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 March 11-17, 2019.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12
Tuesday Tunes: Ian Olvera (of Daydream Retrievers) @ Kindred On K.K.
Milwaukee Record has joined forces with Kindred On K.K. to bring you “Tuesday Tunes.” The Tuesday evening performance series features eight weeks of music from some of the city’s favorite artists. There’s no cover for these shows, which all run from 7 to 9 p.m. Tonight’s show features Ian Olvera of Daydream Retrievers (and formerly of The Sleepwalkers). As always, 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.
Big Business + Meat Wave, Buildings @ Cactus Club
Two words: Meat Wave. Wait, five words: Meat Wave and Big Business. This show is going to be awesome.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
Nate Craig @ The Underground Collaborative
Nate Craig has come quite a way since leaving the Badger State. Since moving to L.A., the Wisconsin-born comedian has become one of Bill Burr’s go-to openers, he’s amassed a wealth of TV credits on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and Tosh.O, he’s written for Ridiculousness and A Prairie Home Companion, and acted opposite Emma Stone and Jonah Hill on the Netflix’s Maniac. Though his acting and writing résumés have grown a great deal through the years, Craig is still a stand-up comedian first and foremost. The comic will return to his native state following the release of his latest album, Preferred Customer. Milwaukee comics Greg Bach, Carson Leet, and Joe Riley will also perform.
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
Becoming: An Intimate Conversation With Michelle Obama @ Miller High Life Theatre
When you have a chance to hear Michelle Obama speak in person, you take it. Especially when Conan O’Brien (?!) is the moderator.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Mariah Carey @ Miller High Life Theatre
When you have a chance to see Mariah Carey perform in the same venue where Michelle Obama spoke a day earlier, you take it.
Risk! @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
After The State—the seminal sketch troupe of which he was one-eleventh—ended, Kevin Allison had a harder time finding his career footing than many other cast members. About a decade ago, though, he found his calling as the creator and host of Risk!, a popular podcast “where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public.” From harrowing tales of abuse and addiction, funny recollections of bad drug trips and regrettable hookups, and tales of myriad other themes, Risk! ranges from tragic to hilarious to utterly uncomfortable. Months after releasing a Risk! book, Allison will return to Colectivo’s Back Room to lead what’s sure to be a moving show that’s highlighted by local storytellers.
Vince Staples + JPEGMAFIA, Trill Sammy @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Vince Staples cut his teeth as an Odd Future associate and one third of Cutthroat Boyz, but the long Beach rapper truly made a name for himself in 2015 with his debut double-LP, Summertime ’06. He followed that up with 2017’s Big Fish Theory. With a proven body of solo work, the 25-year-old phenomenon comes to town in belated support of last year’s MFKZ. JPEGMAFIA and Trill Sammy open.
Oozing Wound + Platinum Boys @ X-Ray Arcade
Super Funtendo Night @ Company Brewing
Cairo Jag + Heavy Hand, Curbsitter @ High Dive
The Unitaskers + Limber Brain, Yum Yum Cult, Tomatillo @ Riverwest Public House
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
WWE Live: Road To Wrestlemania @ Fiserv Forum
Braun Stroman v. Baron Corbin! Ronda Rousey vs. Ruby Riott! Drew McIntyre! Bayley and Sasha Banks! Dean Ambrose! Elias in concert! More! Wrestlemania 35 (!) cometh!
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
Nox Boys + Nasty Boys, The Unitaskers @ Cactus Club
Remember 8,000 years ago when people were eating/not really eating Tide Pods? Truly a more innocent time. Well, goofball Milwaukee indie rock outfit The Unitaskers remember, and they have a delightfully shambling song about Tide Pods and the movie Hot Rod. Truly a glorious combination. Tonight they open for Pennsylvania’s Nox Boys, who last played Milwaukee during the 2018 Bay View Bash.