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 September 5-11, 2022.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
WMSE Local/Live: Large Print @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Many bands boast of their “unclassifiable”-ness, but few put their money where their mouth is like Milwaukee’s Large Print. On the band’s two recent EPs—In The Clouds and In The Dark—dreamy shoegaze indie tracks give way to Velvet Underground-esque droners, which in turn gives way caffeinated electro bangers. It’s all highlighted by the terrific vocals of Grace Mitchell and the easy chemistry of the rest of the band. No Large Print song lasts much longer than two minutes, but they leave an impression.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Brotherkenzie + Kinfu @ Cactus Club
Brotherkenzie is the solo project of Nathan Stocker, vocalist and lead guitarist of Minnesota indie-rock band Hippo Campus. Brotherkenzie’s brand new release, NATHAN, is an alternately sparse and sparkling romp that finds Stocker “embracing sex and heathen ideals.” It’s fun! For this Cactus Club show, he’ll be joined by fellow Minnesota pop maestro Kinfu.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Third Space Presents: Old Pup @ Third Space Brewing
Every Thursday through September 15, “Third Space Presents” brings a different musical act to the Menomonee Valley brewery’s new and improved outdoor patio. In addition to the concert (which runs from 6-8 p.m., including an intermission) and plenty of award-winning local beer on site, Triciclo Peru is always on hand to serve empanadas and other Peruvian goodies out of its food truck. This week’s can’t-miss installment features a performance from Milwaukee psych-folk outfit Old Pup.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
The Joy Formidable + Tres Leches @ Cactus Club
What’s better than seeing Welsh alt-rockers The Joy Formidable live? Seeing them live at the ultra-intimate Cactus Club, of course. The group’s 2011 debut (The Big Roar) is still a solid slab of stadium-sized rock and roll, and their latest (Into The Blue) finds vocalist Ritzy Bryan and company still in fine form. Sneering Seattle punk band Tres Leches opens.
TosaFest @ Wauwatosa Village
The streets of the Wauwatosa Village will be abuzz with activity as TosaFest makes its glorious return. There will be live entertainment on three stages, three beer gardens, food vendors galore, youth-focused “KidsFest” activities, a vendor market, a farmers market, a Walk & Run, tons of nearby bars and restaurants to explore, and more. You can get more details and updates from TosaFest’s website, and check out the entertainment schedule HERE.
Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys ft. Westside Andy @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Violencia + Surrogates, Big Kiss, Innuendo @ Promises
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Silver City International Festival @ National Avenue
Since its start in 2012, Silver City International Festival has celebrated the numerous cultures that help make Silver City the most diverse neighborhood in Milwaukee. Following a slightly scaled-down edition at Arlington Heights Park last September, Silver City International Festival makes its triumphant return to National Avenue (between 33rd Street and 35th Street) this weekend. From noon to 5 p.m., the 11th annual festival will offer live music performances from noted local acts like Browns Crew and Frogwater, an eclectic blend of food and art vendors, children’s activities, and much more.
Patio Days: Tyler Maas DJ Set @ X-Ray Arcade
Summer might be coming to an end, but there’s still enough time for one more “Patio Days” DJ set from Milwaukee Record‘s own Tyler Maas out on X-Ray Arcade’s new, improved, and very famous patio. Come to the Cudahy arcade/venue for some drinks, a pizza bagel, and four hours of punk, emo, Milwaukee music, and summer-suited tunes from 12-4 p.m.
Beth Stelling @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
Beth Stelling is great. The Ohio native who got her stand-up start in Chicago is an accomplished writer (with credits on Crashing, The Last O.G., Another Period, and Sarah Silverman’s I Love You, America), an actor (Corporate, Red Oaks, and Rutherford Falls), and one of the best comedians working today. Stelling’s 2021 one-hour special, Girl Daddy, found the road-tested comedian garnering well-deserved attention from critics and comedy fans alike. On the heels of her most productive year yet, Stelling is on the road for her “Petty Betty Tour.” Fortunately, that run of performances includes a show right here in Milwaukee.
Indonesian Junk + Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band, Mad Mojo Jett @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
One listen to Indonesian Junk’s 2021 album Living In A Nightmare tells you all you need to know. “Living in a nightmare! / Living in the USA!” snarls frontman Daniel James on the quasi-title track “Livin’ In The USA.” Backed by an apocalyptic wall of guitar-bass-drums from Johnny Cyanide, Mike Mattner, and Adam Turetzky, it’s a pummeling three-minute slab of punk rock that finds Indonesian Junk gleefully embracing its pissed-off political side. Joining it are the dive-bombing ACAB anthem “Policeman” and the quarantine-nostalgic “I Don’t Mind,” both of which rip into their subjects without sacrificing all-important melodies or blistering guitar solos.
KASE (record release) @ The Jazz Estate
Tigera + The Hanna Simone Band, Alley Eyes, Loud Library @ Company Brewing
Daikaiju + Devils Teeth, Roboman, The Cult Of Nasty @ X-Ray Arcade
Taco Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Sustainable Saturdays @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
The Great Riverwest Fall Rummage Sale & Flea Market @ Art Bar
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: Jon Henry @ 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 Halftime Show performer is Milwaukee rapper Jon Henry. His 2021 track “Tour Milwaukee” is, well, a veritable tour of Milwaukee.
MILK Comic Fest @ Cactus Club
Before the big game, the inaugural MILK Comic Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include a wide array of area artists and vendors, as well as exhibitors from all over the country. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Masks are required inside the venue (and encouraged outside). Cactus Club will have its full selection of drinks—including a wide variety of N/A options—available for purchase during the festival.
Pelican + Glassing, Coastlands @ X-Ray Arcade
The Velveteers + Lunar Moth @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
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