We're looking forward to Record Store Day and 414 Day, but here are five other things to do this weekend in Milwaukee.
#1
Midwest Music Exchange feat. Zed Kenzo
One of the more interesting events this weekend features the fruit of a project called Midwest Music Exchange; a collaboration and music exchange project with our sister station like The Current in Minny and Manitoba Music up nort'. The deal is that three bands—one from Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Winnipeg—do a show on each others' turf. That said, Milwaukee is up for this Friday's leg as Zed Kenzo headlines in our hometown. Minneapolis' Lady Lark has a shiny, vigorous disco and R&B sound that you shouldn't sleep on while Winnepag's Silence Kit hits with catchy hooks and melodic guitar riffs. If you haven't heard Zed Kenzo, you should. Alien baby rap is her self-description and I think she's a bizarre lady in the flyest way possible. This show should be lit.
Friday at 10 p.m. @ Company Brewing
#2
Milwaukee Psychfest
Now in its seventh iteration, Milwaukee Psych Fest got the pump primed with last weekend's party at the Cooperage with Tuareg rocker Mdou Moctar and the fest get's even realer this weekend. Friday and Saturday feature a dizzying array of acts on a lineup so deep it's hard to characterize easily. So I won't. But I will recommend checking out one or both of the days. All the stages look expertly arranged. This weekend, Psych Fest is a proper destination of things to do inside and out at the Cooperage in Walker's Point. I'm exhausted (in good way) just looking at it...
April 12 Main Stage 12:45am-Psychic Ills 11:30-Acid Mothers Temple 9:45-Nest Egg 8:15-Yamantaka // Sonic Titan 6:45-Sunwatchers 5:15-Moss Folk Tent Stage 10:30-New Candys 9:00-Magic Shoppe 7:30-Red Mass 6:00-Plastic Crimewave Syndicate 4:30-Brief Candles April 13th Main Stage 12:45-Night Beats 11:30-The Telescopes 9:45-Triptides 8:15-Garcia Peoples 6:45-Mr. Airplane Man 5:15-Flavor Crystals 3:45-David Nance Group 2:15-IE Tent Stage 10:30-Dire Wolves 9:00-Sunburned Hand of the Man 7:30-Elkhorn 6:00-Faux Ferocious 4:30-Hot Garbage 3:00-Vocokesh 1:30-Limber Brain 12:00-Operations Saturday and Sunday at the Cooperage
#3
Journey the Atlantic/Viajando el Atlántico
Bembe's Journey the Atlantic promises to be a musical journey from West Africa to Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the present-day United States of America through traditional Afro-Latino music and dance. I love events that can genuinely claim to be educational in addition to being a good time. I guess this is the Bembé youth group's last major show of the school year and includes an intergenerational line up of special guests. And given the fact that it's family friendly and free, I wouldn't hesitate to step out of whatever your "normal" is to see what's up with this event.
Friday 7-9 p.m. @ Latino Arts Center
#4
MKExpanded Milwaukee Day Showcase with Genesis Renji
Honestly, this looks to be one of the best 414 Day-themed events that I found, as Genesis Renji headlines an all-Milwaukee artist bill this Sunday at the Cactus Club. Genesis Renji is a rapper whose style is hard to place, though with talent that's undeniable. When I saw him, I was impressed by the combination of swagger focus. The cat is truly up to the task of rocking the house. Channeling his acute intelligence toward songs that seek change, Genesis Renji manages to be more than smart, with music that's also fun. Also in the mix, Camb, Nile Nile, Sharrod Sloans, Mo'City, Shun Millions, J-Lamo and Spaidez.
Sunday at 7 p.m. @ Cactus Club
#5
414 Day at Milwaukee Makers Market
414 Day looks good at Discovery World with the Milwaukee Makers Market featuring a bevy of locally made items. I know I love to shop, and their indoor market has all the Milwaukee jewelry makers, artists, designers and other skilled artisans that you might possibly need. Shop one-of-a-kind, locally-made products including ceramics, women’s clothing, leather goods, candles and more. Explore the market, have fun, meet amazing artists and artisans, shop and support independent maker spirit in Milwaukee. Bonus points for being free...
Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. @ Discovery World
