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 30, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
Harlem Globetrotters @ Fiserv Forum
The Harlem Globetrotters have been a New Year’s Eve tradition in Milwaukee for years and years. That tradition continues on the last day of 2024 at the Fiserv Forum with games at noon and 5 p.m. Will this be the Washington Generals’ year?
New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza @ The Laughing Tap
End 2024 laughing with some of the region’s finest comedians during the “New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza” at The Laughing Tap. Both shows (7:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.) feature Chastity Washington, AJ Grill, Rachel Mac, and Darrell Cochran. There’s also a countdown—yes, even for the early show—and champagne toast. Both shows have VIP packages available.
John Heffron @ Milwaukee Improv
Also in year-ending comedy events, Detroit native and veteran comedian John Heffron returns to the Midwest for a pair of New Year’s Eve shows at Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield.
Stellar Spark New Year’s Eve @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Stellar Spark returns to The Rave for another New Year’s Eve affair. The 22nd annual event will be headed up by Adventure Club, who will be joined by the likes of Bear Grillz, Nate Derus, Radiant B2B TIMBURR, KONKON, MI$$ MOLLY, and more.
New Years Eve 2025 UV Glow Party @ X-Ray Arcade
Transport: Enterprise New Year’s Eve Party @ Cactus Club
NYE Bash: ’90s & 2K Party With DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
Le Freak New Year’s Eve @ The Cooperage
Garrett Waite + Heirloom @ The Estate
New Year’s Eve Comedy Shows @ ComedySportz
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1
Polar Bear Plunge @ Bradford Beach
With the first day of the year comes a first-day-of-the-year tradition in Milwaukee: jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Have fun! Stay safe! Bring plenty of towels and dry footwear!
Cowboy Killers Comedy Show @ Falcon Nest
What better way to ring in the new year than with some homegrown comedy? This installment of Cowboy Killers will feature Grace Jung and Olivia Witt, with special guest Breanne Wilhite. Oh, and the one and only Dana Ehrmann will headline, and the whole thing will be hosted by Reagan Niemela!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
Bronco (record release) + Rat Bath, Jacob Slade, The Keystones @ Cactus Club
“Bronco is a folk/alt rock quartet from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their influences range from contemporary folk outfits, such as Wilco and Big Thief, to heavier and more experimental groups like Nine Inch Nails and Type O Negative. Bronco’s current lineup consists of Ollie (he/they) on drums, Gage (they/them) on bass, and Adrien (they/them) and Slater (they/them) sharing lead guitar duties. Together, their music balances Americana sensibilities with the grit and emotion of hard rock. Bronco is currently working on their debut album titled For Friends And Family, which will be releasing on 1/2/25.”
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3
Mondo Lucha! @ The Cooperage
A few months after yet another Turner Hall sellout, the Mondo Lucha folks bring the ring to The Cooperage for a more intimate (but equally entertaining) blend of wrestling, burlesque, and music. Don’t miss it!
SunDown47 + White Dry Pages (WMSE benefit) @ Falcon Nest
“Emerging from decades of behind-the-stage rock n roll touring, Steve Drymalski of Men Among Thieves—along with a crew of musical compatriots (including supporting players of The Gin Blossoms, Soul Asylum, The Jayhawks, and The O.C. Supertones)—has once again strapped on his guitar to form SunDown47. An outflow of musical vision merged with time and experience, their debut LP Along For The Ride reflects an astounding rock ‘n’ roll history; Drymalski has spent years working side by side in multiple capacities with artists such as Neil Young, Soundgarden, Sone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, and Aerosmith, among others.”
Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound @ Shank Hall
“Taking cues from the dance bands of western Louisiana (and his native Midwest,), the streets (and 45s) of New Orleans, touring African and Caribbean combos and the soul, funk & blues of his youth, Paul Cebar is a masterful synthesist of rhythmic culture. His time spent in his second home of New Orleans, as a musicologist in Florida, and as a journeyman wanderer in Cuba, is reflected in his musical worldview.”
Friday Night Retro Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
N/A Day: A “Dry January” Beverage Festival @ The Cooperage
From noon to 4 p.m., Milwaukee Record will host the fourth annual N/A Day at The Cooperage. The “Dry January Beverage Festival” will give people an opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 products in the wide-ranging, ever-evolving, and rapidly growing non-alcoholic drink market. WMSE’s own Christreater will DJ the event. The 2025 N/A Day lineup includes non-alcoholic beer and seltzer, kombucha, mocktails, non-alcoholic wine and spirits, craft soda, energy drinks, CBD products, and more. Vendors will range from local operations to nationally-regarded brands.
N/A Day After Party @ Boone & Crockett
Milwaukee Record and Visitor—an excellent up-and-coming non-alcoholic beer and a sponsor of N/A Day—will keep the fun going after N/A Day with an official N/A Day After Party. From 5-8 p.m., we’ll be next door at Boone & Crockett. There will be DJ sets by Joe Collins and Sam Larcheid. Visitor will be in the building pouring free samples of their wonderful N/A beers. Boone & Crockett will be offering Visitor on special, and every can of Visitor purchased gets you entered for hourly raffles to win prizes from Visitor, Milwaukee Record, and more. Oh, and this N/A Day After Party is free. So come on down to The Cooperage on January 4, then make your way a few feet west to Boone & Crockett right after that.
Holler Home Country & Folk Showcase + Benefit @ Falcon Nest
Some of the city’s best names in the county, folk, and Americana realms will take the stage at Falcon Hall for a fundraising concert that will benefit those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Holler Home Country & Folk Showcase + Benefit will feature Joseph Huber Band, Old Pup, The Big Heart Kind, King Courteen, Dandy L. Freling, and Bitch Creek. Don Pastor taco truck will also be parked outside Falcon Bowl from 7-10 p.m. and organizers will also be collecting clean hats, gloves, coats, and blankets from Street Angels.
Trapper Schoepp @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“In 2019, Trapper Schoepp published a song with Bob Dylan called ‘On, Wisconsin’—making him the youngest musician to share a co-writing credit with the Nobel Prize Winner. The song led to a #1 trending article in Rolling Stone and 100+ tour dates worldwide. The young Wisconsin songwriter has released five albums, collaborating with members of Wilco, The Raconteurs and The Jayhawks. He’s recently recorded at Johnny Cash’s historic Cash Cabin, creating a folk rock odyssey titled Siren Songs. PBS noted Trapper for his: ‘Story songs that explore and explode the conventions of rock and roll’ while Rolling Stone France calls his latest a ‘Charming 100% Americana opus.'”
Max & The Fellow Travelers + Convoy, Grain Elevator, Lily Matteson @ Shank Hall
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: Mari Mari @ Cactus Club
Come on out to the Cactus Club for this week’s Packers-Bears game, and enjoy a halftime set from Milwaukee’s own Mari Mari! Games are shown in the bar and on a projector screen in Cactus Club’s back room. As always, there will be touchdown shots (both regular and N/A options will be offered) and DJs during commercials. THERE’S NO COVER CHARGE for the concerts. Kickoff is at noon!
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