Radio Milwaukee’s Live Showcase for Local Artists

414 Music Live, broadcast by 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, has been going for years, featuring performances by local musicians, but was recently reintroduced with a new twist – a live, in-studio audience. Peter Adams, the radio station’s Marketing and Promotions Manager, says the revised format “is a chance for us to invite the public into our new home in Walker’s Point.” The station’s new digs at 220 E. Pittsburgh Ave. provide a perfect setting for an audience, something the station’s leaders have envisioned ever since the inception of 414 Music.

So audience members now get a unique opportunity to be there as the music is happening and the station gets to repay its supporters, too. “We were able to build our new facility largely on the donations of individuals in the community,” Adams notes, “and we wanted to give back.”

The original goal of 414 Music Live was to support Milwaukee music and musicians by getting local music “to more ears,” as Adams notes. This new setup will ideally provide even more exposure for musicians. “The idea is to create a regular experience that whether you know the band or not, you can always know there will be good, free music on any given Thursday.”

Since launching on June 5, Adams notes, “The response has been great! I was expecting a great turnout, but I think it surpassed everyone’s expectations.” The first week, which featured sister band Vic and Gab, brought in an audience of about 125 people.

Performances start at 5:30 p.m., perfect for those coming straight from work, and beer, wine, coffee and gourmet sodas can be purchased from Stone Creek Coffee. The idea is to “create a happy hour type environment” at the studio, Adams says.

As for the lineup of performers, Adams notes, “We definitely want a variety of original bands.” Local bands can fill out a submission form on the website in order to get featured, and 414 Music Live also seeks out bands that are asked to perform, especially those with an upcoming show or album release. Recently featured bands have been Heidi Spencer and the Rare Birds, Kid Millions and the Sounds of Time.

414 Music Live is open to the public every Thursday evening starting at 5p.m.

The schedule of upcoming Milwaukee bands:

7/3- Ethan Keller
7/10- TBA
7/17- Light Music
7/24- Celebrated Workingman Reunion