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 20-26, 2025.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

Milwaukee Record Presents: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Dudes and dudettes of Milwaukee and beyond: Let it be known that on Wednesday, January 22, Milwaukee Record will be screening Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze at Avalon Theater. The action-packed comedy is the follow-up to the original 1990 TMNT. Though it’s decidedly less dark than its predecessor and devoid of known names (excluding the famous Vanilla Ice cameo and a brief appearance by wrestler Kevin Nash in the role of Super Shredder), The Secret Of The Ooze is still a fun, lighthearted, and quotable box office hit the whole family can enjoy. We hope you go (ninja, go ninja, go!) see it with us.

Hot Wings & Trivia @ Lakefront Brewery
If you’re a fan of beer and trivia, you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed Lakefront Brewery‘s weekly trivia nights. If you’re a fan of wings and hot sauce, you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed Lakefront Brewery’s annual celebrations of National Hot Sauce Day. And if you’re a fan of Milwaukee Record (the website you’re reading right now), you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed our ever-busy weather-and-fun correspondent Bert Lauderdale. Put them all together and you get a doozy of an upcoming event: Hot Wings & Trivia at Lakefront Brewery on Wednesday, January 22 (National Hot Sauce Day!), co-hosted by Bert Lauderdale. YES.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

Major League @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
The death of Bob Uecker last week has left a baseball-sized hole in the hearts of Milwaukeeans, Wisconsinites, and anyone in the world who appreciates top-shelf play calling and bone-dry humor. Want to pay tribute to Ueck? The Brewers are cooking up something big, but in the meantime, let’s all watch Major League! This 7 p.m. Avalon Theater screening will be preceded by a 30-minute pre-show dedicated to Mr. Baseball himself. “Before it’s over,” says the Avalon, “we’ll take a moment to all raise a glass to Bob Uecker before rolling the movie!”

Sal Vulcano: Everything Is Fine Tour @ The Pabst Theater
“Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit Impractical Jokers, and for The Misery Index on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting ‘Hey Babe!’ and ‘Taste Buds’ podcasts.”

Orillia + Maximiano, Poor Ridley @ Sugar Maple

Cassini Echoes + Resurrectionists, New Beliefs @ Cactus Club

Dusty Pockets @ Ope! Brewing Co.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Tigernite + Breakup Tour, Long Line Riders, (D)Vices @ X-Ray Arcade
After years away, Tigernite is reuniting for a great cause. The long-inactive Milwaukee glam rock band will take the “Very Famous” stage at X-Ray Arcade as part of a Planned Parenthood fundraiser. And if a Tigernite show that helps Planned Parenthood isn’t already enough of a reason to go to this, performances by Breakup Tour, Long Line Riders, and D(Vices) make this a can’t-miss affair. There will also be raffles and a Period Product Drive.

MAM After Dark: Salsa Night @ Milwaukee Art Museum
“Join us for a sizzling night of Latin flair as salsa band Orquesta Ayala fills the air with irresistible rhythms made for dancing. Never tried salsa before? No worries! Mezclando will teach you the right moves to hit the dance floor in style. On the dance floor and in the galleries, discover fun at every turn! Grab a bite from the salsa bar and strike a pose in the 360° photo booth. Explore the galleries and embark on a scavenger hunt to discover stunning works by Hispanic and Latinx artists, all while being serenaded by the enchanting melodies of a Flamenco guitarist. It’s the perfect night to explore, unwind, and let loose! Vibrant and fun attire is encouraged! Anything goes, as long as it’s your version of fabulous.”

Beach Bunny + Delaney Bailey @ Turner Hall Ballroom (sold out)
“Few artists can pinpoint an emotion as clearly and honestly as Beach Bunny’s Lili Trifilio. With its openhearted themes and progressive, hook-filled take on pop rock and pop punk, Emotional Creature only further cemented Beach Bunny and Trifilio’s well-earned reputation as a leading voice of their generation. Through multiple RIAA-certified Platinum and Gold singles and their new single ‘Vertigo,’ Trifilio continues to soar to new heights of magnetic energy and dive to new depths of unguarded vulnerability.”

Oh Well OK + Killer High Life, Brindled, In Shining Armour @ Falcon Nest

Rod Tuffcurls And The Bench Press @ Vivarium

Music Go Round x Volta Records Present: So Zuppy + Ghost Cuts, Courtesy @ Cactus Club

Hi Score: Live Video Game Music + Arcade Mode @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Brian Regan @ The Pabst Theater

Friday Night Retro Mixtape @ Mad Planet

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Ice Bear Fest @ Third Space Brewing
“Get ready to travel back to the ’80s at the 6th Annual Ice Bear Fest – Milwaukee’s famous après-ski costume party & beer fest at Third Space Brewing! DJ Rick spinning all the best 80s hits from 12-5 PM. Mixtape, the ultimate ’80s cover band, will rock the stage from 5-7 PM. Grab delicious bites all day long from Pico’s Tacos Tots on the Street and Sweet Smoke BBQ Shotskis & Hot Toddies. While we’ve got loads of Third Space brews on tap, this party is all about Ice Bear, our signature Baltic Porter that’s released every winter. With a bold 9.5% ABV, this rich, warming beer is the perfect drink to help you take on a (hopefully) snowy Saturday.”

4th Annual Bluegrass Winter Heater @ The Cooperage
Though it’s happening in the dead of winter, the Bluegrass Winter Heater will make The Cooperage all warm and toasty with tunes from a phenomenal foursome of great bluegrass bands. The fourth annual affair will feature performances by Valley Fox, Maygen & The Birdwatcher, Joseph Huber, and a headlining set from The MilBillies from—you guessed it!—Milwaukee. Jordan Kroeger (of Chicken Wire Empire) will emcee and Ernest Brusubardis IV (also of Chicken Wire Empire) will be on-site as an “artist at large.”

Kelsea Ballerini + Sasha Alex Sloan, MaRynn Taylor @ Fiserv Forum
“After selling out her special Patterns release show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden in minutes, Kelsea Ballerini has turned her focus to making 2025 the Year of Live with Patterns‘ release. Taking her already captivating live show to another level, the four-time Grammy nominee and multiple Country Music Association Award winner is bringing Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour, promoted by AEG Presents, to Fiserv Forum on Jan. 25 with openers Sasha Alex Sloan and MaRynn Taylor.”

Flannel vs. Denim Night: Modern Joey ft. Wire & Nail + Max & The Fellow Travelers @ Mad Planet

Bleecker & MacDougal @60: A Celebration Of The NYC/New England Folk Scene @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Cel Ray + Delicious Monsters, Bad Crime @ Classic Slice

Andrew Gelles Band @ Ope! Brewing Co.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

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. (Note: This is a rescheduled show, originally set for January 18.)

The Namby Pamby + The Part Timers, Caley Conway, Maximiano @ X-Ray Arcade

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