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 January 24-30, 2022.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 25
Mean Girls @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Hot off Broadway, Mean Girls—the hit musical based on the iconic 2004 film by the same name—is making its way to Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center January 25-30 for a total of eight performances. With music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and a book by none other than Tina Fey, it’s going to be so fetch!
Movie Night: That Thing You Do! @ Lakefront Brewery
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26
Milwaukee Record Presents: Clueless @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Loosely based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma (if it took place in mid-1990s Beverly Hills, that is), Clueless follows affable and affluent teen Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone in a breakout and career-defining role) as she navigates the high school hierarchy and broadens her world view. The Amy Heckerling-written/directed film also features Stacey Dash, Paul Rudd (looking remarkably similar to the way he does today), and the late, great Brittany Murphy. The low-budget movie grossed more than $56 million during its theatrical run en route to becoming a cult classic that’s still regularly quoted and widely enjoyed today. Tonight’s screening is SOLD OUT.
Indeed We Can For Benja & Jacob Charles @ Indeed Brewing Company
On December 27, two Indeed Minneapolis beertenders, Benja Wuest and Jacob Charles Eidem, were in a devastating head-on collision with another vehicle in Wisconsin. Both of them sustained serious injuries and face a long road to recovery. In an effort to support Benja and Jacob Charles with medical bills and life expenses during this time, Indeed Brewing Company is hosting an Indeed We Can fundraising event, with all of the net sales from that day going to the pair.
John McGivern’s Main Streets Sneak Peek @ The Pabst Theater
Rejoice, McGivernheads, for the wait is almost over. Yes, John McGivern’s Main Streets—a.k.a. the long-awaited new travel show from beloved Milwaukee host/actor/entertainer/Cedar Crest pitchman John McGivern—will begin airing this month. In Milwaukee, the show will air Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX6. And because Main Streets finds McGivern traveling outside Wisconsin and into the general Midwest, it’ll air in other cities and states, too.
Mean Girls @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27
SSAANN + Jacob Slade, Blacktop @ Bremen Cafe
Milwaukee musician Melissa Simes plays keyboard for a handful of local groups, but SSAANN is her own self-described “sweet ‘n’ synthy, lovey-dovey moon dream” project. Simes’ collection of laid-back synth creations include the playful “Lay It All Away,” the mournful “FuqqqQ” (a song about losing a friend to conspiracy theories), and the ethereal “Eternity.”
Mean Girls @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28
Genesis Renji + Mo’City @ Nō Studios
Milwaukee rapper Genesis Renji isn’t content with just a “Milwaukee rapper” tag—the Maryland-born artist is also a music engineer, a label owner (House of Renji), and an author (The Book Of Genesis: GOAT Talks – Words To Motivate, Manifest, And Move). Renji released a song a week during the early days of the pandemic, and a video for single “Gone Baby” dropped in December 2021.
Jorge Vallentine + Anja Elise, Next Paperback Hero @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Join a trio of Milwaukee singer-songwriters for an evening of original music! This Anodyne bill features Jorge Vallentine, Anja Elise, and—just a few months removed for him great album, Morning Skies & Heavy Eyes—Next Paperback Hero.
Geoffrey Asmus @ The Laughing Tap
New York comedian Geoffrey Asmus (who got his stand-up start in Madison, Wisconsin) has opened for Dave Attell, Aparna Nancherla, Kyle Dunnigan, and countless other notable comics, while also making a name for himself with his incomparable and altogether fearless style. He returns to Wisconsin January 28-29 to headline a pair of shows at The Laughing Tap.
Mean Girls @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29
Ice Bear Fest @ Third Space Brewing
Third Space Brewing’s Ice Bear Fest returns! From noon to 5 p.m., the Menomonee Valley brewery will host “an epic ’80s Après ski party” in its beer garden to celebrate its tasty seasonal Baltic porter. In addition to the abundance of Ice Bear on hand, the winter affair will feature DJs playing ’80s jams, the Heaven’s Table BBQ food truck, a costume contest, shotskis, and more.
Mean Girls @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Geoffrey Asmus @ The Laughing Tap
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show During The NFC Championship Featuring Your Green Bay Packers @ Cactus Club
Oops, never mind. Holy Shit! was gonna play. That would have been great!