Plenty of exciting things to do this weekend. A legend, a poet, an anniversary and more. Check it out below.
1. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
This weekend, The Boss'll be in town to put in some work at the biggest gig in town, the B-MO Harris Bradley Center. Fans of the man can not only expect to see a good show but a special treat as well, as the inspiration for the tour is the release of a new box set called The Ties That Bind: The River Collection, a collection of work from his seminal,1980 release The River.
The River, Springsteen's double-disc opus featured many of the songs that most of us remember him for; like “Sherry Baby,” “Independence Day” and for me, perhaps his best song, “Hungry Heart.” At 66, who knows how many quality tours the has left but the opportunity to see an American music legend performing his best stuff should pique your interest and The Boss'll be performing The River from front to back to open a show that has the all the hallmarks of a truly memorable music experience. (look for a possible Bowie tribute to start the night!)
Tonight at 7:30
BMO Harris Bradley Center
1001 N. 4th St. Milwaukee
2. P is for poetry...
...and U should definitely check out our national Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera who is in town for a reading tonight at UWM's Union and tomorrow for a talk on the craft of poetry at UWM's Bolton Hall. Herrera is also the FIRST Latino to hold the position and boasts a long list of accomplishments and his body of work speaks loudly. But really, when was the last time you heard some poetry that wasn't trying to figure out how to be poetry? On intrigue alone, I'd go check out the reading; if you take someone you like, they might even think you're smarter for it. Indeed, crafters of thought through word shouldn't scoff at the chance to learn about their craft from a cat with credentials.
Tonight at 7pm (free) / Tomorrow at 2pm (free) UWM Union Ballroom / UWM Bolton Hall 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
3. Sista Strings
Sista Strings is literally a sister act, a duo that uses their musical upbringing, gospel roots and classical training to craft a sound on strings that is a reflection of their eccentric influences. Monique and Chauntee are also the music guests for today's 414 Music and while I encourage you to come peep that here at Radio Milwaukee (220 E. Pittsburgh Ave at 5pm) I am really trying to highlight their event later tonight.
Sista Strings is performing tonight at Lucille's Piano Bar for their respective birthday's and the show will feature various local musicians on stage as they play a tribute show featuring the music of neo-soul goddess Erykah Badu.
Today at 8pm Lucille's Piano Bar 1110 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee
4. The Greyhounds
The Greyhounds are an interesting band out of Austin, Texas, one that has been to Milwaukee many times and always puts on a good show. Their tour is in support of their new album Change of Pace and they'll be making a stop in the Ville at Yield Bar on Milwaukee's East Side. On their new one, janky blues meets funky R&B over off-kilter keys and guitars that'll make you throw the wash away to keep that funk fresh. Even though you might not have heard or heard of The Greyhounds, this is a band built to party and fit for a Friday night out on the town, see you there...
Friday at 10pm Yield Bar 1932 E Kenilworth Pl, Milwaukee
5. WMSE's Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser
Chili. One of those foods that sparks endless debate over whose style of it is in fact the best and WMSE's Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser is one of those events where you might find some definitive answers to that neverending question. It's been a minute since I've been to the RCF, but my memory runs long and I know this is an event that's super fun. The Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser is one of 91.7 WMSE's premier events as well as being a high quality chili competition that pits over 50 Milwaukee restaurants, cafes and caterers against one another to end the debate over whose chili is the best.
There are many ways to win, meaning you really have to try 'em all to vote in categories like best meat, best vegetarian, most unique chili, best heat, and best vendor display/presentation. This year they've had to adjust to the demand and should have space aplenty at the Kern Center's 1st floor gymnasium and the second floor field (which is presumably where the chili pepper races will happen (I know!))
Sunday 11am-4pm MSOE Kern Center 1245 N Broadway, Milwaukee
