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.
We’re past the holiday season and fully into a part of the calendar that, historically, has been referred to as “the long, seemingly interminable slog to spring.” As you navigate this grey-slush-lined period, it’s best to keep your focus on a few figurative mile markers that make the journey feel shorter. Coincidentally, four such markers got added to the winter concert calendar this week, the first of which is just a couple days away.
If you listen to 88Nine, you’ve already heard about “Market Unplugged,” the live-music partnership between the Milwaukee Public Market and Radio Milwaukee. We’ve been working on this series for a little while now, leaning on what each organization does best to support the talented artists found throughout the area. Now, we’re proud to share the four monthly shows you can enjoy on the following Fridays as the mercury steadily climbs:
- Jan. 9 — The Panoptics and Ben Mulwana
- Feb. 13 — Nick Maas and Caley Conway
- March 13 — Will Phrang and Bear in the Forest
- April 10 — Wave Chapelle and Violet Wilder
Every show is hosted by a friendly on-air voice from Radio Milwaukee who will provide a personal touch in the form of a custom playlist to set the mood starting at 5 p.m. The live portion of the entertainment gets going at 6 p.m. and features acoustic sets from both artists (as the “Market Unplugged” name suggests).
You’ll of course be able to stock up on food and drink before ascending to the second floor for the show. But if you’re already up there, you can stop by the bar in the Palm Garden to re-beverage, with one of the options being a special concoction just for the concerts.
This Friday, it’s the Cosmic Berry — that's Crimson Berry Elixir with an American-style gin, finished with a touch of edible glitter (also available in an N/A version). If that’s not exciting enough, a portion of the proceeds from the cocktail will go to Radio Milwaukee so we can keep bringing you the music, stories and events that help bring all of us a little closer throughout the year.
Partnerships like this one will be an even bigger emphasis for us in 2026 because of how much positivity they can create in our community. This Friday is just the first example, giving you the opportunity to support us, the Milwaukee Public Market and the local artists from our city’s unbeatable music scene — all at the same time! Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. We’ll save you a seat.
Also, a quick thanks to a few local folks who helped us out by sponsoring the series: Educators Credit Union, Events by Design, 333 Water, Forage Kitchen, Surreal Sips and Central Standard Craft Distillery.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Jan. 9: The Panoptics, Ben Mulwana @ Milwaukee Public Market, 5 p.m.
- Jan. 9: Paul Cebar @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 9: Field Report @ The Argo, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 9: Oh Well Ok, Scrunchies, Crash House, Socially Suspect @ Cactus Club, 6 p.m.
- Jan. 9: Brendan Demet (single release) w/Mas Verde @ Linneman’s, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 10: G. Love & Special Sauce @ Vivarium, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 10: Gabriel Harris w/Rob Knapp & The Soul Patrol @ The Argo, 8 p.m.
- Jan. 10: Diet Lite, Dusk, Bad Crime @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
