Well, the groundhog said spring's a-comin, time to come out of hibernation...
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1. Mitten Fest
Just 'cause spring feels like it's right around the corner doesn't mean you don't need to keep your hands warm and Mitten Fest at Burnhearts in Bay View will fit your weekend plans like hands in a glove. Despite its name, it's just a name. It is however, one of the dopest midwinter mini-festivals you can find in town.
Mitten Fest is Burnheart's annual outdoor afternoon of local music and this year's iteration is an eclectic mix of music from country queens The Whiskeybelles (at 12:30 p.m.), hip hop goddess Queen Tut (at 2 p.m.), get you metal fix from Moon Curse (at 3:30 p.m.) and 88Nine faves Midnight Reruns (at 5 p.m.). This being Milwaukee, expect beer to be the fuel for the fun but there'll also be food vendors and coffee for other tastes. That it's a benefit for Hunger Task Force doesn't hurt either!
Saturday noon-6:30 (free)
Burnhearts
2599 S. Logan Ave. Bay View
2. Milwaukee Gospel Jubilee
Milwaukee Gospel Jubilee stops in for a 414 Session today with Sumka and that's a great way to get to know them befor their show on Friday at Turner Hall. So you could check the free short set at our home in Walker's Point (220 E. Pittsburgh Ave) today at 5pm, go see the whole lineup including New Gospel Five, The Milwaukee Community Quartet, Levi Gospel Singers, Holy Hill Ensemble, Voices of Faith, and The Skylight Singers at Turner or do both!
Friday at 7:30pm Turner Hall 1034 N 4th St Milwaukee
3. The Rashita Jonses
One of the new Milwaukee outfits we've adopted, The Rashita Joneses, has a show this Saturday in Riverwest this Saturday and it looks like the perfect dope show + dive bar kinda' situation. No offense to High Dive MKE, it's really a decent spot, but it's a small venue to see a show. Personally, that's my favorite atmosphere for music; nice and informal, low risk high reward. If you've not seen the Jonses, I've heard they're good live and they are in a line-up that also sports Faux Fiction and NeoCavemen.
Saturday at 9pm High Dive MKE 701 E Center St. Riverwest
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4. The Bad Plus
I was pretty surprised to not hear that avant jazz trio The Bad Plus was coming to Milwaukee this Saturday with little to no fanfare. I'm sure jazz heads'd agree that their one of the better jazz outfits touring these days, so the opportunity to see them in the small sized West End Conservatory this Saturday for two shows. Not sure if tickets are still available, but if they are you should feel fortunate if you can score a pair.
Saturday at 5:30pm West End Conservatory 5500 W Vliet St. Milwaukee
5. Mardi Gras
I feel like this year, unlike years past, Mardi Gras has sorta flown under the radar; no small feat for one of the world's biggest parties. Round these parts, you can always count on Maxie's, one of Milwaukee's best purveyors of Southern culinary arts and general good times to come through for your yen for party beads, King Cakes and good times. Maxie's is throwing not one, but two gigs as they'll celebrate Lundi Gras this Monday and follow it with Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday. Trust me, I've been to their shindig and it's on point; plus, this year their bringing The Extra Krispy Brass Band to keep the thing in swing.
Monday & Tuesday Maxie's 6732 N Fairview, Milwaukee