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.
This week and into next, you’ve got plenty of options to keep warm and cozy — some sweet old faves and also a dash of blazing new talent so that when the cold snap hits, it’s not gonna feel as bitter … right? Anywho, here are the rec’s for the week ahead.
Let the coziness begin as Jeff Tweedy drops by the Pabst Theater on Wednesday, touring in support of his triple-threat release, Twilight Override. Snuggle into your velvet seat and let Tweedy be your guide through what’s sure to be a sweet and memorable night for all fans of Jeff and Wilco, alike.
Tweedy’ll be singing and “twilight dreaming,” as he puts it, dipping into all those new songs with friends and musicians James Elkington, Sima Cunningham, Macie Stewart, Liam Kazar and two more Tweedys — his kids Sammy and Spencer. If you were lucky enough to score an invite, you can double dip at Jeff Tweedy’s Studio Milwaukee Session at 1 p.m. Wednesday. If not, you can always dial in to 88Nine and listen live.
Next up, Minnesota’s rock ‘n’ roll bluegrass poet-troubadour Charlie Parr pops into the Vivarium on Thursday for one of his 275 shows a year that he’s been known to do. However, just because his shows are a-plenty doesn’t mean you should forgo; a Parr performance will warm you right up with his musicianship, delivery and wry humor.
If you want a feel-good, Milwaukee indie rock show that’ll remind you of the days of Atomic Records and Gil’s Café, this one will leave a lasting warmth if you need a dose of good nostalgia: Troubled Hubble, The Hallelujah Ward and Clem Snide at Cactus Club this Sunday.
Chicago’s Troubled Hubble were a fixture in the Milwaukee show scene in the mid-aughts as they worked with Milwaukee label Latest Flame. Boston’s Clem Snide — led by Eef Barzlay — was also a frequent flier in the Cream City, famously playing at beloved and long-gone East Side establishment Gil’s Café before its doors closed in 2006. The Hallelujah Ward — featuring longtime Milwaukee scenesters Mark Waldoch of Atomic Records fame, Dan Didier of the Promise Ring and Maritime, and Paul Hancock of Testa Rosa — are an appropriate choice to open this one.
If straight flames are what you’re looking for, Die Spitz will blaze a path to your heart and ears with their raw and fast rock tearing it up at Cactus Club next Tuesday. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the quartet is known for their onstage “unruliness” and their penchant for playing loudly and unapologetically. They’ve recently shared stages with like-sounding act Amyl & The Sniffers, as well as Sleater-Kinney and OFF! Most importantly, they’ve earned a hearty co-sign from Radio Milwaukee development director Jay Burseth, who dropped this knowledge:
“They’re like a new generation of the riot grrrl movement, but with both lyricism and instrumental skills that are far beyond their years. Their new album, Something to Consume, thoroughly showcases their unique blend of feminist punk with fierce metal guitars. They’re known for their incredible live shows, and the show at Cactus Club will not disappoint!”
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Nov. 5: Jeff Tweedy w/Liam Kazar @ Pabst Theater, 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 5: Joe Wais (of The Milbillies) w/EB Albeit @ Crafty Cow Tosa, 7 p.m.
- Nov. 6: Charlie Parr w/Dead, Dead Swans @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Nov. 7: Thot Squad w/Zed Kenzo @ Cactus Club, 10:30 p.m.
- Nov. 7: The People Brothers Band w/Texas Toast @ The Cooperage, 7 p.m.
- Nov. 7: 5pm To Nowhere @ Ope! Brewing Co.
- Nov. 8: Mon Rovia w/RYMAN @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Nov. 8: Secret Menu, Scorched Waves, The Weekend Run Club, Alley Eyes @ Cactus Club, 6:30 p.m.
- Nov. 8: Still Messed Up: An All Messed Up Reunion Show @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 7 p.m.
- Nov. 8: J. Cordova w/Asher Gray, Greyhound @ Cactus Club, 10:30 p.m.
- Nov. 8: Moonglow w/Wonderful Bluffer, Horace Greene @ Mad Planet, 9 p.m.
- Nov. 9: Troubled Hubble w/The Hallelujah Ward, Clem Snide @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Nov. 11: Die Spitz w/Babe Haven @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
