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 27 – February 2, 2025.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

Meshell Ndegeocello @ Vivarium
“Meshell Ndegeocello has survived the best and worst of what a career in music has to offer. She eschewed genre for originality, celebrity for longevity, and musical trends for musical truths. Fans have come to expect the unexpected and follow her on sojourns into soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, rock, all bound by the search for love, justice, respect, and resolution. Those sonic investigations have defied and redefined the expectations for women, for queer artists, and for black music for over 30 years and she remains one of few women who write the music, sing the songs, and lead the band.”

Grizfolk + Bowvee, Blacktop, Sludge Hawking @ X-Ray Arcade

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Insidious: The Further You Fear @ The Riverside Theater
“Insidious: The Further You Fear is an all-new, thrilling story set in the Insidious universe. Hosted as a live show by the ‘real’ Specs and Tucker, the actual paranormal investigators who inspired the original movie, the event soon takes a turn for the terrifying. When a paranormal demonstration goes horribly wrong, dark forces are unleashed, and the horror becomes all too real. Trapped in a genuinely haunted theatre, with something truly sinister lurking back-stage, the audience will find themselves under attack from such iconic characters as the Bride in Black, the Wheezing Man and, of course, the infamous Red Face Demon. But what is real? What’s just part of the show? And who—or what—might be sitting next to you? The house is full. The stage is set. The Red Door is about to open. Will you make it through?”

Dylan LeBlanc + David Ramirez @ Shank Hall

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

Amelia Ford @ Ope! Brewing Co.
“Amelia Ford, a Nashville recording artist and Wisconsin music sensation, is bringing her award-winning sound to Ope! Brewing Co. With accolades like Wisconsin’s Album of the Year (2023) and Alternative Rock Performer of the Year (2024), her heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances are not to be missed. Come enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, drinks, and good vibes!”

Amateur Hour: A Fundraiser For BestD @ Sugar Maple

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Chinese Telephones + The Slow Death, Time Thieves, Future Plans @ Sabbatic
Milwaukee punk outfit Chinese Telephones formed way back in 2004, and released a self-titled full-length in 2007. (A 2008 record called Democracy rounded up various early singles and splits.) And, well, that was it for recorded output—until 2023. Yep, Chinese Telephones—a.k.a. Justin Telephone on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Daniel James on lead and rhythm guitar, Andy Junk on shirtless bass and backing vocals, and Logan Stang on drums—put out the four-track Outta My Hands in 2023. Opener “Radianna” is an instantly winning callback to the Chi-Tels sound of yesteryear, while “Come And See Me” and “Tamping Down My Soul” take things in a decidedly more power-pop direction.

Steve Aoki + Nostalgix, RayRay, HIGHSOCIETY @ The Rave/Eagles Club
“Counting nearly 3 billion music streams to his name, Steve Aoki is a true visionary. Billboard described the 2x-Grammy-nominated music producer, artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, NFT futurist and Dim Mak Records founder as ‘one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world.’ A Guinness World Record holder for the ‘Most Traveled Musician in a Single Calendar Year,’ Aoki has performed at nearly every top festival around the world, including Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock Festival, Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival.”

Lara Beitz @ The Laughing Tap (also February 1)
Milwaukee born and raised comedian Lara Beitz (who is now based on Los Angeles) returns to her old stomping grounds January 31 and February 1 to headline a total of three shows at The Laughing Tap in Walker’s Point. In recent years, the homegrown humorist has earned acclaim from Judd Apatow and David Spade, and has become the go-to feature act for the likes of Pete Holmes and Marc Maron.

Bogues + Barely Civil, Loveblaster, Health Club @ Sugar Maple

Daniel Rey & The Revenirs + Bellends @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Chapped Lips + Shoobie, Totally Cashed, Killroys @ Cactus Club

Cody Johnson + Ashley McBryde, Drew Baldridge @ Fiserv Forum

Maple Road + Jeremiah Sammartano @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery

An Evening With Nineteen Thirteen @ Bar Centro

Bimbo + Regal Machines, Fake Twin @ Bremen Cafe

Sunday Drive + Royal Mill @ Ope! Brewing Co.

Friday Night Retro Dance Party: Goth Barge + Caustic MF @ Mad Planet

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Mitten Fest @ Burnhearts
Following a temporary relocation to Boone & Crockett last February, the 2025 edition of Mitten Fest will return to its rightful home outside of Burnhearts in Bay View from noon to 8 p.m. Want all the chilly details, like who’s playing, what drinks will be available, and more? Milwaukee Record—an official Mitten Fest media sponsor—has assembled a guide of everything you need to know about Burnhearts Mitten Fest 2025. Find it HERE, and see you Saturday!

Great Lakes Pet Expo @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
While there are a bunch of expos, tournaments, and trade shows scheduled to take place at Wisconsin State Fair Park this winter, the Great Lakes Pet Expo is the best of the bunch. (No offense, Milwaukee Boat Show!) The 20th installment will bring thousands of animal lovers to Wisconsin State Fair Park to explore 143,000 square feet worth of “pet loving shopping and services, entertainment, educational experiences, and some of Wisconsin’s cutest adoptables.” Get out of the house, bring the whole family, and support Wisconsin’s homeless companion animals.

Moustache Bride + Rum Revere, Hehe @ Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts

Cassini Echoes + HOSTS @ Ope! Brewing Co.

Sherry Lane + Killer High Life, Sapsucker, Socially Suspect @ Falcon Nest

Louie & The Flashbombs + The Flavor That Kills @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Y2K All 2000s Dance Party @ Mad Planet

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Engine House 19 Chili & Jambalaya Cookoff @ Lakefront Brewery
“Lakefront Brewery, Engine House 19 Chili Mix, and the Local 215 Milwaukee Firefighters Charitable Foundation team up to bring their yearly chili and jambalaya cookoff in the Beer Hall. Taste the concoctions from 12 different firehouses and local restaurants who have perfected the art. Unlimited tasting will be available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. when the winners will be announced. All proceeds go to all the firehouses participating in the event.”

SPF-150 + Mourning Star, Friendly Faces, Ryan Borens & The Forever Band, Moonglow @ X-Ray Arcade

Namaste At The X-Ray: Punk Rock Yoga @ X-Ray Arcade

Third Annual Bluegrass Gospel Brunch @ Black Husky Brewing

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