May 18-24

Hey kids, don’t forget that all this week is Our Milwaukee’s Buy Local, Live Local and Save event. Go to ourmilwaukee.net to find tons of coupons and money-saving promotions from dozens of local businesses, redeem your coupons this week and feel great that you’re supporting the city we love!

Monday, May 18

International Museum Day
9:00 AM- 5:00 PM – Free with MPM admission
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells

The Milwaukee Public Museum celebrates Wisconsin’s Museum Week (May 16-24) with a special one-day extravaganza. Take behind-the-scenes tours of the “off-limits” sections of the museum, have lunch in the cafe and bring the kids for museum storytelling. PLUS, you’ll get a sneak peek at an upcoming exhibit and discounts at museum shops.

Public Art in Milwaukee Panel Discussion
7-9 PM
Bucketworks
1319 N. Martin Luther King Drive

MARN will moderate this panel discussion to address the issues raised about the Janet Zweig public art project planned for the east end of Wisconsin Avenue. Panelists will include Alderman Michael Murphy, Polly Morris, Anne Katz, Jill Sebastian and Beth Haskovec, who will collectively seek to answer questions regarding Milwaukee’s public art process, how local artists can get involved in public work and what to do when things go wrong with public pieces.

Tuesday, May 19

Animal Collective
8 PM * $20
The Riverside Theatre
116 W. Wisconsin

If you’re looking for a show to jump-start your summer, this is it. Animal Collective has been experimenting with noise, abrasion and lovely folk melody since Clinton was in office, and by now they’ve honed their sound into something almost indescribable. The show was moved to the Riverside at the last minute so if you don’t already have tickets, you may find yourself taking the scenic route of the theater, but it will be worth it! Promise!

Thursday, May 21

Many Faces of Constructivism
2-7 PM * FREE
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells

This free event is sponsored by Great Lakes Constructivist Consortium and features projects created by high school students in a constructivist learner-centered environment. Projects on display will range from arts, architecture, environmental designs, boat building and a poetry slam and an attendee will be able to see the differences between traditional learning and constructivism, which argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning based on their experiences. The learning environments are project based and are all focused on being experiential, equitable and ecological.

Museum Day at The Mansion
1 PM * $10
The Pabst Mansion
2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.

The Pabst Mansion celebrates Museum Week with a special grand tour of the “finest Flemish Renaissance Revival mansion in America!” The tour will cover every square inch of the mansion, from the tallest heights of the attic to the darkest corners of the basement. It’s no joke. This two-hour jaunt takes you through narrow passages, winding staircases and an amazing amount of history.

Friday, May 22

CCFA Fundraiser + Art Show
8-11 PM * FREE
ArtBar
722 E. Burleigh

ArtBar in Riverwest hosts an evening fundraiser for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. Milwaukee artists will show ink drawings, paintings, jewelery and much more with prices ranging from $5-$300, plus $5 mojito specials, food by Transfer and live music by Union Pulse. The event is free, but there is a $5 suggested donation at the door to benefit Milwaukeeans in need.

The Candeliers & The Goodnight Loving
9:30 PM * $6
Linneman’s
1001 E. Locust St.

The Candeliers embody a truly eclectic, yet undeniably “Milwaukee” sound. Their catchy and highly danceable melodies will have you up and out of your chair within the first few bars. Milwaukee’s own The Goodnight Loving keeps the party going with foot-tappin’ country melodies and surf rock rhythms. Crack a beer and get ready to move your ass.

Saturday, May 23

Bradford Beach Opening Day
10 AM
Bradford Beach
2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive

With the opening of the beach house last summer, Bradford Beach has once again become the number one destination for summer fun in Milwaukee! Opening day festivities include volleyball and soccer tournaments, and of course food and copious amounts of summer beverages.

The Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee hosts it’s 3rd Annual Art Show in conjuction with the Milwaukee LGBT Center. This year’s theme is Mother Earth in Daily Life. About the show, the Lesbian Alliance’s website says “In many cultures there are evocations of mother earth including, Gaia, in Greek mythology; Matka Ziemia, in Slavonic mythology; and Shakti in Hindism. In today’s world of increasing environmental concerns, such as global warming, resource scarcity, and continued environmental degradation, how do we as humans take care of ourselves, our communities and our home, planet earth.”  This invitational show will include work from LGBT women and allies and runs through July 17, 2009.

Sunday, May 24

Live at The BBQ
2 PM
The Moct
240 E. Pittsburgh

Moct celebrates Memorial Day weekend in style with their annual down-home cook out. Bubb’s BBQ will have the slow roaster going all day, plus there will be live music, local DJs and plenty of great drink specials.