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 23-29, 2024.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Gollylagging + Brindled, Beauty Filter @ Cactus Club
“Gollylagging is a Boston, MA loud indie rock band touring after their new EP Dry Rot is released.”
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Foxing + From Indian Lakes, Bug Moment @ Vivarium
“Beneath the audible progress of Foxing’s 13 year career—from the chamber emo of debut The Albatross to the art pop of 2021’s Draw Down The Moon—has been a gradual movement towards self-sufficiency. Appropriately, the quartet of vocalist Conor Murphy, guitarist Eric Hudson, drummer Jon Hellwig, and bassist Brett Torrence (who recently joined after years as a touring hired gun) chose to self-title their fifth LP simply, Foxing. The album was entirely produced by the band and mixed by Hudson. The cover art was created by Murphy and Torrence, and it is being released on the band’s own Grand Paradise label.”
Black Uhuru @ Shank Hall
“Derrick ‘Duckie’ Simpson the ‘Gong Gong Gullie’ is the founder and leader for reggae’s Black Uhuru. Although going through numerous lead singers and musicians they have remained to be one of the most recognized and prolific reggae band for over 50 years.”
Polaris + blessthefall, Thousand Below, Nerv @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Two Runner + Dandy L. Freling @ Cactus Club
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Milwaukee Record Presents: RoboCop @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
This action-packed 1987 sci-fi classic finds police officer Alex Murphy (Wisconsin native Peter Weller) in dystopian Detroit suffering the wrath of a ruthless crime boss (Wisconsin native Kurtwood Smith) and having his body used for an experimental new law enforcement cyborg called RoboCop. Destruction, a laughable level of violence and gore, apt commentary about the dangers of police militarization, and some memorable one-liners ensue. It rules. Come to our RoboCop screening at Avalon Theater. Thank you for your cooperation.
Wild Rivers + Lily Meola @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“Platinum-selling indie trio Wild Rivers have a gift for penning introspective lyrics and genre-fluid melodies that transmit wisdom beyond their years. Since their 2022 album Sidelines, which landed at #9 on the U.S. Spotify Debut Album Chart, they have supported The Chicks on their North American tour, seen their 2020 break-out single ‘Thinking ‘Bout Love’ be certified Gold in Australia and Platinum in Canada, sold-out headline North American and European tours, earned over 450 million streams with 4 million monthly listeners, and were nominated for Breakthrough Group of The Year at the 2023 JUNO Awards.”
Asking Alexandria + Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, Archers @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Flogging Molly + The Rumjacks @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Calling All Captains + Goalkeeper, Gold Steps, Man Alive @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Dialogues Documentary Festival @ Oriental + Downer Theaters (through September 29)
The annual Milwaukee Film Festival has long been the star of Milwaukee Film’s year-long programming, but a new festival is poised to become another big event for the ever-busy nonprofit. Enter the inaugural Dialogues Documentary Festival, coming to the Oriental and Downer theaters. The four-day fest will feature more than 30 new and critically acclaimed documentaries, complete with a host of in-cinema talkbacks and panels. Timely topics tackled in the lineup include AI, reproductive rights, gender expression, the Electoral College, and gentrification. Docs focused on music, e-sports, and nature round out the bill, as do a handful of shorts programs.
Grooving Under Glass: Extra Crispy Brass Band + Awake The Echoes, Brylor, David HB Drake @ Mitchell Park Domes
“Join us for a night to remember at the Mitchell Park Domes, where music and stunning gardens come together for a fantastic experience. Here’s what you can look forward to: live performances by local musicians; tasty food and drinks; mesmerizing light shows in the Show Dome, featuring thousands of LED lights choreographed to music; fun story time and activities for kids. Admission includes access to our living museum. Food and drink are not included.”
Jackie Kashian @ Milwaukee Improv (also September 27)
Since leaving her hometown of South Milwaukee, Jackie Kashian has sustained a long and successful career in comedy that includes a Comedy Central special, a few Conan appearances, and her long-running Dork Forest podcast. She returns to the region for a total of three performances over two nights.
Marcus King + Brittney Spencer @ The Riverside Theater
Jazmin Bean + You Win !!! @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Ex Fabula Story Slam: Pets @ Sugar Maple
Peach Lime Ale Samm Release Party: Okay Omen + Doubter, Chapped Lips @ Cactus Club
The Twins Of Franklin + Shawn Alan Hurd @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Harvest Fair @ Wisconsin State Fair Park (through September 29)
“Celebrate 31 years of Harvest Fair, September 27-29! Enjoy free live entertainment on several stages, including local artists, Amphitheater headliners, and lumberjack shows. Activities the entire family will love include Harvest Fair favorites like Pumpkin Bowling and Make Your Own Scarecrow. Don’t miss food galore, featuring many State Fair vendors, plus shopping at the Farmers Market and more!”
Alkaline Trio + Spanish Love Songs, Slomosa @ The Rave/Eagles Club
A few months removed from putting out their tenth album, Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs, Alkaline Trio will take the stage at The Rave in belated support of the record. Spanish Love Songs and Slomosa open.
HOG Havoc: Godsmack + Halestorm, Nothing More, Sleep Theory @ Fiserv Forum
“‘Milwaukee loves a good rock show, and we’re about to deliver another unforgettable one,’ says Borna Velic, 102.9 Program Director. ‘We’ve invited Godsmack and a few other friends to bring an incredible lineup to Fiserv Forum this fall.'”
Bay View Gallery Night @ various locations
“Join us for another amazing evening in the Bay View Neighborhood celebrating local art, music and Milwaukee small business!”
Taylor Acorn + Scam Likely @ X-Ray Arcade
French Police + Wisteria, DJ Kelly Aiglon @ Cactus Club
TC Superstar + Rainbow Cobra, Royal Mill @ Bremen Cafe
Friday Night Retro Mixtape @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Doors Open Milwaukee @ various locations (also September 29)
“Historic Milwaukee’s annual key to the City returns September 28 and 29, showcasing more than 140 locations extending from Downtown to Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. The 14th annual event will showcase new sites including Davidson Park, the newly developed Baird Center – North Building, WUWM Milwaukee’s NPR located in the Chase Building, Bronzeville Center for the Arts’ Gallery 507, and more. We are also pleased to welcome back crowd-favorites like the Bradley Symphony Center, Federal Building & US Courthouse, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block. Visitors may explore Historic Milwaukee’s website to begin planning their visit: https://historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open/.”
Third Space 8th Anniversary Party @ Third Space Brewing
“Celebrate Third Space Brewing’s 8th Anniversary on Saturday, September 28th! From noon to 10 p.m., enjoy live music from 7 different bands (Joseph Huber, Derek Pritzl, NEWSKI, Honey Blazer, Tigera, Listening Party, Maxwell James Band), exclusive beer releases, and tasty bites from food trucks. Kids corner activities are also included, with free admission for all. Plus, earn prizes for different donation levels, with proceeds supporting Camp Minikani, where our founders’ journey began. Hear our story, celebrate eight years, help create camp for all!”
Gold Over America Tour, Starring Simone Biles @ Fiserv Forum
The Crystal Method + Rabbit In The Moon, Fortune, Nate Derus @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Bruce Springsteen Tribute: Hungry Hearts @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Dead Night: MKE Music Night LXXXVIII @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: Diamond Life @ Cactus Club
Come on out to the Cactus Club for this week’s Packers-Vikings game, and enjoy a halftime set from Milwaukee electro duo Diamond Life! Oh, and commercial DJ breaks (and in-game audio zingers) from the one and only DJ Christreater! There will also be touchdown shots (both regular and N/A options will be offered). Games will be shown in the bar, but they’ll also be shown on a projector screen in Cactus Club’s back room. THERE’S NO COVER CHARGE for the concerts. Kickoff is at noon!
Harbor Fest @ 600 E. Greenfield Ave.
“Join us at Harbor Fest, a day where more than 4,500 people celebrate Milwaukee’s Inner Harbor and all the things that make it great. At Harbor Fest you can release a baby sturgeon, tour UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, or spend hours doing other fun stuff all along the water. Take a free boat ride on the Inner Harbor, listen to great music, check out cool things happening in the Harbor District. Kids will love our bounce house, rock climbing wall, makers space, STEAM stage, and face painter! All for FREE!”
Hotel Fiction + So Zuppy @ Cactus Club
Madame Reaper + SSAANN, Disposable Thumbs, Orange Drink @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Cafe Sopra Mare: Drew Gill @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
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