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.
Every year at this time, a certain entity pokes its head out of the ground to remind us that while winter certainly seems to last forever around these parts, it’ll eventually end and allow us to enjoy the full splendor of Milwaukee.
You can keep your groundhog. We’re talking, of course, about Mitten Fest.
For more than a decade, the annual event from Burnhearts has popped up smack dab in the middle of winter, long after the other outdoor festivals went into hibernation. It’s an act of defiance is what it is, complete with cozy hand warmers of both the clothing and beverage varieties, along with hour upon hour of live music.
This year’s installment goes from noon to 8 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 1, right outside Burnhearts at the corner of South Logan and East Potter avenues. Helping you fill that time are a quartet of artists schedule to take the stage throughout the day (along with WMSE’s Christreater DJ’ing between sets):
- 1 p.m. — Shontrail
- 2:30 p.m. — Bug Moment
- 4 p.m. — BLAX
- 5:30 p.m. — Fight Dice
Besides your handwear of choice, there will be a variety of liquids on hand to keep you warm while enjoying the music. Among your options are a very special selection of beers from Central Waters Brewery and Founders, ginger hot toddies, and Valentine coffee (with or without a nip of whiskey). You’ll also have ample opportunity to say thanks for the cold-weather fun by donating to Hunger Task Force.
Somehow, we’re STILL not done. With an assist from the good people at Cactus Club, Mitten Fest will keep right on rolling — indoors — with an after-party that will begin welcoming people at 7 p.m. The Club Ritual DJ team of Greyhound and Asher Gray will be on hand, along with a triple-header of Varsity Mac, AJ and Angelica. You can find more information on that part of the festivities and pick up a $10 ticket on the Cactus Club website.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Jan. 29: almost monday w/Adrian Lyles @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 29: Dylan LeBlanc, David Ramirez @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 31: Steve Aoki w/Nostalgix, RayRay, HIGHSOCIETY @ The Rave, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 31: Maple Road w/Jeremiah Sammartano @ Anodyne, 7:30 p.m.
- Jan. 31: Chapped Lips, Shoobie, Totally Cashed, Killroys @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Jan. 31: Daniel Rey & The Revenirs w/Bellends @ Linneman’s, 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 1: Mitten Fest @ Burnhearts, noon
- Feb. 4: Rod Wave @ Fiserv Forum, 7 p.m.
