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 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
Milwaukee Record Presents: Uncle Buck @ Avalon Theater (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows)
We’re ending our 2022 Avalon Theater movie series on a high note with TWO screenings of Uncle Buck. This 1989 film was written and directed by John Hughes and stars the incomparable John Candy as an abrasive and misunderstood man with the best intentions. Candy—who plays the titular Buck Russell—is joined by a supporting cast consisting of Macaulay Culkin (a year before his breakout performance in Home Alone), Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffmann, and Laurie Metcalf, among others. The 7 o’clock screening is pretty much sold out, but there are currently plenty of seats left to the 9:30 p.m. showing.
West Nile Crows + Stone Theory, LOBI, DJ Megadon @ Cactus Club
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
Meet Me In The Bathroom @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“Meet Me In The Bathroom is an immersive archival journey through the explosive New York music scene of the early 2000s. Set against the backdrop of 9/11 and a world unaware of the seismic political, technological and cultural shifts about to occur, this acclaimed documentary tells the story of the last great romantic age of rock ‘n’ roll through the prism of a handful of era defining bands, including The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, TV on the Radio, and The Moldy Peaches.”
Steve Byrne @ Milwaukee Improv
After headlining Milwaukee Improv’s opening weekend back in August 2021, Steve Byrne—a veteran comedian, actor, and former star of the TBS series Sullivan & Son—closes out the Brookfield club’s first full year in business with a total of five shows December 29-31.
Local H @ Shank Hall
“Local H, the iconic alt-rock duo known for their blistering live shows and pioneering the two- piece band set-up, is at the top of their game more than two decades after they first burst onto the music scene. Frontman Scott Lucas, who covers both guitar and bass (through an extra pick up in his guitar), and drummer Ryan Harding have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, buoyed by global touring along with the release of some of their most critically acclaimed work to date.”
BoDeans @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Versio Curs + Excuse Me, Who Are You?, Doubter, Brave You, Mookie Terremoto @ X-Ray Arcade
Femmepunk DJs Remember Sarah: Olivia + Wendy, Avalon @ Last Rites MKE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
Trapper Schoepp + B.J. Fisher @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Throughout the years, Milwaukee singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has released a series of excellent albums, played hundreds of shows all over the U.S. and Europe, shared the stage with some of music’s most noted names, had songs on television, and has established himself as one of Wisconsin’s premier performers. Oh, and with “On Wisconsin,” he also has a co-writing credit with Bob Dylan! Schoepp’s latest record is the winning May Day. See him in the wild tonight at Anodyne.
The Von Tramps + Courtesy Of Tim, Meskales, Sterling @ X-Ray Arcade
Sevendust + Nonpoint, Ill Niño, Another Day Dawns @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
Local H + Big Bird @ Shank Hall
Steve Byrne @ Milwaukee Improv (7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. shows)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades + Armchair Boogie, Ryan Necci And The Buffalo Gospel @ Turner Hall
Exactly a year after this show was supposed take place over at the Pabst Theater, the rescheduled New Year’s Eve concert featuring Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Armchair Boogie, and Ryan Necci And The Buffalo Gospel will finally take place at nearby Turner Hall. This one will be well worth the wait.
Harlem Globetrotters @ Fiserv Forum (1 p.m. and 6 p.m. shows)
The Harlem Globetrotters have been a New Year’s Eve tradition in Milwaukee for years and years. That tradition will continue this year at the Fiserv Forum with games at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Will this be the Washington Generals’ year?
FOR MORE NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE HERE.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: Grey Genius @ Cactus Club
Our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series has returned! For a few more games! This season, we’ve once again assembled a stacked roster of 16 performers that 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 penultimate halftime performance comes courtesy of Grey Genius.
Meditate Milwaukee @ The Riverside Theater
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