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 July 1-7, 2019.
MONDAY, JULY 1
Kiefer Sutherland + Raye Zaragoza @ Shank Hall
“Summerfest is rolling out their great schedule between June 26-July 7,” says a Shank Hall press release, “but they do leave a gap when they close on July 1. Problem solved. Shank Hall is proud to present the return of Kiefer Sutherland.” Problem solved, indeed.
TUESDAY, JULY 2
Chill On The Hill: Batterman Ensemble + American Legion Band, VoodooHoney Brass Band @ Humboldt Park
With Independent Day approaching, Chill On The Hill will bring a wide variety of horns and other marching band instruments to the Humboldt Park bandshell on July 2. VoodooHoney Brass Band will start things off, followed by the American Legion Band, and Batterman Ensemble. As always, these shows are free and people can bring their own food and drink. Vendors will also be on site with snacks and drinks.
Summerfest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
After a day off, Summerfest is back, baby. Get all your “how to get in free” info HERE. (Through July 7.)
Midsommar @ Oriental Theatre
Are we joining up with Milwaukee Film to present a series of special screenings of Midsommar, Ari Aster’s follow-up to last year’s Hereditary? You bet we are. Does the movie look really, really good (and creeepy)? You bet it does. Are we excited? YES. (Through July 5.)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Questlove + DJ Bizzon, Dope Folks Records @ The Cooperage
On July 3, at 9:45 p.m., The Roots will perform at the BMO Harris Pavilion during Summerfest 2019. It’ll be a great show. Then, immediately following the set, Roots drummer Questlove will race over to The Cooperage for a special DJ appearance. It’ll be a great show, too! Questlove’s appearance will be presented by Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens initiative, as part of its Groove Theory program. DJ Bizzon and Dope Folks Records will play in support.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Chill On The Hill: Kids From Wisconsin @ Humboldt Park
Usually a Tuesday event, Chill On The Hill will also host a special installment with Kids From Wisconsin, as part of the Humboldt Park Fourth Of July celebration.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
Friday Nite Music: Zach Pietrini @ Colectivo Lakefront Cafe
For a second year, Colectivo Coffee has asked Milwaukee Record to put together a free, weekly concert series called Friday Nite Music. Every—you guessed it!—Friday night, we bring you a different Wisconsin singer-songwriter or band outside Colectivo’s Lakefront Cafe from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This week: the perfect-for-a-summer-night musical stylings of Zach Pietrini.
Ariana Grande + Normani, Social House @ Fiserv Forum
What needs to be said about Ariana Grande at this point? The young pop sensation is one of the biggest names in modern music. She’s sold millions of records and performed to mesmerized crowds in stadiums and arenas throughout the world. After having to postpone a run of shows, including a Milwaukee stop, Grande will make a belated appearance at the Fiserv Forum as the second weekend of Summerfest rages on a mile or two away.
Scrimshaw + Bleach Party, Sex Scenes, Heavy Hand @ X-Ray Arcade
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Inclination + Low End, Slowpanic, Sector, Time Spiral @ X-Ray Arcade
Exactly one fortnight removed from bringing 14 punk projects to Cudahy, X-Ray Arcade will host a bevy of great hardcore bands from Louisville, Chicago, and nearby Milwaukee. No doubt expecting a high-energy night set into motion by the five acts, the all-ages arcade ask patrons to “Please be nice to [their] walls.”
Bristol Renaissance Faire @ Bristol, off I-94 at the IL/WI Border
For many folks in the Milwaukee area, summer doesn’t begin with Summerfest or fireworks. It begins when they strap on a rapier, peel on some leather gloves, and hoist a giant turkey leg down at the Bristol Renaissance Faire over the weekends of July and August. Huzzah! (Through September 2.)
Listening Party @ Milwaukee Boat Line
Jalen G + Shon Mil, Eli $tones, Mykell X, Mellow97, Cronies, DJ The Jenius @ Cactus Club
SUNDAY, JULY 7
Squirrel Flower + Sandor, Lady Cannon @ Cactus Club
At 22 years of age, Ella Williams makes beautiful, haunting, and beyond-her-years music under the Squirrel Flower alias. The Boston singer-songwriter will come to Cactus Club in support her latest EP, Contact Sports, where she’ll head up a loaded bill that also includes Sandor and Milwaukee’s own Lady Cannon.