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 sponsored by Educators Credit Union.
It’s not every week that the weather times up just right with our live-music recommendation, but such is the case for this installment as Mother Nature forces us all to start digging out hats and gloves — albeit the thinner variety — for our outdoor activities. And what better activity to use them for than Flannel Fest, which gets our hardy co-sign for its return this Saturday, Oct. 19.
If you’ll allow me to continue along meteorological lines, it appears there’s a good chance you won’t need those cold-weather accessories for most of the event. But with the festivities going from 2 until 10 p.m., the parking lot outside Boone & Crockett/The Cooperage might get chilly enough to merit wearing something to keep you comfortable (like, I don’t know, a flannel maybe?).
Now that we’ve covered your functional fashion choices, how about we discuss the actual music being offered this year? It’s quite the lineup of lyrically and musically gifted locals. Times for specific performances are a bit scarce, but here’s the order in which they’ll appear (in reverse, with the headliners listed first).
Main Stage
- Brew City Soul
- The Hallelujah Ward
- Lauryl Sulfate & Her Ladies of Leisure
- Wire and Nail
- WMSE Boogie Bang Gang (live remote broadcast)
Solo Stage
- B L O O D
- Alison Mahal
- Keshena Armon
- Maximiano
Those are the folks who will help you stay warm by encouraging you to shake your shakeables and sway your swayables. But an even better way to keep those internal fires burning is fueling them with delicious food. Among the options you’ll find are Ay Chihuahua Coffee, Dooby Dogs, Flour Girl & Flame, Pete’s Pops, Roll MKE, Taco Moto, and Tots On The Street. Beverage-wise, you’re invited to grab something from inside Boone & Crockett or a seasonally appropriate hot (or warm) cocktail mixed with Jack Daniels, Diplomatico Rum, Tullamore Dew or Milagro — or all four if you feel like really partying.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Oct. 16: The Psychedelic Furs, The Jesus & Mary Chain @ Riverside Theater, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 16: Neighbor w/Spare Change Trio @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 17: Yo La Tengo @ Anodyne on Bruce, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 17: Kat & The Hurricane, Well + Good, The Weekend Run Club, Alley Eyes @ X-Ray Arcade, 6 p.m.
- Oct. 18: Adeem the Artist w/Harley Chapeau @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 18: Max & The Fellow Travelers (EP release), Old Pup, Dandy Freling @ Linneman’s, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 19: The Black Crowes @ Miller High Life Theatre @ 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 19: Jean Dawson w/Quadeca @ The Rave, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 20: Gold Steps (Milwaukee Record Halftime Series) @ Cactus Club, noon
- Oct. 21: The Lemon Twigs @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 21: Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists, Johnny Manchild & The Poor Bastards, Glitzy @ Anodyne on Bruce, 7 p.m.
