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 January 13-19, 2025.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14
Been Stellar + Malice K, Standstill @ Cactus Club
“Scream From New York, NY, the first album by Been Stellar, is a remarkably brutal debut—bruised and volatile, it captures an image of ’20s New York that’s unrelenting and harsh, where tenderness is a finite resource burned up by the machinery of the city and human connection is a luxury product. Leaving behind the driving shoegaze of their early recordings, the NYC-based five-piece tap into the disaffected sound and spirit of New York luminaries like Sonic Youth and Interpol, as well as the nihilistic, yearning cool of Iceage and Bends-era Radiohead, striking upon a sound that’s fearsome, buffeting and beautiful at the same time—a tidal wave as viewed from underneath.”
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
The Hatchets + Vanity Plates @ Falcon Nest
“Milwaukee indie rockers The Hatchets and Vanity Plates have a lot in common. Both band’s released stellar sophomore albums in 2024; both bands share a love of Gillian Welch and ‘Emotions and Math’ by Margaret Glaspy; and both bands share a penchant for introspective lyrics, jagged guitar solos, and bad jokes. It only makes sense that eventually they’d share a stage. Join us Jan. 16 for an intimate heavy hitter double header with two of Milwaukee’s best!”
Forktail + Maximiano (solo), Loveblaster @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Formed in 2024, the members of Forktail came together after bonding over their mutual love of ’90s and 2000s indie rock and emo. With members spread out between Milwaukee, Ohio and Utah, their debut album Olive was released in November of 2024. This will be their debut live appearance.”
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking For Trouble @ The Pabst Theater
Interlay + Mizzy, Ira Glass, I H8 It Here @ Cactus Club
Quiet Confidence + Well + Good, 5PM To Nowhere @ X-Ray Arcade
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Goblin King Masquerade Ball @ Turner Hall Ballroom (also January 18)
Awkward Nerd Events will once again transform Turner Hall Ballroom into a magical world of fantasy. There will be themed cocktails and mocktails, a custom curated drag show, photo ops, and more during this two-night event. Formal attire or cosplay is required.
An Ice Cold Winter Disco @ The Cooperage
“Milwaukee LEGENDS John and Angie Swan return to Milwaukee from NYC for an epic winter birthday bash! Come celebrate the birthdays of Milwaukee’s own John and Angie Swan at The Cooperage Friday, January 17 and be sure to bring your Disco hats because we’re heating it up. John Swan’s group West Division will be playing live!”
The Moth @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Back to ’80s & ’90s Retro Video Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
N/A Day: A “Dry January” Beverage Festival @ The Bur Oak (MADISON)
Just as we did in 2024, we’re once again bringing N/A Day to Madison! On Saturday, Milwaukee Record will host the second annual Madison N/A Day at The Bur Oak. The “Dry January” Beverage Festival’s return to Wisconsin’s capital will give attendees an opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 products from all over the non-alcoholic beverage spectrum. Vendors will range from local operations to nationally-regarded brands. The Bur Oak’s basement space will also be open for the event to host regional vendors in the hemp/CBD realm. Tickets (which are limited to 150 for a noon-2 p.m. block and 150 for a 2-4 p.m. block) cost $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
Ben Schwartz & Friends @ The Riverside Theater
Fresh off the release of Sonic The Hedgehog 3, Ben Schwartz—an accomplished actor, improvisor, and the voice of the speedy blue hedgehog—will come to Milwaukee for what’s sure to be a side-splitting night of improv.
Beth-A-Palooza: Fundraiser For Beth Kelln @ High Dive
“Beth Kelln needs a little help, so we’re coming together to lift her up at High Dive on Jan 18. Kicking things off with a very special Trusty Knife DJ set (7-9 p.m.), an ongoing raffle with super-dooper must-have prizes, and rounding out the night with a back-to-back banger house set from The Vinyl Department (9 – close). While we all love and support Beth verbally, our goal is to alleviate the stress that comes with medical and financial burdens. Please consider donating either in person at the party or online HERE.”
Scam Likely + Toadskin, Fake My Death @ Cactus Club
There’s a lot to love on Yolk, the 2024 LP from Milwaukee DIY band Scam Likely. Opener “Hips” is the group at its most ’90s alt-rock, and there’s plenty of room for singer/guitarist Charlee Grider to howl one second and sneer and scream the next. “Gutterball” is a manic doom-and-gloom concoction that retains some of the grit left over from 2023’s Getting Worse. Lead single “Winner,” meanwhile, is the perfect mix of chugging bass, glowering guitars, nervy drums, and terrific vocals. It stands alongside “Domestic Bliss” and “Jesus Christ, Stop Yelling I’m Right Here” as one of Scam Likely’s best songs.
The Mighty Deerlick + Lack Of Reason, The Dirty Sweet @ Last Rites
Larry David Gruber + MIZZY, Whippets, Killer High Life @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Putrid Pile + Carrion Throne, Sacrificial, Putrilence @ X-Ray Arcade
Mazoku + Anhero, In Shining Armour, Undead Papi @ Falcon Nest
Nick Swardson: Toilet Head @ The Pabst Theater
Charli XCX vs. Kesha vs. Chappell Roan @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
One Funny Hour: Alan Resnick + Anna Seregina @ Cactus Club
“Alan Resnick is a filmmaker, comedian, and visual artist. He has worked with FX and Adult Swim and is known for videos such as Live Forever As You Are Now With Alan Resnick, Unedited Footage of a Bear, This House Has People In It, and The Dream. Resnick’s fractured take on society’s ills has delighted audiences around the world for many years, he is essentially a truth teller who tells it like it is.”
Rebirth Brass Band @ The Cooperage
“For almost four decades, the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band has been ‘stunning’ fans with a fiery live show and a rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and the sounds from the streets they grew up on. From their legendary 25+ year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world, Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador.”
The Pist + Mind Harvester, Lash Out, Jagged @ X-Ray Arcade
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