Milwaukee is chock full of things to do, but only a handful of Milwaukee events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for April 27 – May 3, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, APRIL 27
Milwaukee Film Festival @ Oriental and Downer theaters (through April 30)
The 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival is in its final days, but there are still plenty of can’t-miss screenings coming to the Oriental and Downer theaters. Look for the second Milwaukee Show on Monday, the Milwaukee Music Video Show on Tuesday, and the Closing Night film (Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas) on Thursday. And there’s plenty more, too! Love ya, MFF!
Known Moons (vinyl release) + Shontrail, BLOOD, Josh Evert @ MKeUltra
Known Moons’ new Beginning To End EP follows 2024’s flawless Everything Is, and it’s another winner. Opener “Real Fangs” adds a little grit to the Known Moons indie-rock mix, while songs like “TIME” and the title track play like instant classics. “Beginning To End” features Andrew James and company crystalizing their sparkling dream-pop with a gorgeous three-minute ode to getting off the floor and giving it another go. “When everything is beginning to end / Will you dust yourself off again / Or bury your head in the sand?” James sings.
Small Batch Songwriter Sessions: Ben Mulwana @ Indeed Brewing Company
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
Waxahatchee + MJ Lenderman, Brandon Wedl @ The Riverside Theater
What could be better than seeing Waxahatchee—Katie Cruthfield’s outstanding indie folk project—at a historic Milwaukee theater on a Tuesday night in late April? How about seeing Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman together at a historic Milwaukee theater on a Tuesday night in late April? Well, you’re in luck because these rapidly rising talents (who are also collaborators) are coming to The Riverside Theater tonight.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
Gladie + Noun, Buena Cara @ Cactus Club
“No Need To Be Lonely, the latest from Philadelphia band Gladie, is serene, but for only just a moment. For a moment it’s a swirling dream, like paper dancing in the wind, as Augusta Koch’s voice filters in all calm and measured with words that crack the surface of the heart. ‘Small dose of humiliation / it keeps me humble / it keeps me waiting,’ she sings. And then a snap as incandescent rhythms arrive like wolves at the gate, all guitar and drums like a whirling storm, and the crack on the heart tears until it becomes an ocean.”
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
The Lemon Twigs + Josephine Network @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“The Lemon Twigs, the New York City rock band fronted by brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, have been steadily capturing attention with their unique blend of youthful energy and seasoned songwriting. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience since their debut as teenagers, they combine rock, California harmony, power pop and baroque pop into a distinctive, joyously inventive sound. Their work is marked by intricate arrangements, multilayered harmonies, and adventurous instrumentation—all self-produced in their Brooklyn studio. The brothers craft songs that balance escapist pop with moments of introspection, seamlessly shifting between styles while communicating their ideas with emotional resonance, setting them apart in modern rock music.”
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band @ The Pabst Theater
“Put an ear to the door of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, back in late 2019 and you’d have heard it. The first stirrings of a new studio album from the man who pulled American roots into the 21st century. Melodies forming, riffs taking shape, grooves building, stories of loss and redemption spun by a crack team of sympatico songwriters. The road from that first writing session to the finished copy of Dirt On My Diamonds you hold in your hands, smiles Kenny Wayne Shepherd, has been quite a ride. ‘Every record I make is a moment in time. And this is a really special moment.'”
Happy Accccdent + Pareidolia, Shoobie, Heavy Bend @ Cactus Club
Cardinals Folly + Vanishing Kids, Lost Tribes On The Moon @ X-Ray Arcade
Knifeplay + Human Ant Farm, Humid @ MKeUltra
Dicot + Shontrail @ Falcon Nest
GIL Jazz + DJ Caleb Westphal @ The Estate
Jesse Garwood Club + Venturer @ Nashville North
Tommy Odetto @ Ope! Brewing Co.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
The New Pornographers + Will Sheff @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Fans of Canadian supergroups who have been crafting impeccable pop-leaning indie rock for more than two decades take note: The New Pornographers are playing Turner Hall tonight! The band is one of those bands that have never made a bad album, and that streak continues with the new The Former Site Of. Oh, and Will Sheff of Okkervil River is opening!
The Claudettes (record release) + Walt Hamburger @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Hot beats, icy noir, raving rock, stirring soul…the Claudettes reach new heights of aural audacity with the astonishing Garage Glamour. Fiery and fabulous frontwoman Rachel Williams dazzles on this album, just as she has been on Claudettes stages since 2023. Garage Glamour features production by Grammy winner/musical Renaissance man Steve Berkowitz and by JQ, who co-composed the score for smash TV series The Bear with Claudettes keyboardist/songwriter Johnny Iguana. Along with the band’s mighty Zach Verdoorn (bass, guitar) and Michael Caskey (drums) you’ll hear guest performances by revered blues/soul man John Primer and endlessly in-demand guitarist Ella Feingold (Silk Sonic, Eyrkah Badu) on Garage Glamour. Advance copies (CD, vinyl) will be on hand at this Milwaukee show!”
Mama’s Broke + Creekbed Carter Hogan, Bitch Creek @ Cactus Club
“Mama’s Broke is a powerful duo that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy. Although highly influenced by their Canadian roots, Lisa and Amy are based out of nowhere and everywhere.”
Electric Six + Tragedy: All Metal Tribute To The Bee Gees & Beyond @ Shank Hall
Thanks! I Hate It! + Sundressed, Barely Civil, No Thanks To You @ Sugar Maple
Mas Verde + Torcado @ Nashville North
The MilBillies @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Donna Allen + Bullseye, Poison Widow, Razor Toast @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
Faith Hatch & Company @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MAY 2
Iron & Wine + Improvement Movement @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“Iron & Wine is the musical project of singer-songwriter Sam Beam. Born and raised in South Carolina, Beam is a former film professor who got his start making home recordings before landing on Sub Pop Records. Iron & Wine’s 2002 debut, The Creek Drank The Cradle, garnered both critical and popular acclaim, vaulting Beam into the spotlight of the burgeoning indie-folk/Americana scene as one of its new and leading voices.”
Brett Newski & The Bad Inventions + Max & The Fellow Travelers @ The Argo
“On May 2 Brett Newski & The Bad Inventions bring scrappy rock n roll, freak folk and comedic storytelling to The Argo Stage. Folk-Grunge. Dirtwave. Garage Americana. Whatever you call it, Brett Newski has carved his own lane at the crossroads of scrappy rock ‘n’ roll, freak folk and comedic storytelling.”
5pm To Nowhere + Bowvee, Cozy Danger @ Cactus Club
Jesse Garwood + John Stanford, Ann-Marie And The Fever Dreams @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
The Bronswik Affair (record release) + Obscure Birds, The Daisy Pushers @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Chair In The Sky: The Jazz Side Of Joni Mitchell @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Post Modern Sleaze: An Indie Video Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MAY 3
David Byrne @ Miller High Life Theatre
Legendary Talking Heads frontman and solo artist David Byrne is bringing his Who Is The Sky? Tour to the Miller High Life Theatre on Sunday. What more needs to be said? This will be Byrne’s first performance in Milwaukee since coming to The Riverside Theater in May 2018. DON’T MISS IT.
The Cribs + Trolley, Known Moons @ Cactus Club
Flake + Mizzy, Crash House, Steal Salvage @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Blood Club + Stare Away, BLOOD @ X-Ray Arcade
Big Richard + Bitch Creek @ Falcon Hall
Want more Milwaukee Record? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and/or support us on Patreon.