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 5-11, 2026.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5
No Thanks To You + Bowvee, The Percipitators @ Cactus Club
If you’re in the mood for a Monday night of homegrown indie-rock from a trio of young local groups, look no further than this Cactus Club show. Bowvee’s most recent release is Pumpkin Pie; the jam-y Percipitators, meanwhile, released a single called “Lavender Hills” last October.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
WMSE’s Local/Live: Barely Civil + Known Moons @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
What’s better than one of the best Milwaukee bands releasing new music? Well, two of the best Milwaukee bands releasing new music on a split EP, of course. Enter Barely Known, an upcoming EP featuring two unreleased tracks from Milwaukee emo band Barely Civil, and two unreleased tracks from Milwaukee indie band Known Moons. Ahead of that EP, due February 6, both bands will play a free open-to-the-public show for WMSE’s weekly Local/Live.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
Milwaukee Record Club: Made In Milwaukee (All Local Music) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!
Richard Lloyd Group + Louie And The Flashbombs @ Shank Hall
“Richard Lloyd is a legendary electric guitarist, singer/songwriter, and founding member of Television, a band that rose to fame with their 1977 debut release, Marquee Moon, widely regarded as one of greatest albums in rock and roll history and perhaps the most defining and highly influential release of the 1970s New York rock scene. Lloyd embarked on a solo career after Television disbanded, releasing seven solo albums and working as a guitarist, session musician, and band member with Matthew Sweet, John Doe, Rocket from the Tombs, and more.”
Cowboy Killers: A Comedy Show @ Falcon Nest
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Brave You (record release) + Breakup Tour, Osseo, The Early 90s @ Cactus Club
When we last checked in with Brave You, the Milwaukee synth-punk project was chasing its 2022 album LIFER with a one-off single that had a critically acclaimed music video. (That would be 2023’s “Sold Out Reunion Tour.”) More than two years later, Brave You is back with a brand new EP, HYENAS. A Samer Ghani-directed video for the title track finds the band performing the song at Stillwave Studios, where the EP’s three songs were recorded.
John Christensen Quartet @ The Estate
“Award winning bassist, composer and Shifting Paradigm recording artist John Christensen supplies an open-hearted solidity and adventurous spirit to all of his music endeavors. With an appetite for expressing in many musical genres and situations, John has found a unique compositional voice, as demonstrated on his highly acclaimed debut album as a leader, Dear Friend. His recent release ‘SOFT ROCK’ was included in Downbeat’s ‘Best of 2024’ list.”
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Field Report @ The Argo
“On January 9th at The Argo, don’t miss this intimate evening of music with Field Report—a Milwaukee-based folk band led by acclaimed singer-songwriter Christopher Porterfield. Known for their poetic lyrics and cinematic sound, Field Report delivers a performance that captures the soul of the Midwest and the heart of authentic storytelling. Note: $1 from every ticket sold goes to a fund benefiting local artist mental health and wellbeing.”
Paul Cebar @ Vivarium
Paul Cebar’s 40-plus-year history in Milwaukee music could fill volumes. There’s his role as ambassador and hep-cat conduit for vintage R&B, soul, roots, and Afro-Caribbean music. There’s his work with The R&B Cadets, the Milwaukeeans, and Tomorrow Sound. And then there’s 2025’s Paul Cebar, Cebar’s first full-length record since 2014’s Fine Rude Thing. It’s just as wide-ranging and globally attuned as the man himself. The one-two opening punch of “When We Sing” and “We Sure Got Enough” is deliriously jubilant, Cebar at his most soulful and get-up-and-dance crowd-pleasing. “We bring a lot together when we sing,” he croons on the former song.
A Benefit For John Simons: Carlos Adames & Friends @ The Estate
“Longtime bassist for Carlos’ group, and well-loved throughout the music scene, John Simons suffered a hemorrhagic stroke earlier this December, sending him to the ICU where he underwent an emergency craniotomy. He is making daily progress in his long road to recovery, but now more than ever John and his family could use our support!”
Oh Well, Ok + Scrunchies, Crash House, Socially Suspect @ Cactus Club
Wire And Nail + Meg And The Wheelers @ Club Garibaldi
Dead Stars: Future Pop / EBM Video Dance Party: DJ Goth Barge + DJ Falken @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
Milwaukee Record Presents: N/A Day @ The Bur Oak (Madison)
Just as we did in 2024 and 2025, we’re once again bringing N/A Day to Madison. The “Dry January Beverage Festival’s” return to Madison’s Bur Oak—which is sponsored by Athletic Brewing Company, Clausthaler, WYNK, and Gruber Law Offices—will also 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 for all over the non-alcoholic spectrum. 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.
MELT: 15 Year Anniversary @ Canni Infusion Cafe & Bar
“Milwaukee’s longest-running(?) experimental electronic gathering returns for a landmark moment. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, MELT marks 15 years of boundary-breaking sound, ritual energy, and underground community with a full-scale anniversary convergence at CANNI—stretching both indoors and outdoors, heated by fire and subwoofers built to shake the cold out of the city. Founded in 2011 by electronic artist THE DEMIX, MELT has grown from an elusive DIY series into a cornerstone of the Midwest’s electronic underground. Known for its experimental atmospheres, forward-thinking lineups, and mythic sense of experience, MELT has spent fifteen years pushing beyond the typical show format—creating portals rather than parties. This anniversary event honors that legacy while opening a new chapter. This convergence features a stacked lineup of regional artists across techno, experimental, ambient, noise, bass, and genre-breaking electronics. Join us for a winter ritual where heat, rhythm, and community collide.”
Anodyne Workers Benefit: Diet Lite + Dusk, Bad Crime @ Cactus Club
“In April 2025, 100% of Anodyne workers signed Union authorization cards and demanded that their parent company—FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective, a Kansas City-based, private equity-backed independent coffee conglomerate—recognize their union. Since that time, FairWave has opposed the workers’ union and leveraged various bureaucratic measures to delay the unionization process. For the time being, Anodyne workers encourage the public to continue supporting the business, and are not calling for a boycott. Proceeds from this concert will support Anodyne workers’ bargaining efforts, legal support and other costs.”
Tigernite + Mortgage Freeman, Fight Dice @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
When one thinks of Milwaukee’s Tigernite, one thinks of glam-rock vamping, mile-high choruses, and glitter. So much glitter. But, as we said about the band’s excellent 2018 album Sublunary: “There are two sides to Tigernite. There’s the one covered in glitter and confetti, rocking the fuck out while riffs screech through the air like demonic bats. Then there’s the one wearing a rune-covered cloak, taking you by the hand and leading you through a moon-lit field at midnight.” Get a taste of both sides of Tigernite at tonight’s all-too-rare show, a benefit for LGBTQ+ youth organization Courage+.
G. Love & Special Sauce + Makua @ Vivarium
“G. Love & Special Sauce is an American hip-hop blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band originally featured Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeffrey Clemens on drums, and Jim Prescott on bass. The trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing.”
Cassini Echoes + Shrinestone, Barynya @ MKE Ultra
Gabriel Harris + Rob Knapp & The Soul Patrol @ The Argo
The Early + Angelica, Pecking Order, Youth Energy @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
Mullers Group @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Marquee & The Moonlighters @ The Estate (early and late shows)
K-Pop!: DJ Seoul K @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
The Hungry Williams @ Ope! Brewing Co.
“Joined together by a love of early swingin’ rock and roll, the Hungry Williams play music that puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Legendary Midwest drummer and leader John Carr has assembled a group of like-minded R&B gurus who deliver the goods. Lead singer Kelli Gonzalez belts it out of the park with sass and charm, while the rest of the core group including Mike Sieger on bass, Joe Vent on guitar, and Jack Stewart on keys make it jump all night long. With a sax section adding grease to the skillet, the Hungry Williams rock, swing, jump, and stroll at every show, making sure everyone takes some time to leave their worries behind and have some fun.”
Want more Milwaukee Record? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and/or support us on Patreon.