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 March 11-17 2024.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12
The Surfrajettes + The McCharmlys @ Shank Hall
“The Surfrajettes are a four-piece instrumental combo from Toronto, ON, Canada. Since forming in late 2015, the band has charmed audiences with their clever mix of psychedelic rock and reverb-drenched surf music, sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and eyeliner as thick as their guitar strings.”
One Step Closer + Anxious, Koyo, Stateside @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
Midweek Music: Next Paperback Hero @ Crafty Cow (Bay View)
Back in November, we wrapped up the autumn installment of our Midweek Music concert series at Crafty Cow’s Wauwatosa location. Now, we’re wrapping up our winter edition at Crafty Cow’s Bay View location! There will be NO COVER for this all-ages show, which will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If a free weeknight show isn’t already great enough on its own, Crafty Cow will offer $4 pints from Third Space Brewing. They’ll also have a “Cheap Date” special, which includes two entrees, a starter, and a dessert for just $37. This week: the always fantastic Next Paperback Hero!
BabyTron + Certified Trapper @ The Rave/Eagles Club
“Michigan rapper BabyTron stands out for applying his lyrical wit and clever punchlines to uncommon instrumentals. After his 2019 track ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ went viral on the strength of BabyTron’s comical flow over a somewhat throwback synth pop backdrop, he became known for his ability to rap over any outlandish beat, which he exhibited on releases like 2021 mixtape Bin Reaper 2 and 2022 album Megatron. With 2022’s Bin Reaper 3: Old Testament and 2023’s Bin Reaper 3: New Testament, he reached the top half of the Billboard 200. He followed these with additional releases like MegaTron 2.”
Ike Reilly Assassination @ Shank Hall
“Since his explosive major label debut, Salesmen And Racists, Ike Reilly has been creating rebellious punk/folk/country/blues-influenced rock ‘n’ roll records that are poetic and cinematic. Critical praise for his work has been plentiful, and he has garnered a wildly loyal fan base—from faithful fans in the dirty bars and rock clubs in the middle of nowhere to legendary authors. Reilly’s songs have a unique universality that affects people. Author Stephen King wrote that Reilly’s travel band saga, ‘Boltcutter,’ was ‘the best new song to come out of the Trump era.’ The New York Times called Reilly’s longtime band, The Assassination, one of the best live bands in America, and once again they show their dexterity and growth on Reilly’s new offering, Because The Angels.”
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
Luna @ Vivarium
“Luna is an American band formed in 1991 by singer/guitarist Dean Wareham after the breakup of Galaxie 500. The band made seven studio albums before disbanding in 2005. After a ten-year break, they reunited and toured in 2015. Described by Rolling Stone as ‘the best band you’ve never heard of,’ Luna combine intricate guitar work, traditional rock rhythms, and poetic lyrics.”
It’s Always Sunny In Milwadelphia Pop-Up @ The Sugar Maple (through March 17)
The last few years have found The Sugar Maple becoming a go-to destination for themed pop-ups and art shows. In 2023 alone, the beloved Bay View craft beer bar transformed itself into a Wes Anderson wonderland, an I Think You Should Leave spot, and a Nintendo gaming paradise. Now, The Sugar Maple is looking to the long-running It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia for inspiration. That’s right: it’s going to be ALWAYS SUNNY IN MILWADELPHIA. The four-day event will feature “a themed, curated art show featuring local artists who have created works specifically for this event, a themed vendor fair featuring local vendors, a variety of food trucks/food vendors, a costume contest, and games and decorations to immerse the viewer in world of Paddy’s Pub, the Irish dive bar, run by the sociopathic/narcissistic group of friends.”
In The Pines + Maximiano, Rainbow Cobra @ Cactus Club
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Sleepy Gaucho (record release) + Ellie Jackson, Moonglow @ Vivarium
“Sleepy Gaucho follows in the great American artistic tradition that is the rambler’s drawl. His Panamerican influenced music offers up a cocktail of wry existentialism and mellow introspection that floats somewhat aimlessly in a realm of its own. Born in Wisconsin while also growing up some time in Argentina, the young multi-instrumentalist’s music can at times be melancholic, at others ethereal, but always agreeable.”
Body Futures + Drive-a-tron, Future Plans @ Club Garibaldi
Body Futures’ 2018 full-length Maybe It’s Just The Weather is highlighted by the sometimes sweet, sometimes shout-y vocal interplay between singer/autoharpist Dixie Jacobs and singer/drummer DJ Hostettler. Jacobs’ voice is one of the best in town, and can only be likened to a pissed-off Neko Case. Hostettler, meanwhile, shouts along with (and sometimes against) Jacobs on tracks like the geeky “Heliopause” and the Scott Walker protest song “Right To Work.” Remember Scott Walker?
Myq Kaplan @ The Laughing Tap (also March 16)
Over the course of his lengthy comedic career, Myq Kaplan has performed on pretty much every late night show there is, released two stand-up specials, and put out a bunch of well-received comedy albums. The incomparable comedian, who you might recall was one of the 2021 headliners of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, returns to The Laughing Tap for three performances spread between two nights.
VomBom + Delicious Monsters, Spidora @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
Ben Mulwana + Secret Menu, Jorge Vallentine @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts + Louie And The Flashbombs @ Shank Hall
Friday Night Freak Show: Goodfellas @ Time Cinema
Stone Theory + Venturer, 5pm To Nowhere, Bunk Bed @ Falcon Bowl
Passion Park Fest @ Bremen Cafe (also March 16)
Flatfoot 56 + Koffin Kats, Avenues, Whiskey Of The Damned @ X-Ray Arcade
Nita Strauss + DIAMANTE, Starbenders @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
Olivia Rodrigo + Chappell Roan @ Fiserv Forum
What is there to say about Olivia Rodrigo that hasn’t already been said by thousands upon thousands of entertainment outlets and millions upon millions of fans around the planet? On the off chance this is the first you’re hearing about this show, allow us to inform you that the worldwide music/cultural sensation is coming to Fiserv Forum tonight as part of her GUTS tour. Be sure to show up on time, because opener Chappell Roan is pretty great, too.
Dogs In Ecstasy (record release) + Tension Pets, Cyrus Chrome, DJ Demian Glas @ Cactus Club
It’s been far too long since we’ve heard from Milwaukee’s finest smart-ass pop-damaged group Dogs In Ecstasy. But the Dogs are back! Nearly four years after their last release (2020’s Welcome Back), Dogs In Ecstasy will celebrate the release of Clear The Decks: Demos From The First 100 Years (Long May They Reign). Buckle up for unearthed gems like “Yes Chef,” “Tiffany Fed Me An Edible,” and “The Girl With The Skrillex Haircut.”
KMFDM + Cyanotic @ The Rave/Eagles Club
“KMFDM (originally Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid, loosely translated by the band as ‘no pity for the majority’) is a multinational industrial band from Hamburg, Germany, led by Sascha Konietzko, who founded the band in 1984 as a performance art project in Paris, France. The band’s earliest albums were recorded in Germany before they moved to the United States, where they found much greater success with seminal record label Wax Trax! out of Chicago. Throughout the ’90s KMFDM constantly evolved with a revolving door line-up, becoming a household name in the US music scene.”
Taiyamo Denku + Guerrilla Ghost, Dukalion @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Daði Freyr + Blusher @ Turner Hall Ballroom (sold out)
Oceano + Hive, Still Sayer, By The Thousands, Cicada @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
Airplane! w/David Zucker @ Oriental Theatre
Nineties By Nature @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
Milwaukee Hardcore Shows Present: Gnaw + Security Footage, Gangstalker, Chalk, Jagged @ Cactus Club
Looking for a night of Midwest hardcore, headlined by Minneapolis group Gnaw, and featuring Milwaukee’s own Gangstalker and Jagged? Then look no further. BYO earplugs, or buy ’em at Cactus.
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