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 9-15, 2022.
TUESDAY, MAY 10
Movie Night: ‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story’ (2004) @ Lakefront Brewery
What could possibly be better than revisiting the 2004 “true underdog story” Dodgeball? Revisiting it at Lakefront Brewery, of course. See Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and friends on Lakefront’s big projection screen, scarf down some food and drinks, and enjoy $1 off taps of My Turn: Trista during the film.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
Midweek Music: Mark Waldoch (of The Hallelujah Ward) @ 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: the one, the only, the Milwaukee living legend himself, Mark Waldoch!
Pom Pom Squad + Chloe Lilac @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
Approximately two months after earning the superlative of Most Memorable Performance when opening for Fenne Lily and Illuminati Hotties at The Back Room @ Colectivo, Pom Pom Squad returns to the East Side venue/cafe to headline this time around. The Brooklyn indie-rock band is currently on its “Death Of A Cheerleader” tour.
KISS + David Garibaldi @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
THURSDAY, MAY 12
Steve Martin & Martin Short: “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” @ The Riverside Theater
Steve Martin and Martin Short need no introductions. So, um, go see their latest two-man show, “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” This performance will also feature Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers.
Ex Fabula @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Cradle Of Filth + Necrofier @ The Rave / Eagles Club
FRIDAY, MAY 13
Jens Lekman + Holy Pinto @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
In early 2018, Jens Lekman ended a decade-long Milwaukee absence when he played a show at The Back Room @ Colectivo. The Swedish singer-songwriter was supposed to return in 2020, but…you know the rest. Thankfully, it won’t be another 10 years between shows, as Lekman will return to Milwaukee this week.
Soul Asylum + Doozey @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
The dream of the ’90s is alive at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino as Soul Asylum—one of the era’s most iconic bands—performs songs from its Grammy-winning catalog at the Northern Lights Theater.
J.E. Sunde + Christopher Porterfield @ Cactus Club
A potent pair of Midwestern songwriters—Minnesota troubadour J.E. Sunde and Field Report bandleader Christopher Porterfield—join forces for an intimate outing at the Cactus Club. This one could be something special.
Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations @ The Cooperage
Social Cig + Diet Lite, Lunar Moth, North Warren @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound @ Shank Hall
Tunic + Shamewave @ Cactus Club
SATURDAY, MAY 14
Gigs 4 Good: Phoenix Kristan + Rick Donner (of Bicentennial Drug Lord) @ 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.
Simple Plan + Sum 41, Set If Off @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
A pair of pop-punk powerhouses from the nation to our north—Simple Plan and Sum 41—are hitting the road together for the first time ever. The “Blame Canada Tour” comes to The Rave/Eagles Club, complete with Set It Off, a band that hails from…Tampa, Florida.
Kenny Chesney + Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce @ American Family Field
S. Carey + Courtney Hartman @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
SUNDAY, MAY 15
Lilliput Records Fundraiser @ Cactus Club
In case you missed it, the Milwaukee location of The Exclusive Company (and every other Exclusive, for that matter) is closing. The good news is that two Exclusive managers plan to transform the venerable Farwell Avenue location into a new record store, Lilliput Records. “Our vision for the future of Lilliput Records is to be a much more community-based space,” Exclusive managers Tanner Musgrove and Brian Kirk have said. “There are so many amazing local artists, businesses and people in Milwaukee, and we cannot wait to share an abundance of memories with you all moving forward.” This all-ages fundraiser will feature DJs, a raffle, zines, art, and more.
Milwaukee Makers Market @ The Ivy House
Now entering its sixth season, Milwaukee Makers Market gives customers an opportunity to explore a market featuring 50+ local makers and small businesses that create artwork, jewelry, clothing, kids apparel, herbal tea, soaps, candles, stickers, pastries and more. This installment at The Ivy House runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Peace Thru Music” – A John Lennon Tribute @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
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