Mike Brumm

How long have you lived in Milwaukee and why did you choose to live here?
I have lived in Milwaukee since 2003.  I came from UW-La Crosse with a Bachelors and Masters in Exercise Physiology.  I mostly came to Milwaukee to pursue my musical career.  A bigger city with bigger exposure!

What about Milwaukee makes a place you want to work and play?
I would have to say the people in Milwaukee are some of the best around, or I should say Wisconsin people.  I did a year in South Korea teaching English and met people from all over the world.  Wisconsites are some of the best.  Also, Milwaukee seems to have all the great things of big cities such as pro teams, great night life and tons to do and none of the bad things of big cities such as traffic problems.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?
Being a active musician, I would have to say the live music that comes through this city is so great.  When I am not playing music, I really try to see the great acts that come through this city as well as the unbelievable talent that Milwaukee calls their own.

What is one thing you’d like to see change about Milwaukee?
I would like to see the segregation be cut down in this city.  I believe Milwaukee is one of the most segregated in the country.  When I am not playing music, I rehab houses and work mostly in the Harambee neighborhood where I live as well.  This neighborhood is just west of Riverwest and just north of Brewers Hill.  Many Milwaukeeans have never heard of this neighborhood and I have heard that where I live is “the ghetto” but I can tell you this is just not true.  I believe there is a fear in people about where to live in this city and it would be great if we could remove some of the fear.  I moved to Harambee about two years ago and it has been a great experience being the minority race living on the block.  I plan on staying there for some time to come; if you ever want to visit, please look me up!

What do you do?
As stated, I rehab houses and I play music around the Milwaukee area.  I do a solo act, an Irish band called The Pubby’s, and a tribute band to Tom Petty called Learning to Fly.  Look up the bands on Facebook to check them out and see when we play. I look forward to Milwaukee’s future, thanks for being a part of it!