CULTURE | SPONSORED BY THE MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
This Month in Milwaukee 10 Things to do in August BY ALLEN HALAS, DAVID LUHRSSEN AND MICHAEL MUCKIAN
THURSDAYS IN AUGUST “Tacos and Tunes with Jack and Jill” Daily Taco and Cantina, Thiensville Aside from delicious Mexican food whose recipes originate in Guadalajara (and great margaritas), the Daily Taco offers a weekly concert by the Milwaukee duo of Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen. They perform from an eclectic knapsack of songs, Jensen singing and Grassel playing his patented triple-neck guitar, a single instrument that can play the role of electric guitar, bass and mandolin as his hand goes freely between instruments. Performances take place on the Daily Taco’s patio, weather permitting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays. THROUGH OCTOBER 17 “Carey Watters—Tiny Cuts” Museum of Wisconsin Art Most artists bridle when their masterpieces are referred to as “craft,” while craftspeople shrug and smile when their work is called “art.” Carey Watters stands at the crossroads of both disciplines, embracing the art references while knowing that her technique draws equally from the school of craft. Watters, an associate professor of art at the UW-Parkside, specializes in cut-paper art and mixed-media collages, a blend rare among contemporary creators.
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Sleepersound Idle Voices Release X-Ray Arcade The return of live music to Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade is a welcome sight for all, and three components of Milwaukee’s next indie rock generation will take their (very famous) stage on Friday, August 13. Post-rock quartet Sleepersound headlines the night, celebrating the release of their new album, Idle Voices, and the band will be supported by shoegazers Shamewave and atmospheric rockers Cassini Echoes.
Ayre in the Square at Catalano Square The Friends of Catalano Square present a truncated version of their Ayre in the Square concert series this summer, with two dates instead of their usual four. The August edition will take place 4-8 p.m. Saturday August 21, featuring Caley Conway, Weird Storm, Fellow Kinsman and more. These events are free to attend. Take in a great afternoon of music in the heart of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.
AUGUST 20-22 Milwaukee Irish Fest Henry Maier Festival Grounds Milwaukee, one of many cities in the U.S. that attracted Irish immigrants, has been home since 1981 to Irish Fest, the largest Irish music and cultural festival outside of Ireland and, perhaps, the world. The annual event was cancelled last year due to COVID but returns in 2021 with the theme “The Spirit of Irish America,” showcasing the music and traditions brought to the U.S. from Ireland and other Celtic nations. Among the acts at this year’s festival are Gaelic Storm, JigJam, Runa and The Murphy Beds. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Irish Fest.
AUGUST 7 Home Fashion Day: Culture-Identity-Fashion Lynden Sculpture Garden This year’s Home series is a sequence of dispersed events spanning the summer. They remain smaller than in past years to allow for social distancing and will take place outdoors on Lynden’s grounds. “Home Fashion Day” is a fashion show featuring traditional cultural wear, contemporary wear and high fashion from refugee designers. As MC, Biak Hlawn will present and share the individual and cultural meanings behind each garment worn and the diversity of refugee communities in Milwaukee.
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AUGUST 29 El Shirota & Oginalii Cactus Club A pair of touring acts will make a stop in Bay View as Mexico City’s El Shirota and Nashville alternative rockers Oginalii play Cactus Club for a 6 p.m. show. With a ‘90s-inspired sound, El Shirota is touring behind their debut record, Tiempos Raros, while Oginalii is supporting their 2020 release, Pendulum. The Sunday evening show features an earlier-than-usual start time for those looking to close out their weekend with live music. AUGUST 30
MILWAUKEE IRISH FEST
Bully with Pom Pom Squad The Back Room @ Colectivo Buzzing Nashville indie rock act Bully are no strangers to Milwaukee, having repeatedly sold-out club events around the city in the past. The band is quickly ascending to indie rock stardom, and their August 30 Colectivo date may be one of their last shows in a venue of that capacity. There’s a bright future for Bully, who are touring behind Sugaregg, their latest record. Catch them while you can at the East Side venue.
Taco illustration by robuart/Getty Images. Boom box illustration by Alex_Bond/Getty Images. Background pattern by nazlisart/Getty Images.
