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 May 13-19, 2024.
MONDAY, MAY 13
Babehoven + Greg Mendez, Mia Joy @ Cactus Club
“Babehoven is a band fronted by singer-songwriter Maya Bon and collaborator Ryan Albert in Hudson, NY. Their new album Water’s Here In You is available everywhere on April 26 via Double Double Whammy. Written and recorded at the duo’s home studio throughout the winter of 2022–2023, Water’s Here In You comes close on the heels of Babehoven’s debut album Light Moving Time, which followed an impressively prolific canon of shorter releases dating back to 2017, when Bon founded the project in college. Their latest album continues the thread of the band’s sonic DNA—blending hyper-melodic indie and folk rock with shades of shoegaze and the occasional nod toward country. Across twelve varied and meticulous tracks, Babehoven offers their take on finding connection, groundedness, and growth in what we all carry within us.”
Puppy Angst + Breakup Tour, Glitzy, Killer High Life @ X-Ray Arcade
TUESDAY, MAY 14
Portugal. The Man + Reyna Tropical @ The Riverside Theater
“Over the past decade, Portugal. The Man has established themselves as one of rock’s most prized possessions and a live phenomenon, with over 1,600 shows under their belts and a storied reputation as festival favorites. Originally heralding from Alaska, the Portland-based band soared to new heights in 2017 with the release of their now RIAA certified-Platinum album, Woodstock. The album was marked by the astounding success of their infectious single, ‘Feel It Still,’ which earned the group a plethora of new accolades—including a GRAMMY for ‘Best Pop Duo/Group Performance,’ a 7x RIAA Platinum certification, a record setting 20-week residency at #1 on alternative radio, and an inescapable presence on the Top 40 airwaves.”
Dan Licata + Charles Gould @ Cactus Club
We’re not quite sure what to expect when writer/comedian Dan Licata (Saturday Night Live, Joe Pera Talks With You) and actor/comedian Charles Gould (Comedy Central special, UNICORN short on Hulu) come to Cactus Club, but we know we’re not going to miss it. Do yourself a favor and watch these unconventional humorists do…something memorable during their “Two Guys Who Ruin The Vibe! Tour” stop in Milwaukee.
Social Distortion + Bad Religion @ The Rave / Eagles Club
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Twin Peaks On Air 2 @ X-Ray Arcade
“It is happening again…After thrilling audiences with the pilot screening last month, TV GRIME is back at X-Ray Arcade to present the next two episodes of Twin Peaks’ groundbreaking first season—once again as originally broadcast with commercial breaks and interstitials. Watch the legendary Red Room sequence as if for the first time and have your mind blown all over again. As always, come early and stay late for specially curated pre- and post-show exhibitions of rare and odd Lynch and Peaks content! Give yourself a gift and join us once again on Wednesday, May 15th at the one and only X-Ray Arcade!”
Southern Culture On The Skids + The Exotics @ Vivarium
“Southern Culture On The Skids has been consistently recording and touring around the world since 1983. Their musical journey has taken them from all-night North Carolina house parties to late night TV talk shows (Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show). Their legendary live shows are a testament to the therapeutic powers of foot-stomping, butt-shaking rock and roll and what Rolling Stone dubbed ‘a hell raising rock and roll party.'”
Mudvayne + P.O.D., Hyro The Hero, A Killer’s Confession @ The Rave / Eagles Club
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Milwaukee Metal Fest @ The Rave / Eagles Club (through May 19)
Wisconsin metalheads rejoice! After the successful 2023 return of Milwaukee Metal Fest, the festival—which had previously been dormant since 2007 before it was revived by Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta—returns to The Rave / Eagles Club! Things kick off with a Thursday night pre-party (which is free for those who purchase three-day passes for the rest of the fest) headed up by Jasta And Friends. Subsequent dates feature Blind Gaurdian, Mr. Bungle, Kamelot, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Slaughter To Prevail, Avatar, and dozens of other accomplished metal and metal-adjacent acts. See the full lineup HERE.
Melvin Seals & JGB @ The Cooperage
“Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become ‘Jam Band Music.’ From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up.”
Raccoon Tour + Lincoln, Bug Moment, Chapped Lips @ X-Ray Arcade
5pm To Nowhere + Jane Hobson, Simple Syrup @ Cactus Club
FRIDAY, MAY 17
Neil Hamburger @ The Laughing Tap
[various coughing noises]
Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press @ Vivarium
“Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press is a peak experience band from Chicago, IL. With a focus on bone-crushing 3-part harmonies, laser-sharp musicianship, and a top tier light show, Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press is a live performance powerhouse. The band carefully curates each show from a truly eclectic and massive repertoire in order to cultivate an unclassifiable experience of joy and entertainment for everyone in attendance.”
Delicious Monsters + Economy Superstar, Chi Chi’s Restaurant, Strapped @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Honky Tonk Night: Convoy + Billy Boy Band @ Company Brewing
Humbird + Creekbed Carter Hogan @ Cactus Club
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MAY 18
The Decemberists + Ratboys @ The Riverside Theater
Look up “quintessential ’00s indie-rock band” in the dictionary, and you’ll find a picture of The Decemberists. Since forming in 2000, the Portland project has experienced its fair share of member turnover and sonic evolution, yet remains a celebrated indie stalwart that continually releases excellent albums and puts on outstanding live shows. About a month before unveiling their ninth studio record, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again, The Decemberists will treat Riverside Theater to some of those unreleased tracks and material spanning much of their lengthy career.
Company Brewing’s 9th Year Anniversary Block Party @ Company Brewing
Since opening in early 2015, Company Brewing has brought excellent beer, well-crafted comfort food, and a wide variety of live entertainment to the heart of Center Street. At this point, it’s tough for us to imagine Riverwest before this brewery, restaurant, venue, and community hub came to the neighborhood. Though it seems like it’s been around forever, our math indicates it’s only existed for [double checks calculator] nine years. That arithmetic is confirmed by Company Brewing’s 9th Year Anniversary Block Party, which will bring tons of fun the the business and its surrounding streets over the span of six hours on Saturday.
Willie Nelson & Family + Ryan Larkins @ BMO Pavilion
About three weeks removed from his 91st birthday, country music and cultural legend Willie Nelson will take the stage at BMO Pavilion along with his “Family.” It should go without saying, but don’t miss this opportunity to see Willie Nelson!
The Return of Saebra & Carlyle + DaveKevinAdam, Lavish Waste, DJ Bo Doesn’t Know @ Cactus Club
Otto Von Schirach + Doormouse, The Demix @ X-Ray Arcade
Louie & The Flashbombs + Lost Orange Cat, City Fools @ Club Garibaldi
Awkward Nerd Presents: Buffy Prom @ The Fitzgerald
Caleb Westphal Spins Timeless Vinyl 45s @ Boone & Crockett
Depeche Mode vs. New Order vs. Duran Duran @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MAY 19
Maifest: Gluten-Free Festival @ Lakefront Brewery
“On Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lakefront will be celebrating spring and all things gluten-free with mouth-watering food, a wide variety of beverages, art, crafts, and other labors of love. After two successful years of providing an array of gluten-free goodies, Lakefront notes an increase in vendors and inventories to welcome in a growing customer-base for their outdoor marketplace. Lakefront Brewery recently released brand new gluten-free New Grist IPA, the third in their line of gluten-free beers. The first one being the country’s first certified gluten-free beer, New Grist Pilsner. The second being their New Grist Gosa Rita, a Margarita Ale. Fans can now purchase a New Grist Variety 12-Pack featuring all three brands. In addition to their three gluten-free varieties being available, Lakefront will also be serving up gluten-free Bloody Marys, specialty coffee drinks, as well as three unique gluten-free cask beers available only while supplies last. All food trucks will be serving from exclusively gluten-free menus.”
Conan Neutron And The Secret Friends + Hot Coffin, Body Futures @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Makers Market @ The Ivy House
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