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 31 – February 6, 2022.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Argopelter + Caley Conway @ Boone & Crockett
Argopelter—an improvised trio composed of members of Field Report—returns to the comfortable confines of Boone & Crockett for a “winter residency” of three Wednesday night performances. Joining Argopelter at these January 19, February 2, and February 16 outings is Caley Conway, who will treat those in attendance to new iterations of her music. There’s no cover for these shows. Masks are required to be worn properly when not actively consuming food or drinks while indoors.

Movie Screening: ‘Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché’ @ Cactus Club

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Black Violin @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Since forming in the early 2000s, Black Violin—a duo consisting of violinist Kev Marcus and viola player Wil B—has played thousands of shows all around the planet. They’ve collaborated with the likes of Alicia Keys, Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz. They’ve helped produce music for artists like Tom Petty and Lupe Fiasco, and they’ve opened for Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Akon. They’ve played on Broadway, been part of Super Bowl and U.S. Open performances, and entertained President Obama at one of his Inauguration Balls. In the process, Black Violin also helped to change perceptions about what both classical music and hip-hop can be.

FireHouse @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
There are power ballads, and then there are MONSTER BALLADS. FireHouse has a couple of the latter: “Love Of A Lifetime” and “When I Look Into Your Eyes.” After a 2020 COVID cancelation, the band’s “30th Anniversary Party Of A Lifetime Tour”—featuring 1990’s FireHouse played in full—rolls through Potawatomi’s Northern Lights Theater on Thursday and Friday nights.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Angry Fix + Haunter, West Nile Crows @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
If you’re in the mood for a dreamy, hazy, and chill-as-hell evening during this dreamy, hazy, and chill-as-hell winter, look no further than this all-local bill. Angry Fix, Haunter, and West Nile Crows will all deliver their own takes on shoegaze and slowcore, with a little bit of ambient and psych tossed in for good measure.

FireHouse @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Joshua Ray Walker + Andrew Hibbard @ Shank Hall
If you don’t know the name Joshua Ray Walker yet, you’re about to be hearing a lot about him. Since first gaining notoriety in country music circles with his 2018 debut, Wish You Were Here, the Dallas singer-songwriter has won fans all around the world and earned high praise from some of music’s most renowned publications. Walker’s sophomore album, Glad You Made It, has garnered even more acclaim and finds the up-and-coming country talent on the cusp of even bigger and better things.

Aweful + Indonesian Junk, Knoxious @ Last Rites MKE
A pair of Chicago powerhouses—Aweful and Knoxious—come to Last Rites in Walker’s Point for what’s sure to be a great show. Milwaukee’s own Indonesian Junk provides local support.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Fast Eddy + Criminal Kids, Primitivs, Rexxx @ Cactus Club
It’s gonna be a rock/power-pop kinda night at Cactus Club. Fast Eddy will visit from Denver; Criminal Kids will make the trip up from Chicago; and Milwaukee’s Primitivs and Rexxx will provide the local support.