Previewing the Peck School’s new music series

UWM’s Peck School of the Arts, along with with 91.7 WMSE, Ink To the People, Transfer Pizzeria & Cafe and VIA Downer, is introducing a new, free concert series: MKE Unplugged, featuring intimate and stripped down performances from local and national acts at the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts. The series is part of the Peck School’s Year of the Arts, and it begins next Thursday, Sept. 20. TCD takes a look at the artists featured in the series.

Trapper Schoepp & the Shades: 2012 was a pretty big year for The Shades, finding them playing high profile gigs with Soul Asylum and signing with influential LA record label SideOneDummy. Their new full length Run, Engine, Run will be re-released on Sept. 25, and Schoepp will be performing songs from it on Sept. 20, with special guest Macyn Taylor. (Reader’s note: Yes, I used to drum for these guys (hey dudes!)).

Recommended if you like: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Dawes, Old 97s

The Midwestern Charm: Remember the awesome hooky alternative rock that ruled the airwaves in the early- to mid-90s?  The Midwestern Charm most certainly do, and their debut full length from earlier this year recalls those sounds perfectly, albeit with a very slight twang. The band will be performing on Oct. 11 with special guest Dustin DeGolier.

Recommended if you like: The Gin Blossoms, The Lemonheads, The Posies

Lisa Gatewood: Singer-songwriter Lisa Gatewood has been writing and performing since 2005, showcasing her tunes everywhere from the airwaves of WMSE to Linneman’s Riverwest Inn. Her latest album Midway was released earlier this year, and she will be performing on Nov. 15 along with special guest Andrew Lardner.

Recommended if you like: Neko Case, Lucinda Williams, Jennifer O’Connor

Evan Christian: Accomplished classical guitarist Evan Christian plays a blend of Latin, Flamenco and R&B styles, having won many awards in the local press over the last five years. Breezy, delicate and technical, Christian will be performing on Dec. 20.

Recommended if you like: Santana, Carlos Montoya, Esteban

The Sugar Stems: The Sugar Stems are short and to the point, playing quick and incredibly catchy bursts of hyper-cute guitar pop, complete with sweet male/female vocal harmonies. With a brand new full length on the way, the band will be performing on Feb. 21.

Recommended if you like: The Ramones, The Vaselines, The Everly Brothers

Paul Geremia: Paul Geremia has been playing for over the last forty years, studying the works of classic blues and jazz players while sharing the stage with many of them as well. The Rhode Island native will be making a trip to the Milwaukee this spring, performing on March 28.

Recommended if you like: Howlin Wolf, Blind Willie McTell, Ry Cooder

With a few acts still TBA, you can find an up to date schedule here as soon as new acts are announced.