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 May 16-22, 2022.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Milwaukee Record Presents: ‘UHF’ @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Put down your remote control. Throw out your TV Guide. Put away your jacket. There’s no need to go outside. Well, there is a need to go outside tonight, for our screening of the classic 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic film UHF! Like our previous UHF screenings, tonight’s flick will be in honor of a Weird Al concert in Milwaukee—this one at the Marcus Performing Arts Center on May 24. As always, our pals at Lakefront Brewery and Educators Credit Union are sponsoring the flick. Be there!

Midweek Music: Zach Pietrini @ Crafty Cow Tosa
Midweek Music is back! Join us at Crafty Cow Tosa every Wednesday in April and May for a total of eight Midweek Music performances. There’s no cover for these all-ages shows, which run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If a free weeknight show isn’t already great enough on its own, Crafty Cow Tosa will offer $4 Indeed Brewing Company pints. They’ll also have a “Cheap Date” special, which includes two entrees, an appetizer, and two drinks for just $39. This week: prolific Milwaukee Americana singer-songwriter Zach Pietrini.

Argopelter + Caley Conway @ Boone & Crockett
Argopelter is an improvised experimental trio composed of Barry Paul Clark (bass), Devin Drobka (drums), and Christopher Porterfield (guitar). The group’s winter residency at Boone & Crockett was appointment viewing/listening, especially when coupled with accompanying solo performances from singer-songwriter Caley Conway. Now, Argopelter and Conway are back for a Wednesday-night spring residency. The remaining dates are May 18 and May 25. The shows are free and wonderful. Be there.

Carrot Top @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Not everyone thinks Carrot Top is funny, but you gotta give him…props. Get it?

THURSDAY, MAY 19

Valerie June + Chastity Brown @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Tennessee’s own Valerie June expertly straddles the boundaries of folk, Americana, bluegrass, gospel, soul, and country. No matter what type of music you think she plays, we can all agree it’s nothing short of astounding. Narrowly removed from the release of her wonderful The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers, June heads to Turner Hall with opening support from Chastity Brown.

ADULT. + Kontravoid, Spike Hellis @ Cactus Club

Kyle John Kenowski (record release) + Caley Conway, Scam Likely @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

FRIDAY, MAY 20

Mason Jennings + Dramatic Lovers @ The Cooperage
Twenty-five years into his career, Mason Jennings recently released his 15th studio album, Real Heart. Produced by Painted Shield collaborator Stone Gossard, the record is described by Jennings as “the unabashed folk record that I have been wanting to make for years. Kind of a love letter to the acoustic guitar and to musical intimacy. Kind of a love letter to the acoustic guitar and to musical intimacy.” Opening for Jennings at this intimate Cooperage show will be Milwaukee’s own Dramatic Lovers.

Uncooped Block Party @ Great Lakes Distillery
Great Lakes Distillery’s inaugural Uncooped Block Party will double as a bottle release for the new Chicken Shack Straight Rye Whiskey, which is being made in honor of The Chickenshack on WMSE. Adding to the tasty cocktails and limited release rye whiskey (which will support WMSE) will be a selection of beers available from Central Waters, and performances from a pair of Milwaukee mainstays: Chrissy Dzioba-Clobes of The WhiskeyBelles will start things off around 6 p.m., while Chicken Wire Empire will bring the party to a close after that.

Devils Teeth + Fret Rattles, Resurrectionists @ Last Rites MKE
During the early days (years?) of the pandemic, Milwaukee garage-surf outfit Devils Teeth released a self-recorded “spaghetti western garage rock operetta inspired by the character Chong Li from the martial arts film Bloodsport.” (You know. The one with Jean-Claude Van Damme.) Opening with the exotica-tinged scene-setter “She Speaks To Coyotes,” barreling into the over-the-top “Chong Li” and “Ride Of The Devils Teeth,” and culminating in the cliffhanging “Shadows Of Chong Li,” La Leggenda Di Chong Li plays like a fever-dream version of the Pulp Fiction soundtrack crossed with Ennio Morricone.

Fitzpatrick + Rosenau, Wincek, Marielle Allschwang @ Cactus Club

Colleen Green + Chit Chat, Summer Birth @ Cactus Club

SATURDAY, MAY 21

I Love The ’90s Tour Postgame Concert: Vanilla Ice + Treach from Naughty By Nature, Rob Base @ American Family Field
Yep, tireless ’90s warriors Vanilla Ice, Treach from Naughty By Nature, and Rob Base are set to play a Milwaukee Brewers postgame concert at American Family Field. (The show, part of the “I Love the ’90s Tour,” was originally scheduled for July 2020.) The show will immediately follow the 6:10 p.m. game between the Brewers and the Washington Nationals.

Gigs 4 Good: Kyle Feerick + Sean Williamson @ The Tonic Tavern
Last summer, The Tonic Tavern celebrated its 12th anniversary with a new charitable music series. “Gigs 4 Good” featured a wide range of Milwaukee musicians performing at Tonic on select Saturdays. It went so well, Tonic is bringing it back for 2022! Like last time around, proceeds from the concerts (brought in through audience donations and from the bar donating a portion of that night’s sales) will benefit Milwaukee Center For Children And Youth, Bay View Community Center, and The Women’s Center.

The Afghan Whigs @ Turner Hall Ballroom

Lost Tribes Of The Moon + Population Control, Astral Hand, DJ Chris Cottreau @ Cactus Club

SUNDAY, MAY 22

The Offspring + Blame My Youth @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
Veteran radio rockers The Offspring will wrap up an 18-show tour in support of their 10th album, Let The Bad Times Roll, with a concert at The Rave/Eagles Club. Pair this show with Saturday’s Vanilla Ice show for the full ’90s experience.

Hanna Simone (record release) + Nate Scheurell, Moonglow @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery

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