June 1-7
Monday, June 1
Big Fun 4 ever, Ear Pwr & Unicorn Basement
9 PM * Cover unknown
The Cactus Club
2496 S. Wenworth
Oh man, it’s already (unofficially) summer! Let’s declare this the best summer ever and dance our way into it at the Cactus tonight, with sweet sweet dance jams from locals Big Fun Forever, North Carolina synth-masters Ear Pwr and Minneapolis’ Unicorn Basement. Check out their music on YouTube– if their live shows are anything like that, count me in! (they’ll also be playing a show Tuesday night at the Borg Ward Collective!)
Tuesday, June 2
Open Rock Climbing
4-6 PM * $15 adults/ $12 kids
The Urban Ecology Center
1500 E. Park Place
Unwind after school or work by climbing on a three-story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided, but all climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing. There are no walk-ins, so register early by calling 414-964-8505.
Wednesday, June 3
Bell’s Brewing Beer Tasting
7 PM
The Bomb Shelter
1517 S. 2nd St.
I typically try not to put the same events in from week to week, but I just couldn’t pass this up. Bell’s Brewing of Kalamazoo, MI will host The Bomb Shelter’s weekly “Suds Club” tasting. If we’re lucky, they’ll be sampling their Expedition Stout, a dark-as-night brew so rich and delicious (and sooooo strong), you almost have to chew it. I know that doesn’t sound good, but one sip and I guarantee you’ll be
hooked.
Thursday, June 4
Jazz in the Park
6:30 PM * FREE
Cathedral Square Park
520 E. Wells St.
Even if we can’t bring our OWN booze into the park this year, it’s no reason to turn down great FREE outdoor music. Jazz in the Park kicks off its 2009 series tonight and will continue through September. Come down with blankets and chairs, and if you’re feeling thirsty remember to bring your wallet to enjoy a tall cool one from local bars and restaurants.
John Vanderslice
8 PM * $12
Turner Hall Ballroom
1032 N. 4th St.
San Francisco based artist John Vanderslice comes back to Milwaukee to promote his latest and arguably best album Romanian Names. Fans of Vanderslice have always appreciated his smart and adventurous take on pop music — at times using analog instruments to skew a song’s form and structure. Fans old and new alike will find something to love in Romanian Names as Vanderslice eschews past standards and focuses on melody and craft .
Friday, June 5
St. Vincent
8 PM * $10
The Pabst Theatre
144 W. Wells St
Annie Clark — you know her from The Polyphonic Spree — began recording music as St. Vincent two years ago and quickly became the darling of the indie music scene, spurring critical acclaim from everyone — Pitchfork to the New York Times — and breaking hearts along the way. As St. Vincent, Clark’s music is dark and theatrical and quickly becomes infectious with elegant lyrics inspired melodies.
Jason Rohlf : Errant Compass
5 PM
Tory Folliard Gallery
233 N. Milwaukee St.
Milwaukee native Jason Rohlfe premiere’s his one-month exhibition, Errant Compass (running June 5 to July 11), at Tory Folliard Gallery. Rohlf is known for his densely worked surfaces and his abstract geometric paintings, which are almost musical in their play with rhythmic pattern, incorporating elements of collage and drawing.
Saturday, June 6
The Moth
8 PM * $12
Turner Hall Ballroom
1032 N. 4th St.
Called the “hottest literary ticket” by The Wall Street Journal, New York’s “The Moth” has been performing live storytelling shows (no notes or cheat-sheets allowed) since 1997. The Moth in Milwaukee will feature five storytellers each telling a personal ten-minute story, hosted by New Yorker humorist Andy Borowitz. The stories will be true stories from the storytellers’ lives told on stage. The line-up will include Tom Farley, two Moth tellers from New York, a Milwaukee “everywoman” Claire Moore, and Todd Hanson of The Onion.
World of Beer Festival
1 PM * $35 ($40 for VIP passes)
The Schwabenhof
14750 W. Silver Spring, Menomonee Falls
I love that Milwaukee is one of the few places that drinks more beer during “bikini season” — I really do. At the World of Beer Festival, treat your lips to over 100 beers from around the world, plus a few homebrews from The Beer Barons of Milwaukee and other regional homebrewing clubs. Plus, watch demos on how to make your own frothy concoctions!
Sunday, June 7
Miller Lite Ride for the Arts
Times Vary
Marcus Center for Performing Arts
929 N. Water St.
In 29 years, the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts has welcomed more than 200,000 participants from the region and raised more than $6 million for the United Performing Arts Fund. Riders can go all-out with a 75 mile route or take it easy with just 5 miles- no matter how far you ride, everyone is welcome to participate. Jump-start your summer, get some fresh air to burn the winter out of your lungs and help keep Milwaukee’s performing arts scene lively and dynamic.
