July 20-26

If we had to pick one event and one event only for you to attend this week, it’d be TRANSFER-MATION, our Gallery Night after-party/website relaunch celebration at your favorite pizza cafe and ours, TRANSFER (get it? 101 W. Mitchell). We’ll ply you with cheap drinks ($5 Rehorst Transfertinis, $2 Lakefront Wheat Monkey and $2 LoDuca Pinot Grigio) and you can dance the night away to the hot sounds of DJ Whitebread (of WMSE‘s World Music Mondays). If you had the great fortune of joining us for our after-party in October, it will be just like that, although we can’t officially sanction dancing on the bar.

That’s this Friday, July 24, starting at 9:00 p.m. What do I do until then, you ask? Keep reading!

Monday, July 20

Blitzen Trapper
7PM * $10
The Pabst
144 E. Wells

On the surface, Blitzen Trapper seems like just another indie-folk band from Portland (snoooooze) that sounds unremarkably like a young Bob Dylan, but don’t be fooled by the sextet’s flanneled exterior. Live, the band incorporates a whole myriad of musical styles and melodies to create a sound that is intriguing, if not downright charming.

I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this show. I mean, Sonic Youth is legendary and provided the soundtrack to my formative years, but I have to wonder how much of an edge they have and how well they will be received by a crowd that only knows the songs from “Washing Machine.” Nonetheless, I’d recommend it – their live shows are unforgettable and somehow, Thurston Moore is still sorta dreamy.

Tuesday, July 21

Art & Copy & Beer
5PM * $40
Marcus Center for Performing Arts
929 N. Water St.

Come out and show your support for Milwaukee Film and the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival! This fundraising event features beer tasting (naturally) and delectable eats, plus a screening of Art and Copy, a film fest sensation that chronicles the personal journeys of some of the most influential minds in the biz. Tickets are a bit pricey, but rest assured that your money is going to a good place!

Wednesday, July 22

The Reverend Horton Heat
8PM * $25
Miramar Theater
2844 N. Oakland Ave.

Psychobilly in Milwaukee! Jim “Reverend Horton” Heath’s  trio brings their own brand of “country-fed punkabilly” to Milwaukee this month. These dudes have been touring the world longer than most of us have been alive and still maintain one of the most outrageous stage shows of all time. How will the Miramar stand up?

Thursday, July 23

German Fest
July 23-26
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Dr.

The lineup of Milwaukee’s ethnic continues with German Fest – the largest German festival in America. This weekend boasts a slew of activities – all very near and dear to the Milwaukee tradition. Translated, that means that there’s going to be a lot of very large, very potent steins to be had. Oh yeah, plus food, music and LEDERHOSEN!!

The Chain
9PM
Mad Planet
533 E. Center St.

Milwaukee’s most mysterious soul-funk band is at Mad Planet tonight. Bring your dancing shoes and your best moves, this one’s gonna tear up the  floor.

Friday, July 24

Riverwest 24 Hour Bike Race
7PM
2600 Block of Pierce St.

It’s finally here! If you followed TCD’s Summer Bike Series, you know that the RW24 is definitely a highlight of the summer. The race kicks off tonight at 7PM and continues through the night until 7PM on Saturday. In the meantime, there will be dozens of block parties and awesomeness all over Riverwest. If you want to race then SIGN UP NOW for only $20, otherwise come out an show your support for these rip-roarin’ riders.

Saturday, July 25

Art Not Apathy: A Gathering
7PM* FREE
Bucketworks
1340 N. 6th Street

The Organization for Inspiration is a non-profit dedicated to combating apathy within Wisconsin’s artistic communities. The “Art Not Apathy” gatherings are a series of art shows, poetry readings and live music geared towards promoting creativity and cooperation within the community. Each series aims to inspire individuals to express themselves in a safe and constructive manner to bring about change in the city and create a stronger, more outspoken community for future generations.

Downer Avenue Classic
Race Begins at 5PM
Downer Avenue

It’s a great weekend for cycling! Come down to the East Side’s lovely Downer Avenue for a Criterium Classic race in the afternoon, but be sure to get there early to peruse the great shops and eateries in the neighborhood.

Sunday, July 26

Tortured Soul
9PM * $14
Turner Hall Ballroom
1032 N. 4th St.

Don’t let their name fool you into thinking that Tortured Soul is another neo-goth butt-rock trio that plays songs about pain, love, love causing pain or being mentally disturbed because their mothers never hugged them enough. In fact, this Brooklyn dance group combines soul and funk with a twist of modern dance beats that’ll make you wanna groove.