May 4-10, 2009
Monday, May 4
In-Store Book Club
Boswell Books
2559 N. Downer Ave.
The news of Schwartz Books’ closing was devastating for Milwaukee. However, it was a relief to find out that Boswell Books would spring up in its place, just like the first buds of Spring. Come out and support this new Milwaukee institution at Boswell’s in-store book club. This week, discuss Yoko Ogawa’s The Housekeeper and the Professor with other readers and owner Daniel Goldin. Call 414-332-1181 for times.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting
Grapes & Grain
7pm-$25
11301 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon
I’ve always been a firm believer that Monday, more than any other day of the week, is a day worthy of a good drink — you know, just to get the week started off right. You can get the week going and start your Cinco de Mayo celebration early with a top-shelf tequila tasting (accompanied by delicious chips and salsa) with Tom Zacharias from Capital Husting. 262-240-0206 for more info.
Tuesday, May 5
Latino Arts Strings Program: Cinco de Mayo performance
Latino Arts Auditorium
1028 S. 9th St.
10:30 am- $20
Despite their young age, the participants in the Latino Arts Strings program have a deep and thorough understanding of classical music theory and traditional Latino folk music. Over 70 participants ages 6-18 will perform a special Cinco de Mayo concert, where they will blow you away with their skill and precision. Tickets are $20 with special discounts for students and seniors.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Lincoln Village – between S. 5th & 20th Street
Unfortunately, mass hysteria over the H1N1 virus has caused some Cinco de Mayo celebrations to be cancelled this year. But the party’s not over yet- come to Lincoln Village to celebrate Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla. There will be food, music and a shuttle bus to transport people between the neighborhoods shops and eateries.
Dan Deacon
Turner Hall Ballroom
1034 N. 4th St.
8 pm – $10
Over the past year, some amazing and unexpected acts have come to Milwaukee, thanks to the re-emergence of beloved venues like The Pabst and Riverside, and to the re-invention of Turner Hall. What I’m trying to say is, if you’ve got $10 to spare, go to this show! Dan Deacon’s experimental electronic music focuses mainly on instrumentals and uses various electronic devices that’ll get your ass moving around the dance floor. He’s known for his live shows, where he eschews the stage and performs his entire set on the floor with the audience. It’s gonna be awesome.
Wednesday, May 6
Angela Sorby and Mark Kraushaar Book Release
Woodland Pattern Book Center
720 E. Locust
7 pm – FREE
Mark Kraushaar’s latest anthology of poems Falling Brick Kills Local Man is a collection of rich narrative poems, focusing on the things that move him in an attempt to explore our interconnected world. Angela Sorby, Associate Professor of English at Marquette University, presents Bird Skin Coat explores how the “radical instability of the world is also the source of its energy.” Both poets will be at Woodland Pattern to share readings from their new work.
Thursday, May 7
Gathering Rushes
UWM Union Theatre
2200 E. Kenwood
7 pm – FREE
This screening is part of UWM Film’s Locally Grown Series, helping Milwaukee-based filmmakers get their work on the big screen. Tonight’s show includes several new works (all receiving their Milwaukee premiere) including From the Archives of an Inventor (20 min, video, 2009) by Steve Wetzel; Tonal Tide (9 mins., 16mm, 2008) by Ross Nugent; YSBRYD (spirit) (8 mins, video, 2008) by Julie Murray; Freshwaters (5 min, 16mm, 2009) by Evan Hanson; and a live audio-visual performance from Brent Coughenour (2008, approx. 30 min).
Friday, May 8
Milwaukee Underground Film Festival
UWM Union Theatre
2200 E. Kenwood
7 pm- FREE
This Friday kicks off the Underground Film fest, an annual student-run festival featuring a collection of international short films and videos. Screenings are free and open to the public and will continue at various Milwaukee venues through Sunday. For a complete schedule of films, check out www.uniontheatre.uwm.edu.
Making the Cut Film Fundraiser
The River Horse
701 E. Center St.
8 pm- $5 suggested donation
Through various fundraising efforts, interviews and personal experiences, transsexual filmmaker Ashley Altadonna aims to explore not only the financial and social issues facing transgender persons, but also what it means simply to be female/male bodied in today’s culture. There will be music by Milwaukee DJ’s Lady Blackheart, Dixie from White Wrench Conservatory, and Dori Zori from 91.7 WMSE. The Tool Shed will be on hand selling items and members of the Ally Cat Review will perform. Prizes from Milwaukee businesses and organizations will also be raffled off.
Cabinets of Curiosity
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St.
Museum Hours: 9am-5pm
Cabinets of Curiosity highlights the vast holdings that MPM has acquired in its 125 years of operation. The culmination of the UWM/MPM Museum Studies program, this exhibit features the diverse range, odd extremes, intriguing collection stories, and obscure objects. The show opens today and runs until April 5, 2010. Check the website for ticket prices and other info.
Saturday, May 9
Brew City Bruisers Championship Bout
Milwaukee County Sports Complex
6000 W. Ryan Rd., Franklin
7 pm-$15 door/ $12 advance
Have you been to a bout this season? If not, now’s your (last) chance to get in on the action as the Rushin’ Rollettes and Maiden Milwaukee battle it out for the trophy! Be there.
Milwaukee Fair Trade Crawl
Outpost Natural Foods- Bay View
2826 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
10:30 am- 6 pm
Celebrate World Fair Trade Day with a good old-fashioned “crawl.” Over 30 different Milwaukee retailers and eateries will set up shops and offer at least one certified fair trade product. Throughout the day their will also be talks by two Peruvian fair trade artisans: Ayde Riveros, who founded and works in a knitted goods co-op and Evangelina Pizarro, a former sweatshop worker who founded a jewelery cooperative. www.fairtradeforall.net
Brady Street Flower Power Green Day
Brady Street
11 am-4pm
Brady Street merchants will present eco-focused ideas, partner with green businesses, and provide information on a variety of earth-friendly topics designed to show people how to leave a smaller carbon footprint. Drop off your gently used clothing and shoes, find out how cars run on biodiesel and how to make it yourself, check out rain barrel and composting displays, take part in a seed, bulb, and perennial plant swap outside the fire house, and more. Throughout the day, merchants will offer a variety of Flower Power specials including floral-inspired entrees and beverages, “sunshine sales” and green light (compact fluorescent variety) specials.
Sunday, May 10
This Sunday I give you the guide to Mother’s Day brunch – take her to one of these places on her special day and she’ll be so impressed that she won’t even care that you bombed this semester’s classes, have no immediate plans to marry the dude you’ve been living with and are still a bit drunk from last night. Yay!
Milwaukee Public Museum
Seating times: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm
Price: $29 for Mothers and members, $34 non-members
MPM hosts a butterfly-themed brunch with catering by Zilli’s featuring complimentary champagne, pastries, smoked salmon and more of your brunch faves. Admission price also grants Mom access to the museum. Call 414-278-2702 for more info.
Fuzion Cafe & Lounge
Price: $35
Take her to the Fifth Ward’s chic Fuzion Cafe for a brunch buffet with omelets, lamb, steak, fresh fruit and of course, Bloody Marys. Call 414- 455-3281 for reservations and additional info.
10am-2pm
Price: $24.95 adults/ $12.95 kids under 12
The Brookfield Suites offers a swanky champagne brunch for Mom’s special day. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet including prime rib, seafood, pastries,quiche , blintzes and amaretto french toast, among others. There’s also a kids menu for the ankle-biters in your bunch, with old faves like mac n’ cheese, corn dogs and chicken nuggets. Call 262-782-2900 for reservations.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
10:30am-2pm
Call 414-525-5635 for prices
Enjoy your brunch amidst nature at Boerner Botanical Gardens with catering by Bartolotta’s. It’s sure to please! Reservations are a must, so call today!
Lake Park Bistro
10am-3pm
Call 414-962-6300 for prices
If you’re feeling fancy, then Lake Park Bistro is the spot. Enjoy a beautiful view of the lakefront while dining on a three-course meal featuring oysters and black truffles.
Envoy at The Ambassador Hotel
9am-3pm
Price: $25.95
The newly revamped Envoy is quickly becoming a favorite brunch spot for its unlimited small-plate menu and 1920s decor. They’ll have all of the brunch buffet staples out for Mother’s Day, including customized waffle and omelet stations. Reservations are required, so call 414-345-5015.
So there you have it. Keep in mind that this is just a short list of hot spots around Milwaukee that will be serving up a special menu this Mother’s Day. Feel free to add your suggestions for other great brunch spots that mom might enjoy.
