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 5-11, 2019.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5

Lizzie No @ Nickel&Rose, LUXI @ Landmark Lanes
It’s not every day that a stacked bill of Brooklyn singer-songwriter Lizzie No and local treasures Nickel&Rose and LUXI is set for Landmark Lanes’ Moon Room. So what are you waiting for? Go to this show, and maybe get in some bowling and/or pinball before and after.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

John Mayer @ Fiserv Forum
This is still funny.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7

The Figgs + Winter Bear @ Circle-A Cafe
The Figgs! Playing in the close confines of Circle-A! Go to this show! If you can fit!

Greentop + CRLSS, Wyatt Moran @ Bremen Cafe

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers + S. Carey @ Pabst Theater

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Christopher Novak Gives You A Hug: Valerie Lighthart + Mario Lanza, Hopper’s Luck, Soul Abode @ The Cooperage
If you go to enough concerts in Milwaukee, you’ve probably encountered Christopher Novak. He can routinely be seen at a variety of local shows—almost always camped out near the front of the stage—smiling wide, bopping his curly-hair to the music, and taking time to hug any friends in his vicinity. He’s one of the most positive, appreciative, and charismatic people in or around Milwaukee music. Tonight, Novak presents a night of music and responsible hugs.

The Florists + Lifetime Achievement Award, Ellie Jackson @ Bremen Cafe

Beach House + hellp @ Riverside Theater

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Friday Nite Music: Kyle Feerick @ 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.

Rosenau & Sanborn + Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations @ The Back Room @ Colectivo

Ape In A Tank + Lauryl Sulfate & Her Ladies Of Leisure, Fuzzbox DJs @ X-Ray Arcade

Shangri-LA Screening & Launch Party @ The Cooperage

Schitt$ Creek: Up Close And Personal @ Riverside Theater

Sarah McLachlan + Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Planes Mistaken For Stars + Hot Coffin, Cuss @ Company Brewing

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Center Street Daze @ Center Street
Riverwest’s long-running Center Street Daze has moved around the calendar a lot in its 22 years (it used to more or less close out the summer), but it’s a great party any time of the year. Expect dozens of bands, nearly 100 vendors, and the return of the ever-popular cart race.

TDM Festival: Violet Star (IshDarr & BoodahDarr) + WebsterX, Lil Chicken, MT Twins, Nile, EMAAD, Siren @ Turner Hall Ballroom

The Faint + Ritual Howls, Closeness @ The Rave

Shane Dar + Steev Baker, Onyx Koan, John Kocher W, Andrew Weber @ Walker’s Point Music Hall

Stef Chura + French Vanilla, Negative/Positive @ The Back Room @ Colectivo

Last Podcast On The Left @ Pabst Theater

Florida Brothers Band + Korean Jeans, Petrillo, Moustache Bride @ Bremen Cafe

Hum By Humdrum: Absolutely + Cult Of Lip, Snag, Tambourina, Blue Unit @ Cactus Club

The Get Down @ Mad Planet

Squirrel Nut Zippers + Sierra Ferrell @ Shank Hall

Yum Yum Cult + Labrador, Fellow Kinsmen, Dad @ High Dive

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

Girls Rock MKE Showcase @ Turner Hall Ballroom
The mission of Girls Rock MKE (and Ladies Rock MKE) is to “empower girls, women, and transgender and gender non-conforming individuals of any identity, and of all backgrounds and abilities through music education and performance.” To that end, this end-of-camp showcase will feature 10 bands of up-and-coming rockers, aged 8-16, performing an original song for friends, families, and supporters.