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.
While our weekly live-show recommendation typically directs you toward a core 88Nine artist or local group who deserve some love, we do make the occasional exception for things like an absolute icon playing their first Milwaukee show in nearly a decade.
Which brings us to Stevie Wonder’s concert at Fiserv Forum this Thursday, Oct. 24 — part of his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. We also don’t usually lead with ticket info, but as of Monday morning, you could score a seat at the show for under $50.
Still not enough to move you from “thinking about it” to “doing something about it”? Then let’s throw in the fact that the reviews from this relatively brief run of shows have been overwhelmingly positive, and not in a “let’s be kind and reverent to the music legend” kind of way.
Not to turn into a movie poster, but here are just a couple of the comments from recent reviews: “Stevie's unique vocals were as powerful and energetic as ever” (The Sentinel). “What it really did was remind everyone in attendance what the lightness of joy feels like” (Billboard). Then there’s this encapsulation from the New York Times:
“Wonder is 74 and a global treasure of impassioned, technically dazzling, generally kick-ass singing. Should you have the opportunity to see him perform live, do so immediately. Age and time haven’t significantly decayed his gift, as they have with so many performers of his generation. If anything, he’s friskier now.”
Local connection: Brief Candles @ Anodyne
If you’re looking for something more Milwaukee-focused, Anodyne on Bruce has a local-heavy lineup on tap for Thursday night, headlined by the reliably excellent Brief Candles. The group has a new album locked and loaded for release Friday, and they’re celebrating with a 7 p.m. show that also includes Lightninging and Haunter.
Ahead of the concert, you can pick up a few insights about the album and the creative minds behind it thanks to 88Nine music director Erin Wolf’s interview with Brief Candles from earlier this week.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Oct. 23: Allegra Krieger, Greg Mendez, hemlock @ Cactus Club, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 24: Stevie Wonder @ Fiserv Forum, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 24: The Velveteers @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 24: Brief Candles (album-release show) w/Lightninging, Haunter @ Anodyne on Bruce, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 24: The Nunnery & Dosh, Luke Callen, Maximiano, Jesse Walker’s Hitch @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 25: Fight Dice (record-release show) w/Humid, The Feat @ X-Ray Arcade, 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 25: Panalure w/Danny Rauen, Dallas & Anja @ Anodyne on Bruce, 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 26: Willy Porter Band (Falling Forward 25th Anniversary) @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 26: Grace Under Water w/Cripes @ Linneman’s, 8 p.m.
- Oct. 27: Cosmic Country Showcase, Old Pup @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 29: Vote 2024 w/Tee Grizzley, Kash Doll @ Riverside Theater, 7 p.m.
