What’s Going On

For the week of January 9-15…

Happy 2024! We’re starting to get up to speed for the New Year!

Guys on Ice, January 12-March 17, Stackner Cabaret, 108 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

It’s the 25th anniversary of a classic Wisconsin comedy, and the Rep is getting the New Year rolling with a new production in the Stackner Cabaret! This story about three buddies spending the winter ice fishing “upnorth” has more Sconnie jokes than you can shake a Cheesehead at, and actors Dan Klarer, Steve Koehler and Doug Mancheski will be back with songs and stories to help you beat those post-holidays blues!

Cream City Hot Club, January 11, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com/events)

Transfer’s Martini Jazz Lounge is off to a hot start in 2024 with the return of this spot-on tribute to “gypsy jazz” king Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of Paris! Scott Hlavenka, Ben Dameron, Aaron Van Oudenallen and Clay Schaub are sure to keep the joint jumpin’! The music is hot, admission is free, but be sure to be there well before the show’s 6:30 kickoff time to assure yourself of great ringside seats!

Steely Dane, January 12, Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St (pabsttheatregroup.com)

The arrival of the New Year brings with it the return of Madison’s fantastic Steely Dan tribute band to the venue that’s fir them like a glove! The house will be rockin’ with dancing in the aisles with the 15-piece band’s flawless renditions of favorite hits and deep cuts from the Steely Dan and Donald Fagen catalogs! Is there gas in the car? Yes, there’s gas in the car! Well, grab some tickets and head on down for what should be another sellout Pabst show from the Great Daners!

What’s Going On

For the week of December 19-25…

Martini Jazz Lounge Gil Jazz Xfer Xmas Show, December 21, Anthony Deutsch Trio, December 28, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com)

Transfer’s Martini Jazz Lounge “December to Remember” continues this Thursday with a Jazz Christmas party that hearkens back to Transfer’s early days. The core group is headed up by trumpeter Joel Lehman, assisted by B3 organ maestro Dan Schneck, veteran reed man (and Milwaukee music icon) Warren Wiegratz and retired MSO percussionist Joe Conti on the kit. Surprise guest stars are likely to appear (Don’t be surprised if Transfer owner Russell does some tooting on the trombone!), and in the Yuletide spirit, there’s no cover! So come on down and enjoy renditions of seasonal tunes you’re unlikely to hear on the radio (unless they’re on Paul Host’s annual Christmas Eve music marathon on WMSE) along with great Transfer pizza! And did somebody say martinis?

While I’m at it, the holiday hijinks wrap up on the 28th with pianist Anthony Deutsch and his Trio. Fresh from their statewide holiday tour with the Commercialists celebrating the “Peanuts” music of Vince Guaraldi, a freewheeling evening is expected with music that’s a far cry from “Christmas Time is Here.” At the same time, a Guaraldi tune or two could pop up here and there. Assisting AD for this gig are Ace of Bass (and Commercialist) Clay Schaub and on drums another holiday visit from Dave Bayles. Don’t forget to give the drummer some!

Since this will be the final post until 2024, here’s a quick rundown of Milwaukee performances continuing during the holidays:

The Rep’s 48th annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, through December 24 at the the glorious Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

First Stage’s holiday production The Best Christmas Pageant Ever-The Musical, through December 24 at Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N Water St (firststage.org)

Milwaukee Ballet’s outstanding new production of The Nutcracker-Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium, through December 26 at Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St (milwaukeeballet.org)

Skylight Music Theatre’s smash hit production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock, through December 30 at the Cabot Theater, 158 N Broadway (skylightmusictheatre.org)

Paul Silbergleit and Charles Ledvina Jazz Duo , December 22, Juli Wood and Mark Davis Jazz Duo, December 29, Edith Cocktail Bar, 228 W Wells St, no cover Happy Hour (edithmke.com)

Back to the Future, Classic Comedy Film with Live Music Score performance by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, December 30-31, Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W Wisconsin Ave (mso.org)

Last, but certainly not least, the Rep’s current Cabaret show Nuncrackers continues through January 7 at the Stackner Cabaret, 108 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

And that’s a 30 wrap for Tuning In With Randy-O for this year….Thanks for reading!

Merry Christmas…See you next year!

What’s Going On

For the week of December 12-18…

Holiday Pops, December 14-19, Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W Wisconsin Ave (mso.org)

The final piece of Milwaukee’s performing arts holiday schedule falls into place this week with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s ever-popular Holiday Pops concerts. This year’s edition features the welcome return of Guest Conductor Byron Stripling, following his MSO Pops debut in last spring’s hit show Uptown Jazz Nights. The ebullient and charismatic conductor/trumpeter (Sound like anyone else we know?) will be joined by Broadway star Mamie Parris along with Cheryl Frazes Hill and her Milwaukee Symphony Chorus in a program of favorite classics, carols and sing-alongs in festive Allen Bradley Hall, guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit! But hurry…Tickets for all six performances are going fast!

Dave Bayles Trio, December 14, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com)

Transfer Pizzeria’s Martini Jazz Lounge “December to Remember” continues tonight with the welcome return of the Dave Bayles Trio. Drummer Dave Bayles leads an interesting combination of guitarist Paul Silbergleit and Dan Schneck on the B3 organ, celebrating Calligram Records’ just-released Dave Bayles Trio Live at the Uptowner. The trio rocked the house last time they appeared at the Jazz Lounge, and armed with the new material from the new album along with other fan favorites, it should truly be a night to remember! As usual there’s no cover, so get there early before the 6:30 pm kickoff to assure yourself of great ringside seats!

What’s Going On

For the week of December 5-11…

Michael Pink’s The Nutcracker, December 8-26, Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St (milwaukeeballet.org)

While Milwaukee Rep’s annual production of A Christmas Carol may hold the record as Milwaukee’s longest-running holiday performance, Milwaukee Ballet’s annual performances of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic isn’t far behind. In fact, costumes and sets were created 25 years ago for the production, and they indeed have served the production well. However, both sets and costumes have begun to show their age, so Artistic Director Michael Pink decided it was time for a makeover. And after a process that took several years to complete, the sparkling new edition of Nutcracker (now subtitled Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium) is ready for its closeup, with its World Premiere engagement opening this Friday. In addition to the dazzling new sets, effects and costumes, the familiar story has been tweaked to provide new excitement. As for Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, not to worry. The Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra returns for live performances of the magical music along with virtuoso performances from the talented Ballet dancers, combining with all the new elements to provide an unforgettable new experience! For all the Nutcracker fans who eagerly awaited the unveiling of this new production, all I can say is: Let the journey begin!

The Boy and the Heron, December 7-14, Oriental Theater, 2230 N Farwell Ave (mkefilm.org/oriental-theatre)

American animation fans are getting a very special early Christmas gift, courtesy of Japanese master Hayao Miyazaki. After he had apparently retired years ago, he has returned with another gem that’s sure to be a huge favorite to capture the Best Animated Feature Oscar. Those familiar with earlier masterpieces Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away will instantly recognize the Miyazaki trademark whimsy and imagination in this tale set in Japan during World War II. But sensing this is indeed the finale of a glorious career, his film’s concluding scenes present a capstone that critics are already gushing as totally sublime. Please note: The film is being presented in Japanese with English subtitles, or a dubbed English version with voice actors Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Appleton’s Willem Dafoe, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh. And with the stampede of big holiday movies arriving beginning on the 15th, it’s quite likely this film may be gone by then, and you don’t want to miss this hand-drawn treasure on the big screen. So don’t dawdle!

The Group, December 7, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com)

Transfer’s Thursday Martini Jazz Lounge’s December to Remember series continues with this band that’s a special project featuring Milwaukee jazz talents spearheaded by venerable saxman Warren Wiegratz and drummer Eddie Butts. The band specializes in a funkier style of jazz than what one would normally expect to hear from show bands like Warren’s longtime band Streetlife and the Eddie Butts Band. In fact, they hearken back to the days of Warren’s great 70’s-80’s band Sweetbottom, who were playing fusion style jazz before the term was even invented! They don’t perform frequently, so if you want to hear these guys really stretch out on these funky grooves, here’s your chance! There’s no cover, but be sure to get there well before the 6:30 pm starting time to ensure you get a great seat! And nothing goes better with great music than great pizza!

What’s Going On

For the week of November 28-December 4…

More holiday goodies for you this week!

Cream City Hot Club, November 30, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com)

Transfer’s popular Thursday night Martini Jazz Lounge series is getting into the Christmas spirit with a great lineup of acts in December, and it gets started tonight with the welcome return of Cream City Hot Club, Milwaukee’s tribute band dedicated to the “Gypsy Jazz” sounds popularized by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Guitarists Scott Hlavenka and Ben Dameron are joined by saxman Aaron Van Ouderallen and bassist Viktor Brusibardis to prove you don’t need amps to produce high energy music! And on this occasion, we may hear some holiday favorites given a Django twist! Rest assured the place will be packed and the house will be rockin’, so get there early for this FREE 6:30 show!

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, now-December 24, Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

For the 48th year, the Milwaukee Rep presents its Christmas gift to Milwaukee, the longest continuously running (with a pause for the COVID pandemic) Carol production in America! Presented once again in the elegant setting of Milwaukee’s historic Pabst Theater, I wholeheartedly assure you the 2023 edition runs as smoothly as a finely tuned sports car, with a splendid cast (featuring many fine Milwaukee actors), wonderful music, gorgeous sets and costumes, brilliant special effects (with real snow!), and audience participation, adding up to a fantastic performance of the adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas tale by show director (and Rep Artistic Director) Mark Clements! But perhaps best of all, this edition marks the triumphant return of veteran Milwaukee actor Matt Daniels as Scrooge, following his debut in last year’s production. His magical performance is even better than last year, and for my money, the role is his as long as he wants it! Needless to say, snap up those tickets fast…You wouldn’t want to catch yourself exclaiming “Bah Humbug!”

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever-The Musical, now-December 24, Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N Water St (firststage.org)

If you’ve attended Skylight’s current hit production School of Rock, you might be thinking you’ve seen every musically talented kid in Milwaukee onstage…and you’d be wrong! Milwaukee’s premier family theater marks the welcome return of this holiday hit for its 2023 production. First Stage alum Molly Rhode directs this swell staging of the story of how Mrs Bradley (a great turn from the always capable Karen Estrada) has the assignment of directing the church Christmas pageant into her lap while contending with the pageant’s indisposed original director, the church’s pastor and adult members (Is that really veteran Milwaukee actor/director Laura Gordon as Church Lady Luanne? You betcha!), oodles of Sunday School kids (including Mrs B’s own son and daughter!), AND a family of kids from the wrong side of the tracks! Seems like an impossible task, but the resilient Mrs B manages to pull everything together thanks to some help from a neat music score and the wonderful cast, and you’ll be along for the ride! It’s great holiday entertainment for the entire family!

The Mousetrap, now-December 17, Next Act Theater, 255 S Water St (nextact.org)

You say you’ve seen the Rep’s current hit production of the mystery thriller Dial M for Murder, and you’re hungry for more? May I direct your feet to the intimate, in-the-round Next Act Theater, for their holiday production of Dame Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. And talk about durable, this stage adaptation has been playing continuously on the London stage since 1952 (also with a pause during the COVID pandemic)! And Next Act’s show, directed by local theater veteran Mary MacDonald Kerr, certainly lives up to those lofty standards, thanks to the talented cast that includes Milwaukee actors Libby Amato, Jon Daly, Doug Jarecki and Josh Krause. It’s a holiday treat that lives up to the lofty standards of the “Master (Mistress?) of Whodunit!”

Christmas Choral Concert, December 1-3, Schwan Concert Hall, 8815 W Wisconsin Ave (wlc.edu/choir)

Among Milwaukee’s great holiday traditions is the annual Christmas Choral Concert from Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Choral Music department, coming up this weekend at the college’s elegant concert hall (also home to former MSO Concertmaster Frank Almond’s recital series Perfectly Frank). Choral Director Dr James Nowack leads the Chorus and Chamber Singers in a program of diverse music that celebrates the holy season with carols both classical, traditional and modern. The spirited performances provide a great alternative to the usual holiday fare!

9th Annual WMSE Big Band Grandstand, December 3, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 Vel R Phillips Ave (wmse.org)

This post concludes with the latest installment on what has become Milwaukee’s newest holiday tradition. The 9th edition of the WMSE Big Band Bandstand, hosted by Sunday Morning Big Band Show DJ Dewey Gill and Station Manager Tom Crawford, is one of the station’s biggest fundraisers and has drawn increasingly larger crowds each year. And this year’s show marks the first time a headliner has made a 2nd consecutive appearance! Get ready for the Action Jackson…Back by popular demand following last year’s sensational performance is Sweden’s Queen of Swing Gunhild Carling and Her Band! I kid you not when I say I’d run out of space listing everything in this super-versatile performer’s arsenal…She must be seen to be believed! And did I mention her band packs the dance floor with eager swing dancers, so bring those dancin’ shoes! In addition there’s a Silent Auction with oodles of swell items up for bidding! If you aren’t in the holiday spirit already, you will be after attending this swinging great evening at Historic Turner Hall Ballroom!

What’s Going On

For the week of November 14-20…

On Thursday, downtown Milwaukee’s streets and parks will come alive with the Holiday Lights Festival, with the Milwaukee’s Tree Lighting Ceremony the next day in the Cheer District. Likewise, Milwaukee’s performing arts groups are unwrapping their gifts to celebrate the season. Let’s see what goodies await us this week!

Nuncrackers, now-January 7, Stackner Cabaret, 108 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

Those sassy sisters (along with the parish priest) of Hoboken’s Mt Saint Helen’s Parish return to the Rep’s Stackner Cabaret with this holiday spinoff of Nunsense. This time around, the action focuses on a Christmas TV special produced for Hoboken’s public access channel WCON. Despite roadblocks like accidents, robberies and power outages along the way, this motley crew presses on with a revue reminiscent of the holiday variety shows that dominated the TV landscape in days of yore. There’s even a cooking segment where Father Virgil (Seth K Hale) steps in for the indisposed Sister Julia, Child of God and thanks to a plentiful supply of rum destined for the holiday fruitcake, he manages to keep the proceedings moving along. There’s a plethora of sketches and production numbers (including a ballet inspired by the show’s title!) to keep the jollity going. I particularly enjoyed the holiday infomercial for the Catholic Home Shopping Service (spotlighting those special fragrances Confession and Absolution), and a Village People parody called “In the Convent” that serves as a nun recruitment commercial. Kudos to Katie Kallus, Meka King, Ashley Oviedo and Isabel Quintero for making this Sister Act a whole lot of holiday fun!

Dial M for Murder, now-December 17, Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 108 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

Those seeking an alternative to the traditional holiday offerings may find the Rep’s Powerhouse Theater’s show to their liking. It’s a stage version of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1954 film adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher (the Rep’s previous hit Holmes and Watson). Passion, blackmail and revenge combine into a breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat murder mystery that definitely provides a true theatrical option for the season!

School of Rock, November 17-December 30, Cabot Theater, 158 N Broadway (skylightmusictheatre.org)

Skylight’s holiday production is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fabulous adaptation of 2003’s smash hit movie starring Jack Black as a ne’er-do-well who finds himself teaching music at an exclusive prep grade school and molds his charges into the hit of the local “America’s Got Talent”-style contest! Of course there are detours along the way, not the least are the show’s hit songs including Webber’s “You’re in the Band,” “Teacher’s Pet,” “If Only You Would Listen” and “Stick It to the Man,” along with many of the classic rock standards that were featured in the original movie. The show’s cast includes Joey Sanzaro as would-be music teacher Dewey Finn, but as Joey will tell you, the show’s real stars are the fourteen talented kids that comprise the live onstage band that will rock the house! I also want to acknowledge the Shorewood chapter of School of Rock that’s providing the instruments and amps the kids will be playing onstage. This show will leave you feeling like “You’re In the Band!”

Liberace! , November 17-December 10, Studio Theater, 158 N Broadway (milwaukeechambertheatre.org)

Another great musical performance is taking place just down the hall from where the School of Rock performances will be taking place. It’s Milwaukee Chamber Theater’s Artistic Director Brent Hazleton’s one-man show about the life of the iconic Milwaukee music legend known as “Mr Showmanship.” Filling the sequin jackets and tickling the ivories is Milwaukee native Brett Ryback, protege of Jack Forbes Wilson who originated the role in sold-out runs in the Rep’s Stackner Cabaret in 2010 and 2014. Like the Stackner, the Studio Theater provides an intimate setting where audiences can truly appreciate Ryback’s tour de force acting and musical performances, which run the gamut from Chopin to “Chopsticks!” The one-man show makes great demands of its star, and as a result the show’s run is limited to performances through December 10, so don’t hesitate to get tickets now! Here’s an idea: How about doing a “Barbenheimer” and see both School of Rock AND Liberace! on the same day? It would make for a holiday music doubleheader you’ll never forget!

Milwaukee Holiday Folk Fair International, November 17-19, Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center, 8200 W Greenfield Ave (folkfair.org)

Last, but certainly not least, we need to take a moment to recognize the iconic annual Milwaukee holiday tradition that was born 80 years ago during the depths of World War II. While nations were at each other’s throats, Milwaukee decided to stage a showcase spotlighting the city’s diverse ethnic communities, and the rest is history. The best way to describe the Folk Fair is to take all the city’s many summer ethnic festivals and roll them into one gigantic event! Just like the first festival 80 years ago, the event’s objective remains the same: To explore the Music, Food, Dance and Arts worlds of Milwaukee’s ethnic groups and share them with everybody! To say this is a great family-friendly event is a huge understatement! Prosit!

Next week I’ll have more holiday treats to unwrap!

What’s Going On

For the week of October 17-23…

Cream City Hot Club, October 19, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com)

This Thursday Transfer’s Martini Jazz Lounge series welcomes back the return of Cream City Hot Club, deftly playing the hot swing jazz popularized by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. The quartet , featuring Scott Hlavenka (guitar), Ben Dameron (guitar), Aaron Van Oudenallen (sax) and Clay Schaub (bass), brings these great jazz standards to life with their crowd-pleasing lively renditions! The music goes from 6:30-9 pm and there’s no cover, but be sure to arrive early…The joint will be jumpin’!

Friday Happy Hour Jazz, October 20, Edith Cocktail Lounge, 228 W Wells St (milwaukeejazzinstitute.org)

It may be hard to imagine, but during the 80’s and 90’s the space at 228 W Wells St was occupied by Radio Doctors Classical Music store (I should know-I worked there!). The space was recently transformed into the hip new cocktail bar Edith, conveniently located adjacent to Milwaukee’s Theater District. And now, Edith is offering Friday Night Jazz featuring musicians from Milwaukee Jazz Institute from 6-9 pm-no cover! On tap this Friday is dynamic duo Mark Davis (piano) and Clay (Mr “Have Gig, Will Travel!”) Schaub (bass). They’ll entertain with delightful renditions of jazz classics old and new, so stop by and get your weekend off to a great start!

Josefowicz & Bolero, October 20-22, Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W Wisconsin Ave (mso.org)

Guest Conductor/Composer Matthias Pintscher welcomes back violinist Leila Josefowicz for this weekend’s Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performances. Josefowicz is featured on Pintscher’s concerto Assonanza, which he composed especially for her! Also featured on the program are two great orchestral pieces from Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and “Iberia” from Images pour orchestra, and concluding with Ravel’s mesmerizing Bolero! it adds up to a wonderful musical serenade for autumn!

What’s Going On

For the week of October 10-16…

The Rhythm Club, October 12, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, 101 W Mitchell St (transfermke.com)

Now that the calendar has turned to October, Transfer Pizza’s Thursday Martini Jazz Lounge series has returned, and a real treat awaits this Thursday! The Rhythm Club is a quartet that features several of Milwaukee’s favorite jazz musicians: Vocalist Robin Pluer, saxophonist/vocalist Juli Wood and the duo Mrs Fun, comprised of Connie Grauer on keys and percussionist Kim Zick. This side project performs occasionally throughout the area, most notably at Milwaukee’s Summerfest. Their set lists are a delightful grab bag of jazz and r&b goodies (some familiar favorites, some obscure surprises), along with some French chansons for which Ms Pluer is justifiably renowned! And if you don’t get to hear their rousing show closer, Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love,” demand a refund! Oops, wait a minute! This show, like all offerings in the Martini Jazz Lounge series, has no cover, but be sure to get there well before things get underway at 6:30 pm…The joint is sure to be packed and jumpin’! And enjoy some delicious pizza and beverages (including martinis!) as well!

Candide, October 13-29, Cabot Theater, 158 N Broadway (skylightmusictheatre.org)

With the imminent arrival of director Bradley Cooper’s long awaited docudrama film of American music icon Leonard Bernstein (Maestro) in November, the timing’s perfect for Skylight Music Theatre’s season opener. Candide is one of only three musicals composed by the prolific Lenny (along with On the Town and West Side Story), and it’s safe to say not all that many have seen this show, although if you’re a veteran of high school and/or college bands/orchestras chances are you’ve performed the show’s overture at one time or another! This bubbly nugget (or as called by Milwaukee’s late, great classical music radio announcer Obie Yadgar, a bonbon) effectively foreshadows what you’ll see and hear in this musical based on Voltaire’s satire of innocence, optimism and life’s unexpected lessons! And BTW, a jazzy version of the overture inspired the theme music for Dick Cavett’s TV talk show during the 60’s and 70’s! This production marks the Skylight return of New York stage director James Ortiz, who helmed Skylight’s memorable 2017 production of Gretry’s opera Beauty and the Beast. And like that production there will be puppets utilized in this show, but don’t confuse them with the denizens of Avenue Q! And since Candide had its premiere in the 1950’s and was adapted for the stage by Bernstein and Dorothy Parker (both famous 50’s American wits in their own right!), it was decided this production would be set in the 50’s-but don’t expect a surprise appearance from Elvis! A number of Skylight veterans have a hand in this production as well, including choreographer Ryan Cappelman, and actors Susie Robinson, Andrew Varela, Doug Clemons, Samantha Sostarich, Shawn Holmes, Ben George, Nathan Marinan and Lydia Rose Eiche. Making their Skylight debuts are a trio in key roles: Sam Simahk, Sara Stern and Molly Wiley. Leading the live 8-piece orchestra is veteran Broadway music director Jeffrey Saver, also making his Skylight debut. It all adds up to a sparkling theatrical event, but it’s only here for a two week run, and the inevitable word of mouth will ensure tickets will go fast, so don’t delay!

What’s Going On

For the week of October 3-9…

Pat Metheny in Concert, October 5, Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St (marcuscenter.org)

Hall of Fame jazz guitarist Pat Metheny has visited Milwaukee numerous times going back to his 70’s gigs with the Pat Metheny Group at Summerfest’s Miller Jazz Oasis, but it’s been a while since he’s performed here. The drought ends Thursday night when Metheny makes a welcome return to the Marcus Center. We’re in for a special treat as he’s currently touring to support his latest album release Dream Box, and since it’s a collection of solo guitar pieces this will be a rare solo performance. Don’t miss this chance to see and hear one of the true guitar greats!

2023 Cultures & Communities Festival, October 5-12, various locations (mkefilm.org/ccf)

Every spring Milwaukee Film presents the annual Milwaukee Film Festival. And for the past several years Milwaukee Film has heralded the arrival of autumn with the Cultures and Communities Festival, presented in association with Milwaukee Film’s community partner the Milwaukee Brewers. The festival presents dozens of events throughout the Milwaukee area, ranging from music and dance performances to lectures to art and fashion shows. And since Milwaukee Film is presenting the event, there are plenty of film screenings, the majority of them taking place at the Oriental Theater. The festival leads off with a pair of great documentaries: On October 5 the festival presents The League, a history of the Negro baseball leagues from acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sam Pollard. The following night brings The Space Race, a film about the first black astronauts in the US space program, co-directed by Lisa Cortes, director of last spring’s sensational Film Festival hit Little Richard: I Am Everything. You can get complete information on all the festival events by going to the link listed above or by getting a program book at the Oriental Theater!

Gershwin Celebration with Marcus Roberts Trio, October 6-8, Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W Wisconsin Ave (mso.org)

September 25 was the 125th birthday of George Gershwin, arguably America’s greatest composer. To mark the occasion, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra opens its new Pops season with a Gershwin celebration which features the MSO along with the great jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his Trio plus vocalist Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield. The program is a showcase of Gershwin’s great music from various genres, including great Nelson Riddle arrangements of pop standards of “‘S Wonderful,” “The Man I Love” and “Fascinating Rhythm” with vocals from LadyMay; a suite of music from his monumental opera Porgy and Bess; the overture from the Broadway hit Girl Crazy; symphonic selections Cuban Overture and Promenade-Walking the Dog from The Real McCoy; and last, but certainly not least, a striking arrangement of Gershwin’s masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue featuring the Roberts Trio alongside the MSO in a performance sure to bring down the house! Truly a party worthy of this great American composer!

Dream, Quickie! Dream!, October 6-29, Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N Water St (firststage.org)

Legendary Green Bay Packers player Donald Driver may have retired, but he’s certainly keeping busy! When he’s not out delivering Cousins sub sandwiches (as seen on TV!), he’s also serving as Cultural Ambassador for the Marcus Center for Performing Arts. The first fruits of that relationship will be unveiled this weekend when Milwaukee’s premiere family theater First Stage begins its run of the world premiere of playwright Gloria Bond Cunie’s Dream, Quickie! Dream!, a play inspired by Donald’s youth. New dad Donald is having trouble sleeping when the baby’s crying keeps him awake, when his younger self Quickie arrives to guide him through childhood memories and bring his story full circle. As usual, First Stage delivers with a strong cast directed by First Stage veteran DiMonte Henning and featuring Allen Dennis Edge as Donald’s dad and a great group of young performers! Round up the pack and head down to enjoy this inspiring tale for all ages! I suggest you order your tickets soon at the website listed to avoid disappointment!

What’s Going On

For the week of September 26-October 2…

Brahms and Stravinsky, September 29-30, Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W Wisconsin Ave (mso.org)

Following their summer hiatus, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s new season is underway in their home at Allen-Bradley Hall in the Bradley Symphony Center. This weekend, Music Director Ken-David Masur welcomes back pianist Yefim Bronfman as soloist in Brahms’ mighty Piano Concerto #1. The program also features Stravinsky’s thrilling music for the ballet Petrushka, along with Ukrainian composer Valentyn Silvestrov’s Prayer For Ukraine. An evening of orchestral virtuosity is assured!

Stop Making Sense, September 29-October 5, Oriental Theatre, 2230 N Farwell Ave (mkefilm.org/oriental-theatre)

Conspicuously absent from last spring’s Milwaukee Film Festival was the popular annual Oriental Theater screening of Talking Heads’ classic concert film Stop Making Sense, considered by many (this writer included) the greatest rock concert film ever made, which has motivated scores of dancers to fill the Abele Cinema’s aisles! Turns out there was good reason for the absence. The film’s new distributor was in the process of completing a 4K restoration of the film in time for its 40th anniversary. And now it’s ready, looking and sounding better than ever! This weekend, the Oriental welcomes the return of this movie for a full week of screenings…in the Abele (aka “The Big Room”) Cinema, of course! In addition, Shorewood native and Talking Heads member Jerry Harrison will be attending screenings on Saturday and Sunday, presenting an intro to the film along with post-screening Q&A sessions. Whether you’re seeing this feast for the eyes and ears (and feet!) for the first time or have seen it many times since its 1984 premiere, this is an event not to be missed! Word to the wise: Order your tickets in online at the website listed above…Many screenings are expected to sell out! Or putting it another way, burning down the house!