bath has been scampering around the Milwaukee music scene since 2019, specializing in what the band calls “spooky country core.” That sound is certainly on display throughout the group’s debut LP, Rat From Hell. The 11-track record careens between noisy, full-barrel cow punk and chaotic, witchy hardcore, with everything in between. Opener “The Tale Of Dead Ol’ Fred” establishes the record’s epic narrative (a battle between a witch and a demon, natch), while “Bone Eater” slices the air with Pixies-esque guitars. Rat From Hell‘s quieter moments are among its best, especially the dreamy and sad “At Least You’re Lonely Too.” Tonight’s show doubles as a tour sendoff for the increasingly busy group.
Third Space Presents: Bubbles Brown @ 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 a performance from gritty Chicago blues- and country-rock duo Bubbles Brown.
Harley-Davidson Hometown Rally @ Harley-Davidson Museum (through September 5)
The Harleys will roar this Labor Day weekend as the Harley-Davidson Hometown Rally takes over the campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum. (Harleys!) There will be demo rides. There will be stunt shows. There will be exhibitions. Will there be live music? Yes! From the likes of Hairball (Thursday), Paramlee (Friday), and—HELL YEAH—Jackyl (Saturday)!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Neko Case @ The Pabst Theater
When Neko Case sings, you listen. Also, when Neko Case graces one of Milwaukee’s finest venues, you show up. Whether alone or with The New Pornographers, Case is a monumental talent with a monumental voice. Her last proper solo album was 2018’s excellent Hell-On, though a 2022 career-spanning retrospective called Wild Creatures contains one new song, “Oh, Shadowless.”
Snail Mail + Momma, Hotline TNT @ Turner Hall Ballroom
This Snail Mail show has been a long time coming, what with Lindsay Jordan initially postponing her “Valentine” tour due to emergency vocal cord surgery (oh, and a pandemic). But good things come to those who wait: Jordan and her group will finally make their way to Turner Hall Ballroom tonight to play selections from 2021’s excellent Valentine, as well as their 2018 debut, Lush.
Canni Music Series: GGOOLLDD @ Canni Hemp Co.
Canni Hemp Co.’s aptly named “Canni Music Series” features intimate performances on the store’s newly renovated rear patio space on select Thursday and Friday nights. Tonight, the series continues with a set from the ever-busy, ever-fabulous GGOOLLDD. These 18+ shows start at 7 p.m. and a minimum purchase of $10 (or $5 for Canni Members) is required to attend.
Shrekfest Kickoff Party @ X-Ray Arcade
Get ready for Saturday’s big Shrekfest with a Shrekfest Eve kickoff party at X-Ray Arcade. From 7-11 p.m., the Cudahy arcade/venue will host “a live performance from Shrek-themed indie duo Ogre Patrol, a Shrek-friendly DJ set from County Conservation District, Shrek-themed food and drink specials, games, and more!” The all-ages event is free to attend.
This One Goes To 11 @ Miramar Theatre
Wisconsin Highland Games @ Waukesha Expo Center (through September 4)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Shrekfest @ Humboldt Park
What can you expect to experience at Milwaukee’s inaugural Shrekfest? Well, organizers promise “a variety of experiences, from games to live music to a movie screening at the end of the night.” Like previous installments held in Madison, you’re sure to encounter a lot of creative cosplay—both Shrek-based and otherwise—as well as Smash Mouth karaoke, contests (including a “Shrek roar” contest, a costume contest, and an onion-eating contest), an arts and crafts area, and a screening of the iconic feature film. The free festival fun starts at 3 p.m. and wraps up around 9:30 p.m.
Shrekfest After Party @ Indeed Brewing
After Shrekfest is though, Indeed Brewing’s Walker’s Point taproom will host the official Shrekfest After Party, which aims to keep the celebration going with Shrek board games, video games, and “all the beer you can pay for.” There’s no cover to attend this 21+ event.
Shrek Rave @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
If the official Shrekfest After Party is too low-energy for you, perhaps the seemingly unaffiliated “Shrek Rave” at The Rave / Eagles Club is more your style. To quote the brief and to-the-point event description from this nationally touring Shrek party venture: “It’s dumb. Just come have fun!” Early bird tickets are currently on sale for $15. This all-ages event is scheduled to start at 9 p.m.
IDLES + Injury Reserve @ The Riverside Theater
The Keystones + Clementine, Gold Steps, Sunvolume @ X-Ray Arcade
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Boone 10-Year Anniversary @ Boone & Crockett
The last time Boone & Crocket tried to throw a 10-year anniversary on its patio, it rained. So why not try it again! Stop by one of Milwaukee’s best spots for live music from Another One, a Lion’s Tail tap takeover, and more. “HUG A WALDOCH, HIGH FIVE A NOVAK, KISS A FISH, AND SHAKE YOUR ASS. STICK AROUND FOR THE HOAN LIGHT SHOW,” says the event description. We will!
Exclusive articles, podcasts, and more. Support Milwaukee Record on Patreon.