NIGHT
September 2021
A MARQUETTE ZINE A project of the Marquette Journal
Table of Contents
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04 Letter from the Editor 05 Staff List 06 Flash Five 08 Milwaukee after dark 10 Calendar of events 11 Playlist 12 Safety at night 14 Hidden gems 16 Pulling an all-nighter 18 Deer District
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A letter from the Editor Dear Readers, I often lie awake in the middle of the night with many thoughts on my mind. But tonight, my mind is calm. It’s currently 10 p.m. in Honolulu, 3 a.m. in Milwaukee — and 1 a.m. in Dallas, where I’ll land for my layover in just a few hours — as I write the first draft of this letter. Saying goodbye to my family and friends never really gets easier, especially when the two places I call home are over 4,000 miles apart. But the long hours it takes to travel this distance gives me some time to reflect, and tonight I’m realizing just how ambiguous and versatile the night time really is. Outside my window, all I can see is darkness, with the exception of a few small patches of lights, as we fly over some of the bigger cities. I can imagine that some people are just getting ready for bed, or maybe already fast asleep. And for others, their night may just be getting started. Whether it’s getting ready for a long overnight shift at work, going out to a party or watching the night sky, life still continues, even after the sun goes down.
your own safety. We have also included a story on Marquette and Milwaukee’s crime rates, with some resources to take advantage of, if you ever feel you need them. In contrast to our first Zine, we hope this issue is able to give you a glimpse into Milwaukee’s night life, and a few ideas for adventuring in the city after dark, especially while the weather is still warm outside. To the Marquette Wire Staff: Thank you for generously giving up parts of your summer to help with this project, and for all your dedication and hard work. To Mark Zoromski, Aimee Galaszewski, Grace Pionek and our amazing manager team: Thank you for supporting me, and putting up with all my questions and emails this summer. I’m sure we will spend many more late nights in the newsroom this year, and I can’t wait to spend them working with all of you. Sincerely,
In this issue, we talk about Milwaukee’s vibrant night life, fun all-nighter activities to try and some underrated places to visit across the city after dark. However, exploring the city at night can come with a few dangers as well, and it is important to be mindful of
Skyler Chun Managing Editor of the Marquette Journal 4
STAFF LIST Executive Director of the Marquette Wire Aimee Galaszewski Managing Editor of the Marquette Journal Skyler Chun EDITORIAL
DIGITAL
Executive Editors Lelah Byron, Alex Garner, Randi Haseman, John Leuzzi, Megan Woolard
General Manager of Marquette University Television Andrew Amouzou
Assistant Editors Julia Abuzzahab, Rashad Alexander, Sam Arco, Kimberly Cook, Maria Crenshaw, Claire Driscol, Jackson Gross, Hope Moses Copy Chief Nora McCaughey Copy Editor Jack Connelly, Emily Reinhardt, Alex Wagner Contributing Writers Aimee Galaszewski, Nora McCaughey, Ivy Wen ART Design Chief Gracie Pionek Executive Photo Editor Isabel Bonebrake
General Manager of Marquette University Radio Reese Seberg Executive Producers Ryan Hagan, Tyler Peters, Vanessa Rivera Assistant Producers Patrick Curran, Kylie Goetz, Molly Gretzlock, Tim Littau, Manny Lopez, Kristin Parisi, Sarah Richardson Assistant Radio General Manager Emily Bittman Audio Producers Julianna Okosun, Emily Sacco, Matt Yeazel Music Director Clare Lindstrom Assistant Music Director Grace Flynn
Photographers Mazie Baldus, Skyler Chun, Grace Pionek, Hope Moses
Photo by Skyler Chun Cover Photo by Izzy Bonebrake 5
Photo by Grace Pionek
Photo by Skyler Chun 6
Photo by Grace Pionek
Photo by Izzy Bonebrake
“How did it get late so soon?” - Dr. Seuss
Photo by Skyler Chun 7
The streets of Milwaukee after dark AIMEE GALASZEWSKI
Once the sun goes down in the city of Milwaukee, the electric atmosphere begins to emerge. For students at Marquette University, the nightlife is just minutes from campus. From Water Street to the Deer District, the list of after-dark activities is endless. For Caleb Kwasigroch, a junior in the College of Communication, this was his first summer living in Milwaukee. “Being in Milwaukee this summer has been very rewarding,” Kwasigroch says. “I’ve gone to a few restaurants here and there, down to the riverwalk and down to the third ward. It’s nice to have things open again.” The city of Milwaukee lifted many of the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place through a Health Department order June 1. This allowed for businesses and restaurants to operate at full capacity without a mask mandate. Macie Robinson, a senior in the College of Health Sciences, says she agrees with Kwasigroch that it is refreshing to return to a new normal. “It’s really nice to see everyone out enjoying themselves and actually socializing, whereas last summer everybody had to either stay at home or socially distanced,” Robinson says. “It’s nice just being around new people every Friday and Saturday night and just having a lively atmosphere.” Madelyn Fainga’a, a senior in the College of Communication, says she spent her summer as a cocktail waitress at Buck Bradley’s. Buck Bradley’s, residing on Old World Third Street, is known as the longest bar east of the Mississippi River. 8
Fainga’a says she immediately noticed a change in the nightlife this summer compared to last summer. “The atmosphere and the people who have been coming out are a lot different,” Fainga’a says. “I’ve met a lot more people from out of state than I ever did last summer.” During the summer of 2020, there were travel restrictions in place that urged tourists to stay home. In an article from the Wisconsin State Journal, it was reported that Wisconsin’s state tourism dropped 28.3% from 2019 to 2020. This summer, Milwaukee has been hit by a powerful tourist boom. “Basically the streets have been filled, people have been out and you can just really feel the vibrant community that Milwaukee has,” Fainga’a says. One place in Milwaukee that has encouraged and built a strong community in is the Deer District. The Deer District is one of Milwaukee’s most popular areas, located right outside of Fiserv Forum. Thousands of people have gathered in the Deer District this summer, cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship victory in over 50 years. “There’s something about the whole vibe of the Deer District parties,” Kwasigroch says. “Just having fun and meeting people, everyone’s so kind there.” Robinson says she has frequently visited the Deer District since the third round of the NBA playoffs. “Everybody will come out and everywhere was crowded, but it was nice just to see everyone united and
Photo by Grace Pionek
just focused on one thing,” Robinson says. “It just made everyone in a good mood.” Meanwhile, Fainga’a experienced the other side of the energetic crowds while working at Buck Bradley’s. “There were free shots everywhere,” Fainga’a says. “It was just a free for all basically, but in a fun way.” A few blocks east of the Deer District, you’ll find Milwaukee’s prime spot for nightlife, bars and entertainment. Water Street has become a fan-favorite among many students on Marquette’s campus. Trinity Three Irish Pubs is just one of the bars on Water Street that has seen an influx of students.
While the Deer District and Water Street have become Milwaukee’s iconic hot spots, there are some other ‘hidden gems’ around the city as well. Fainga’a shared that she is excited for Central Standard Craft Distillery to open up near the Third Ward. The new three-story Downtown location is set to open late this summer. “There’s going to be a rooftop, so I’m really excited to experience that,” Fainga’a says. Robinson recommends wandering around Milwaukee to find a trendy bar. That’s how she came across Shakers Cigar Bar in Walker’s Point.
“I’d be lying if I said Trinity wasn’t a classic favorite for this summer,” Fainga’a says. “It’s really been where so many people have gone and cheered on the Bucks.”
“If you’re bored, just take a walk around somewhere new and try to find a random bar,” Robinson says. “My friend and I did that in Walker’s Point and ended up coming across a really cool, unique cigar bar that does ghost tours.”
Just around the corner is Brothers Bar & Grill, a modernized corner tavern known for their cocktail pitchers and lively dance floor.
While many students tend to get their fix by heading downtown, Marquette’s campus offers its own sense of nightlife at Caffrey’s Pub and Murphy’s Irish Pub.
Robinson says she has only been to Brothers once, and the place was filled to the brim.
“My friends and I are notorious for taking one of those lime scooters right down to Caffrey’s and Murphy’s to enjoy a night out if we don’t want to take a trip to Water [Street],” Fainga’a says.
“It was really fun because everyone was on the dance floor, the DJ was really good and knew what he was doing and it was after a Bucks game,” Robinson says. If you’re looking to get a bite to eat after a night-out, Ian’s Pizza is the place for you. “You can never go wrong with Ian’s Pizza,” Kwasigroch says. “That’s always been a fan-favorite of mine.”
No matter where Marquette students choose to spend their nights out, there are plenty of options throughout the city. With the Milwaukee Bucks becoming NBA champions and COVID-19 restrictions loosening, the summer nightlife of 2021 may be one to remember. 9
September calendar of events IVY WEN
Summerfest
Henry W. Maier Festival Park September 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 With over 800 acts playing on 11 different stages, Summerfest is the place to be for all music fans. The 2021 lineup includes popular artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Chance the Rapper, Megan Thee Stall ion and more. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before attending is required to enter the grounds.
Oktoberfest
Heidelberg Park September 2 - October 3 Get a taste of Germany’s traditional food and beer, and sing and dance the night away at Milwaukee’s Oktoberfest. This event will be held at the Heidelberg Park in the Bavarian Bierhaus, under mural-decorated out-buildings, similar to those found in Munich, Germany.
Beyond Van Gogh Wisconsin Convention Center September 10-11
Beyond Van Gogh is an immersive art experience that portrays the life and artwork of Van Gogh through cutting-edge technology. Visits will take about one hour, and tickets can be purchased online. 10
Photo by Mazie Baldus
Listen to our playlist curated by MURadio
scan here don’t forget to follow us on spotify @marquetteuniversityradio
Photo by Izzy Bonebrake
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Safety at night JULIA ABUZZAHAB Being in the heart of Milwaukee, Marquette University experiences threats of crime related activity, especially at night. College Factual states that in 2019, Marquette disclosed 1,308 crime-related incidents which involved students or occurred near campus. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and WorldAtlas, Milwaukee has become the sixth most dangerous city in the United States. Halfway through 2020, Milwaukee’s homicide and crime rate nearly doubled from 2019. So far in 2021, there has been no change in rates. The Milwaukee Police Department uploads comparisons and information about homicides, assaults, thefts and more misconducts on their database. It shows that in the year 2020, there were 26,583 confirmed crime cases in the city. These types of crime include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft- larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson. There has been a 13 % increase from 2019. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel states that so far into 2021 there have been 119 homicides in the city. Since Marquette is in the heart of downtown Milwau12
kee, it provides many safety measures to keep their students safe. To ensure Marquette is a safe place for all students, staff and faculty, the university has their own police force on campus 24 hours of the day, seven days a week. Marquette University Police Department directly notifies and uploads every crime-related incident to every student via email so their students have as much information as possible about every case. Marquette also provides a LIMO service, which allows students to request and utilize a shuttle to take them anywhere on campus anytime between 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., 365 days a year. Students can request a LIMO by calling (414)-288-6363, by flagging down a LIMO from the sidewalk or by waiting at a LIMO stop. Alexis Pickard, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, says she does not always feel safe walking around campus at night, although she said that certain safety precautions established throughout campus make her feel safer. “I do not exactly feel 100% safe walking around campus at night,” Pickard says. “But there are some things the school implicates, like the blue light buttons and even having the campus police [stationed] that make me feel safer.”
over in the city because there’s usually more Marquette students than random people.” Unlike Zagar, Gustavo Martinez-Hernandez, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, feels more safe walking alone in the city than walking on campus alone. “I feel safe walking in a group at night. If I were by myself I would not feel safe,” Martinez-Hernandez says in an email. “I feel safer walking in the city where there are more people to be witnesses. Also because we get notified of all the things that happen on campus — one [becomes] traumatized.”
Photo by Mazie Baldus
Blue light phones provide a direct connection to MUPD by pressing the “emergency” button. Shortly after, a police operator will be on the other end. There are more than 450 Blue light and service phones throughout campus as well as off-campus. Pickard says she always tries to walk in groups, regardless of whether or not she is on campus. Her friends try avoid letting anybody walk alone, especially at night. If she is alone, she says she makes sure to call or FaceTime a friend, and always has her location shared with someone she trusts. To avoid walking alone at night, she Ubers and utilizes Marquette’s LIMO service. “I think there should be more of a presence at night just driving around campus [MUPD],” Pickard said in an email. “I also think they [Marquette] could offer LIMO rides to a wider range or places and at more times that are not just late at night.” Currently, the Marquette LIMO service extends around campus and a one mile distance range off campus from 5 pm to 3 am. The four off-campus locations for pickup and drop-off are the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Valley Fields, the Eleven25 at Pabst Apartments and Marquette’s Behavior Analysis Clinic. Mia Zagar, a sophomore in the College of Health & Sciences, says she takes specific cautionary measures — carrying pepper spray on her keychain and trying to be attentive of her surroundings — to ensure her safety while walking around campus at all times. “Usually I feel okay going from place to place on campus at night when I’m by myself,” Zagar says in an email. “I feel safer walking on campus at night
Captain Ruth Peterson of the Marquette University Police Department mentioned that MUPD strives to share safety tips with the campus community through Marquette Today. MUPD gives general safety related tips, as well as encourages all students, faculty and staff to download EagleEye. EagleEye is a mobile BlueLight app. Users can press a button and they will be directly connected to MUPD, and their current location will also be sent to the department as long as location services are enabled. Zagar says she believes that Marquette does a good job at protecting students and informing them about all crime-related incidents that happen on or near campus. However, she says Marquette could possibly have more MUPD officers observing campus in the evening, where students can see them, to ensure they all feel safe. Martinez-Hernandez also feels like Marquette could increase their security around campus. “MUPD provides a Marquette-centered policing service to the Marquette Community and the surrounding neighborhoods. Due to our narrow scope, we are able to provide services that are specific to the area and not spread throughout the city” Peterson says in an email. Peterson says there are several circumstances that affect crime rates, such as understaffed departments and an increase in repeat offenders. “Though a combination of circumstances, some individuals are finding fewer deterrents to commit their crimes and, while our officers are doing a commendable job of apprehending suspects quickly, we are seeing that [it] is not stopping them from continuing their illicit activities when they are released from custody” Peterson says. MUPD publishes all data logs and crime data to their database to keep students and parents informed about any crime-related activity that Marquette students can be aware of and try to avoid.
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Hidden gems across the city NORA MCCAUGHEY While summer is typically associated with carefree fun and many hours in the sun, with the latter comes a characteristic of the season that not everyone loves: The heat.
night shows, which start at midnight are not being offered this summer due to COVID-19, but you can still enjoy the comedic stylings of the other matches.
Here are a few underrated places to visit and things to try around Milwaukee, once the blazing sun has finally let the city cool down.
Hangman Tours
ComedySportz ComedySportz’s unique improv format is now beloved in 24 cities across the world, but it actually started right here in Milwaukee. Since 1984, two teams of improv players compete against each other in games with suggestions from the audience. There is no rehearsal necessary. Shows are being hosted on Friday and Saturday nights at their main arena, located at 420 S. 1st Street, at 7:30 and 10 p.m. for $10 a ticket. Late
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Those looking for something a little out of the ordinary may be interested in what Hangman Tours has to offer. Popular tours include: The Cream City Cannibal Tour, which allows adults to walk in the steps of serial killer Jefferey Dahmer, or The Milwauking Dead, a walk tour leading through Milwaukee’s darkest and most macabre history. There’s even a three-hour ghost hunting experience with real paranormal investigators. Prices vary depending on what experience you’re looking for, but if you are someone who can’t wait another few months until Halloween, Hangman Tours might help tide you over.
Photos by Skyler Chun
Hamburger Mary’s Hamburger Mary’s is a classic LGBTQ+ themed restaurant chain that can be fun for the whole family. The kitschy environment and flamboyant servers have earned the burger joint the motto of being an “openair bar and grille for open-minded people.” Although the titular hamburgers are famous in their own right, Hamburger Mary’s is popular for its drag shows and events held by drag queens. The Milwaukee location offers karaoke on Thursday nights, Bingo on Wednesday nights and “Dining with Divas’’ every Friday and Saturday night.
Traditional pizza is popular, but options like Gyro, Buffalo Mac and Cheese, Philly Cheesesteak, Nacho and Hawaiian Pig Roast make Pizza Shuttle stand out from many on-campus options like Papa John’s.
Lake Michigan
Pizza Shuttle
For those looking to save their money, look no further than the iconic Lake Michigan. Just a mile and a half away from campus is one of the wonders of the Midwest, with no admission price required. A walk along the lakefront offers views of sculptures, the water and the Milwaukee skyline. Walking alone might give pedestrians a sense of peace and time to think, while a journey with friends can offer laughs and great conversation with a beautiful backdrop.
Located on the East Side, Pizza Shuttle is a staple of Milwaukee’s late-night food scene. The restaurant offers pickup and dine-in options until midnight, and is available for delivery until 3 a.m. daily.
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of late night Milwaukee fun, which the city proves with its abundance of unique things to do and places to see. 15
Pulling an all-nighter RANDI HASEMAN Milwaukee’s charm doesn’t just end once the sun goes down. It can be easy to pull an all-nighter in a city where there are countless activities to entertain you and some friends after dark.
8:00 p.m. – Sunset Canoe Gather some friends and paddle down the Milwaukee River in a kayak. Float from Riverside Park with Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center as the setting sun colors the sky.
9:00 p.m. – Dinner & Drinks Find a riverside eatery for dinner and some drinks. Some hot spots include Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Milwaukee Ale House and Milwaukee Brat House. These restaurants all offer similar menus of flatbreads, burgers and appetizers to share.
11:00 p.m. – Drunk Painting Back at home, grab a few more drinks and a paintbrush! Follow an online instructor to create a new piece of art for your home, or freestyle and let your creativity flow from brush to canvas.
1:00 a.m. – Geocache Download a geocaching app to explore Milwaukee. Geocaching is treasure hunting with online clues. A popular one is aptly named Geocaching. You can sign logbooks, discover Milwaukee history and even uncover some hidden items!
2:30 a.m. – Late Night Food Stop at a late-night fast food joint to enjoy some of Milwaukee’s favorites. Mad Chicken is open until 3 a.m. on weekends, serving tenders, wings and more. Pizza Shuttle offers continuous delivery and pick up until 3 a.m. as well. Be sure to check out their specials for cheap deals! You can also order some greek food from Gyro Palace until 3:30 a.m., but roll up your sleeves and grab lots of napkins to wipe away the grease.
3:00 a.m. – Stargaze Drive outside the city to find some clearer skies. Relax in the grass and let your eyes explore the stars of the night sky. Point out constellations by memory or with the help of an app, such as Night Sky, on your phone.
5:00 a.m. – Sunrise Watch the starry night transform into streaks of oranges and pinks along Lake Michigan. Milwaukee’s fun doesn’t cease to exist in the dark. 16
Photos by Grace Pionek
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The Deer District JACKSON GROSS After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across the city June 1, the Deer District reopened along with the rest of Milwaukee. Deer District is located just outside the Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette Basketball, and is a premiere plaza for sports and entertainment in Milwaukee. Right outside the forum itself, there are a variety of restaurants and bars, such as the Mecca, the Beer Garden and Punch Bowl Social. One of the biggest events since its reopening has been the Milwaukee Bucks playoff games. The playoffs and watch parties began May 22, with the the Bucks playing its first round against the Miami Heat, all the way to game six of the NBA Finals against the Suns July 20. A full capacity crowd of 65,000 people came out to the district for game six of the NBA Finals to watch the Bucks defeat the Phoenix Suns 105-98 and win the championship title.
Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a historic stat line to end the 50 year title drought on their home court. The Greek Freak posted a 50 point, 14-rebound and five-block performance. It was the first time a player had scored 50 points in a closeout finals game, since Bob Pettit in 1958. Throughout the entire playoff run, many fans, including Marquette women’s basketball forward Chloe Marotta, enjoyed the district’s lively ambience while watching the games. “The atmosphere, I think Milwaukee deserves to have this time,” Marotta says. “It’s been 50 years since the last time (the Bucks) won a finals and I think that we’re really eager to win the finals and all just come together after a hard year when this could never happen.” Marotta says the watch parties were a great way for the city to come together, especially after being apart from each other for so long due to the pandemic.
Photos by Mazie Baldus
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“People are definitely annoyed about having to stay in their houses for that long, and so I think with the chance to come together and be there, I don’t think anyone wants to miss it,” Marotta says. “I think that people are just dying to just go outside and have a good time.” Nathan Marzion, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, says it meant everything for fans to come together and support their teams again. “It’s just crazy because (basketball) brings so many people together,” Marzion says. “We couldn’t do this before in 2020 when (the Bucks) lost in the 2nd round … There were no fans, they were in the bubble, there was none of this, and having this type of energy and this type of support and electricity in the city, just surrounding this team, it gives everyone something to look forward to.” Women’s soccer defender Bonnie Lacey says the district has not only been a great way for her and her teammates bond, but for rest of Milwaukee to come together as well. “(My team) went down as much as we could,” Lacey says. “It’s really cool because not only does everyone from the city come out, but people from Wisconsin in general come out.” Lacey says some of her teammates who aren’t originally from Milwaukee became Bucks fans this summer, after experiencing some of the games in-person. She says she has also run into people from her high school or club soccer team in the district. “It’s honestly an amazing way for the community to come together and rally around something,”
Lacey says. Volleyball head coach Ryan Theis says he could also feel the excitement from afar while on recruiting trips across the country. “It (has) become such a great sports city and just gets lively. You can’t walk around downtown without hearing somebody talk about the Bucks,” Theis says. “More and more people flocked downtown and they’ll flock there during the day if there’s a 7:30 game just to kind of be in the area and get to the Deer District.” Some fans, including Marzion, have also noticed the impact of having the Deer District back at full capacity. “From what I’ve heard and from what I’ve seen, (the athletes) have been doing fantastic from this stuff,” Marzion says. “Some of these other places have to be just thriving off this stuff just because so many people are going down there, and every single game that place (the Deer District) is filled with thousands of people and I think it’s helped a ton of these businesses tremendously.” Marzion says the Bucks winning the championship title was something he had dreamed of for a long time. “I’ve been such a diehard fan of this team and so many other people have as well and following this team, even when there was no reason to,” Marzion says. “Sticking with them no matter what, and for them to (win), means so much to so many people and something so many have had a dream of.” 19
Stay tuned for the Fall Journal coming soon
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