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 December 19-25, 2022.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: Bug Moment @ Cactus Club
Our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series is back! For a few more games! This season, we’ve once again assembled a stacked roster of Milwaukee performers who will provide FREE entertainment during halftime of Green Bay football games. Miller High Life, Miller Lite, and Rehorst Vodka Bloody Marys will be on special. Meanwhile, Awkward Nerd Events will occasionally pop by for giveaways to their upcoming events and other fun complements to the in-game/on-stage action. There will also be touchdown shots (both regular and N/A)! This week’s Monday-night halftime performance comes courtesy of the fantastic Bug Moment.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
Vanity Plates + Crawlspace, Night Again @ Cactus Club
Looking for a charming night of charming local indie rock? LOOK NO FURTHER. Milwaukee favorites Vanity Plates will play their first show in what seems like forever; the group’s debut/most recent record, You Want To Move, was released in 2018. Vanity Plates will be joined by the up-and-coming Crawlspace and the Milwaukee/Chicago Night Again.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Kevn Kinney + Miles Nielsen @ Shank Hall
You probably know Kevn Kinney as the lead singer of the forever-great (and Shank Hall favorite) Drivin N Cryin. Likewise, you probably know Miles Nielsen as the lead singer of the forever-great (and Shank Hall favorite) Miles Nielsen And The Rusted Hearts. Put ’em together and you’ve got one can’t-miss Shank Hall show!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
Mark Waldoch And Friends @ Radio Milwaukee
Over the last decade or so, Milwaukee treasure Mark Waldoch has become synonymous with the holidays. And why not? The singer-songwriter can belt the hell out of any number of classic (and original) holiday tunes. Waldoch’s busy Thursday begins with this free Radio Milwaukee performance at 5:30 p.m. He’ll be joined by members of Testa Rosa and other special guests. Then…
Rockabilly Christmas: HOSTS + Mark Waldoch & The Xmas Special, Phoenix Kristan, Ladybird @ The Cooperage
…the Waldoch holiday action continues when he jumps aboard this loaded Rockabilly Christmas bill at The Cooperage.
Videovomit’s VHS Night X-Mas Party: Elves (1989) @ X-Ray Arcade
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – The Best of TSO & More @ Fiserv Forum
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
The Commercialists Play The Music Of The Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Fresh from their monthlong (and completely sold-out) holiday run at The Jazz Estate, The Commercialists take the stage at Turner Hall to deliver the iconic music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. That’s what Christmas is all about, Milwaukee!
Primitive Broadcast Service + Aluminum Knot Eye, DJ Timothy e Triplett @ Circle-A Cafe
There are days when you want to listen to music that lifts your spirits and leaves you feeling good about life. Then there are days when you want to listen to music that leaves you feeling like you just got done working a 12-hour shift in an abandoned factory and need a shower. If you’re in the mood for the latter, look no further than Milwaukee’s Primitive Broadcast Service. Tonight, the local group throws an “Un-Xmas Bash” with Aluminum Knot Eye and DJ Timothy e Triplett.
Fiserv Forum Holiday Tours @ Fiserv Forum
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
MELT on XMAS EVE: Hot Science + Delilac, Black Lines, Din Sky, The Demix, Santa Clause @ Quarters Rock n Roll Palace
With the rest of the city’s venues are all snug in their beds—a.k.a. not putting on any shows because it’s Christmas Eve—Riverwest’s own Quarters will host the latest installment in the long-running MELT series. The Demix-curated electronic and experimental extravaganza will be headlined by Sam Sumner’s Hot Science project.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
Merry Christmas, Milwaukee!
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