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 September 2-8, 2024.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Sky High Night @ Cactus Club
“Come out for our monthly party with local skateshop Sky High!! Fun drink specials, skate videos on the TVs, Sky High DJs, and more!!”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard + Geese @ Miller High Life Theatre
“King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have built up a well-earned reputation as one of the most prolific, adventurous and inventive bands of all time, having released 25 albums since 2010. With a sound ranging from expansive jazz-rock, to spaghetti Western soundscapes, semi-acoustic cosmic ballads, sci-fi prog, kaleidoscopic garage rock, thrash metal, explorations of microtonal tunings, kraut-rock and more…you’ll hear it all. Get ready.”
Silversun Pickups + Speedy Ortiz @ The Rave/Eagles Club
“Silversun Pickups, which includes lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Aubert, bassist Nikki Monninger, drummer Christopher Guanlao, and keyboardist Joe Lester, have always considered their sonic density a source of pride: The LA band’s five studio albums reveal additional sonic gifts with each subsequent spin, and their sixth, Physical Thrills, is no different.”
Summer Of Soul Outdoor Marketplace & Concert Series: Brew City Soul @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Mars Red Sky + Howling Giant, Magnetic Minds, Asatta @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Bronco + Grain Elevator, Sludge Hawking @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Bronco is a folk/alt rock quartet from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their influences range from contemporary folk outfits, such as Wilco and Big Thief, to heavier and more experimental groups like Nine Inch Nails and Type O Negative. Bronco’s current lineup consists of Ollie (he/they) on drums, Gage (they/them) on bass, and Adrien (they/them) and Slater (they/them) sharing lead guitar duties. Together, their music balances Americana sensibilities with the grit and emotion of hard rock. Bronco is currently working on their debut album, and are eagerly anticipating its release within the next year.”
Third Space Presents: TAE @ Third Space Brewing
Música del Lago: De La Buena @ Colectivo Coffee On The Lakefront
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Mondo Lucha @ Turner Hall
Since starting in 2008, Mondo Lucha has brought high-flying wrestling action, burlesque dancers, and live music to its annual Turner Hall showcase. Along the way, the variety show has managed to work with renowned pro wrestlers, sell out numerous shows, and become a must-attend Milwaukee event. The beloved local variety show returns to its familiar ballroom haunt tonight!
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: North Warren @ Cactus Club
This season is going to be fun. Jordan Love has confirmed he has the makings of a superstar and he just signed an extension. Josh Jacobs is in the mix! Green Bay’s young offensive nucleus has solidified around QB1 and the Packers front office has bolstered the defense. Oh, and our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show concert series is coming back for another year of live entertainment, drink specials, food freebies, and other bits of football-focused fun!
Bongzilla + Hippie Death Cult, Kadabra, High Gallows @ Club Garibaldi
“Bongzilla are a sludge metal band from Wisconsin. Active in their initial run between 1995 and 2009 with a reformation in 2015 they are considered to be a seminal sludge act from the late 90s/early 2000s and gained notability from their tenure on Relapse Records. They are best known for having all of their songs referencing and directly being about weed in some way.”
North Warren + Well + Good, Varsity Mac @ Cactus Club
200 Stab Wounds + Balmora, Upon Stone, Stabbing @ X-Ray Arcade
Oh Well OK + Disposable Thumbs, Commonwealth @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Lil Rev + Will Branch @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
TosaFest @ Tosa Village, Wauwatosa (also September 7)
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Silver City Fest @ National Avenue, between 32nd and 35th
“Be part of VIA’s 13th annual Silver City Fest presented by Ethnic and Diverse Business Coalition (EDBC) and AARP Wisconsin on Saturday, September 7th from 12pm – 5pm on National Avenue between 32nd & 35th St. Silver City Fest is a vibrant and lively event that celebrates the diversity and culture of our communities. Enjoy and experience Milwaukee’s local vendors, food, arts, and entertainment at this annual family event. Don’t miss this free opportunity to embrace the unique flavors and traditions that make our community so special.”
2024 Milwaukee Polka Riot @ Last Rites
For everyone that had to alter their commute, find a different bar, order take out or straight up went on vacation that one week back in July… We dedicate this year’s Milwaukee Polka Riot to you! Sigmund Snopek III, Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band, Dead Freddie, The Polkaholics, The November Criminals with DJ Brümeister and special guest Mario the Poet!
Maximiano (record release) + Long Mama, King Courteen @ Cactus Club
Maximiano will celebrate the release of their new album, The Real Truth, with a Cactus Club show that also features opening support from Long Mama and King Courteen. Be there!
Rat Bath (record release) + Lung, Bug Moment, Noun, Garden Home @ X-Ray Arcade
Rat Bath will celebrate the release of their new album, Can’t Stand The Thought Of Us Ever Being Apart, with an X-Ray Arcade show that also features opening support from Lung, Bug Moment, Noun, and Garden Home. Be there!
Diet Lite + Modern Joey, The Keystones, Chapped Lips @ The Rave/Eagles Club
An all-local bill at The Rave? Strange but true! Be there!
State Of Sound: Next Paperback Hero + Diamond Life, Pulpa De Guayaba, Video Sex Priest @ Radio Milwaukee
Another can’t-miss all-local show? Yes! Be there!
Lockjaw (30th anniversary) + Haunter, The Overmorrow, am.psych @ Vivarium
Milwaukee International Short Film Festival @ Avalon Theater (also September 8)
Beyonce vs. Rihanna @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Spoon + A Giant Dog @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Austin rock legends Spoon are coming to Milwaukee a couple years removed from the release of their Grammy-nominated Lucifer On The Sofa, and they’re bringing A Giant Dog with ’em. Be there!
Goatwhore + Vitriol, Necrofier, Yotuma @ X-Ray Arcade
Bouquet + Khamsin, Barely Civil, Human Ant Farm @ Cactus Club
Cafe Sopra Mare: Siempre Flamenco @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
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