Turner Hall

WMSE’s Big Band Grandstand Silent Auction and Gala Once Again Welcomes Sweden’s Queen of Swing, Gunhild Carling

Building Wealth in Underserved Communities: Free Event Features Oscar Nominee and Financial Literacy Expert

Milwaukee Theater District Launches “Best Seats in MKE” in lead up to Second-Annual Milwaukee Theater Week

Remembering Cecilia Gilbert

'The Queen' brought joyful passion and a savvy insider's knowledge to her work with city government and many civic boards.

RNC Build Out Takes Over Westown

Here a tent, there a fence, everywhere an elephant image.

Milwaukee Businesses Closing During RNC

Whether in protest or by necessity, many shutdowns during convention, July 15-18.

A Brewery Block Party, Mimosa Fest and Shakespeare

Plus: It's weekend two of Summerfest

See CNN, Fox News Plans To Transform Buildings For RNC

Turner Hall and GATHER will become homes for CNN and Fox News.

Bikes, Floating Babies and The Big Gig

From Greek Fest to a hip-hop themed tequila festival, it's going to be a busy weekend.

Construction Starts on Deer District Concert Venue

FPC Live plans to open venue in fall 2025, despite 'unconventional' RNC construction schedule.

Unveiling the Seductive Drama of María

An Immersive Tango Opera Experience

Competitive Drone Racing Comes To Pettit Center

Plus: Estabrook Beer Garden opens and a westside art walk.

Restaurant at Turner Hall is Relocating

Turning Tables Tavern and Eatery will move to Wisconsin Avenue, with new name and service model.

Midwest Gaming Classic Will Pack Baird Center

Plus: Batter up for one brewery's anniversary party.

Milwaukee Theater District Launches Marquee Madness Promotion

Eitel Cancels Plans For Vel Phillips Plaza Cafe After Council Questions, Public Opposition

After Milwaukee Turners "pilloried" Eitel on Tuesday, things appear to have snowballed behind the scenes.

Plenty of Cheer Awaits Before The Big Day

Christmas is Monday, but the fun starts this weekend.

Watch Out For Thousands of Biking Santas

Plus: Wild Lights and Hover Craft

‘Inflation-Adjusted’ Deer District Concert Venue Approved

FPC's proposal for a smaller Deer District concert venue finds unanimous support.

Holiday Market Highlights Black-Owned Businesses

2nd annual market features more than 40 Black-owned vendors.

Sweden’s Queen of Swing, Gunhild Carling, Returns to WMSE’s Big Band Grandstand

Revised Deer District Concert Venue Wins Key Approval

Council's zoning committee votes yes. Full council vote expected next week.

HYFIN to host 2nd Annual “Blackity Black Holiday Market” joined by The African American Chamber of Commerce, Historic King Drive BID and We Got Soul MKE at The Turner Hall Ballroom on Nov. 25

Market an opportunity to support local Black-owned businesses on “Small Business Saturday”

Revised Deer District Concert Hall Gets First Approval

City Plan Commission adds conditions about future hotel site and requires new safety plan.

Milwaukee Theater District Announces Inaugural Milwaukee Theater Week

Multiple Harvest Events To Check Out This Weekend

Plus: Jazz in Riverwest and comedy all across the city.

Turning Tables Introducing New Team, New Menu

The restaurant will host a grand reopening to mark the beginning of a new era.

Mexican Fiesta, WMSE’s BBQ and Float Fest

Plus: A send-off party for Bounce Milwaukee.

Deer District Venue Downsized, But New Hotel Could Join It

Plus: Wine distributor sets up shop on Bradley Rd. and a recap of week's real estate news.

6 Things To Do That Aren’t Harley’s Homecoming

120th anniversary will dominate lakefront, but plenty of events scheduled across the city.

Pabst Theater Group Opening New Venue, Closing Colectivo Back Room

Pabst will buy Farwell Avenue building once targeted for event venue.

Big Truck Day, Maifest And More

A wide array of beer, live music and family events offer a chance to take advantage of nice weather.

Daddy’s On Blue Mound Offers Home Cooking

Soul food at its best, with memorable chicken wings.

Former Judge Derek Mosley Working To Get Milwaukee Talking

Mosley, now with Marquette, hopes to break down barriers, promote civil discourse.

Acclaimed Songwriter / Composer Gabriel Kahane to Perform Landmark “Magnificent Bird” Album Live With Present Music

Introspective Songs Written In Year Off Internet, During Pandemic

Milwaukee Theater District Launches Milwaukee’s Most Entertaining Giveaway

The Return of the Midwest Gaming Classic

Plus: Blues festival, a Riverwest spring ball and Tiki Takedown

The Pabst Theater Group Raises $60,000 for Local Charities

The Pabst Theater Group Donates Proceeds from the Sale of Theater Chairs to MADACC and ArtWorks for Milwaukee

SportClub Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Downtown gastropub to celebrate five years with week of discounts, raffles and more.

Marquette University To Feature New Unique Programs To Engage Community For Black History Month

Programing for Black History Month is coordinated through the Center for Engagement and Inclusion and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.

Boats, Art and Monster Trucks This Weekend

And if that’s not enough: high-flying wrestling, a musical dance-along and diverse concert lineup also fill weekend.

Lots of Events Planned For Holiday Weekend

And all are indoors, so you can stay as warm as a chestnut roasting on an open fire.

A Potpourri of Holiday Events This Weekend

Something for everyone, including tours of the haunted Eagles Club.

Pabst Theater Group Union Approves First Labor Contract

Following summer unionization vote, new contract includes improved pay rates, expanded labor-management policies

Santa Rampage Raising Funds for Bike Fed

Plus: Opening weekend for Wild Lights at Zoo and many more holiday events.

Council Unanimously Approves Deer District Concert Venues

Live Nation cleared to enter Milwaukee market, partner with Milwaukee Bucks.

Deer District Concert Halls Okayed Again

Zoning committee endorses project. Not our call to decide who is or isn't a monopoly, note Bauman, DCD.

Deal Struck To Allow Pabst To Operate Historic Mansion as Venue

Attorney Mike Maistelman works with PTG, Alderman Robert Bauman and neighbors to craft agreement. Alderman otherwise fears demolition.

Council Delays Decision On Whether To Allow Pabst Wedding Venue

PTG bought Villa Filomena earlier this year, but downtown mansion has long drawn complaints from neighbors.

Will Deer District Concert Halls Hurt City?

Will proposed venues bring more concerts to town or crush its current concert promoters?

Deer District Concert Venue Wins First Approval, Despite Objections

Other concert venues fight Live Nation's entrance into Milwaukee market.

Sip on sweet group ticket deals for Old Fashioned Fest

Sample and vote for your favorite cocktail with six admissions for the price of five.

FPC Files For Design Approval For Deer District Concert Complex

But opposition emerges and the Wisconsin Center District raises concern.

Lucky Clover Celebrates Grand Opening

New Irish bar in Westown will feature DJs and drink deals for first official weekend in business.

Opening Weekend for State Fair

Plus: Bronzeville Week, Black Arts Fest MKE, Brewtown Rumble and more.

Turner Hall Eatery Features Guest Chefs

New Turning Tables Tavern and Eatery, opening August 5, will feature 4-day showcase of 8 chefs on July 20-23.

Pabst Theater Group Buys Wedding Venue

The Fitzgerald will be located in historic landmark, an 1874 mansion in Yankee Hill.

The Pabst Theater Group Introduces The Fitzgerald

The Group Acquires Another Historic Venue to Expand Wedding and Private Event Business

Frida Fest Returns This Weekend

Plus: the final weekend for Summerfest, Sigmund Snopek documentary screening and more.

City Selling The Other Turner Hall

North Avenue building was used for concerts, boxing and socialist rallies. What's next?

Pabst Theater Group to Buy Villa Filomena

The group, which operates five other venues in Milwaukee, aims to create a private event venue in a historic mansion

The Battle For Downtown Concert Venues

It’s Live Nation and the Bucks vs. Gary Witt and the Pabst. Which proposal will win?

Kite Festival Returns To Veterans Park

Plus, a drag party at Saint Kate The Arts Hotel, a celebration of Milwaukee music history at Turner Hall Ballroom, and more.

More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released

11-acre development with new soccer stadium, concert venue lists big-name supporters.

Bernie Sanders Supports Pabst Unionization

Pabst Theater Group CEO Gary Witt donated to Sanders' presidential campaigns.

Check Out The Milwaukee Underground Film Festival

Plus, Egg Day at Milwaukee County Zoo, an IPA release party, and Easter-themed family film screening and more.

Pabst Theater Group Workers Want A Union

Workers at its five venues organizing with Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers.

AsianRican Restaurant For South Side

Plus: Downtown gets new vegan place, new pizza place, Odd Duck returns. Nite Owl reopens, new Irish pub planned.

IRS Complaint Filed Against Summerfest

Complaint challenges festival’s nonprofit status, claiming it now operates ‘as a commercial entity.’

Milwaukee Mayoral Candidates Forum March 16th at Turner Hall Ballroom

Hosted by the Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com, Listen MKE and the Pabst Theater Group

Black Holocaust Museum Re-Opening

Plus, an overnight 'Arctic Tailgate,' a documentary screening at Cactus Club, a large flea market and more.

Free Brats at Old German Beer Hall

Plus: A new brunch and lunch cafe. Maxie's plans special Mardi Gras menu. And Turner Hall's new restaurant.

New Restaurant, Tavern For Turner Hall

Turning Tables Tavern and Eatery will be a teaching kitchen and help aspiring restaurateurs.

Mayoral Candidates Talk Reckless Driving, Affordable Housing

Candidates try to differentiate themselves on salient issues heading into primary.

Mayoral Race Features Virtual Forums, Keg Tappings

Pandemic alters traditional campaign trail, but candidates still making their pitch to voters.

Civic Partnership to Present Milwaukee Mayoral Candidate Forum February 9th at Turner Hall Ballroom

Event hosted by the Pabst Theater Group, Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com, Listen MKE and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

New Barons Black Bier Release Party

Plus, the opening of a new food hall, a comedic play in South Milwaukee, the annual Yule Ball and West Allis Winter Week.

Why Is Summerfest Helping Live Nation?

National ‘monopoly’ company’s proposed music halls in Third Ward target local companies.

Exercise Program Helps Women Process Trauma

Restorative Justice In Movement, at Turner Hall, recruits women of color impacted by incarceration.

WMSE’s Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill returns to the Turner Hall Ballroom

Chicago Jazz Orchestra Celebrates Local Legend Woody Herman

Turner Hall Seeks New Bar and Restaurant Operator

The Tavern at Turner Hall needs new owner poised to take advantage of proximity to ballroom, Deer District and Fiserv Forum.

Downtown Street Closures During NBA Finals

Present Music Finishes with Genre-Bending Show

"Neon Life" will feature five contemporary compositions.

Two projects chosen for President’s Challenge for Racial Justice and Equity Response funding

Pabst CEO on Biden’s Visit to the Theater

Gary Witt discusses preparing for the presidential visit, running an event venue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Express Elopement Packages Available on Valentine’s Day

at the Riverside Theater, Pabst Theater and Turner Hall Ballroom

New Year’s Eve Livestream Benefit Concert by Yacht Rock Powerhouse The Docksiders To Raise Funds For Struggling Milwaukee Venues, Artists, Stagehands

BoDeans, Other Top Bands Also Performing at Virtual New Year’s Eve Gala

Milwaukee Hospitality Leaders to Headline Newsmaker Lunch Hour

Will Milwaukee Get DNC in 2024?

This year's convention may involve few visitors. Can city push to therefore get 2024 event?

Pabst Theater Group Pivots To Weddings

Plus: National venue group including 12 Milwaukee groups requests pandemic bailout.

Historic Turner Hall Gets New Signs

Milwaukee landmark now sporting three new signs with historic appeal.

The Return of Jane’s Walk

Second annual event inspired by Jane Jacobs offers many activities.

Present Music’s Wildest Concert Ever

Whales, dinosaurs and music, performed at Public Museum.

City Goes Crazy for Stevie Wonder

Fantastic Turner Hall show celebrated an all-time great album.

Ex Fabula ALL STARS to feature personal stories from community members

And why, after 8 seasons, the org still has "Unfinished Business"

VoodooHoney Casts A Spell on Valentine’s Day

The night features a full range of Milwaukee’s emerging and mature talents.

VoodooHoney Casts A Spell on Valentine’s Day

The night features a full range of Milwaukee’s emerging and mature talents.

WTMJ Radio Packers Watch Party – “Hometown Call at Turner Hall”

The free event will feature a massive movie-screen broadcast of the NFC Championship Game synced to the radio play-by-play broadcast on 620 WTMJ.

4th Annual “Milwaukee Gospel Jubilee” to Benefit Progressive Community Health Centers

Event to Showcase Local Gospel Groups, Help Increase Access to Health Care for Underserved Milwaukeeans

Symphony Move Huge for Downtown

A big win for the orchestra and Downtown, with a minor impact on Marcus Center.

WMSE’s 3rd Annual Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill

Tickets are available now for $50 each.

WMSE’s 3rd Annual Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill featuring Live at the Sands, a Tribute to Frank Sinatra & Count Basie

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra to open

Artists, Makers Present ‘Urban Garage Sale’ at The Domes, Nov. 26, 27

Event will feature 65 vendors offering a mix of vintage goods, artwork, wood items, jewelry, apparel, and lifestyle merchandise.

Islands of Brilliance presents year two of Colors & Chords

Musical acts and visual artists help raise funds for autism organization

Charlie Sykes stars as George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life

Show is on Tuesday, November 29 at Turner Hall Ballroom

WMSE’s 3rd Annual Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill

Featuring, “Sinatra & Basie Live At The Sands: A Tribute to the Men and Their Music. ” Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra to open

Village Playhouse Presents 1940s Radio Noir Comedy, “Jake Revolver, Freelance Secret Agent”

Jake Revolver, Freelance Secret Agent runs August 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 at 7:30pm.

Gary Witt’s House of Rock

Actually, you'd never suspect the hip Pabst leader owns this old-style, Prospect Hill home.

Jen Kirkman to Headline Milwaukee Comedy Festival

Comedian and Best Selling Author to Headline closing night at Historic Turner Hall.

Bloom’s Day for Present Music

NYC conductor David Bloom takes over the ensemble, in a search for the perfect sound.

Who’s on Third Great for Sports Fans

With good happy hour deals and the Jameson Black Barrel Club.

Norquist to Speak at Jane Jacobs Event

May 10th event will explore ideas of urban visionary and her impact on cities like Milwaukee.

Fire on Water Is Great for Music

And the happy hour runs four hours, and all night on Tuesday.

Live From Milwaukee, It’s MSNBC!

Chris Matthews and company are broadcasting to the world from Lakefront Brewery.

Pabst Theater Foundation Works to Assure Continued Success, Preservation of Pabst Theater

To help ensure the longevity of the Pabst Theater building, on Friday the Pabst Theater Foundation was reorganized to better enable it to focus on preservation of the National Historical Landmark.

42 Lounge Is Shrine to Nerd Culture

Downtown bar has lots of video and tabletop games, along with good happy hour prices.

Milwaukee Day celebrates all things 414 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Bringing the community together for a great cause

How Vic and Gab Became REYNA

The Banuelos sisters write their own songs with lyrics based on their lives.

Hungarian Rock and Other Crazy Stuff

Present Music celebrates the equinox with a heady mix of music.

Milwaukee Day celebrates all things 414 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Bringing the community together for a great cause

Pizzle Has Been Rapping for 20 Years

He started at age seven and is just reaching his potential.

Present Music Pulls Out All The Stops

"In The Chamber" concert offers intimate performance of six wildly different works.

Comet Still Rocks the House

A fun happy hour, good food, and a rock vibe: they promote and love WMSE.

Never Mind the Reunions, It’s WMSE

WMSE Announces Line –Up for 35th Anniversary Punk Show

It’s All Local at Braise

The food, beer, even some of the spirits and wine. It’s a tasty happy hour.

Will Bucks’ Plaza Be Public or Private?

Team wants 4th Street closed, but will this create a town square or just team profits?

Black Sheep Is For Wine Lovers

They specialize in boutique, small production wines. Plus beers, ciders, mixed drinks.

WMSE is turning 35 and singing the birthday blues

WMSE starts singing the blues on Friday, March 25 when they host legends The Siegel–Schwall Band at the Turner Hall Ballroom with hometown icons The R&B Cadets.

Best 15 Local Music Shows of 2015

Milwaukee’s music scene keeps getting better, as this list suggests.

New Fellowship Helps Storytellers Address Race

Ex Fabula offers fellowships to local storytellers discussing race and oppression.

Milwaukee Turners Call for U.S. to Admit Refugees and Reject Fear and Isolation

The Milwaukee Turners was founded by refugees who fled Germany after the failed democratic revolution in 1848.

New Era for Riverside Theater

Cool new retro marquee unveiled. And an ongoing project will upgrade the entire theater.

Plan to close 4th Street for new Bucks arena might not be a slam dunk

EL VY Shoots for the Moon

Side project of The National’s lead singer Matt Berninger will play at Turner Hall.

A Punk Rock Ramen Restaurant?

Tochi reopens with attitude. And Karl Kopp’s venture falls apart.

It’s the Countdown to WMSE’s 2nd Annual “Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill”

Featuring Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses. Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Rhumba to Open

MisterWives Energizes Turner Crowd

Band delights audience with a mix of original work and covers at Turner Hall.

14 Choices for Halloween Fun

Food, drinks and fright at events like Fetish Friday, Harry Potter Halloween and Trolley Bar Crawl.

Rock Out for Halloween

Great concerts -- and one book reading -- happening this Saturday.

Ani Difranco, Scott Weiland and More

10 new shows coming to Milwaukee. You couldn't ask for more variety.

8 Shows for Which You’re Not Too Late

New shows announced include Jake Johannsen, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Three Dog Night.

Major Goolsby’s, Still a Great Sports Bar

One of nation's first, where Charles Barkley and Reggie Jackson, among others, hung out.

Is It Music or Theater?

Newly-announced shows by Henry Rollins, Morgan James and The Musical Box raise that question.

Street Closing on Arena Agenda

Murphy makes appointments to WCD board; City to retain naming rights for garage

David Barnett Gallery

The gallery is housed in a historic 1875 Edward Townsend Mix mansion

Jen Kirkman Delights Turner Hall Crowd

The former comedy writer has become a stand-up champ.

Eyewitness: The Moth in Milwaukee Brings Five Storytellers to Turner Hall Sept. 16

Now in its 18th year, The Moth has shared more than 15,000 true stories on stage

Should City Approve Subsidy for Bucks Arena?

The costs keep rising. And the benefits seem iffy.

Eyewitness: The Moth in Milwaukee Brings Five Storytellers to Turner Hall Sept. 16

Now in its 18th year, The Moth has shared more than 15,000 true stories on stage

Willie Nelson and Steve Earle Coming

Don't like country? Other shows boast comedian Kathleen Madigan or the magic Supernaturalists.

Milwaukee Comedy Festival Offers Laughs

10th annual fest offers huge line-up of comics over four days with most shows at Next Act Theatre.

GGOOLLDD

They love and are indebted to the local music scene, but could become its biggest success.

WMSE Presents the 2nd Annual “Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill”

Featuring Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses

Is Abele Dumping the Marcus Center?

Its takeover by new “Super District” running Bucks arena looks fishy.

Will Hannibal Buress Answer Why?

If the comedian doesn't, maybe musicians Bela Fleck, Ben Rector or the Zombies will.

From Their Basement to You

Rising bands Lady Lamb and Soul Low perform at Turner Hall.

Where the Bucks Want to Build

Photos of the land now and renderings of the development show how the area would change.

In Defense of Historic Tax Credits

National Trust for Historic Preservation's leader comes to town, where her speech to a crowd filled with notables dramatized the need for state to maintain the current credits.

Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Welcomes National Director

Event to Discuss Recruiting, Retaining Top Talent on February 24

One Concert, Three Different Venues

Present Music creates a wildly varied concert that will be performed at three different, very intimate settings.

How Will NBA Arena Benefit the City?

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver promises a new arena will launch a Downtown renewal. Is he right?

A big league city needs big league public transit options

Statement of Alderman Nik Kovac November 19, 2014

Will Universal Drivers Ed Increase Racial Integration?

Plan for free driver’s education classes wins Greater Together Challenge, initiative to reduce segregation in Milwaukee.

Successful Milwaukee Angel Investor to Keynote gener8tor Premiere Night

Founder of Milwaukee’s First Angel Network, Jeff Rusinow, to Headline Startup Event

From The Moderne

Its signature penthouse, known as “THIRTY 01,” may offer the best view of the city.

Season 5 ALL STARS Announcement!

Story. Stage. You. Ex Fabula is a live, neighborhood storytelling community straight from Milwaukee.

7 Can’t Miss YP Week Events

Young Professional Week features some 30 events. Here's our pick of the top seven.

Smith Bros Iconic Fisherman Returns

Landmark advertising sign that long dominated Port Washington harbor now installed at Third Ward's Public Market.

Arts Projects Coming to Wisconsin Avenue

Greater Milwaukee Committee bringing two major art installations to Downtown and the Beer Line Bicycle Trail.

RadioMilwaukee Announces Rollicking Mardi Gras Party at Turner Hall Ballroom March 4 With Two Top Milwaukee Bands

Milwaukee’s Herman Astro and Extra Crispy Brass Band will help the city celebrate Fat Tuesday at 88Nine RadioMilwaukee’s 4th annual Mardi Gras Party starting at 7:30 p.m. March 4, 2014, at Turner Hall Ballroom.

THE NAKED AND FAMOUS with special guest White Sea

LIVE AT THE PABST THEATER TUESDAY * JUNE 3 * DOORS 7PM | SHOW 8PM

Moth GrandSLAM championship event to crown Milwaukee’s top storyteller Jan. 31 at Turner Hall

The show features 10 Moth StorySLAM winners from the past year, who’ll each tell a five-minute, true tale on the theme “Fish Out of Water.”

Much To See at Doors Open Milwaukee

Doors Open Milwaukee runs all weekend, with free open houses across the city.

Downtown Dining Week kicks off next Thursday

40+ dining destinations to serve meal deals June 6 – 13

TED Conference in Milwaukee?

Make that TEDx, the growing spin-off for local conferences, which will have a Milwaukee event at Harambee in May.

Downtown Milwaukee restaurants prep for Downtown Dining Week 2013

40+ dining destinations to serve meal deals June 6 – 13

Evers Vs. Pridemore

The battle between State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers and challenger Don Pridemore.

Alums dance at Turner Hall

Dancers spanning the 25-year history of Debra Loewen's company gather for a celebratory concert at Turner Hall Saturday.

Present Music’s big finish

Michael Daugherty's "Labyrinth of Love" is a big hit at its premiere, and Robin Pluer never sounded better.

Say Hello To The Turner Hall Ballroom

Are you familiar with Turner Restaurant on 4th St. across from the Bradley Center? Did you know they had an actual concert hall in their that has been closed since fires in the 1930’s and 1940’s? If you didn’t, you’re in for a treat. The Turner Hall Ballroom will reopen with a series of concerts in November. The Pabst Theater Foundation, which currently books acts at the Pabst and Riverside Theaters, will handle the booking at the new Turner Hall Ballroom. It’s expected the ballroom will be able to hold a couple hundred people. I’ll be there to see The Wallflowers, who will you see?

State Elections Board Responds to Complaint Against Walker

John Weishan and Gerry Broderick filed an official complaint today with the Wisconsin State Elections Board against Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.

Voting With The Mayor

Mayor Barrett’s office announced Monday that he would vote at City Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Jim Glynn Dead at 64

I had no idea it would be this soon.

Plale Recall Drive Begins

Can a group of south side political activists pull themselves together enough to acquire 13,212 signatures to force a recall election against Sen. Jeff Plale? Rep. Jon Richards said he doubts it. “This thing is going nowhere,” says Rep. Josh Zepnick. “These people are so lazy! They’ve taken out a newspaper ad asking people to come by and sign a recall petition. Who is going to do that?” True enough. To win an election, you’ve got to knock on doors, post signs in windows and do all kinds of grass-rooted activities. There is scant evidence of this in the Plale recall attempt, and absolutely no evidence of it in the northern fringes of Plale’s district, including Brady Street and the East Side. That hasn’t stopped Plale from printing up thousands of football schedules that he is handing out at every turn. The South Milwaukeean made the journey to St. Rita’s Church last week to attend the Brady Street Association monthly meeting where he was asked about the recall. “They’ve got until September 7th to get the signatures to recall me,” Plale told the audience. When told there seemed to be no effort on the East Side to circulate petitions, Plale said, “well, these people wouldn’t know how to find Brady Street.” Plale was also in the Brady Street area for what the neighborhood hopes is an annual Artisinal Food Festival. The gig was held Sunday, July 25th, and Plale was there along with his schedules. The recall effort against him stemmed from his crucial vote to uphold Governor Doyle’s veto of a republican-sponsored measure to limit property tax increases. Plale says the upcoming plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, (TABOR) is similarly flawed, and a potential recipe for disaster. He cites Colorado, a state that has enacted similar provisions into its laws and is now in the midst of its worst fiscal crisis ever. Amendment on the Run The legislature republicans spent the last unedifying session promoting the agenda of Gays, Guns and Gambling. The Madison gang came up with loads of goofy legislation, none of which could sustain a veto by the governor. Leave it to this group to be able to reconvene and pass a constitutional amendment, no less, in just one week. This was the decision of Sen. Mary Panzer, the republican leader who had earlier been criticized for not rushing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights law through the Solomonic deliberations of the nation’s most august lawmakers. But, as soon as she faced a primary challenge from Rep.Glenn Grothman, an ambitious fellow republican who covets her senate seat, Panzer decided to schedule a vote for this week. Then, the legislature can go home and come back next year to vote again. Then, finally, the matter will be put to public vote in a referendum, if it is still alive. But, if the legislature does not act by August 5th, the whole procedure would have to be repeated in yet one […]

Lavender, Black and Green

The Green Party’s national convention will be in Milwaukee this week, with voting by delegates to be held on Saturday. The big question: will the outfit endorse Ralph Nader? This vexing question will put Milwaukee, however briefly, once again in the national spotlight. The party has endorsed the formation of several subgroups including the Black Greens, and the Lavender Greens. The first group consists of African-American members of the party, and the second with its Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and “Intergendered” (a new one for me) members. As of May there were 297,964 registered greens from 22 states, along with an undetermined number from states like Wisconsin where voter registration does not specify political party. Candidates for the party include four for U.S. Senate, 38 for the House of Representativees, one for Governor, one for Lieutenant Governor and 94 for State Legislatures. According to the party, at least 204 Greens hold office in 27 states, including Wisconsin. Nader, who received the party’s nomination in 2000, has 50 delegates thus far, behind David Cobb, with 194 and Peter Camejo with 112. Over 200 delegates support none of the above or are uncommitted. Nader wrote the party in March to say “I am running as an Independent and am not seeking nor accepting the Green Party nomination. If you do not choose a presidential candidate in Milwaukee, I would welcome your endorsement.” You can figure out for yourself whatever that means. Whomever the candidate, the party promises to run television ads in the presidential race, another first. One of the featured speakers at a post-convention rally will be Frank P. Zeidler, a former presidential candidate himself (Socialist Party) and reason enough to attend the event. A Man in a Hurray: Marc “Leadfoot” Marotta Department of Administration head Marc Marotta has a date in the Jefferson County intake court on June 29th at 9 a.m. in conjunction with his citation on May 24th for speeding on the freeway. The 41-year old attorney and former basketball star was busted for exceeding the speed limit by 20 – 24 miles per hour, an offense that carries a $255.40 bond. Officer Michael Meyers of the Jefferson County Sheriff Department collared the Mequon resident after clocking him going 21 miles over the limit. Earlier this year, on February 25th (the day after Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager was busted for drunk driving) Peter Moe of the State Patrol cited Marotta for speeding on the freeway, also in Jefferson County. It was a more easy-going Marotta that time, since he was caught speeding 16 – 19 miles per hour above the speed limit. On April 22nd, that charge was amended to Speeding on Freeway 1 – 10 miles above the limit. Marotta pled no contest to that charge and was fined $181. The vigilant officer Moe also noted that Marotta, a senior government official, had expired plates (PUR108), so we assume it is his personal vehicle in which he was hot-rodding, but that charge was dismissed. His attorney was Michael […]

On the Fundraiser Trail

David Riemer held a fundraiser and art auction to advance his bid for County Executive. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design was the place, and over a hundred people showed up to look at the art (a Guido Brink retrospective) and to meet with the candidate March 8th. Wine was served, and the food was perhaps the finest of the larger-scale campaign events this year. The snacks included hummus and all sorts of veggie-cheesy items nicely prepared and tastefully presented. Everybody had to shut up for a brief speech by the candidate. Riemer is getting better at these, and unlike certain other candidates for president or even for mayor, he is able to adjust the message to his audience with a reasonable degree of spontaneity. The crowd at MIAD learned that Riemer has two brothers who are actors, and mom was too. In college (as an undergraduate) he studied poetry. “Art is not just an add-on. Art is essential to a metropolitan area. It is essential to its success.” No argument from the crowd on that account. Marvin Pratt showed up, and that created a mild buzz for a while. Riemer campaign guru Bill Christofferson wants us all to know that his candidate’s “Last Blast” fundraiser will be held in Turner Hall on March 23rd, 5-7 p.m. The Riemer campaign sent out a news release encouraging its supporters to cast absentee ballots. Election Day, April 6th is Passover, he reminds us. It is also a time when many of us might be out of town on Spring break. Riemer would appreciate it if we voted before fleeing this miserable weather. It is all about turnout, at this point. Molly Christofferson, Bill’s daughter, did campaign work for Sandy Folaron. She now works for Marvin Pratt. Strange bedfellows. Bob Weiss held a fundraiser for Acting Mayor Pratt March 10th, at his restaurant, Shakers, 422 S. Second St. He sent me a note: “Clueless staffers, no signage, no promo materials, NO candidate, when promised 6-8 p.m. for His fundraiser.” Weiss said the event coordinator “sat by self in back corner, left after an hour. Some big hitter clients of mine left in disgust since Marvin not there. … Overall, hardly our greatest political experience.” Weiss is planning a solstice party this week (good timing), with plenty of food and booze. Forget the politics! Unopposed and Raising Money: Musings on the Common Council Presidency It is tough to draw a crowd in an election year when you have no opponent, and it’s nice for a candidate to not have to sweat his election. “I only hold one fundraiser a year and this is it,” said Ald. Michael Murphy at Derry Hegarty’s Pub, an event that perhaps saw about 75 people. The event was Thursday, March 11th, close enough to St. Patrick’s Day, which is appropriate since Murphy claims to be of Irish heritage. Since the money wasn’t absolutely necessary, and since the candidate seemed destined to win, the fundraiser easily lurched into its secondary […]

The Last of Kerry as a Free Man?

Last Monday February 16th – Presidents Day – John Kerry, in Milwaukee, made what might have been one of his final appearances as a “free” man. By Friday, home in Boston, Kerry had asked for and received Secret Service protection. The protection, which will last through the election should he become the nominee, and for his lifetime should he become president, will contrast greatly with the free-and-easy access enjoyed by the crowd of perhaps 400 who gathered to see the Massachusetts senator at the Italian Community Center. The event was billed as a rally and was held the day before the Wisconsin primary. As mentioned here last week, the Kerry campaign printed up thousands of leaflets for the event, hastily writing in “and Ted Kennedy,” by hand when it appeared the other Massachusetts senator would be joining him there. The closest Kennedy came to the ICC, though, was in this lame joke by candidate Kerry: “Massachusetts is a Wampanoag Indian term meaning ‘Land of Many Kennedys,’” Kerry said at the beginning of his remarks. He spoke from a raised platform in the center of the ICC east ballroom. Arrayed on three walls of the room were risers filled with local politicians, and a lot of union workers. The crowd had been placed there about an hour before Kerry’s 7:30 speech, and was kept entertained by a band playing rousing, funky music. Among those on the risers: Senator Jeff Plale, Patti Keating Kahn (Mrs. Hon. Chuck Kahn), Marlene Johnson-Odom, Vel Phillips and Supervisor Willie Johnson. Ald. Ryan Schroeder was also there representing his constituents, back in whatever city he’s from. Tom Barrett worked the room, wearing a neat tie with pink triangles. “You either get it, or you don’t,” he said about his gay cravat. Vince Bobot, then still an opponent, went up and shaked Barrett’s hand, the way politicians do with their rivals. Matt Flynn worked the room, as did County Executive candidate David Riemer. Other notables included Angelo Cataldo, who is still operating his pizza bus, along with Jim and Joanne Klisch, having a look around. No Nuts, Crackpots – Or Secret Service Access to the room was simple: you just showed up and waited for the doors to open, and then waited some more for the candidate. No metal detectors, no guys with sunglasses, no hassle. This will change considerably with the candidate’s secret service protection. The good news: there were no nuts or crackpots in the audience, just democrats. Not everybody in the room was a Kerry supporter. Michael Retzer, the controller of W. G. Strohwig Tool & Die, Inc. came down from Industrial Road, in Richfield, to hand out cards from “Save American Manufacturing,” a “national organization concerned about the loss of all areas of manufacturing and services to non-domestic sources that is causing a rapid decline in the economic condition of the United States.” Business owners are having second thoughts about NAFTA, it seems. He handed out a list of John Kerry’s top contributors, including […]

Who’s on Fifth?

An $89 billion bank is muscling its way into the Milwaukee market, and you read about it here first.