Laura Heller

Recent Articles

Smoke ’em while you got ’em: My Office
Smoke ’em while you got ’em

My Office

My Office has ferried its way through the bar scene with a pro-smoking environment for the past 30 years. What's going to happen once Milwaukee goes smoke free?

Festival season comes early this year

Festival season comes early this year

Going through film festival withdrawal? Never fear, Milwaukee Film's Winter Edition is here!

Last Call: Laughing Islands
Last Call

Laughing Islands

How is it possible to spend your whole life in Milwaukee and never visit the Comedy Cafe? Laura Heller checks it off her to-do list.

Last Call: Reinventing Friday Night
Last Call

Reinventing Friday Night

Getting out of my comfort zone on a Friday night proved redeeming. Milwaukee unveils to me, again, why I love it so much.

2009 Holiday Fun Guide

2009 Holiday Fun Guide

Skate your way through Milwaukee this holiday with art, music, decorations, carriage rides, artisan gift markets and more. There is something for everyone!

TCD 2009 Halloween Guide!

TCD 2009 Halloween Guide!

Haunted houses, pumpkin farms and favorite fall haunts are on the horizon.

2009 MFF: The Reel Scene II
2009 MFF

The Reel Scene II

Trouble understanding the film's ending? Chat with members of select MFF cast and crew during casual Q&A sessions.

MFF Preview: The Reel Scene
MFF Preview

The Reel Scene

Our behind-the-scene scout maps out the digs for music, stars and festivities in and around the film festival.

5Q: Five Questions for Ross Bigley
5Q

Five Questions for Ross Bigley

Milwaukee's Short Film Festival will feature strong titles and some film titans this season.

First Stage expands with diverse shows for the wee set

First Stage expands with diverse shows for the wee set

Highlights from the season include stagings of favorite children's book authors and one Tony Award-winning musical.

Percussion Work Performance @ Haggerty

Percussion Work Performance @ Haggerty

Milwaukee drummer and percussionist Jon Mueller

Unique Art at Carroll

Unique Art at Carroll

Eddee Daniel's new installation

Cream City Festival

Cream City Festival

Their First FREE Annual Music Festival

Gallery 2622 Presents Deone Jahnke

Gallery 2622 Presents Deone Jahnke

New Photo Collection

Afternoon Tea on the Terrace

Afternoon Tea on the Terrace

Pour over the history of tea while drinking tea!

Wisconsin Visual Artists 2009 Exhibition

Wisconsin Visual Artists 2009 Exhibition

A juried art show at Mount Mary college

MAM after Dark

MAM after Dark

DIY and Beer Tasting!

Rep’s Prop & Costume Garage Sale

Rep’s Prop & Costume Garage Sale

Costume pieces, props, furniture, and set decorations, including this amazing beach ball!

Milwaukee Film Announcement

Milwaukee Film Announcement

If you attend the special preview screening of Public Enemies on June 30, you’ll be helping raise funds for Milwaukee Film.  Film Wisconsin and the Milwaukee County Historical Society have generously agreed to set aside a portion of the revenues from tickets reserved through Milwaukee Film. We like to think it’s a deal Al Capone would approve of. Here’s all you need to do: Send an e-mail to info@milwaukee-film.org or call 414.755.1965 x203. Tell us your name and the number of tickets you want reserved. You’ll pick up your tickets and pay at the screening (tell them you booked through Milwaukee Film). When: 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 Where: Marcus Majestic Theater, 770 N. Springdale Road, Brookfield Cost: $25 Our goal is to sell 100 tickets, help us reach it! Book tickets for yourself or forward this info to friends.

Scion Presents:  Hot*pop’s Guest Artist Series, Featuring Trevor Traynor
Scion Presents

Hot*pop’s Guest Artist Series, Featuring Trevor Traynor

Gallery Day Event! Milwaukee, WI — Saturday July 25, 2009 — 4 – 7 pm Please join us for Gallery Day as we welcome Trevor Traynor’s touring show, “I Shoot People.”  BBQ refreshments and giveaways throughout the day courtesy of Scion.  Music by DJ Kid Cut Up of No Request Sound.  Brought to you by hot*pop in conjunction with Big Sky Media. Artist Statement: “I Shoot People” is not only Trevor’s first solo show in Milwaukee, but it also marks the debut unveiling of his HIp Hop photography to collectors, his first step outside of his fine arts background.  Trevor has been documenting the culture for the past five years; shooting live concerts, portrait shots, album covers, magazine spreads, and more.  Notable artists he’s worked with include Afrika Bambatta, Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, N.E.R.D., Mos Def, Q-Tip, De La Soul, M.I.A., Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan and much more.  His portfolio is a who’s who of Hip-Hop culture, from the underground to the mainstream, from the old school to the new school. Hip-Hop culture was a big influence on Trevor early on.  Trevor elaborates, “When I was a youngling in the late 80’s, I would try to break dance with my cousins in Long Island and sneak sessions on my brother’s turntables.  I started emceeing on a Japanese label and opening for acts like Swollen Members and Souls of Mischief while my brother Shel Shock made beats for artist like AG (D.I.T.C.), Casual (Hiero), and Dres (Black Sheep).  I grew up in the golden years of the 90’s and now I get to shoot people that inspire me.  I am grateful for that.” http://www.trevortraynor.com http://www.hotpopshop.com http://www.bigskymediallc.com

Free Summer Music in Milwaukee County Parks

Free Summer Music in Milwaukee County Parks

What's better than live music? We'll tell you what: FREE live music.

Summer in the Parks: August
Summer in the Parks

August

Copa de Praia August 1 Bradford Beach Soccer Tournament http://copadepraia.com/ Bradford Beach Triathalon August 2 The inaugural Milwaukee Bradford Beach Triathlon Series will consist of Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons.  Both events are open to individuals and relay teams. http://www.lakegenevasports.com/Milw_Tri/MilwTri.htm   River Flicks at Pere Marquette Fridays at Dusk River Flicks is a free outdoor movie festival.  We invite you to enjoy new releases and old classics on a larger-than-life 40 foot screen. Aug. 7 – The Sandlot Aug. 14 – Annie Aug. 21 – Kung Fu Panda Aug. 28 – The Princess Bride http://www.westown.org/westown/river+flicks/default1.asp Summer’s Best Concert Series at Jackson Park Thursdays through August 25:  6:30 pm Jackson Park http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/ConcertsintheParks11320.htm#jackson Concerts at Boerner Botanical Gardens Thursdays August 6 – August 27:  6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Free admission to the Gardens after 6:00pm on concert nights.  Food and beverage available from Bartolotta Catering. http://www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org/boerner/support/e4-6.html Milwaukee County Parks Lifeguard Games and Awards with American Red Cross August 7 Bradford Beach http://www.bradfordbeachjam.com/events.php Nite-Glow Golf August 7 & 21:  6:30 pm – midnight Hansen Park For reservations call 414-453-4454 http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/NiteGlowGolf10336.htm Friends of Bradford Beach Family Day August 9 Bradford Beach http://www.bradfordbeachjam.com/events.php Back to School Festival August 9:  11:30 am – 6 pm This community outreach program gets children excited as they prepare to go back to school, providing them with school supplies and information to get ready to learn. King Center http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/CommunityNews8087.htm Nite-Glow Golf August 14 & 28:  6:30 pm – midnight Warnimont Park For reservations, call (414) 481-1400 http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/NiteGlowGolf10336.htm AVP Beach Volleyball Midwest Championships August 22 Bradford Beach http://www.bradfordbeachjam.com/sports.html 102.1 Labor Day Beach Party September 5 Live music featuring Cherry Pie Bradford Beach http://www.bradfordbeachjam.com/events.php

Summer in the Parks: July
Summer in the Parks

July

We continue our series of great activities to enjoy in Milwaukee's parks this summer with events for July: Bastille Days, the return of the Air and Water Show, the Great Circus Parade, the US Bank PGA Tour, and of course city-wide Fourth of July festivities.

Summer in the parks: June
Summer in the parks

June

Sure, June is well on its way, and with the advent of the first major festivals (PrideFest this past weekend, Polish Fest next weekend) and street parties (Locust Street Festival last weekend, Summer Soulstice on North Avenue this weekend), summer is officially here. Here's our slightly belated guide to everything you can do this month, all over Milwaukee, mostly for cheap or for free, in our beautiful and robust parks system, from glow-in-the-dark golf to beach volleyball to tranquil garden strolls.

Date Change for Spectacular! Spectacular!

Date Change for Spectacular! Spectacular!

A NEW DATE SET FOR SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR! A BURLESQUE BASH Proceeds benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America MILWAUKEE, WI – New date, same “Spectacular” event. Due to an unforeseen shipment conflict at our venue, Spectacular! Spectacular! A Burlesque Bash to Benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America has been rescheduled. The benefit will be now held from 7 pm to midnight Saturday, July 25, at Tramont Corp., 3701 N. Humboldt Ave. (just south of Capitol Drive) in Milwaukee. Tickets purchased for the earlier date will be honored at the July 25 event.  The event will feature a fashion show with top models strutting the burlesque-inspired creations of local designers Shannon Lee Molter and Miranda Levy from UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, and lingerie and underwear fashions from Aala Reed and Boudoir by J. Rath. Guests will also be treated to performances by the Brew City Bombshells burlesque troupe, a live DJ, light fare, cash bars and additional Moulin Rouge-esque surprises. Burlesque-themed costumes are encouraged. Jordan Dechambre-Childers, owner of the Elements of Style personal shopping consulting firm and managing and fashion editor of M: Milwaukee’s Lifestyle Magazine, will serve as emcee with Ringmaster and artist Garrett Gharibeh. Free parking will be available in the Tramont Corp. parking lot, just north of the building. Tickets are $400 for a reserved cabaret table for four, $50 for general admission or $20 for students with ID (must be 18 to enter), and are on sale at www.spectacularmilwaukee.com.  All proceeds support the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America and its mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Sponsors include Aala Reed, Elements of Style, The Iron Horse Hotel, J. Rath, Lake Hill House, M: Milwaukee’s Lifestyle Magazine, Smart Choice MRI, Tramont Corp. and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. For more information, e-mail burlesqueball@rocketmail.com or visit www.spectacularmilwaukee.com. About the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)  The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends going to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at (800) 932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

Newsmaker Luncheon to Feature Milwaukee Brewers Manager Ken Macha

Newsmaker Luncheon to Feature Milwaukee Brewers Manager Ken Macha

MILWAUKEE, WI – May 11, 2009.  Milwaukee Brewers Manager Ken Macha will be the featured guest of a Milwaukee Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon on Wednesday, June 10. The public is invited to attend the Newsmaker Luncheon, which will include a discussion between Macha and a panel of local journalists. Macha also will take questions from the audience. The journalists’ panel will include Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel baseball beat writer, Dan Needles, sports director at WISN-TV, Bill Michaels, host of WTMJ 620 AM’s Sports Central and Parker Gabriel, UW-Madison student journalist. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Miller Park , in the Right Field Corner.  Free parking available in the Brewers 2 parking lot.  Enter the stadium through the Clock Tower Entrance on the north side of the stadium near the Home plate plaza area; this will be on your right when facing the stadium from the parking lots. The Milwaukee Press Club’s Newsmaker Luncheon Series is sponsored by Journal Communications and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Press Club presents the Newsmaker Luncheons monthly to shed light on issues of the day. The public is invited to attend the luncheons. The cost to attend is $25 per person. Lunch is included.  Pre-registration and advance payment is required and may be done online at www.milwaukeepressclub.org.  Checks may be mailed to the MPC at PO Box 176, North Prairie , WI   53153-0176 . Cancellations will be accepted up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.  Please contact Joette Richards at the Milwaukee Press Club at milwaukeepressclub@gmail.com with any questions; or to pay by credit card, call 262-894-2224.

Jonathan West will be on “The Story” with Dick Gordon on Friday, June 5

Jonathan West will be on “The Story” with Dick Gordon on Friday, June 5

A quick note about something kind of cool happening today. As you may or may not now, Jonathan West has a 20-year history with The Sunset Playhouse.  He was an enthusiastic participant in his youth, was away from The Playhouse for many years doing very “un-Playhouse-like” things, and now has returned to the fold for loads of fun. Today, Friday, June 5th, his story will be profiled on the National Public Radio program “The Story” hosted by Dick Gordon. Listen in at  1 pm today in the Milwaukee area on WUWM 89.7 FM.  If not then, you can download the episode as a podcast from the program’s website at http://thestory.org/. Thanks for listening in if you can!

Lee Bergquist Book Celebration

Lee Bergquist Book Celebration

MPC Announcement Thursday, June 18, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. NEWSROOM PUB 137 E. Wells Street ~ Milwaukee, WI  53202 Lee Bergquist Book Celebration Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Lee Bergquist has completed a marathon – as in a marathon quest to publish his labor of love – Second Wind: The Rise of the Ageless Athlete. To celebrate his accomplishment, the Milwaukee Press Club will be hosting an informal get together with the author himself at the Newsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells Street , from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.  Lee will talk about his book a bit, sign and sell copies and of course accept our toast for a job well done. Questions?  Contact Jim Nelson, jnelson@journalsentinel.com Lee’s website is www.secondwindathlete.com

Free Family Day at Salvation Army

Free Family Day at Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Of Greater Milwaukee To Host Free Family Day Saturday, June 20 The Salvation Army Milwaukee Citadel Worship & Community Center, 4129 W. Villard Avenue will hold a free family day on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 1-3pm.  Come and enjoy movies, refreshments, gym activities and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums Grand Opening

Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums Grand Opening

Villa Terrace Art Museum Renaissance Garden Opening Sunday, June 7, 2009 Free Admission The Villa Terrace Art Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Avenue, Milwaukee, is proud to announce the opening of the Renaissance Garden on Sunday, June 7. In celebration of the occasion, the museum will extend FREE ADMISSION to all visitors for the day. (normally $5/adult, $3/student & senior). Festivities include a musical kick-off by Mrs. Fun, opening remarks, light refreshments, guided tours, Bring a Bud Membership Drive, and more! Contact the Villa Terrace at (414)271-3656 or visit www.cavtmuseums.org for more information. Garden Opening Highlights: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Café Sopra Mare – Mercury Courtyard Featuring the musical talents of Mrs. Fun (keyboard and percussion duo) 12:45 p.m. Opening Remarks – Terrace Refreshments Served – North Terrace 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Bring a Bud Membership Drive Any existing member who refers a new member or anyone who becomes a new member the day of the opening will receive a free impatient or petunia ‘bud’ to take home. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Marina Bychkova: Enchanted Doll (CLOSES) Final day to view this stunning collection of hand-crafted porcelain dolls. About the Villa Terrace Renaissance Garden The inspiring Renaissance Garden graces the yard of Villa Terrace as it sweeps down to Lake Michigan and recreates the classic elements of a 16th century Tuscan landscape, while accommodating the vagaries of the Wisconsin Climate. Originally designed by Rose Standish Nichols in collaboration with the Villa’s architect David Adler, the garden was completely restored to its original beauty in 1997. Landscape Architect Dennis Buettner along with the dedicated Friends of Villa Terrace focused on the classical elements of the original landscaping plan and brought this gem back for the community to enjoy. Points of interest: A dramatic “water staircase” – the classic Scaletta d’Aqua – flowing down past three terraces of flowering crabapple trees to a Vasca (a fishpond historically used to keep the day’s catch fresh) Two secret gardens and a thicket Grassy spaces and benches, bordered with culinary and medicinal herbs, potted citrus trees, unusual plantings, dwarf fruit trees and statuary Monumental wrought iron “Neptune” Gate inspired by master craftsman Cyril Colnik

Twitter Art

Twitter Art

Boris Ostrerov, a Milwaukee based multidisciplinary artist, is pleased to present his latest project titled, “Twitter Installation” at the Walkers Point Center for the Arts (WPCA) Annual Member’s Show on view from June 5th until July 2nd 2009. The “Twitter Installation” explores the phenomenon of Twitter, a micro-blogging service that is becoming an increasingly popular form of communication and sharing. In the “Twitter Installation,” Ostrerov is materializing virtual posts or status updates, known as “tweets” among the Twitter community, into a physical semitransparent mountain or puddle-like form. Utilizing the username “Installation1,” Ostrerov will compile all the tweets of his followers and print them on small translucent strips of paper, which he will bring to the gallery and drop in the same spot on the floor every day of the show. Starting from literally nothing on the first day of the show, the pile of tweets will grow, in size depending on the amount of followers the username “Installation1” gains and the amount of times each follower tweets. You too can contribute in the growth of the mountain of tweets by following the username Installation1 on Twitter.com and tweeting (www.twitter.com/Installation1). If enough people are involved, this installation can grow exponentially to a gigantic, yet sensuous form filling up so much space in the gallery that it encroaches on other artworks or blocks a walking path. At the end of the show Ostrerov will glue all the translucent strips of vellum paper into a sphere, solidifying countless conversations of a past moment in history.

Al Jarreau Benefit Concert Kicks-Off Gathering on the Green Festival

Al Jarreau Benefit Concert Kicks-Off Gathering on the Green Festival

The 2009 Gathering on the Green offers the rare opportunity to see Milwaukee’s own, seven-time Grammy winner Al Jarreau perform a benefit concert on Thursday, July 9, in Mequon’s Rotary Park. On Saturday, July 11, Gathering will commemorate 15 years of the best of the performing arts for the entire family with “A Red, White & Blue” celebration in the park. A singer and songwriter, Jarreau, has a unique vocal style and innovative musical expression that has made him an internationally known performer. He is the only singer to ever win Best Vocalist Grammys in three categories, jazz, R&B and pop. With hits including We’re In This Love Together, So Good and other classics, Jarreau will treat fans to an unforgettable performance under the stars. People won’t want to miss an evening with this famed jazz vocalist, hailed by critics as “one of the world’s greatest natural resources”. Saturday’s Gathering is truly a family festival of the performing arts. There is free lawn seating for children under 12, picnicking is encouraged or food and beverages can be purchased from on-site vendors. The Children’s Village has expanded with many fun educational activities throughout the afternoon. In the evening, Gathering will feature Milwaukee’s major performing arts groups including the Milwaukee Ballet and the Florentine Opera Company, with the Gathering on the Green Festival Orchestra. The festival concludes with spectacular fireworks choreographed to music. Tickets are available Thursday, June 4th, on line at gatheringonthegreen.org, at all Milwaukee area Boston Stores, at Harris Banks – Mequon & Thiensville or by calling the Gathering offices at 262-236-0510.

Poet in Residence – Jack Collom at Woodland Pattern

Poet in Residence – Jack Collom at Woodland Pattern

(Milwaukee, WI) On Saturday, June 6, 2009, poet-in-residence Jack Collom will read from his latest collections of poetry Exchanges of Earth & Sky and Situations, Sings. Collom will also lead an eco-poetics workshop “What’s Funny? Nature?” on Saturday afternoon from 2pm-5pm. Jack Collom was born in Chicago, Illinois, 8 November 1931, and grew up in nearby Western Springs.  He walked a lot in Salt Creek Woods and began bird watching at age 11. He joined the U.S. Air Force and wrote his first poems in Tripoli, Libya. After spending time in Germany, he returned to the U.S. and worked in factories for twenty years. He earned an MA in English on the GI Bill, and has taught Creative Writing free-lance for over thirty years. He is Adjunct Professor at Naropa University, where he received the 2001 President’s Award for Faculty and has been teaching Eco-lit (Ecology Literature) for 19 consecutive years, as well as outreach teacher-training. Collom has authored 22 books and chapbooks of poetry. He is, moreover, responsible for three collections (with essays and commentary) of writings by children, all published by Teachers & Writers Collaborative, New York.  In 2001, Tuumba Press issued a more than 500-page-long volume, Red Car Goes By, as his Selected Poems. His latest books are Exchanges of Earth & Sky and Situations, Sings (with Lyn Hejinian). Jack Collom long ago rejected the notion that a distinction is to be made between the quotidian and the poetic. There is poetry everywhere. But to find poetry everywhere means that one is incessantly engaged with the world at the level of poetry…. His attention to surprise is pronounced but never programmatic. The result is “the dance and weave between fierce notation and ceilingless song.” from the Editors’ Preface to Red Car Goes By Eco-poetics Workshop with Jack Collom Saturday, June 6, 2-5pm  ($25 includes ticket to the evening reading) WHAT’S FUNNY? NATURE? To me, Humor and Nature are one, or maybe one and a half. Nature is everything and everything is funny. Case closed. Incongruity donut, I mean done it. We’ll look into some old shell games (like which is funnier, skeletons or people? trees without leaves or trees with leaves?) but mostly we’ll make our own via tradeoff poems, trying to write something that isn’t funny, and other doomed enterprises. We’ll also woodpecker a little surreal.

Upcoming June Events at Racine Art Museum

Upcoming June Events at Racine Art Museum

Racine, WI     June 1, 2009 Upcoming June Events at RAM Free First Friday in June Friday, June 5 Visitors enjoy the Racine Art Museum for FREE the first Friday of every month. Free RAM admission 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Free Hands-On Art Event 4:00 – 8:00 pm Drop in and create magnificently colored magnets. Artist Demonstration 6:00 – 8:00 pm View artist/instructor Tom Hoffman as he demonstrates the fine art of portrait drawing. Meet Me on the Patio: Living Large Thursday, June 11    6:00 – 8:00 pm Join your friends on RAM’s outside patio for an evening of interesting conversation over a sampling of icy, cold beers. Plan for an exhibition tour like no other. Go back stage and discover how the huge artworks displayed in Bigger, Better More: The Art of Viola Frey were brought together from lending museums and galleries all over the country. RAM’s curatorial staff reveals the juicy details from three years of preparation for this groundbreaking exhibition. $8 admission; RAM Members are free. Become a Member that night and enjoy the evening for free. Please RSVP to 262.638.8300. Celebrate Father’s Day at RAM Sunday, June 21     Noon – 5:00 pm Fathers and their families are invited to view the latest exhibitions at the Racine Art Museum.  Dads enjoy free RAM admission. After touring, stop by the Museum Store. This Father Day, don’t give Dad an ordinary tie. Prepare him for a big date with a great tie from the Museum Store. Inner Peace on the Patio: YOGA at RAM Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:15 pm 6 Weeks   June 23 – July 26 Enjoy 45 minutes of stretching on RAM’s patio. Yoga is a low-impact workout that helps create balance in the body, reduces stress and tension and increases flexibility. No experience is necessary as you follow the instruction of Linda Messerschmidt, registered and certified yoga instructor and owner of Your Yoga Lifestyle studio. Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. $42; Call 262.638.8300 to register. Upcoming at RAM’s Wustum Museum Summer Art Classes start Monday, June 8 Go online to download a complete class schedule at www.ramart.org/education or call 262.636.9177 to have one sent. PMC: Bronze Basics Workshop 2 Mondays, June 8 and June 15 6:00 – 8:30 pm Instructor/Artist: Louise Pederson Discover the beauty and versatility of bronze clay while creating a bronze pendant and earrings. Additional $40 supply fee due to the instructor, cash only please. $48 Members   $60 Non-Members Call 262.636.9177 to register. Class is held at RAM’s Wustum Museum located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine. Band Ring Workshop Saturday, June 20 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Instructor/Artist: Leslie Perrino Learn the basic hammering, forming and soldering skills while creating your own textured sterling silver band ring. Great as a refresher course or to learn beginner techniques. Additional $10 supply fee due to the instructor. $44 Members  $55 Non-Members Call 262.636.9177 to register. Class is held at RAM’s Wustum Museum located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine. Kids Art Camp Week […]

June Updates & July Events in the UWM Peck School of the Arts

June Updates & July Events in the UWM Peck School of the Arts

Events are listed by discipline (Dance, Film, Music, Theatre, Visual Art, Special Events) except for exhibitions, which are listed at the end.  For updates, check our online calendar: arts.uwm.edu/calendar. Electronic images are available for most events: pmorris@uwm.edu BOX OFFICE INFORMATION The Peck School of the Arts Box Office is located in the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd.  Summer box office hours are Monday – Friday, 12 noon to 5 pm and one hour prior to performances.  For performances in the Mainstage Theatre or the Recital Hall, the Box Office opens its satellite location, in the Theatre Lobby, one hour prior to curtain. For performances at Kenilworth Square East, the box office opens there one hour prior to curtain. Box office phone: 414.229.4308. DANCE July 24-25, 2008 at 7:30 pm DANCEMAKERS 09 Mainstage Theatre, Arts Center, 2400 E. Kenwood Blvd. Tickets: $10 general/$7 students, seniors & UWM alumni, faculty & staff. New works by our graduate students-a diverse group of professional choreographers and performers from all points of the compass. . FILM Check back next month. MUSIC New for June! June 13, 20 & 27, 2009 (three Saturdays, 9 am-noon) MUSIC WORKSHOP: HOME STUDIO: Music, Recording & Your Computer Instructor: Kevin Schlei Music Building Room 270, Arts Center, 2400 E. Kenwood Blvd. Fee: $125 To register: arts.uwm.edu/outreach (click on “Summer Learning Opportunities in Music”) or call 414-229-4308. Learn everything you need to start recording and professionally mastering music on your computer immediately-using (mostly) FREE software! Kevin Schlei will take participants through the process of setting up a home studio, understanding microphones and recording techniques, and learning how to use professional-quality software to mix and master recordings. Whether you want to record your acoustic music, create a podcast or simply digitize your old LPs, this course is for you! Kevin Schlei is a lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. July 31-August 2, 2009 MUSIC WORKSHOP: THE MUSIC OF LEO KOTTKE Instructor: John Stropes, assisted by Benjamin Kammin and Andrew Lardner Fee: $280 (materials included; guitar required) Location: Kenilworth Square East, 1925 E. Kenilworth Pl., Room 408 A residential option is available. Please see arts.uwm.edu/outreach. In this intensive, three-day workshop, intermediate guitar students will have an opportunity to work on three compositions by virtuoso/composer Leo Kottke. Archival video, enhanced computer capabilities, and specifically designed pedagogical materials will enable participants to study these pieces in depth. This class also includes multimedia lecture/presentations on the background, career, compositions, and technique of Leo Kottke, featuring rare archival video of Leo Kottke discussing composition, performance, and a life devoted to music. John Stropes is the director of Guitar Studies at UWM. Through historical research, analysis, transcription, teaching, and performance of finger-style guitar, he has brought focus to this style. His publishing company, Stropes Editions, Ltd., has set a new standard for written music for the guitar and guitar education. THEATRE Check back next month! VISUAL ART (WORKSHOPS) New for June! June 13, 14, 20 & 21, […]

2009 Milwaukee Film Festival Submission Deadline Extended

2009 Milwaukee Film Festival Submission Deadline Extended

MILWAUKEE (June 1, 2009) – The Milwaukee Film Festival has extended the submission deadline for submitting films and videos of any length to June 30, 2009. All films/videos made in Milwaukee or by current Milwaukee filmmakers/video artists qualify for an entry fee waiver. Filmmakers just need to e-mail TJ@milwaukee-film.org to receive a fee waiver code. Short films from Milwaukee will be considered for the 2nd annual spotlight on Milwaukee filmmakers, The Milwaukee Show. Last year over 500 people attended the presentation at the Oriental Theatre. As Program Coordinator T.J. Fackelman says, “The Milwaukee Show turns the spotlight on local filmmakers for an entire evening during the Milwaukee Film Festival; and with awards valued at over $15,000 and an awesome party afterward, it’s far more than just your average film screening.” Remember, films screening in the festival must not screen publicly in Milwaukee in the two months prior to the festival. Filmmakers outside of Milwaukee must pay an entry fee of $40 for feature submissions and $30 for short submissions through June 30, 2009. All filmmakers can submit their film through our website at www.milwaukee-film.org

2009 Farmer’s Market Guide

2009 Farmer’s Market Guide

Whether you feel like taking a stroll down the street or a day trip to one of Wisconsin's charming small towns; be you in search of local honey (which might help ward off allergies), artisan soaps and skin care products, fresh-baked bread and bakery, herbs and flowers or just some fresh green beans and potatoes for dinner; even if you just go to meet your neighbors and hear some music, Wisconsin's farmers markets are a many splendor'd thing. Bookmark this page and enjoy your locally-grown summer.

112-year-old American Flag found in School

112-year-old American Flag found in School

An American flag from the year 1897 was found in the attic area of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School at 3275 North Third Street. The flag, with some tears and other signs of wear was found after a recent fire, which was caused when lightning hit the steeple of the school. The flag has 45 stars, the number of states in the nation in 1897. The stripes representing the original thirteen colonies were disfigured and torn. The original structure of Dr. King, Jr. K-8 School, formerly known as Victor L. Berger School, was built in 1894. Old Glory has survived harsh Wisconsin winter weather conditions in the unused area of the building for 112 years. The school plans to have the flag restored for proper display. “We all feel fortunate and privileged to have discovered such an enduring symbol of our country’s history,” said Shiron Posley, principal of Dr. King, Jr. K-8 School. For additional information, contact Roseann St. Aubin, MPS Communications Director, at (414) 475-8237