Milwaukee’s concert scene has a lot going on, so we look at the shows coming up to find the ones you’ll look back on and be glad you went. Then we add them to our weekly Milwaukee Concert Picks.
We’re very enthusiastic about many things at Radio Milwaukee, two of them being local music and efficiency. So you can imagine our excitement when we looked ahead at this week’s concert calendar and saw two shows that gave us the opportunity to support three bands, even though two of the bands are actually one band.
All will become clear in a moment, but because we prefer chronological order, we’ll start with the less-confusing show happening Friday night at Shank Hall. That’s where Adorner — the project led by Madeline Stadel — will celebrate the release of their new album, Ascension.
We’ve crossed paths with the hard-working Stadel several times in recent months, including our very own State of Sound concert showcase/podcast and the Vivarium first-look show back in February. She doesn’t spare an ounce of energy taking the creative whirlings inside her and pouring them into Adorner. The new album is just the latest example, representing a chapter of sorts in this book she started writing when the project sprung to life in late 2020.
A trio of tracks that appear on Ascension have been floating around prior to its release: “Backbone,” “Every Night” and “Nimwe.” All three feature Stadel’s typically emotive vocals and abilities on the keys, suggesting we’ll get a good helping of those when the full album drops. When it does, be there to celebrate with Adorner on Friday night at Shank Hall.
The more complex pick for this week springs from the minds of Victoriah and Hannah Gabriela Banuelos, who you may know as REYNA or their previous artistic iteration, Vic & Gab. However you know them, the siblings have you covered — because both bands will take the stage Saturday night at Vivarium. Let’s throw it to the entertaining duo for a quick explainer:
In the era of bands trying to maximize the impact of their live performances, this is a savvy move. No splitting the performance fee. No long changeovers between sets for sound checks and whatnot. No ridiculous demands for the green room. Just a seamless night of music both old and new, including REYNA’s single “Mexico” they’re releasing this week. Hear it all this Saturday at Vivarium.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Aug. 14: Childish Gambino @ Fiserv Forum, 8 p.m.
- Aug. 14: Social Cig (Vivarium in the Park) @ Whitnall Beer Garden, 6 p.m.
- Aug. 15: Gooseberry, Hyer, The Taxmen @ Anodyne on Bruce, 7 p.m.
- Aug. 15: Dreamhouse, Tigera, Scorched Waves, Misfits of Ugly Hollywood @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Aug. 16: Adorner (album-release show) w/Lunar Moth, Blacktop @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
- Aug. 17: REYNA w/Vic & Gab @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Aug. 17: Red Scarves w/Vanity Plates, Credentials, Participants @ Bremen Cafe, 7:30 p.m.
- Aug. 18: The Avett Brothers @ Alpine Valley, 7 p.m.
- Aug. 19: Monsoon, Bug Moment, Bronco @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
