1.
Frightened Rabbit
Hopefully, you caught Scottish rock outfit Frightened Rabbit live on 88Nine today, they were excellent in any case. They're following that with the main attraction tonight at the lovely Pabst Theater as the continue their tour in support of their latest, Painting of A Panic Attack. Their latest feels like a proper evolution of the raw and honest vulnerability they had on the album that preceded it, 2013's Pedestrian at Best. A band that takes itself seriously and seems to seek higher truths through their music, certainly a safe bet for a Thursday night. If you get there early, catch the band Caveman who opens the show.
Tonight @ Pabst Theater 144 E. Wells St. Milwaukee
2.
When Doves Cry: A Tribute to Prince
The Purple One may have passed and though sad, it served as a reminder of the power of his music and the massive influence he had on people young and old. It's fitting then that we get a proper event that serves his sound. Nothing but Prince is what's on tap this evening at Mad Planet in Riverwest; catch selectors, Straka Khan and Kid Millions on the turntables as they serve a fitting tribute to a man who was a legend in his own time.
Tonight @ Mad Planet 533 E Center St. Riverwest
3.
UNINTIMIDATED! Wisconsin Musicians Against Scott Walker
The past two weeks have produced a pair of events that suggest the music scene in Milwaukee is as committed as anyone to subvert the policies of Governor Scott Walker, albeit in contrasting fashion. Last week's cross-city collection of shows, called Arte Para Todos, enlisted what seemed like every local act available in what was ultimately a giant charity to support schools in the wake of Walker's massive funding cuts. And the spirit of that discontent continues this weekend with the more combatively titled event, UNINTIMIDATED: Wisconsin Musicians Against Scott Walker.
UNINTIMIDATED promises to be far more scathing in its approach to the Governor's policies as the bands enlisted were given a couple of hours at Howl Street Studios to give their own take on the man and his politics. It's a given that their will be plenty of anger and angst on display when the recordings are released at a series of shows in Riverwest this weekend.
Friday night has Body Futures, Midwest Death Rattle, Heavy Hand and Lady Cannon at Riverwest Public House, 815 E. Locust St., and the second on Saturday night features IFIHADAHIFI, Tyranny Is Tyranny, Damsel Trash and Soup Moat at Mad Planet, 533 E. Center St. And proceeds from both shows'll support both Planned Parenthood and local food kitchens.
4.
The Screaming Eagle of Soul
If you didn't know soul-man Charles Bradley by his alternate title, you do now. He's earned the monicker as a reflection of his plaintive, soulful style that arcs his theatric vocal vibes straight to the ether of whatever venue he blesses with his inimitable sound. He'll be in our space for a session tomorrow around noon if you can't make his show later in the evening at Turner Hall. With the rise of the retro sound, I'm careful not to miss the cats who are the reason retro even is.
Friday @ Turner Hall 1032 N. 4th St. Milwaukee
5.
Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts + Devil Met Contention
Looking for something to cap the weekend? You could check out 88Nine favorite Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts hits Bay View this Sunday on a bill that also features this week's 414 Music guests Devil Met Contention.
Sunday @ Cactus Club 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. Bay View
