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 January 12-18, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
Bluegrass Whatevers: Ryan Ogburn @ Nashville North
“Bluegrass Whatevers is a weekly music series at Nashville North hosted by local MKE bluegrassers Joe Wais (The MilBillies), Jordan Kroeger (Chicken Wire Empire) and Ernest Brusubardis IV (Chicken Wire Empire). Following a standard ‘bluegrass jam’ format, the series features guest artists and full bands from around the region, playing ‘Whatever’ bluegrass tunes they’re feeling. It’s always good, and always Whatever.”
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14
Dried Fruit + Our Vanity, Hyperbolic, Bowvee @ X-Ray Arcade
“We are five music students from Lawrence University who have formed a band, called Dried Fruit. We have an indie alternative expressive style and play original songs as well as some cover songs sprinkled in. Our sound is made up of lead, rhythm and bass guitar, violin, vocals, piano and drums. Our sound is unique because we all bring a different style from our influence in music genres and local music scenes from Milwaukee, Chicago, Salt Lake City and San Francisco.”
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15
Real Estate: A Celebration Of Atlas @ Vivarium
“Atlas was a pretty big record for us, and chances are if you’re reading this, it’s a pretty big record for you too. Nobody ever said, ‘I love Real Estate, but I hate their third LP, Atlas.’ And if they did say that, they never said it anywhere around us—and we read everything you guys write on the internet; some of it can get pretty weird. And so, on this momentous occasion, we will be bringing A Celebration Of Atlas to a city near you, to honor its 11 year and 10 month anniversary. We’ll be playing almost the entire album in its entirety (basically) and other lesser known tunes from the Atlas era. We’ll also be playing a selection of our greatest hits, because we know you love those too. Please come and celebrate with us—we can’t wait to see you.”
An Evening With Pat Murphy @ Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For the Arts
“Get up close with Milwaukee Brewers Manager and two-time Manager of the Year, Pat Murphy, for an unforgettable night of baseball talk, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs. Pat will sit down for an in-depth interview recapping the highlights of the 2025 season and giving fans an insider’s look at what’s ahead for 2026. Afterward, the floor opens up for audience Q&A—your chance to ask Pat your burning Brewers questions.”
Max & The Fellow Travelers @ Nashville North
Max & The Fellow Travelers is the country-leaning solo project from Diet Lite singer-songwriter Max Niemann. The group includes Niemann and a self-described “ragtag gang of friends and family.” A four-song debut, The Fellow Travelers, was released in October 2024, and it’s great. Fans of twangy Dylan (“Dogsittin’,”) plaintive fiddles (“Clean Copy,”) plaintive Wilco (“Jim’s Song,”) and some good ol’ fashioned songs about trains (“Train”) will find a lot to love.
Gasoline Lollipops @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Kitty Soft Paw + Blonde @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Jeremy Cullen + Eb Albeit, Hot Science @ Uptowner
Get Loud Dance Party: DJ Lauryl Sulfate @ Cactus Club
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Hey Mercedes + The Hallelujah Ward, Her Head’s On Fire @ X-Ray Arcade
In 2025, Braid headlined WMSE’s Backyard BBQ event. In 2026, Hey Mercedes—a band featuring three of Braid’s members in its ranks that’s already very good—will play its first show in the metro Milwaukee area in well over a decade. As if that’s not enough, The Hallelujah Ward and Her Head’s On Fire will play in support.
Cullah + Josh Trimble @ The Argo
“Milwaukee-born artist Cullah (Ian McCullough) is a producer, songwriter, and performer known for his expansive approach to music-making. Releasing a full album every year since 2006, his work moves fluidly between folk, electronic, and experimental sounds. Often performing with varying instrumentation—from banjo and guitar to samplers and synths—Cullah’s performances are rooted in storytelling and exploration, drawing on mythology, philosophy, and personal history. His music has appeared in thousands of productions across film, television, and video games, reflecting a career dedicated to craft and independence.”
WMSE’s Friday Night Freak Show: Basquiat @ Oriental Theatre
“It’s the Friday Night Freak Show at the Oriental Theatre on Friday, Jan. 16, and we’re featuring Basquiat. The film shown will be the recent 4K, black & white, director-supervised restoration of Julian Schnabel’s 1996 biopic Basquiat, released by Criterion Collection. This version is a fresh, stark, artistic take on the legendary artist’s life, emphasizing Jeffrey Wright’s performance and the gritty art world, contrasting with the original’s color, with a final scene returning to color to show his vibrant art. The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a special live DJ set featuring DJ Ascot of the Jing Jong Triple Play program, then, at 7:30 the film starts.”
Winter Gallery Night MKE @ various locations (also January 17)
Cold Comfort Song Pull: John Sieger + Mike Fredrickson, Rob Gjersoe @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Old Salt + Coxey’s Army, Urban Guerrilla, Knoxious, Rust Belt @ Cactus Club
Smoke N’ Mirrors @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Tontine Ensemble w/ Steve Nelson-Raney + Nick Zoulek @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
The Moth: New Leaf | First-Timers @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Friday Night Retro Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
Violet Wilder + Allison Mahal, Wildered @ The Argo
“On January 17, don’t miss an unforgettable night of indie-folk and Americana at The Argo. Headlining the evening is Violet Wilder, an all-female indie-folk band from Wisconsin known for their lush soundscapes, heartfelt storytelling, and rich three-part harmonies. Made up of real-life best friends, Violet Wilder brings warmth, authenticity, and vibrant energy to every performance.”
The People Brothers Band + Sugo @ Vivarium
“The People Brothers Band’s unique brand of rhythm and soul features some of the most talented vocalists and musicians in the Midwest region. The vibrant group of longtime friends, collaborators, and multi-dimensional artists formed in 2008 as an open mic songwriting outfit and hasn’t looked back since. The People Brothers Band is united by their shared vision of uplifting friends and fans through music.”
The Goblin King Masquerade Ball @ Turner Hall Ballroom (sold out)
“Step into a world of fantasy and enchantment as Turner Hall Ballroom once again transforms into a magical haven for the 4th annual Goblin King Masquerade Ball. Revel in a waltz dance class, indulge in signature cocktails, enjoy captivating performances, explore a carefully curated vendors alley, and capture memories at exclusive photo ops. The event is 18+. Formal attire or cosplay is required. Casual wear will only be permitted as part of a specific character cosplay.”
Palestine Benefit Show: Fake My Death + Mizzy, Hypersleep, Viscacha, Okay Omen @ MKE Ultra
Cody James + Bryan Cherry @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Rachel Drew + Julien Kozak @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Pareidolia + The 1-800s, Tiny Vamp, Mulva @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
MobCraft NA Fest @ MobCraft Beer
Milwaukee Anime-Fest @ Four Points By Sheraton Milwaukee Airport
Alley Cats: Adoption & Fundraiser Event Benefitting Urban Cat Coalition @ Falcon Hall
LCD Soundsystem vs. Daft Punk vs. Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Full Cord @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“When it comes to movers and shakers in the bluegrass world, Full Cord is a super-group on the rise. After winning the prestigious 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado, the Michigan-based group followed that with another much-coveted honor when the International Bluegrass Music Association named Full Cord its ‘Momentum Award Band of the Year.’ While mandolinist Brian Oberlin notes the band’s music ‘is new and fresh to the ears of seasoned bluegrass fans,’ the bluegrass traditions in Full Cord have deep roots.”
Chriad x Blissom + Jane Plane, Ellee Grim, Amazon Prime Day, Eli Orion @ Cactus Club
Shoobie + Kamikaze Relief Fund, Broken Demeanor @ MKE Ultra
Want more Milwaukee Record? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and/or support us on Patreon.