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 March 16-22, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
TAKAAT (of Mdou Moctar) @ Cactus Club
“TAKAAT (pronounced tuh-cot), meaning ‘noise’ in the Tuareg language Tamashek, is the trio of Ahmoudou Madassane, Mikey Coltun, and Souleymane Ibrahim, also known as the rhythm section of Mdou Moctar. TAKAAT is sonic chaos, improvisation, freedom of exploration, and the punk styles of bands such as Fugazi and Unwound, all mixed together with the guitar music from the Sahel.”
Small Batch Songwriter Sessions: Christian Porter @ Indeed Brewing Company
“On Monday, March 16, Indeed Brewing Company’s Milwaukee taproom is debuting a FREE live music series hosted in the recently re-furnished Barrel Room. The ‘Small Batch Songwriter Sessions’ will feature a different Milwaukee-based singer/songwriter every other Monday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. These shows offer a uniquely intimate listening experience, centering the performers as they test out original material and put their own spin on cherished classics in a stripped solo or duo acoustic format.”
Crash House + Ferris Wheel Regulars, In Shining Armour, Casual Sex @ MKE Ultra
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
Nuovo Testamento + Carrellee @ Cactus Club
“The Los Angeles-based trio, Nuovo Testamento, is lighting up the dance floor with their uniquely dark italo disco-flavored pop hits. Following the release of the coldwave cult favorite Exposure EP in 2019 on Avant! Records, their acclaimed full length, New Earth, exploded onto the scene with its graceful touch of 1980s-influenced club elements, contagious rhythms and the powerful punch of synthpop. The release was widely considered across genres to be one of 2021’s best underground albums. With the release of their highly anticipated second LP in early 2023, Love Lines, Nuovo Testamento continued to explore the light, the dark and exultant personal power in what will undoubtedly become an instant dance classic.”
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Milwaukee Record Presents: Ghost World @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
This offbeat indie gem directed by Appleton native Terry Zwigoff stars Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson—the latter in one of her first starring roles—as jaded teenage outcasts Enid and Rebecca, who are on the verge of graduation. As they face the reality of entering the real world and Enid develops an unlikely connection with a man named Seymour (played by Steve Buscemi), their friendship is tested. Brad Renfro and Illeana Douglas are also in it! Though this subversive film didn’t exactly break any box office records, it has developed a passionate, ever-growing audience of appreciators over time. Are you one? (Free beer for anyone wearing a Blues Hammer shirt.)
’97 Flood + I’ll Remember April, Courtesy, Hypersleep @ Falcon Nest
“Formed in 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky, ’97 Flood is a four-piece emo alternative band blending raw emotion with powerful instrumentation. Drawing from early 2000s emo and modern alt-rock, their music is defined by heartfelt lyrics, dynamic guitar riffs, and intense vocals. Known for their energetic live shows and personal lyrics, the band connects deeply with fans, exploring themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and life’s struggles.”
Haunt + Entranced, Sacred Leather, Lost Tribes Of The Moon @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
Felicia Day @ Oriental Theatre
“Boswell Book Company and Milwaukee Film present an evening with actress, author, and internet star Felicia Day, featuring her new graphic novel, The Lost Daughter Of Sparta, a feminist reimagining of ancient mythology. In this clever, engaging graphic retelling, Felicia Day paints a vivid portrait of the mythical life of Helen of Troy’s forgotten sister, Philonoe. Cosponsored by Lion’s Tooth. Tickets cost $38, and each ticket includes admission for one and a signed copy of The Lost Daughter Of Sparta.”
Journey @ Fiserv Forum
“The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will be touring an all-new stage production across North America with their catalog of global chart-topping hits, including ‘Don’t Stop Believin’,’ ‘Any Way You Want It,’ ‘Faithfully,’ ‘Lights’ and more in a celebration of legacy, love, and the fans who made it all possible. ‘This tour is our heartfelt thank you to the fans who’ve been with us every step of the way—through every song, every era, every high and low,’ said Journey founder Neal Schon. ‘We’re pulling out all the stops with a brand-new production—the hits, the deep cuts, the energy, the spectacle. It’s a full-circle celebration of the music that’s brought us all together.'”
Rianna Marie + Violet Wilder, Valley Fox @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Raised among the back roads of Wisconsin, Rianna Marie started writing in the quiet rhythms of rural life. The stories allowed her to step outside her hometown and explore greater depths around her. Now after a few years in Nashville, she’s in the Madison area writing about how our stories intertwine and shape the way we move through the world.”
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Bread Of Angels, by Patti Smith @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club!’How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on one Thursday per month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!
Glue Man + Robits, Full Nude, Kev @ MKE Ultra
Fust & Merce Lemon + Walker Rider @ Cactus Club
Little Lungs + Virginity Club, Heavy Bend, Toadskin @ Bremen Cafe
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
WMSE’s Friday Night Freak Show: 8 Mile @ Oriental Theatre
“For Jimmy Smith, Jr., life is a daily fight just to keep hope alive. Feeding his dreams in Detroit’s vibrant music scene, Jimmy wages an extraordinary personal struggle to find his own voice—and earn a place in a world where rhymes rule, legends are born and every moment…is another chance.”
Whitty Remarks (record release) + Health Club, Melodia @ Sugar Maple
“Writing the songs surrounding our previous full-length release, Nary A Care, was Travis’ best attempt at interpreting and preserving a few elements of his family history. Whereas Nary A Care exists to contextualize a five-year father/son grief cycle, the Paltry Sum EP plays out more like its blooming, hopeful epilogue. Travis sought to bring more light to his family tree by paying artistic respects to his grandmother and grandfather. Songs about gardens, growth, building, repairing, acceptance and perseverance are channeled through six tracks’ worth of anthemic and reserved moments.”
Cory Branan + Tyne Darling @ X-Ray Arcade
“Over the last two decades, Cory Branan has released five albums to much critical acclaim from NPR, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone among others, who called him, ‘A country boy with a punk-rock heart.’ He has toured extensively, appearing on stages from Letterman and the Ryman to your town’s shittiest punk bar.”
Holly And The Nice Lions + The Daniel James Gang, The Sticky Drips @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
Testament + Overkill, Destruction @ The Rave / Eagles Club
The Mosleys + B.A. Blues Band @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Lake Drive + FLWERS, Callback, Hot Mess @ Cactus Club
Ameokama + Hailey Elizabeth, I H8 It Here, Viscacha @ MKE Ultra
The Remote Controls + The Run Up, Showoff, Killer High Life @ Last Rites
Jon Wood And The Good Vibez @ The Estate (early and late shows)
WIJAM Presents: Cosmic Railroad + Ifdakar @ The Cooperage
The Moth: Fumbles And Fouls @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Friday Night Retro Mixtape @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
New Edition + Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton @ Fiserv Forum
Get ready for a formidable trio of legendary R&B projects who have combined for dozens of chart-topping singles and millions upon millions of record sales when The New Edition Way Tour drops by Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. Headliners and tour namesakes New Edition will be joined by the always great Boyz II Men and certified powerhouse Toni Braxton.
RuPaul (DJ set) + DJ Chomper @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Drag icon, pop culture touchstone, and RuPaul’s Drag Race host RuPaul is coming to The Rave / Eagles Club to DJ! The set is likely to consist of her own collection of club hits and other danceable bangers spanning decades before she sashays away to the next city. Ru will get local support on the decks from DJ Chomper, who will start things off.
Music Go Round x Volta Records Presents: In Shining Armour + Forktail, Able Baker @ Cactus Club
“Music Go Round and Volta Records return with another installment of our all ages show series, once again at Cactus Club on March 21. With a secondary goal of bridging the gap and fostering relationships between Milwaukee and scenes in other cities, this evening’s lineup features two prominent Milwaukee bands alongside one of Chicago’s best up and comers.”
Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs @ The Estate (early and late shows)
“Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs—consisting of Matt Gold on guitar, Dustin Laurenzi on Tenor Saxophone and Clay Shaub on Bass—will be presenting old and new compositions for their Jazz Estate debut. Compositions explore the realm of rubato and time and give nods to the great Paul Motian, Ornette Coleman and late Keith Jarret.”
Spoon Benders + Courtesy, Long Arms @ MKE Ultra
“Portland psych rockers Spoon Benders don’t give it an earnest and exhilarating go anyway. The band’s latest, How Things Repeat, feels like a transition record in the grandest way. The usual prog and psych affectations are still here, but something bigger is brewing underneath these little juggernauts. Elements of noise, metal and experimental are forming here, suggesting that the band are building a springboard into newer and even more electrifying territories.”
Lavisher + Shrinestone, ExitStatements @ Last Rites
White Dry Pages + Cassini Echoes, Elephonic @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Beyonce vs. Rihanna @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser @ MSOE Kern Center
It may feel like winter will never end, but—believe it or not—spring is right around the corner. Need proof? Behold WMSE’s annual Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser! The 24th installment of the wildly popular and delicious event will feature dozens of Milwaukee restaurants, cafes, and caterers competing in a variety of chili categories: Best Meat Chili, Best Veggie Chili, Best Heat, Most Unique, and Best Display. And yes, there will be a new hot sauce to go along with the event: 45 Tears, developed by Garden Fire Spice Co. to celebrate WMSE’s 45th anniversary.
Craig Ferguson @ The Pabst Theater
“Craig Ferguson is a multiple Grammy nominated, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, producer, director and comedian with a diverse career that encompasses film, television and the stage. He is a New York Times bestselling author and has recorded numerous standup specials for Netflix, Epix, Comedy Central and Amazon. The wildly popular Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson ran on CBS for ten years and remains a cult favorite on YouTube racking up millions of views every year on fan posted bootleg clips.”
Fairy Astronaut + Modern Haunting, LUXI @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Razor Toast (record release) + Lily Slay, Tea Service @ Cactus Club
Melt The Ice: A Fundraiser For Voces De La Frontera @ X-Ray Arcade
The Summer Set + Senses, People R Ugly, Good Boy Daisy @ The Rave / Eagles Club
NTHNL + White Dune, Thomas Wincek, Andy Fitzpatrick @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
Pons + Rainbow Cobra, Brindled @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
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