By Tyler Fassnacht The last time the New Pornographers came to town was about two years ago, supporting their album Challengers. This time around, with their solid new album Together, the band yet again came to the Orpheum Theatre, but the shows were actually quite different: this time they were much better. Opening the evening [ ... ] ...
As soon as the folks at Summerfest announced that KISS was headlining the first Saturday night at the Big Gig, we knew who we wanted to cover it for us. Our friend Kevin Brandt, better known as "KB" from the "Dave and Carole Morning Show" on WKLH (96.5 FM), is a longtime ally of the KISS Army, has seen a number of the group's shows and use Twitter to transmit updates throughout the show.
Fans often describe Trashcan Sinatras to the uninitiated as "the best band you've never heard of." The group hits Shank Hall for a show Monday night ($16), and is looking forward to unleashing some new songs and perhaps partying with the Fonz.
Undoubtedly, Josh Rouse is the star of the Friday, May 28 gig at Turner Hall. The return of Rouse to that venue -- which he helped launch by playing the first gig there under current management -- will be something to see. But Bobby Tanzilo is excited about opener AM's performance.
Though they made their mark playing sweaty bars and nightclubs, the BoDeans will throw a bit of a changeup during a homecoming / CD release show May 28 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Paul Mathews, president and CEO of the venue, anticipates a special evening for first-time guests and some Symphony regulars.
Despite his many years on the scene, jazz guitarist and composer Steve Peplin's fine new disc, "Infinite Stairways" -- sheathed in an eye-catching 3-D sleeve -- is his debut as sole leader of a session. "Infinite Stairways" is a fine set of straight-ahead post-bop jazz that Peplin describes as "a conservative Blue Note-style jazz record."
It's been a long time coming, but we Milwaukeeans knew the day would eventually come that we'd have to officially share Kings Go Forth with the rest of the country -- and the world. Read our conversation with vocalist Dan Fernandez and see the band play at Turner Hall Ballroom Friday, April 30.
Although it most often comes from out-of-town friends, our query today is quite common in Milwaukee as spring turns into summer. People want to know if they should get excited about Summerfest. Our answer is "Of course," but we understand the subjective ramifications. Here is the lineup as we know it, so you can decide for yourself.
Given the focus on the OK Go's creative videos and business view, it's easy to forget that that band plays catchy power-pop and puts on a good show. The group headlines Friday night at Historic Turner Ballroom.