Milwaukee 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—brought to you by Lilliput Records—for January 1-7, 2024.
MONDAY, JANUARY 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR, MILWAUKEE!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2
Sky High Night: WI Skate 25 Year Anniversary Party @ Cactus Club
“Come out for Sky High Night! Drink specials, Sky High DJs, skate videos on the TVs, plus we celebrate 25 years of wiskate.com!!”
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3
Cowboy Killers: A Comedy Show
Looking for a Wednesday night stuffed with local comedy? Of course you are. Then look no further than this stacked Cactus Club comedy show, featuring homegrown comedians AJ Grill, Kay Baratti, and Darrell Cochran. Raegan Niemela hosts.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4
Kottonmouth Kings + The DRP With Rick Dogg, They Liv3, DJ Danny Diablo @ X-Ray Arcade
“The Kottonmouth Kings is an American hip hop group formed in Placentia, California in 1996 by D-Loc, Saint Dog and Johnny Richter. Come see what’s up!”
Bessesen/Drobka/Philion @ The Sugar Maple
“This collaborative trio began during the height of the pandemic when bassist Ethan Philion and saxophonist Max Bessesen coped with their lack of performance opportunities by exploring adventurous new repertoire together in private sessions away from the stage. These informal meetings eventually coalesced into an exploration of free improvisation with tough hard bop roots. When restrictions began to lift and the duo were able to reunite with their longtime collaborator Devin Drobka the unit began performing this material publicly around the Midwest. Bessesen/Drobka/Philion has a distinctive approach marked by a congenial sense of trust and a unique, intuitive group language. In this performance the ensemble will explore original compositions and favorites by the likes of Thomas Chapin and others.”
Ulna + Apollo Vermouth, Haunter @ Cactus Club
FRIDAY, JANUARY 5
Mondo Lucha! @ The Cooperage
A few months after yet another Turner Hall sellout, the Mondo Lucha folks bring the ring to The Cooperage for a more intimate (but equally entertaining) blend of wrestling, burlesque, and music.
Sean Patton @ The Laughing Tap (also January 6)
Comedian Sean Patton has performed on network television talk shows like Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and Conan, has been a frequent fixture on Comedy Central stand-up showcases (including his own half-hour), has released a few outstanding comedy albums, and has likely been a memorable guest on some of your favorite podcasts. Patton has also become something of a frequent Milwaukee visitor, thanks to the fine folks at Milwaukee Comedy booking him in recent years. This weekend, he comes to the Milwaukee Comedy-owned and -operated Laughing Tap in Walker’s Point for a total of three shows spread over the course of two nights.
Superglue + The Nile Club, North Warren, Human Ant Farm @ X-Ray Arcade
Prevention + Mile End, XAllOfGodsChildrenX, Agony Reigns, See No Evil, Form @ Cactus Club
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JANUARY 6
Milwaukee Record presents N/A Day @ The Cooperage
Our “Dry January Beverage Festival” returns to The Cooperage to give people an opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of refreshments from the wide-ranging, ever-evolving, and rapidly-growing non-alcoholic drink market. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW! The N/A Day lineup includes non-alcoholic beer and seltzer, kombucha, mocktails, non-alcoholic wine and spirits, tonics, craft soda, sparkling water, coffee, energy drinks, CBD products, and more. Here’s the full vendor lineup!
Vacancy Chain + Shannon Candy, Full Nude, Fuzzbox DJs @ Cactus Club
“Standing at a collective 18’9″, Vacancy Chain plays indie/alt/post-punk/noise rock. Featuring members of The Glacial Speed, La Fea, Hidden Mitten, and New Blind Nationals, Vacancy Chain splits their time between Chicago and Milwaukee. Vacancy Chain likes Italian pop star Adriano Celentano, Cat Stevens, mixing beers, and Wuxia films.”
Disposable Thumbs + Courtesy, Oh Well OK, Vombom @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Y2K! All 2000s Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: November Criminals @ Cactus Club
Playoffs?! Playoffs?! Yes, let’s talk about playoffs! Somewhat incredibly, the Green Bay Packers will make the playoffs if they win this 3:25 p.m. home game against the Chicago Bears. And what better way to take in this suddenly important game than by dropping by the Cactus Club? Along with halftime entertainment from November Criminals (“the world’s first non-ironic polka hip-hop band), fans can enjoy “The Champagne Of Beers” and Miller Lite for $10 for a bucket of five beers all game long and “Record Recommended” High Life and Mystery Shot specials for $6. Meanwhile, MKE Distilling Company’s new vodka will be featured in Bloody Marys and Cactus Bombs throughout the season. Playoffs!
Want more Milwaukee Record? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and/or support us on Patreon.