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—brought to you by Lilliput Records—for August 12-18, 2024.
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
Musical Mondays: JigJam @ Lake Park Summer Stage
“These Offaly- and Tipperary-born musicians started the first wave of the new Irish invasion of Americana. Bluegrass and American folk music have Irish roots, and now JigJam is here to take the music back and add its own mark. Foot-stomping and high-energy describe its shows.”
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
Chill On The Hill: Something To Do + Combustor @ Humboldt Park
For nearly two decades, Bay View Neighborhood Association’s Chill On The Hill has brought music to Humboldt Park’s band chalet every Tuesday between June and August. And hey! It’s August! Which means Chill On The Hill is in full swing! Drop by as the always-fantastic ska group Something To Do and old-school punk outfit Combustor continue Chill’s 19th season in style. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. And, as always, “IF IT MAKES A CLOUD IT’S NOT ALLOWED.”
Film Fatale: Le Cercle Rouge @ Amorphic Beer
“Alain Delon stars in this French thriller about the two coolest guys in France pulling a heist together. Corey, a ex-con fresh out of prison, is the coolest guy in Marseilles. He meets Vogel, a prisoner on the run, hiding in his trunk. Together, they plan a heist that could set them up for life…but what about the cop on Vogel’s tail? Le Cercle Rouge is a slow, suspenseful, and beautiful movie featuring a heist sequence that will make you say ‘Damn!’ It also posits that one of the most intimate things two men can do with each other is plan and execute an elaborate crime. It’s an incredibly hype movie and everyone looks cool as hell.”
Cardiel + Primitivs, Resurrectionists @ Cactus Club
The Struts + Barns Courtney @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Skyline Music Series: The Jimmys @ Kilbourn-Kadish Park
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
Childish Gambino + Willow @ Fiserv Forum
Childish Gambino—the musical alter ego of writer/actor/director Donald Glover—comes to Fiserv Forum as part of “The New World Tour.” The tour comes after the recent release of Atavista, which is a re-imagined version of Gambino’s fourth album, 3.15.20.
Milwaukee Night Market @ Wisconsin Avenue, between 2nd and Vel R. Phillips
“The 2024 Night Markets will be held on June 26, July 24, August 14 and September 11 from 5 to 10 p.m. on West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Milwaukee Night Market. Over 220 local businesses will participate in the summer event, transforming West Wisconsin Avenue into a unique environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to experience the best that Milwaukee has to offer.”
Graham Nash @ The Pabst Theater
“Legendary artist Graham Nash, as a founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He has seen rock history unfold at some of its seminal moments—from the launch of the British Invasion to the birth of the Laurel Canyon movement a year later. Graham will be joined on stage by Todd Caldwell (keyboards and vocals), Adam Minkoff (bass, drums, guitars, and vocals), and Zach Djanikian (guitars, mandolin, drums, and vocals), performing favorites from across his sixty-year career.”
Vivarium In The Park: Social Cig @ The Vine Humboldt
Washington Park Wednesdays @ Washington Park Bandshell
Wonderful Wednesdays: Little Miss Ann @ Lake Park Summer Stage
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Milwaukee Irish Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through August 18)
“Experience the world’s largest Irish music festival, along the shores of Lake Michigan, at Milwaukee Irish Fest! There’s something for everyone! Over 100 acts across 16 stages—from traditional Irish music to indie-folk, Celtic rock, and even bluegrass. Plus family-friendly entertainment, sporting matches, Irish food and drink, cultural activities, and so much more!”
Chris Gethard + Eddie Pepitone, Keegan Tindall @ X-Ray Arcade
Chris Gethard is a lot of things. He’s a cult comedy legend, the namesake and former figurehead of The Chris Gethard Show, an actor (who you might know from films like Don’t Think Twice and TV shows like Broad City and The Office), and the host of the Beautiful/Anonymous podcast. He’s also joining forces with another alt-comedy favorite, Eddie “The Bitter Buddha” Pepitone, to co-headline what’s sure to be a hilarious night of standup at X-Ray Arcade.
A La Carte at the Zoo @ Milwaukee County Zoo (through August 18)
“August in Milwaukee means A La Carte at the Zoo! Our popular food and music festival has become a summer tradition for Zoo fans. Stroll through the Zoo to enjoy delicious dishes from well-known restaurants, and groove to local and national entertainment performing on six stages throughout the park.”
Los Dug Dug’s + Dead Feathers, Spidora @ Club Garibaldi
Dreamhouse + Tigera, Scorched Waves, Misfits Of Ugly Hollywood @ Cactus Club
Third Space Presents: Gold Steps @ Third Space Brewing
Jazz In The Park: Respect! A Tribute To The Queen Of Soul @ Cathedral Square Park
Música del Lago: De La Buena @ Colectivo Coffee on the Lakefront
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Emmitt James Big Band BBQ @ Third Space Brewing
“Join us in raising funds for Future Urban Leaders and stay for the 22-piece band. You read that correctly. Yes, Emmitt James will take the stage this year with a 22-piece band performing his Avery album in celebration of its 5th anniversary led by the illustrious Curtis Crump Jr. The evening will also include a comedy set by Emmy nominated writer/producer Joel Boyd.”
Adorner (record release) + Lunar Moth, Blacktop @ Shank Hall
“Adorner is the new psychedelic prog-rock force, with a personal mission to adorn their creation ‘for the sake of beauty alone.’ The group is the brainchild of the Milwaukee native songwriter Madeline Stadel with her powerfully evocative lyrics, emotional vocals and lush keyboards, while her songs are fully realized by her band with a progressive, psychedelic rock canvas of sound. Together they play songs with a poetic disposition, combining psych edge with soulful emotion, leading their listeners to a celestial and other-worldly state of mind with every song.”
Buckethead @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Music On The Beerline: Extra Crispy Brass Band @ Beerline Plaza
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: Goth Barge @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
REYNA + Vic & Gab @ Vivarium
It’s been nearly 10 years since sisters Victoriah and Gabriela Banuelos retired their indie-rock outfit Vic & Gab and transformed into the more pop-leaning REYNA. And while the latter project has produced some of Milwaukee’s best music of the past decade, the former has never been far from mind. So wouldn’t it be nice if there was a Vic & Gab reunion in the works? Turns out, there is! Tonight at the Vivarium, the sisters Banuelos will play a supporting set as the reunited Vic & Gab. And who will they be supporting? REYNA, of course! So…Vic and Gab (the sisters) will reunite as Vic & Gab (the band), and open for Vic and Gab (the sisters) as REYNA (the band). Got that?
Center Street Daze Festival @ Center Street
Today, Center Street Daze Festival—which began way back in 1997 and is organized by the Riverwest Business Association—makes its triumphant return to Center Street, between Holton and Humboldt! From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Riverwest thoroughfare will be abuzz with activity in the form of food and retail vendors, pushcart races, an outdoor pool tournament, and more. Of course, there will also be live music. Throughout Saturday afternoon/evening, Center Street Daze will feature a wide range of talent on four stages. That bursting lineup includes the likes of Billy Dreamer, Passion Park, Majestics, and many more.
Red Scarves + Vanity Plates, Credentials, Participants @ Bremen Cafe
Mad Caddies + The Iron Roses, Something To Do, Peppers & Pineapples @ X-Ray Arcade
Beatles vs. Bee Gees @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin @ Veterans Park
“Our Annual Festival celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Puerto Rico. We bring the community together to experience the best of music, dance, food, and traditions. Join us for delicious food, LIVE music, cultural exhibits and family fun. Come enjoy the island’s vibrant culture and celebrate its bright future.”
Locust Street Bazaar @ Locust Street
“A Locust Street Bazaar (or street faire) with vendors, two acoustic busker stages of music & poetry, food and drink, a children’s area with a petting zoo, coloring books and games, and a visit by the Milwaukee Fire Department complete with a fire engine and equipment demonstrations. Collection boxes will dot the street in support of Riverwest’s Kinship Food Pantry. The Bazaar will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Locust Street from Humboldt to Pierce Street. Locust will be closed from Humboldt to Holton.”
The Stinkeyes (record release) + Barely Civil, Breakup Tour, Glitzy @ X-Ray Arcade
Summer Patio Music Series: Stewed Tomatoes Trio @ Great Lakes Distillery
Cafe Sopra Mare: Neal Bardele and Steve Lewandowski @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Jewish Food Festival @ Rotary Park, Mequon (also August 19)
Milwaukee Makers Market @ Discovery World
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