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 28-June 2, 2019.
TUESDAY, MAY 28
The 5.6.7.8’s + Devils Teeth @ Shank Hall
Japanese surf/rockabilly group The 5.6.7.8’s have been kicking around since 1986, but most Westerners are likely familiar with them for their appearance in 2003’s Kill Bill Volume 1. On screen or off, however, the band is a blast to behold. Tonight’s sure-to-be-rollicking show features a perfect opener in Milwaukee surf/punk outfit Devils Teeth.
Russian Tsarlag + Daniel P. Talbot, Apollo Vermouth, Lucky Bone @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
SOURCED: The Hot and Dirty Brass Band @ The Ivy House
Dutch Tulips + The Heligoats, Cabin Essence @ Cactus Club
THURSDAY, MAY 30
FemFest Songwriters In The Round: SistaStrings + Kat Wodtke, TreccyMT, Brittany Lumley, Uncle Valentine, Dara Rilatos, Charlotte Montgomery, Anja Elise @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Since 2015, Riverwest FemFest has been an annual celebration and platform for femmes, trans, GNC, women, non-binary, and POC artists. Beginning May 26 and running through June 2, the philanthropic endeavor returns for its fifth year, with more musicians, comics, artists, filmmakers, and makers in more venues for more days than ever before. This year’s fest benefits Diverse & Resilient and the Milwaukee Women’s Center.
FRIDAY, MAY 31
Cinema Hooligante: 2 Fast 2 Furious @ Oriental Theatre
If you’ve been to the Milwaukee Film Festival in the past five years, you’ve probably encountered a peculiar set of films called Cinema Hooligante. This often bloody, disturbing, sick, subversive, and just plain fun program has been proudly sponsored by Milwaukee Record. But if there’s one thing wrong with Milwaukee Film and Milwaukee Record teaming up to bring to you midnight movie fare, it’s that it only happens once a year. No longer. Cinema Hooligante is now a year-round affair, with Hooligante-tastic films screening at the Oriental Theatre every other Friday and Saturday. This Friday and Saturday? John Singleton’s 2 Fast 2 Furious! Will there be Corona available at the screenings? You better believe it.
Bay View Gallery Night @ various locations
BVGN 2019 features more than 50 neighborhood businesses hosting hundreds of artists and musicians. Highlights include a Food Truck Friday event at Morgan Park, a Bay View Rollout bike ride leaving from the Cycle Loft Gallery, and a post-Rollout dance party at The Mothership. Oh, and a ton of art.
Bay View Jazz Fest @ various locations
Want even more action in Bay View the night of Bay View Gallery Night? Then check out the accompanying Bay View Jazz Fest, which features a slew of acts performing at Tonic Tavern, The Highbury, Revel, Magnet Factory, Twisted Path, At Random, Morgan Park, and Colectivo.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert With The MSO @ Riverside Theater
Joe Richter + Lisa Gatewood @ Shank Hall
The Rusty P’s + Dana Coppa, Dopeknife @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Lifetime Achievement Award + Brat Sounds, Cream Vellum @ Landmark Lanes
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
Milwaukee Highland Games/Scottish Fest @ Hart Park
If you plan on attending only one summer festival featuring oodles of sheepdogs, why not make it the annual Milwaukee Highland Games? The celebration of all things Scottish returns to Wauwatosa’s Hart Park for a full day of food, music, demonstrations, feats of strength, and plenty of bagpipes. Rain or shine!
Cinema Hooligante: 2 Fast 2 Furious @ Oriental Theatre
State Champion + Sat Nite Duets, Old Pup (full band) @ Cactus Club
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert With The MSO @ Riverside Theater
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Brewtown Rumble @ Fuel Cafe 5th Street
Milwaukee is steeped in motorcycle culture—perhaps you’ve heard of Harley-Davidson?—and recent years have seen a welcome resurgence of homegrown bike shows and races. The fifth annual Brewtown Rumble features a ride-in vintage motorcycle show complete with live music, a pin-up show, food trucks, vendors, and more.
UPAF Ride for the Arts @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Riding your bike all summer long is great, but riding your bike while supporting world-class performing arts organizations is the way to go. The 38th UPAF Ride for the Arts includes various routes tailored to various skill levels (including routes perfect for kids), and a starting line at the south gate of the Summerfest grounds.
FemFest 2019 After Party: Habitat For Insanity + Cream Vellum, Duckling @ High Dive
Genau + Dirty Dancing, The Cutouts, CRLSS @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
The Skatalites + The Invaders @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert With The MSO @ Riverside Theater
Gogol Bordello’s 20th Anniversary Tour + Nu Folk Rebel Alliance @ Turner Hall