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 23-29, 2024.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: Ladybird @ Cactus Club
While we love every installment of our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series, this Christmas-adjacent one is sure to be special. Local folk-country stalwarts Ladybird will perform between the second and third quarters of tonight’s Packers-Saints game. Who knows…they might even stick around to play a few more songs after the game! If you’re still in town, you should really make sure to attend this one. Kickoff is at 7:15 p.m.! And if the free abbreviated performance isn’t enough to sway you, maybe touchdown shots, specials on High Life and Miller Lite, and a DJ playing songs during commercial breaks will do the trick.
The Commercialists Play The Music Of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ @ Turner Hall Ballroom (two shows)
“Your favorite holiday tradition is back! The Pabst Theater Group and The Jazz Estate Present The Commercialists play the music of the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas this December to kick off your holiday festivities!”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
Merry Christmas Eve, Milwaukee!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25
Merry Christmas, Milwaukee!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
Johanna Rose + Ellie Jackson, Bitch Creek @ Cactus Club
“Unconfined by genre or medium, Johanna Rose is an Artist, Musician, and Street Poet based in New Orleans. Her music floats like a hummingbird through the spaces between Jazz, Folk, Country, and Punk, drinking from each, but possessed by none. A songwriter and bandleader as well as an accomplished instrumentalist, she can often be found in the French Quarter on the corner of Royal and St. Peter playing with the gutter jazz band, The Dirty Rotten Vipers.”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
Buena Cara (record release) + Pommer, Versio Curs, Known Moons @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee emo band Buena Cara (“Sad boys, rad noise”) celebrate the December release of its new self-titled album with this Cactus Club show. The supporting lineup is appropriately impressive: fantastic Milwaukee band Known Moons, Chicago’s Pommer, and a rare outing by Versio Curs. Don’t miss this one!
Live Emo Nite: Gold Steps (Paramore cover set) + Revival @ X-Ray Arcade
Keith Scott Blues @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Friday Night Retro Mixtape @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
An Evening With Peter Billingsley & ‘A Christmas Story’ @ The Pabst Theater
“Peter will be on a limited tour this holiday season hosting a series of screenings of A Christmas Story. The evening will include a pre-show meet and greet, screening of the 1983 film, and a moderated Q&A where Billingsley will share stories from the movie set, behind-the-scenes photos, and memories from the Christmas classic. Audience questions are encouraged, and each screening will feature a Toy for Tots fundraiser, and a leg lamp giveaway to one lucky winner.”
Full Cord w/ special guests Joe Wais & Jordan Kroger (Chicken Wire Empire) @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“For the past 17 years, Michigan-based bluegrass band, Full Cord has been making a name for themselves blending traditional bluegrass music in which they are deeply rooted with jazz, western swing, and classic rock ‘n’ roll while keeping the traditional bluegrass feel alive and well. These influences make every performance memorable and unique. Following a ’22 win at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival competition and the ’22 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Momentum Band of The Year, this band has been hot on the touring trail nationwide. Hold on to your hats when these folks hit the stage—they are bringing their version of the bluegrass train full steam ahead.”
Bug Moment + Cocojoey, Day Tvvo, Ellee Grim @ Falcon Nest
Andrew Wayne & The Mud Creek Road @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Brew City Boogie Bash @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: Jinksie @ Cactus Club
While we love every installment of our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series, this post-Christmas installment is sure to be special, too. Terrific punk trio Jinksie will perform between the second and third quarters of today’s Packers-Vikings game. Kickoff is at noon! And if the free abbreviated performance isn’t enough to sway you, maybe touchdown shots, specials on High Life and Miller Lite, and a DJ playing songs during commercial breaks will do the trick.
Collective Ex + My Melody, Human Ant Farm, Oh Well Ok @ Falcon Nest
Gerrit Hatcher / Erez Dessel Duo @ Sugar Maple
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