It’s tough to remember a time before X-Ray Arcade. Frankly, we don’t want to think about it. Amazingly, in spite of seeming like it’s been a fixture in Milwaukee-area music forever, the Cudahy-based arcade and concert venue has only been open since February 2019. During that relatively brief span, the independent venue has been an invaluable asset to the local creative community and a place that aspires to be welcoming to all.
Over the past six years, X-Ray ownership has gradually made improvements to the business by transforming the patio, changing the shape and location of the bar itself to enable better traffic flow, repaired a ton of classic arcade games, and expanded their food offerings (including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan items). This week, the venue announced plans for its biggest change yet, but they need a little outside help to make it happen. We’ll let them get you up to speed:
“A couple months ago we received a Toolbox Grant from the awesome folks at the Live Music Society to help us update our entryway with new stairs and an accessible ramp. We want our place to be as safe and inclusive as possible, especially these days, so we were stoked to get this generous gift. After digging in we’ve found that the project is gonna cost quite a bit more than the amount of grant money that was available to us.”
With an aim to bring in the necessary cash to make the business as accessible as possible, the fine folks at X-Ray Arcade have announced some “Accessible Entryway Construction Fundraiser” efforts, which will take place this spring. At this point, the initiative includes three events that will take place in April. During these shows, 100% of ticket sales will be allocated to X-Ray’s accessibility efforts. There’s also the option to donate more when purchasing the tickets. Here are the event details:
• Sunday, April 6: Enervate + Si Dios Quiere, Payasa, See No Evil, All Life Gone, Nightmare Unit
• Friday, April 18: Avenues + Special Guest TBA, Local Legends, Gold Steps, Bodyman Want
• Friday, April 25: Freak On A Leash Fellowship (Nu-Metal Dance Party)
If April isn’t good for you, X-Ray Arcade says more fundraiser shows will take place in May, so check back for those announcements on the venue’s website and/or social media accounts.
In addition to the fundraiser concerts and dance parties, they’ll also be raising money thought T-shirt sales. They’ve created a brand new shirt design (left) and have revived an old design (right) for the cause. All proceeds from the purchase of those shirts will be applied to the accessibility fund. X-Ray Arcade rules. Let’s dig deep and do our part to help make it a place everyone can enjoy.