Our fat-free, dolphin-safe Milwaukee events calendar is chock-full of things to do, but only a handful of events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for the week of February 25-March 3, 2019.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Tuesday Tunes: Chrissy Dzioba Clobes (of The WhiskeyBelles) @ Kindred On K.K.
Milwaukee Record is joining forces with Kindred On K.K. for “Tuesday Tunes.” The Tuesday evening performance series will feature eight weeks of music from some of the city’s favorite artists. There will be no cover for these shows, which will all run from 6 to 8 p.m. The series will begin with Amanda Huff on February 19 and wrap up with Allen Coté on April 9. Kindred’s kitchen and bar will offer their full menu, and their Tuesday night happy hour (including $2 oysters and $5 old fashioneds) will last all night.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Mike Krol + Steve Adamyk Band, Platinum Boys @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
About half a year removed from headlining our stage at Bay View Bash, and roughly a month after the release of his downright awesome Power Chords, Milwaukee native and Merge Records’ own Mike Krol returns to his hometown to head up a show at Colectivo’s Back Room. Read our recent chat with Krol here.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
414 Live: Lady Cannon @ 88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Ahead of next week’s record release show for Fortune’s Darling, Martha Cannon and company will stop by 88Nine for a live set of music and conversation. Lady Cannon’s mournful and biting “A Bad Man” was one of the highlights of 2016’s anti-Scott Walker album, Unintimidated. Remember Scott Walker?
The SteelDrivers + Nickel & Rose @ Turner Hall Ballroom
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
Jonathan Richman @ Shank Hall
What’s left to say about Jonathan Richman that hasn’t been said before? The prolific Modern Lovers front man-turned-solo artist has rightfully earned his spot in rock and roll history, but you don’t need us to tell you that. Richman’s most acclaimed work may be The Modern Lovers’ discography (and a notable role in There’s Something About Mary), but he’s dedicated his entire life to making music. To this day, he still tours with drummer Tommy Larkin, and the duo are making return to Shank Hall tonight. Read our 2018 email chat with Richman here.
KISS: End Of The Road World Tour @ Fiserv Forum
You wanted the best, you got the best, etc. Says KISS about this “final” tour: “All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and a last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in…Unapologetic and Unstoppable.”
Typesetter + Telethon, Beach Static, The Moguls @ Cactus Club
Telethon came out of nowhere in 2017 with the all-around excellent The Grand Spontanean: A Tale Told In Five Acts. Though the 30-track, 90-minute concept album had more than enough material to allow the self-described “hard pop” outfit to sit back and relax for a while, Telethon wasted no time before releasing a follow-up EP, Modern Abrasive. Tonight, they open (along with the terrific Beach Static) for Chicago’s Typesetter.
Ouch Not Lick + Grape Shitz And The Babyshit Sandwichez @ Circle-A Cafe
How we’ve slept on two Milwaukee bands called Ouch Not Lick and Grape Shitz And The Babyshit Sandwichez is a mystery and a crime. From now on, which shall stay dutifully abreast of Ouch Not Lick and Grape Shitz And The Babyshit Sandwichez.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
Monty Python’s Spamalot @ Miller High Life Theatre
“Old woman!”
“Man.”
“Man, sorry. What knight lives in that castle over there?”
“I’m thirty-seven.”
“What?”
“I’m thirty-seven. I’m not old.”
“Well I can’t just call you ‘man.'”
“Well you could say ‘Dennis.'”
“I didn’t know you were called Dennis.”
“Well you didn’t bother to find out, did you?”
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets + Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Soup Moat @ Cactus Club
The penultimate track of Soup Moat’s Harvester Of Likes is called “Porn In The Woods.” A tribute to the small-town, pre-internet phenomenon of finding a stash of weathered Playboys under a railroad bridge or in a hollowed-out tree or whatever, it’s a song that perfectly sums up the band behind it. Tonight, the ever-busy Milwaukee group opens for Australia’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.
SUNDAY, MARCH 3
Tiki Takedown @ Turner Hall Ballroom
It’s the inaugural Tiki Takedown! Starting at noon, Turner Hall will host a craft cocktail competition in association with Cutwater Spirits and Milwaukee Record. Mixologists from a wide variety of area bars and restaurants will make original tiki drinks for people to try and vote on, with one establishment taking home the coveted Tiki Takedown trophy. Participating businesses include Bittercube Bar & Bazaar, Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, Braise Restaurant & Culinary School, DanDan, Don’s Diner, Finks, Hotel Madrid, Movida, Pete’s Pops, Pourman’s, The Iron Horse Hotel, The Outsider, and Tin Widow. DJ Andy Noble and Milwaukee bands Cabin Essence and L’Resorts will add to the summertime feel of the event with musical accompaniment all afternoon long.
The Blade Trilogy @ No Studios
Hell yeah.