I’m frequently asked why I drive “all the way” from Hartland to see live music in Milwaukee.  With a plethora of talent in Milwaukee and a lack of opportunity to see music in the Lake Country area, it’s no question to me why I make the trek.  Then my brother and I checked out an open mic one Tuesday at Kim’s Lakeside on Pewaukee Lake.  You never know what you’ll see at an open mic (that’s what I love about them), and I was more than pleasantly surprised at the amount of talent we found.  It’s hosted every Tuesday by Augie Barnhart; a fabulous guitarist who also plays in the band the Muddy Udders.  The night is a constant rotation of musicians and instruments with songs that span the full spectrum, from bluegrass to blues to classic rock.  With $2 PBR’s and no shortage of local color in the audience, it’s just one big, fun jam session.  If you’re ever in the Lake Country area on a Tuesday, this is worth checking out.

Ok just wanted to give a shoutout to local talent this Thursday…lots of great stuff going on. First off, Art Milwaukee’s Art Jamboree at the Grand Avenue Mall, starting at 6. Local artists displaying their pieces, some records spinning, bound to be a good time. Next, there’s Trocadero’s 10th anniversary party going down at 7. Live music provided by Milwaukee’s very own classically-infused indie pop-rock group, I’m Not A Pilot. If you haven’t seen them play, Thursday’s your chance! Then Myles Coyne and the Rusty Nickels Band will performing at Yield around 10. Lots of free, fun events to hit up. Hope to see ya, localplaylist will be all over town that night!

Local Playlist would like to thank the creators of Yellow Phone Music Conference for bringing us a great weekend of music! What a wonderful idea…such a great opportunity to local musicians and fans. For those of you who were out of the loop this weekend, Yellow Phone was a two-day, two-part conference, mimicking such events in larger cities such as Austin’s South By Southwest. The first part consisted of panels of music industry professionals, covering a range of topics and mentoring up and coming musicians, held at the Intercontinental Hotel. The second part was a series of concerts on Friday & Saturday, featuring Milwaukee artists and national acts at various venues downtown.

Local Playlist caught the show Saturday at Red Rock Saloon, featuring two of Milwaukee’s most well-known bands, The Wildbirds and Ragadors. The Wildbirds were up first, their classic rock’n'roll with a touch of twang blending perfectly into Red Rock’s country atmosphere. The Ragadors followed, their exuberance and spirit feeding off the crowd’s energy. Their third show with new bassist Lucas Fitzpatrick and featuring Kevin Topel on lead guitar, the band seemed completely in sync last evening. Ben Hall’s voice filled the large open concept bar, captivating the Water Street audience’s attention, while his band members rocked their hearts out. What a great chance for these bands to expose themselves to a larger demographic. As soon as Joshua Harper’s last drum beat sounded, we booked it down to The Irish Pub to see The Celebrated Workingman (also part of the conference’s lineup). As soon as we walked in the door, we could hear Mark Waldoch’s distinctive voice belting it out. While the band was a bit crammed into the backroom of the Irish Pub, it was a great show as always. I guess it was a night for badass new bass players as it was one of the Celebrated Workingman’s first performances with latest addition, Ryan Gardiner. You may recognize him from a couple other local bands, Ikarus Down and The Last Rhino but this time he’s on bass, fitting in neatly with The Celebrated Workingman’s already established sound. While we only caught the second half of their set, it was obvious the night was a success, based off the crowd and band’s enthusiasm. When the show was coming to a close, we all shouted “one more song!” (or “uno mas!” if you were Danielle) until the guys happily obliged. All in all, a wonderful night of music.

I know it’s not music but localplaylist.com supports all Milwaukee “art” and this is bound to be a great time…. Several short films by Milwaukee filmmakers, including “Documenting Westphal” by Kurt Raether of the local band, The Fatty Acids!

The Milwaukee Show, Thursday September 29th at The Oriental Theater

Cream City Cinema

Program Running Time is 90 min

Milwaukee filmmaking stretches far beyond shots of Lake Michigan and tell-all interviews with the Bronze Fonz. Homegrown talent reaches deep into the heart of our city-and their own imaginations-to create films that inspire, challenge and entertain. Packed with gems by seasoned local filmmakers and emerging artists, this lineup of shorts includes the 2011 Collaborative Cinema winner and the premiere of The Wheel from Milwaukee Film’s filmmaker-in-residence John Roberts.

http://m.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130061630421556&refid=25&ref=nf_fr http://m.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130061630421556&refid=25&ref=nf_fr

Events http://m.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169127853168244&refid=7&ref=nf_fr

Battle Verses ep.1 – Kane Place Record Club “Hollywood” on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/m/#/28639938