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 19-25, 2025.
MONDAY, MAY 19
Dark Star Orchestra @ The Pabst Theater
“Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.”
TAKAAT (of Mdou Moctar) + Jon Mueller, Vic Buell (DJ) @ 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.”
TUESDAY, MAY 20
Napalm Death + Melvins @ The Rave / Eagles Club
“Napalm Death and the Melvins trek across the U.S. this Spring, joining forces for the next chapter of their legendary ‘Savage Imperial Death March’ tour. The iconic bands first teamed up in 2016 for a six-week tour. The Melvins brought their unparalleled mix of punk and metal, while Napalm Death delivered their signature ferocious grindcore, delivering an unforgettable experience for fans of intense, boundary-pushing music. ‘Napalm Death! Melvins! What a dream! Not only are we looking forward to being on the road with our friends in Napalm Death, but we’re excited to have both Dale and Coady both on drums once again,’ Buzz Osborne shares, noting that this is the return of Dale Crover behind the kit following a medical emergency in 2023, and the first time Coady Willis will perform in tandem with Crover since 2016.”
Jack The Underdog + Davvn, haydentheposer, Gold Steps @ Cactus Club
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Milwaukee Record Presents: Tommy Boy @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
In case you somehow don’t know what Tommy Boy is about, the classic 1995 buddy comedy stars the incomparable Chris Farley as the titular Tommy Callahan, who embarks on a sales trip across the Midwest with his father’s wise-cracking assistant Richard (David Spade) in an effort to sell enough brake pads to save both his dad’s company and a working class Ohio community. Oodles of timeless quotes and countless iconic scenes ensue. Along the way, you’ll also encounter Bo Derek, Rob Lowe, Brian Dennehy, and Dan Aykroyd. Oh, and a lot of the movie is set in Wisconsin. Holy schnikes!”
Oceano + I Declare War, Escuela Grind, Filth, Backbiter @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
THURSDAY, MAY 22
Glitterfox + Oh Geeez, Not Again @ Vivarium
“The Portland based band Glitterfox has released five singles in just six months under their new record label Kill Rock Stars, with two more arriving this Spring. The band’s been growing steadily since ‘Drive’ came out in August 2023, with their indie rock recipe that deftly balances Southern songwriting shine and nostalgia-fueled anthems. The four-piece band’s songwriters and front persons, married couple Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker, have always channeled their personal struggles as well as experiences as queer, neurodiverse individuals into their songwriting. Bassist Eric Stalker and drummer Blaine Heinonen bring a love of Americana, grunge, and dance music into the mix. All of these influences can be heard on the band’s latest singles, produced by Chris Funk of The Decemberists, and in their spirited live shows as they prepare for their full-length album debut in 2025.”
Courtesy + Bronco, Side Hug, Frantic Repair @ Falcon Nest
QTAnon + Hiking Journal, Socially Suspect, Smoke Free Home @ X-Ray Arcade
Jazz At The Vine: Samuel Cartral Quintet @ Humboldt Park
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series: The Cactus Bros. @ Harley-Davidson Museum
FRIDAY, MAY 23
The Beach Boys @ The Riverside Theater
“You can capsulize most pop music acts by reciting how many hits they’ve had and how many millions of albums they’ve sold. But these conventional measurements fall short when you’re assessing the impact of The Beach Boys. This band has birthed a torrent of hit singles and sold albums by the tens of millions. But its greater significance lies in the fact that The Beach Boys’ songs have forever changed the musical landscape, profoundly influencing countless performing artists to follow.”
The Delta Routine (20th anniversary) + Wire & Nail @ The Cooperage
“The Delta Routine have been at it for 20 years and are celebrating with a special show with material spanning all of their four studio albums and more! They’re releasing new music for the first time in 10 years to celebrate the occasion. They’ll have special release vinyl and merch for a select few shows this year, available for the first time on May 23 at The Cooperage. They’ll have some special guests joining them to help make this a show to remember for another 20 years!”
Toni Romiti + Kara Marni @ X-Ray Arcade
Equipment + Arcadia Grey, Doubter, Phasing @ Cactus Club
JV Harris & Then Some + Would you Kindly?, Casual Sex @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Tangled Lines @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Back To The ’80s Retro Video Party: DJ Zerocool @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MAY 24
Morgan Park Picnic @ Morgan Park
On Saturday, May 24, Milwaukee Record and Busby’s will join forces on a new springtime celebration that will bring big time fun to one of Milwaukee’s smallest parks. The inaugural “Morgan Park Picnic” will take place at—you guessed it!—Morgan Park in Bay View. From noon to 6 p.m., the park will play host to a family-friendly festival that will feature live music from Ladybird, El Sebas, and Scam likely, local food trucks, a wide variety of refreshments, area retailers set up in and around the triangle, and more. Kick off festival season with us at Morgan Park!
Pissed Jeans + Misprints, Sex Scenes @ Cactus Club
This Memorial Day weekend will be one to remember as Philly rockers Pissed Jeans come to town to play an intimate (for them, at least) show at Cactus Club. Milwaukee’s own Misprints and Sex Scenes will add some local flare before the headliner does its thing.
Wiz Khalifa + Chevy Woods, Fedd The God, DJ Bonics @ The Rave / Eagles Club
“Multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist, Wiz Khalifa announced his upcoming tour Wiz Khalifa – Taylor Gang The World. Kicking off on May 20 in Nashville, the tour will hit 20 cities including Minneapolis, Sacramento, Kansas City, and Milwaukee on Saturday, May 24. Chevy Woods, Fedd the God, and DJ Bonics will support on all dates. The upcoming underplay tour will see Wiz visit more intimate venues, allowing for his fan to experience the new album in a special setting to connect with Wiz and his music on a deeper level. With a carefully curated setlist featuring both new and classic hits, the personal atmosphere will make for an unforgettable experience.”
Vince Gill @ The Riverside Theater
“One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with ‘When I Call Your Name,’ which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. In total, Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards, and 8 Academy of Country Music Awards.”
Combustor + Shadows Taller Than Souls, Electricity Kills @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Current Sounds: Social Cig @ Lakefront Brewery
Hangouts + SSAANN, Mas Verde, Bowvee @ Falcon Nest
Murphy’s Law + Total Chaos + Splatter Pattern @ Club Garibaldi
IKEA Family Kite Festival @ Veterans Park (also May 25)
Time Travelers Vintage Expo @ Baird Center
Living In Oblivion: Dark ’80s & ’90s Video Night: DJ Synthia + Dance Commandr @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MAY 25
Baroque Pop! With Julia Holter @ Milwaukee Art Museum
“Julia Holter possesses one of the most distinctive voices in independent music. She’ll perform her own material with Present Music, and be joined by LA avant-garde composer Tashi Wada for a happening at the Calatrava! François Couperin time travels from the Baroque era, Holter sings a mysterious, Lynchian song-cycle by Alex Temple called ‘Behind The Wallpaper,’ and John Orfe will perform Caroline Shaw’s genre-bending Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings. Join us down at the crossroads, where pop, classical and the avant-garde meet!”
Charming Disaster + Mercury Trio @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Brooklyn-based musical duo Charming Disaster was formed in 2012 by Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris. Inspired by the gothic humor of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, the murder ballads of the Americana tradition, and the dramatic flair of the cabaret, they write playfully macabre songs that tell stories about death, crime, myth, magic, folklore, science, and the occult. In their theatrical live performances, they combine vocal harmonies and clever lyrics with ukulele, guitar, and virtuosic foot percussion.”
Peace Through Music: The Music Of John Lennon @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
“The music of John Lennon comes to life with many of Milwaukee’s finest musical acts taking part to help raise awareness for sensible gun laws. Benefit for Wisconsin’s Anti Violence Effort (WAVE) & The National Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence! Join us for this always fun night of great music by one of the masters!”
Wilmette + Glory Days, When The Sun Sets, The Up & Up, Buena Cara @ X-Ray Arcade
Current Sounds: Pete Dangit @ Lakefront Brewery
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