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 February 23 – March 1, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Nine Inch Nails + Boys Noize @ Fiserv Forum
Like the man said, “Bow down before the one you serve / You’re going to get what you deserve.” And what you deserve is to see Nine Inch Nails live at Fiserv Forum. It’s been a minute since Trent Reznor and company made a stop in Milwaukee (like, since 2006?), so this is a can’t-miss show. Friend and collaborator Boys Noize will open the show, which is part of NIN’s “Peel It Back Tour.”
Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives Of Q Lazzarus @ Cactus Club
“After serendipitously meeting, when the film’s director realized the driver of her rideshare car was actually Diane Luckey (aka Q Lazzarus), the two decided to collaborate on a film about the singer’s life. Filmed over a few years, we finally learn about the singer’s life, her legally tumultuous music career that resulted in her never getting paid for her iconic song, her issues with drugs and the law, how she became a bus driver and car driver to support her family, and ultimately, her sudden, unexpected death. Throughout all this we’re also given the gift of multiple previously unreleased tracks. The soundtrack to the film serves as the first official full length release by Q Lazzarus.”
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Lethal Dose + Baby Scythe, Devin Griffin, CC Megadon @ Cactus Club
“Lethal Dose is a collective based in the Milwaukee area with the goal of making a positive impact on the city and providing events where people from all walks of life and any background are accepted and welcome to come have a good time. The Collective consists of 5 members: Reverse Playback (artist), Rece’s Aura (artist), Lowkeykeenan (artist), Triponclothes (clothing / painter), and SPIRITGARD3N (jack of all trades). We feel beyond blessed to be able to showcase our talent at such a legendary venue and will support Cactus Club until the very end.”
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Amelia Day + Hanna Simone @ Cactus Club
“Hanna Simone is a 24 year old American singer songwriter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Influenced by Brandi Carlile, Jewel, and H.E.R.. In a live setting, a driving passion is evident as her blues vocals blend with the high-energy rock edge provided by the musicianship and creativity of her band. Intricate lyrics, matched with her timbre, demonstrate her musical sensibilities as an independent artist. Hanna aims to persuade the audience to feel a real musical connection and intimacy with lyrical vulnerability and honesty.”
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Cosmic Country Showcase: Jonny Fritz + The Flying Objects @ Cactus Club
Based in Chicago, the Cosmic County Showcase is a musical revue that mixes country-leaning music with elements of comedy, drag, and stunts to create a sprawling and altogether outstanding entertainment spectacle. Tonight, it returns to its home away from home, Milwaukee’s own Cactus Club, for another must-see installment.
Jasno + Bowvee, No Thanks To You @ Falcon Nest
“Born in Marquette, Michigan and raised in the local music scene, Jasno consists of vocalist Jack Laurila, guitarist Declan Stratford, and drummer Paul Racine. The band leaps from genre to genre, going from pop, to rock, and everything in between, with a consistent focus on big choruses, catchy hooks, and memorable verses. Coming from a small but vibrant music scene where grand opportunities are slim, the band maintains a mindset of continuous hard work with the goal being to continue to gain real lifelong fans.”
Damien Jurado Plays His Greatest Hits + St. Yuma @ Vivarium
Son Reis Project: Surf Monk @ The Estate
Femme Punk DJs + Clothing Swap @ Sabbatic
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Steve Martin + Martin Short @ Miller High Life Theatre
Capital L comedy LEGENDS Steve Martin and Martin Short have both managed astounding careers that have spanned decades upon decades, influenced and enthralled generations of fans, and have stood the test of time. Despite all they have done, the duo continues to act together and tour theaters to delight onlookers with their hilarious musings and their charmingly combative friendship. Martin and Short return to Milwaukee tonight as part of their “The Best Of Steve Martin & Martin Short” tour, which will also include performances by Martin’s band The Steep Canyon Rangers as well as Jeff Babko.
Smoking Popes + Scott Lucas (Local H), Menthol @ X-Ray Arcade
“Bursting onto the Chicago punk scene in 1991, Smoking Popes built a relationship with their legion of fans by melding raw songs about bittersweet heartache with soaring melodies, power chords and infectious energy. From their early indie releases to their critically acclaimed major label albums, Smoking Popes developed a unique blend of buzzsaw guitars, caffeinated rhythms and heartfelt crooning vocals, combining the angst of punk with the smooth sophistication of Frank Sinatra, creating music both urgent and timeless, and influencing a generation of musicians in their wake.”
William Elliott Whitmore + Adeem The Artist @ Shank Hall
What needs to be said about William Elliott Whitmore at this point? Over the course of an impressive career that’s stretched close to 30 years, the Iowa-born folk legend has performed all around the world, shared the stage with an abundance of renowned musicians, and released nine outstanding albums. A frequent Milwaukee visitor, Whitmore brings his quality catalog and incomparable voice back to the East Side to headline tonight’s show at Shank Hall.
Frank Caliendo @ Milwaukee Improv (three shows, also February 28)
Not unlike an American Idol favorite or a late night talk show host, Frank Caliendo’s career is dependent on the work of other, usually more famous, people. As far as this specific comic crevice is concerned, Caliendo is the Kelly Clarkson of celebrity impersonations and the Johnny Carson of pop-culture mimicry. His ability to meld spot-on vocal replications and exaggerated character traits of politicians, actors, and sports figures has yielded the comic such impressive opportunities as a place in the MADtv cast, the role of resident funny man for two football pregame shows, a short-lived TBS show called Frank TV, and the ability to tour the country.
Yonder Mountain String Band @ The Cooperage
Ellie Banke + Ellee Grim @ Cactus Club
Radio Caroline + Pareidolia, Crash House, Courtesy @ Falcon Hall
Tyler Farr + Patrick Murphy & The Cream City Cowboys @ The Argo
John Sieger + The Mosleys @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Trim/Breiwick Quartet @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Sainted Patrons @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Friday Night Retro Mixtape @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Say She She + Katzù Oso: Cut & Rewind Tour @ Vivarium
“There’s nothing more resonant than the human voice. It contains timbres and textures no other instrument can replicate, but most importantly, it’s immensely powerful: One voice can spark an uprising, but many voices in unison create a movement. Nya Gazelle Brown, Sabrina Cunningham, and Piya Malik, the three women who front NYC punk-chic, discodelic band Say She She, understand how to wield such power. They soar above irresistible grooves, locking together in gorgeous three-part harmonies that cleverly disguise the feeling of righteous rebellion permeating their music. Theirs is a multi-pronged call to action: Move your body, expand your mind, and recognize your strength.”
Altered Five Blues Band (record release) + Matt Hendricks @ Shank Hall
“Altered Five smokes, smolders and burns like a swig of good whiskey. The hip Milwaukee quintet is known for its strong brew of tough, original blues and hard-hitting live shows. Blues Blast raves that barrel-chested front man Jeff Taylor possesses a ‘smooth, warm-toned voice as monumental and undeniable as Howlin’ Wolf with the finish and flouring of B.B. King.’ Downbeat declares stealth guitarist Jeff Schroedl ‘reaches the high bar of mixed invention and fluidity.’ Fueled by a rhythm section laying down the deepest grooves this side of the MGs, the award-winning group has remained at the forefront of contemporary blues for over two decades, performing in 13 countries around the world. The band will celebrate the release of their eighth studio album, Hammer & Chisel, at the concert.”
Josephine + Julia Minkin, Blacktop @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
SSAANN + Faded Places, Fairy Astronaut @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Jerry Grillo’s 82nd Birthday Concert @ The Estate
QLC + Moe’s N Co, The Flood @ Bremen Cafe
Milwaukee Music Academy @ Ope! Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Milwaukee’s Best Bloody @ 3rd St. Market Hall
“Join us for the 14th Annual Milwaukee’s Best Bloody—a spirited Sunday Funday where you’ll sample signature Bloody Marys from some of Milwaukee’s best bars and restaurants while raising funds and awareness for Wisconsin families affected by bleeding disorders. Tickets include unlimited Bloody Mary samples, beer chasers, and an appetizer buffet featuring vendors from Third Street Market Hall, plus the chance to vote for Milwaukee’s Best Bloody. All Bloody samples will also available non-alcoholic, so everyone can join in the fun.”
Baconfest @ Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Edging + Star Jelly, Lunar Moth @ Cactus Club
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