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.
Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year gives it a little extra something. Not being a “school night” tends to open up a few more options, and the holiday concert situation is no exception.
The first one is for the “misery loves company” crowd: Cactus Club’s third annual Lonely Hearts HonkyTonk. It’s a night of sad country songs that provide the perfect soundtrack for the terminally single, recently single and even no longer single (it’s an “appreciate what you have” thing).
Speaking of appreciation, take a look at this doozy of a lineup. You’ve got Ellie Jackson, Maximiano, The Spine Stealers, J.R. Wesley, Kati Katchever and The Krause Family, plus DJ Mike Mildew laying down some vinyl in the bar area. If that’s still not enough, the pay-what-you-can event is also a benefit for the Milwaukee Freedom Fund, which is part of the movement to “end pretrial detention and ultimately mass incarceration.”
Next up, we’ve got something a little more emotionally neutral: Valentine’s Day at Anodyne powered by Lady SabO. The Milwaukee artist’s honest, heartfelt approach is the perfect fit for the occasion, plus she invited *aya and the comeback-minded RBL (formerly of Less Common) to join her on the bill.
The night doesn’t stop there. Visual artist American Illusion will be on hand for painting that’s as live as the music, and herbal shop vendor Jurayahrose will bring a selection of all-natural health and beauty products to help you look as good outside as you hopefully feel inside.
Lastly but not leastly, you can opt for a big helping of soul at The Cooperage’s Groove Theory: Songs in the Key of Love. This one leans into the heartwarming aspects of Valentine’s Day with a romantic soundtrack featuring classic and modern love songs. You’ll hear from Joe Jordan, Terry Jeanes Jr., Karter Carter, Sondra B, Ms. Karpice and Dee Yancey, plus you’ll get a free Summerfest general admission ticket just for walking through the door.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Feb. 12: Hippo Campus w/Mei Semones @ Riverside Theater, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 12: Bryce Vine w/jayo @ The Rave, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 13: Kevn Kinney, Bobby Bare Jr. @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 13: Bay Faction, Bug Moment @ X-Ray Arcade, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 13: Trampled by Turtles w/Wild Horses @ Pabst Theater, 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day w/Lady SabO, *aya, RBL @ Anodyne, 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 14: Lonely Hearts Honky Tonk w/Kati Katchever, J.R. Wesley, The Krause Family Trio, Ellie Jackson, The Spine Stealers, Maximiano @ Cactus Club, 5 p.m.
- Feb. 14: Groove Theory – Songs in the Key of Love @ The Cooperage, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 14-15: All Messed Up – Milwaukee’s Randomized Musical Experiment @ Linneman’s, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 15: Gold Steps, Colfax Speed Queen, Alley Eyes, MARiMARi @ The Cooperage, 7 p.m.
