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 December 16-22, 2024.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
Found Footage Fest: 20th Anniversary Show @ Vivarium
For 20 years, Wisconsin natives Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have been bravely scouring America’s cut-out bins, Goodwills, and dumpsters in order to find some of the most bizarre and delightful VHS oddities. Their Found Footage Festival collects their finds in a riotous live show that is a must-see for fans of stilted industrial tapes, retro workplace training tapes, and ill-conceived workout tapes. It’s like YouTube, but better. Tonight, the Found Footage guys return to Milwaukee to bring their 20th Anniversary Show to Vivarium.
The Sleighriders @ Shank Hall
“Forty or so of the best, most experienced, most professional musicians of the Milwaukee music scene join together again for the annual Sleighriders show and charity auction! These musicians join forces in one gigantic rockin’ band. It’s a very special holiday event that you don’t want to miss and a true Milwaukee tradition. For over 30 years these musicians have donated their time and talents for charity. This year is no exception as we sponsor Variety of Wisconsin helping disabled children. A show not to be missed!”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour @ Fiserv Forum
“Last winter, Pentatonix unveiled The Greatest Christmas Hits, its 12th album overall and seventh holiday collection. It featured 23 of the ground-breaking a cappella group’s top holiday songs and eight brand new tracks, including a holiday original, ‘Please Santa Please,’ which became a top 5 radio hit. The album was the latest in a string of blockbuster releases for the quintet, spending 10 weeks on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart.”
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Milwaukee Record Presents: Dumb And Dumber @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
In honor of the movie’s 30th anniversary, Milwaukee Record is hosting an extra special screening of Dumb And Dumber at Avalon Theater. This 1994 classic finds foolish friends Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey in a star-making performance) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels in a rare departure from dramatic acting) embarking on road trip from Providence, Rhode Island to Aspen, Colorado to return a briefcase to its rightful owner. Along the way, the dim-witted duo encounters an array of interesting characters, faces a number of hilarious experiences, and treats viewers to a grab bag of unforgettable quotes.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
Son Little + Kyah Bratz @ Vivarium
“Son Little, praised by American Songwriter as ‘one of the best songwriters working today,’ conceived his latest album, Like Neptune, in a cabin overlooking the Delaware River in upstate New York. Trading in the existential dread permeating his previous work for unbridled joy and self-acceptance, Son Little transmutes the chronic pain of self-doubt into a beautiful and freeing opus about overcoming generational trauma. Hailed by Afropunk as ‘a stunning statement of purpose,’ Like Neptune decorates the altar of the primordial blues and elevating the labor of healing to high art.”
FRIEND + Chants & Dave Schoepke @ Cactus Club
“Andrew Fitzpatrick and Jon Mueller previously shared the stage as members of the group Volcano Choir. As Friend, the duo explore a new direction, using acoustic drums, percussion and synthesis to create rhythmic, textural and thought-provoking work that shares elements of folk music in its performance and modern electronic music in its sound.”
Sam Tallent @ Milwaukee Improv (through December 21)
Colorado comedian Sam Tallent has toured relentlessly across North America and Europe, amassed TV credits on Comedy Central and Viceland, and his debut novel (Running The Light) has garnered favorable reviews from literary critics and inspired kind words from fellow comics like Marc Maron and Ron White. Tallent—who has become something of a Milwaukee regular the past five years—returns to the region for four shows at the Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield over the course of three nights.
Killer High Life + MIZZY, Fake My Death, Oogwé @ X-Ray Arcade
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“The Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their joyous, raucous Christmas Caravan Tour back again performing all of the hits from Holidays past. From heartwarming ballads to boisterous dance tunes, the band conjures an atmosphere nestled somewhere between the wondrous lights of Christmas and the backroom din of a speakeasy. This show is a must-see for any true music lover. The Christmas Caravan features holiday hits and classics, selections from the Squirrel Nut Zipper’s holiday album Christmas Caravan, and the finest new and old Squirrel Nut Zippers catalog music. Inspired by 1920s jazz, klezmer and old time music, SNZ’s endlessly curious and innovative leader Jimbo Mathus has concocted a show truly unique and original. This unique blend is on full display with the Holiday Caravan show, which has increasingly grown in popularity, selling out venues throughout the United States.”
Collections Of Colonies Of Bees + Astral Hand, Known Moons @ The Cooperage
Though touring acts tend of avoid booking shows in late December on account of the holidays, that leaves ample room on venue calendars for absolutely stacked local bills. Such is the case of this show at The Cooperage, which features a potent trio of Milwaukee acts including Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, Astral Hand, and Known Moons. Rare Visions Light Show will also be on-site to provide visuals to go with the music.
Born Of Osiris + Reflections, By The Thousands, VCTMS @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
“The Chicago-based progressive metal outfit Born Of Osiris are known as one of the first deathcore acts from the 2000s to leave that genre behind; in favor of a brutal yet alluring meld of technical death metal and metalcore. Filled with flashy twin-guitar leads and near-psychedelic keyboard adventures, they owe as much to Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as they do Helloween and Meshuggah.”
Tiny Moving Parts + Action/Adventure, Greywind, Courtesy Of Tim @ Vivarium
Justin Witte Duo @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Retro Dance Party: DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Brittany Schmitt @ Vivarium
“Brittany Schmitt is an LA-based, Wisconsin-raised comic. She likes her comedy like she likes her cheese: stanky. Don’t be fooled by her girl-next-door looks, her humor is insidious and unapologetic. She’s been featured in clubs across the country opening for Theo Von, Chris Redd and more. She was just on Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Featuring, Don’t Tell Comedy: Backyard Series and just put out her debut comedy special: From Ho to Housewife with 800 Pound Gorilla on July 19th, with many of the clips hitting over 10M+ views.”
Mari Mari + Vanity Plates, Bunk Bed, Bryan Cherry @ Cactus Club
“Former members of John The Savage, Saebra & Carlyle, Those Royals, and Flat Teeth join focus to create groove based Indie music out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sometimes dark, sometimes heavy, but all the time interesting. You never know what you’ll hear next, but you’ll love it.”
Groove Theory: A Soulful Christmas @ The Cooperage
“Celebrate the season with ‘A Soulful Christmas,’ featuring the incredible Brew City Soul. This one-of-a-kind performance highlights festive and soulful renditions of holiday classics and originals by R&B and Soul greats, including Donny Hathaway, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Jackson Five, and Mariah Carey. As a special bonus, all attendees will receive one free ticket to Summerfest 2025. Beat the winter blues with ‘A Soulful Christmas,’ featuring Brew City Soul performing catchy and festive holiday originals from R&B and Soul greats such as Donny Hathaway, Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Jackson Five, Mariah Carey, and many more.”
Milou Moon + Shadeseeker, Zang! @ Falcon Nest
Punk Rock Rummage Sale: Santa’s Revenge @ X-Ray Arcade
Cynthia Starich & The Gang @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Art*Bar’s Rock-A-Billy Xmas Party @ Art*Bar
Madonna vs. Lady Gaga @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
Chi-Chi’s Restaurant (record release) + Vacancy Chain, Tea Service @ Cactus Club
Delightfully named Milwaukee band Chi-Chi’s Restaurant is releasing its debut record, You’ll Never Get Away With It! Fun! Also, Chi-Chi’s the actual restaurant chain is coming back in 2025? Huh!
Chris Darby + ANDII, Violet Wilder @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
“Don’t spend the first day of Winter alone! Bring your sweet spirit and your soft heart and have a wholesome time with your neighbors as we celebrate the Sun’s return towards us!”
Bremen Christmas Party / Cookie Competition @ Bremen Cafe
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