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 November 14-20, 2022.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Steven Page Trio @ Shank Hall
Music fans of a certain age and inclination will recognize Steven Page as the (former) lead singer of Barenaked Ladies. Since leaving the band in 2019, Page has been crafting plenty of pop gems as a solo artist. His latest record, Excelsior, was released in September. Page will be joined by Craig Northey and Kevin Fox for this “Steven Page Trio” performance.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Channel 5 Live With Andrew Callaghan @ Turner Hall Ballroom (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows)
YouTuber extraordinaire Andrew Callaghan made a name for himself a few years ago with “All Gas No Brakes,” a series in which the stone-faced journalist interviewed assorted oddballs (Florida men, Bigfoot hunters) and assorted awful people (Flat Earthers, Proud Boys). The cringe-y fun continues with Callaghan’s latest series, “Channel 5.” Note: the 7 p.m. live show at Turner Hall is already sold out.
Ex Fabula StorySlam: Legacy & Heirlooms @ Dandy
Is it possible that Milwaukee’s homegrown storytelling org, Ex Fabula, has been around for 13 years? It’s true! The nonprofit first arrived on the scene back in 2009, and has been staging inclusive and justice-minded themed “StorySlams” and other events ever since. “At each Slam, any attendee can throw their name in the hat for the chance to share a true, personal story on the night’s theme,” explains the group. “Stories should be shared in five minutes or less and without any props or notes. All fall 2022 events are competitive Slams, so at the end of the night the audience votes via secret ballot and an Audience Favorite is crowned.”
Loathe + Static Dress, Omerta, Unity TX @ X-Ray Arcade
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Midweek Music: Roxie Beane @ Crafty Cow Tosa
Midweek Music is back! Join us at Crafty Cow Tosa on Wednesday nights in October and November 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: longtime Milwaukee singer and acoustic guitar player Roxie Beane!
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 frequent residencies at Boone & Crockett are always appointment viewing/listening, especially when coupled with incomparable singer-songwriter Caley Conway. The musicians’ autumn residency comes to a close with tonight’s show. Fingers crossed for a winter residency!
Paisley Fields + Boy Howdy, Ladybird (acoustic), Max Segovia @ Cactus Club
Glen Phillips of Toad The Wet Sprocket @ The Palm Room At Turner Hall
Shoulderbird + Stuart The Earth, Ellie Jackson @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Milwaukee Record Halftime Series: Widacre @ Cactus Club
Our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series has returned! This season, we’ve assembled a stacked roster of 16 performers that will provide FREE entertainment during halftime of Green Bay football games. Miller High Life, Miller Lite, and Rehorst Vodka Bloody Marys will be on special. Meanwhile, Awkward Nerd Events will occasionally pop by for giveaways to their upcoming events and other fun complements to the in-game/on-stage action. There will also be touchdown shots (both regular and N/A)! This week’s Thursday-night blowout will feature Frida’s Cocina food truck parked outside Cactus Club, raffle drawings after every quarter, and a halftime performance from local punk outfit Widacre.
Catbite + Something To Do, Devon Kay & The Solutions, Local Legends @ X-Ray Arcade
Alley Eyes + The Keystones, Cozy Danger @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Mad Mojo Jett + Delicious Monsters, Iron Pizza, Future Trash @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
Ron White @ The Riverside Theater
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Chicken Wire Empire + The MilBillies @ The Riverside Theater @ Colectivo
Brew City bluegrass mainstay Chicken Wire Empire is a Milwaukee festival fixture, and a band that’s beloved by audiences throughout the Midwest (and parts of Europe). On November 18-19, the perpetually touring outfit will treat their hometown to two nights of traditional tunes and contemporary originals, as well material off this year’s album, Fresh Pickles, at The Riverside Theater (moved from The Back Room @ Colectivo). Night one will also feature opening accompaniment from The MilBillies. The following night, Old & In The Way will open things up.
REYNA (acoustic) + Valerie Lighthart, Bisca Rae @ Bay View Cafe Centraal
Vic and Gabby Banuelos have been fixtures of the Milwaukee music scene for a decade. After changing their name in 2016 (the band went from Vic And Gab to the more stylish and succinct REYNA) and shifting sonically towards electro pop, the sisters spent the next few years getting acclimated with the industry. From co-writing with prominent hitmakers to recording in legendary L.A. studios, REYNA was checking boxes that a majority of Milwaukee acts could only dream of. Now, the sisters Banuelos are playing in support of their excellent five-song EP You Could At Least Say Goodbye.
WMSE’s Friday Night Freak Show: ‘Big Trouble In Little China’ @ Times Cinema
Okay! You people sit tight, hold the fort, and keep the home fires burning. And if we’re not back by dawn [winks], call the President.
Marisa Anderson + Dryhouse Ruins @ Acme Records & Music Emporium
Wilder Maker + Astral Hand, Kendraplex, Rare Visions Liquid Light Show @ Company Brewing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
MxPx + Teenage Bottlerocket @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Has it really been 30 years (!!!) since MxPx started? Wow. As we come to terms with how old that realization makes us feel, we recommend you head to The Rave on November 19 to relive your youth through MxPx’s enduring catalog. Oh, and they’ve been regularly releasing enjoyable albums this whole time, so as you scream along with “Chick Magnet” and “Move To Bremerton,” you might even hear some new songs you love in the process.
Diet Lite (EP release) + The Dead Bolts, Social Cig @ Cactus Club
In addition to being a downright great band, Diet Lite has a keen sense of humor and a knack for releasing music videos that are equal parts unique and hilarious. For proof, look no further than the recent clip for “This God Damn City,” inspired by the real-life theft of Diet Lite’s musical instruments and equipment. The group is currently celebrating the release of its latest EP,
Jon Told Bob Told Rob.
As Oak (EP release) + KateSt @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Rod Wave + Toosii, Mariah The Scientist @ Fiserv Forum
Chicken Wire Empire + Old & In The Way @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Hot Coffin + Nowhere, Body Futures, Primitive Broadcast Service @ X-Ray Arcade
Milwaukee rock and roll outfit Hot Coffin—which features past members of Red Knife Lottery, Disguised As Birds, Sincebyman, and The Response—recently broke a six-year silence with the release of a new EP, The Prize. Though much has changed in the world since the last time Hot Coffin put out any music, we’re pleased to report the band is still as outstanding as ever. As evidenced by lead single “Circle Game,” listeners can expect plenty of brash, blistering, and brutal goodness.
WMSE’s Dewey Gill Big Band Live Remote & Member Pick Up Party @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
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