OnMilwaukee.com Weekend Preview: Feb. 20-22

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It might be the middle of quiet February but this weekend in Milwaukee there's plenty to make noise about. For music, you can see catch sounds Latino Arts, blues at Milwaukee Ale House or a folk collaboration at Turner Hall Ballroom. Little Blue Crunchy Things reappears at Shank Hall, Cactus Club turns up the volume on CD release parties both Friday and Saturday night and Milwaukee Chamber Theater opens a new show from down under.

Catch Kodo Drumming at the Riverside, the Ballet or American Cancer Society fashion show at the Intercontinental Hotel. Shop all Saturday at the Boutique Blowout or find a new car at the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show.

Plus, don't forget sports, as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony come to town with their respective teams, the Admirals welcome the BoDeans and the Wave conjures some Disney magic.

FRIDAY

THE NIGHT CD RELEASE
The Vega Star throws a CD release party Friday night at Cactus Club. With its new full length record "The Night" in hand, The Vega Star plays with Sleep Out (Chicago), Moon High (Columbus), and local up and comer Pezzettino.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93526.html

I LOVE THE EISNER
Support the Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design on Friday by attending the always fun "I Love the Eisner" event. More here:
eisnermuseum.org/featured/i-love-the-eisner.php

ROCKIN SIGNAL
Signalfire, a local alternative/hard rock band, plays The Rave Friday night.

SUBDUDES RE-EMERGE
The Subdudes return to the road after an eight-year hiatus. With them, they bring a new album -- "Miracle Mule" -- full of their beautiful vocals. The tour stops at Turner Ballroom Friday night.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93011.html

THE GREEN CARDS
Six years ago, a green card was just an immigration document — now The Greencards are an acoustic music phenomenon that has played around the world, headlined major festivals, won awards, and toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Their latest release, "Viridian," co-produced by Doug Lancio was nominated at the Grammy Awards Ceremony in 2008 for 'Best Country Instrumental Performance'. See them Friday night at 8 p.m. at the Cedarburg Cultural Center. Call (262) 375-3676.

LITTLE, BLUE AND CRUNCHY TOO
After a good decade of performances, Milwaukee hasn't heard much from Little Blue Crunchy Things for a while. The jazz, rock, pop band plays with Snake and The Rusty P's at Shank Hall Friday night.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93748.html

JAZZ UP TOP
Crooner Frank Lamphere, Chicago vocalist of retro-pop and jazz, returns to the breathtaking views of Blu at The Pfister Hotel. Joined by his jazz duo, you can enjoy cocktails as you lounge Friday night.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93636.html

DUDE, NO REALLY, DUDE
Stoners Cheech and Chong do two shows Friday at the Northern Lights Theater. 7 and 10 p.m. Call (414) 276-4545.

========SPONSOR========
MILWAUKEE MARDI GRAS
Friday, Feb. 20

In 2007 we brought you The Source Magazine party
In 2008 it was The Source Magazine party 2.
Now it's the Milwaukee Mardi Gras -- 3rd annual winter party at MOCT.
Featuring DJ Kid Cut Up

Anyone with a February birthday gets in FREE.
Sponsored by Bayou Cajun Restaurant and Lounge

$10
FREE before 10:30 p.m.

MOCT
240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
(414) 273-MOCT
========SPONSOR========

LA PLENA IMMORTAL
Latin Arts at the United Community Center opens "La Plena Immortal," an exhibition of works by Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell. "La Plena," is a mixed media representation of the intersecting streams of life, death, war and love. His work focuses on concepts of mortality and self-reflection through a blend of woodcuts, paper collage and stanzas written by the author. The exhibit is on display through March 20.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93240.html

MUSIC EXPLOSION
Check out the opening of "La Plena Immortal" and stay to see William Cepeda's Puerto Rican Music Explosion. William Cepeda was born into Puerto Rican folk music royalty but he is carving his own niche in Latin music with his unique interpretation of the rhythms and melodies of danza, bomba and pelna and the folk music of the jibaro.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93241.html

KING LEBRON IN TOWN
The Bucks take on Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night at the Bradley Center. More on the Bucks and their drive to the NBA Play Offs here:
onmilwaukee.com/sports/articles/bucksmidway021209.html

FBS
Fat Bottom Special takes to the Milwaukee Ale House's Downtown stage Friday at 9:30 p.m.

========SPONSOR========
Milwaukee ChopHouse specializes in
tender steaks, fresh seafood, attentive service
and an extensive -- yet affordable -- wine list.
For reservations, gift cards or information visit

milwaukeechophouse.com/
Milwaukee ChopHouse is located at 633 N. Fifth Street.
========SPONSOR========

STRUT FOR THE CURE
Join the American Cancer Society as they flash fashion to crush cancer. Friday night is the first annual "Strut for the Cure" a combined fashion and food event to benefit the ACS. Enjoy food from area restaurants and fashion from local boutiques at the Intercontinental Hotel. Tickets are $50 in advance or $75 at the door.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-92313.html

FRIDAY NIGHTS
As part of UWM's Friday night series, this week discusses "Astronomical Breakthroughs." You'll learn about some of the most significant breakthroughs in the last 200 years including discoveries, time travel and our own place in the universe.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93764.html

GIGGLES FOR GROWN-UPS
In Tandem Theater gives you some adult laughter this weekend. Giggles for Grown-Ups II combines improvisation and stand up comedy featuring Bo Johnson, Brian Green, Angelo Farina (Mort Snotlocker of WKLH), Sean McKenna, Anthony Wood (author of A Cudahy Caroler Christmas), Michael Gull and Dylan Bolin. Proceeds to benefit In Tandem Theater.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93523.html

MANSION MYSTERY
The historical Kneeland-Walker Mansion in Wauwatosa invites you in for a real life mystery. "Reunited for Murder," by award-winning local playwright Peggy Devitt Katz, is presented Friday and Saturday night. Audience members will participate as a story of intrigue and drama unfolds.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93527.html

MAM AFTER DARK
Experience an artistic adventure on Friday night with the Milwaukee Art Museum and Cedar Block. See original works by local artists challenged to bring the portraiture of Dutch painter Jan Lievens into the 21st century. Even view the master's works in "Jan Lievens: Out of Rembrandt's Shadow." Music, DIY studio, cash bar, and light hors d'oeuvres round out the evening. 5 p.m.-midnight.

MILWAUKEE MARDI GRAS, THIRD ANNUAL ELEMENT B-DAY PARTY
Get to Moct on Friday night for DJ Kid Cut Up and get in free if you have a birthday in February, like local rapper Element Everest does. $10 for everyone else.

SATURDAY

3 P.M. AT THE AL
The Marquette women hoop it up with St. John's in a big Big East battle on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Al McGuire Center on MU's campus.

BOUTIQUE BLOWOUT
Local boutiques ban together to provide you a one-stop shop for savings. Find goods from JuJu Gifts, Aala Reed, Lela, Shop, Shoo, Miss Groove and more at the Shorewood High School Youth Center. A small admission benefits "Drive to Distinction," Shorewood's fund to rebuild the athletic fields.

SATURDAY AT THE CELL
UWM plays North Dakota State in an ESPN Bracket Buster game Saturday at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Tickets at the door or (414) 229-5886.

MIKADO OPERA
The Schauer Arts and Activities Center offers two showings of "The Mikado" Saturday. See San Francisco's Opera A La Carte perform Gilbert & Sullivan's most famous comedic operetta.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93217.html

COLLECTIVE COLLABORATION
The Borg Ward Collective aptly hosts FTAM's Collaboration Show. A night of experimental music explores ways collaboration and artistic differences can help improve performances overall. Hal Rammel and Peter J. Woods, Alex Kmet and James Moy, Jason Soliday and Ben Billington, and Thomas Wincek and Andy Fitzpatrick will perform.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93247.html

DANCE PARTY
Canyon, Kamadevah, This Specific Dream and Leah Jee and The Boys mesmerize crowds with an instrumental dance party Saturday night at the BBC.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93535.html

JAMAICAN SOUNDS
Madison's favorite reggae band, Natty Nation, plays Shank Hall Saturday night with The Urbanites.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93749.html

IL MITO DINNER
Il Mito Enoteca holds an encore performance of Chef Michael Feker's "Culinary Stage." Make a reservation for a four-course meal paired with wine Saturday night.
ilmito.com/

HOCKEY AND THE BODEANS
Saturday's Admirals against Manitoba game is packed with reasons to attend. Beyond watching good hometown hockey, the first 5,000 fans get an Admirals cinch sack courtesy of UWM. Plus, stay post game to see Milwaukee natives The BoDeans perform live in concert.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-92898.html

ON THE VINE
Bacchus offers the first tasting of "On the Grapevine," a wine tasting and networking event for individuals working in the finance and business sector or at companies offering financial and business services. Bacchus plans to offer several of these events to bring individuals in specific economic sectors together for drinks and conversation. There'll be a bit of wine education and a few games with six wines.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93533.html

========SPONSOR========
Wave vs. Chicago
2 p.m. @ U.S. Cellular Arena

WE Energies Puzzle Cube Giveaway
Call for tickets! _414-224-9283
milwaukeewave.com
========SPONSOR========

CLAY IN ACTION
The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center offers a ceramics class this weekend. Create functional ceramic pieces as you learn the basics of ceramics vocabulary and employ forming processes such as pinching, coiling, strapping, slab work, and slump and hump molds. Expect to make cups, bowls, platters, vases and more by using these various construction techniques and completing your pieces with colorful glazes.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-92618.html

BOOK EVENT
A Broader Vocabulary Cooperative hosts a reading with Jaclyn Friedman, co-author of "Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape." Held at The Tool Shed, the event benefits A Broader Vocabulary's efforts to reopen Milwaukee's feminist bookstore.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93551.html

FOOD AND FROTH
Join the Milwaukee Public Museum for the 11th annual "Food & Froth Fest." Sample more than 200 brews from around the world as well as appetizers from local caterers and restaurants. Local bands play throughout the three exhibit floors.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93534.html

ROLLER GIRLS
The Roller Derby girls of Milwaukee are having another bout! Head to the Milwaukee Sports Complex in Franklin for a dual match with some of the best competition in town.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93243.html

========SPONSOR========
Win Tickets to Indian Summer's
Winter Pow-Wow at Wisconsin State Fair Park!
onmilwaukee.com/myOMC/contest/show/858
========SPONSOR========

PRESENT MUSIC AT DISCOVERY WORLD
Catch the excitement in real time before it slips away and becomes someone else's memory. PM's first-ever concert at Discovery World features Tod Manchover's Hyperscore -- an interactive, computerized system that enables even non-musicians to create new music in real time. Audiences will have the opportunity to tour the museum's technology exhibitions and take part in a hyperscore experiment. The PM ensemble performs "Believing" by Julia Wolfe, co-founder of NY ensemble Bang on a Can, and performs a world premiere commission by the emerging composer Ryan Carter. Originally from Wisconsin, Carter is a composer of instrumental, vocal, electronic, and electroacoustic music, often exploring interpersonal interactions and the impact of technology on the experience of music. Call (414) 271-0711.

TWISTED STUDS
The 5 Card Studs play Twisted Fork, 2238 N. Farwell Ave., Saturday night. Call (414) 431-1080 and tell them you heard about the show on OnMilwauke.com.

SUNDAY

CHAMBER SOUNDS
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music shows off their staff. Sunday afternoon, hear the Conservatory's own woodwind and brass faculty perform a chamber music concert featuring the debut of two new faculty brass and woodwind quintets, plus a variety of instrumental duos and trios.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-89634.html

KODO DRUMMERS
Japan's incredible Kodo drummers make some noise at the Riverside Sunday. Exploring all ranges of the Japanese drum, the taiko, the Kodo drummers are a living art form performing over 3,100 shows across five continents.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93012.html

SWEDISH METAL
Soilwork combines hard core metal with catchy chorus. The Sweden natives play with Warbinger and Darkane at The Rave.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93003.html

SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH BUCKS, BANGO
Didn't see Friday's game against Cleveland? Check out the Bucks as they take on the Denver Nuggets Sunday afternoon. Tip off is 4 p.m. Even though Bango was injured during All Star Weekend, he's expected to be a part of Sunday's Bucks' Mascot Rally during halftime.

WAVE AND DISNEY
Cheer on the Milwaukee Wave Sunday afternoon as they take on the Chicago Storm. Disney Channel's Debbie Ryan of "The Suite Life on Deck" is scheduled to appear at the game and greet fans as she cheers on the Wave.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-91845.html

DRAG AT UWM
Check out the annual UWM Drag Show Ball this Sunday. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center (UWM LGBTRC) hosts the fundraiser to benefit Project Q -- providing a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their straight allies ages 24 and under. One of the largest in the area, the show features 20 Performers including Lady Gia, The Miltown Kings, Jessica Properties, Madam Sparkkl and a guest appearance by Holiday Rose.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93695.html

OSCAR FORMAL DINNER
Join COA Youth and Family Center and Marcus Corporation for the 11th annual "Oscar Night America Gala" at the Hilton City Center. Annual events include cocktails, dinner, silent auction and a presentation of the Academy Awards.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-92633.html

OSCAR NIGHT AT PADDY'S
Pull out your glitz and head to an "Oscar Night Gala!" Watch the Academy Awards Sunday night at Paddy's Pub to benefit Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93675.html

BREWFEST
Brewfest is this Sunday at the Milwaukee Ale House. All proceeds from the event go the MACC Fund! Brewfest kicks off at 1 p.m. and the festivities go until 5 p.m. Safe rides are available from the event. The most extreme beers will be present!

ALL WEEKEND

CHIC SHAPES
Running through June 1 Mount Mary College features "Chic Shapes: Architecture of Fashion." The show includes examples of designs by fashion icons from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond including couturiers like Cristobal Balenciaga, Normal Norell, Adele Simpson, Geoffrey Beene and Chanel.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-89865.html

THE SUM OF US
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre presents a comedy from down under, "The Sum of Us," this weekend. Widower Harry Mitchell lives in harmony with his adult son, Jeff, a young plumber who is also unattached. Both men are pursuing romance in the difficult world of dating, but Jeff's dates just happen to be with other men. Finding love is no easy feat, and with two generations of Mitchells living under one roof, the quest for a mate is made all the more tricky. But with their unconditional love and support of each other, Harry and Jeff propel past stereotypes and relationship pitfalls toward budding romantic bliss. performances will take place through March 15 in the Broadway Theatre Center's Studio Theatre, 158 N. Broadway. Tickets, $25-$34, are available Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Broadway Theatre Center box office, 158 N. Broadway, or by phone at (414) 291-7800.

FANCY FREE
The Milwaukee Ballet Company Presents Ballet" Fancy Free." Pairing Leonard Bernstein's bouncy score with Jerome Robbins' exuberant choreography, Fancy Free shows what happens when three sailors go out looking for fun and adventure on a hot summer night in New York City.
onmilwaukee.com/ent/business/milwaukeeballet.html

GREEN POWER
Will Allen isn't just assisting President Obama. This weekend, Growing Power offers a two-day seminar on a variety of subjects from aquaculture and beekeeping to greenhouse production and hoop house construction. Make sure to call for registration.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93755.html

AUTO SHOW
The Midwest Airlines Center hosts the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show all weekend long. You'll find over 400 cars on display from fuel-efficient vehicles to hot cars from blockbuster movies. Stop by for your chance to sit behind the wheel and get up close and personal to this year's newest cars without the pressure of buying. On Thursday, all college students get two for one admission.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93242.html

CRADLE OF INDUSTRY
MSOE's Grohmann Museum hosts an exhibition entitled "Cradle of Industry: Works from the Rhineland Industrial Museum." From the commencement of coal mining in the 1930s, the fabulous Ruhr Valley Coal Basin provided the foundation for the creation of the largest industrial region of Europe -- The Ruhr Region, or Ruhrgebiet. Forty works, spanning 1874-1989, from the Rhineland Industrial Museum in Oberhausen, Germany, are exhibited. They focus not just on the industry of the period -- coal, steel, rail and construction -- but also on the social viewpoints of the artists on the effects of that industry. The exhibit runs through March.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-92811.html

BEAUTIFUL GLASS AT VILLA TERRACE
"Seeking the Light" is the first major exhibition of New Zealand-native Luke Jacomb's glass sculptures in the United States. Jacomb fuses Venetian glassmaking techniques, cutting edge technology, innovative forms and traditional Maori patterns and motifs. You can see the works in person at the Villa Terrace through the end of March.
onmilwaukee.com/ent/business/villaterracemuseum.html

MU HAS HEIDI
Marquette University Department of Performing Arts presents "The Heidi Chronicles" this weekend. Wendy Wasserstein's visionary play follows the journey of Heidi Holland, an intellectual art historian, through the '60s, '70s and '80s as she searches for personal fulfillment. With comedy at every turn, the play looks at the ever-changing gender roles and political dynamics of the baby boomer generation. Shows run through Sunday.
onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/heidichronic.html

DRINK UP, MILWAUKEE. CHECK OUT THESE SPECIALS!
Visit any one of the Milwaukee area bars at the link below during the month of February and cash in on drink specials with Dr. McGillicuddy's Lemon Drop Schnapps, Absolut Mango Vodka, Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
promo.onmilwaukee.com/barmonth2009/

AS YOU LIKE IT ON KK
William Shakespeare's delightful romantic romp pleases and entertains as it educates modern audiences about the timeless foibles and follies of love. See it this weekend from Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre. Call (414) 744-5757.

RV IT
Duchow's RV and Boat Sale runs this weekend at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at State Fair. Call (262) 695-2800.

NEXT ACT
"Going to St. Ives" continues this weekend. The show tells the story of May N'Kame, the mother of a brutal African dictator, who travels to England to undergo delicate eye surgery from Dr. Cora Gage. Dr. Gage seizes the opportunity to ask that May's ruthless son release four physicians, condemned as traitors for refusing to assist in government torture. However, May demands a shocking favor in return, which challenges Dr. Gage's deepest beliefs.
onmilwaukee.com/ent/business/nextact.html

DINOS ARE COOL
Tap. Tap. Tap. Crack. From the moment you enter a theater you are sent back millions of years to when dinosaurs ruled the earth and a single dinosaur egg tapping out a call for help. With the help of the children, the egg hatches, an uneasy alliance is formed with a Triceratops, and they band together to defeat the menacing Tyrannosaurus Rex. Wonder and imagination are sure to captivate young and old alike. Most appreciated by adults, teens and children ages three and up. See "The Dinosaur Play" this weekend from First Stage. Call (414) 273-7206.

MIRANDOLINA ON STAGE
This weekend, The Rep continues Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni's "Mirandolina" just in time for February's month of love. In this 18th-century farce, single, sexy and independent Mirandolina is the mistress of her own inn and besieged by a constant stream of suitors. Though all the men around her seem to fall madly in love with her, will she be able to win over the one man she has her own heart set on -- a notorious woman-hater? Come watch as the sparks fly.
onmilwaukee.com/ent/business/milwaukeerep.html

LEGO TRAINS AT THE DOMES
Grab the kids and check out the "Legoland" indoor train show at the Mitchell Park Domes. Over 500 feet of track winds through a Lego landscape, including a miniature Eiffel Tower and Sears Tower and the kid-pleasing ladybug train. The exhibit will be up through March 22.
onmilwaukee.com/events/event-93319.html

DOGS AT THE REP CONTINUES
Catch the Rep's, "Dogpark: The Musical" this weekend. In town through March 1, the comedic musical follows four dogs through stories of love and triumph in the hottest place in town: the dog park. Check out this new musical written and directed by Jahnna Beecham, Malcolm Hillgartner and Michael J. Hume.
https://www.upaf.org/events/?method=detail&eid=1002

EXPERIENCE THE TITANIC
Ninety-six years ago, on an otherwise calm April morning in 1912, the world's largest ship, the RMS Titanic, sank during her maiden voyage after a colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic. On board were 2,228 passengers, including titans of commerce and industry, artists, senior members of governments, immigrant families dreaming of a new life and more than 890 members of her crew. More than 1,500 people died. No one believed it could happen. Again this weekend, this epic story is revived through "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" only at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/titanicmpm.html

TRANSMUTATIVE CINEMA
Transmutative Cinema continues this weekend at the Alchemist Theatre and Lounge with the 2006 drama "Apart from That."
onmilwaukee.com/movies/articles/transmutativecinema.html

ENJOY BAR MONTH
February is "Bar Month" on OnMilwaukee.com. The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun bars and club articles -- including guides, unique features, drink recipes and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

MILWAUKEE'S BEST DINING GUIDE
Find a new restaurant or just read the best dining stories in town. Click here now and get inside the OnMilwaukee.com dining section:
onmilwaukee.com/dining

Please know that all events and event times are subject to change. Each weekend, we pick and choose several of the Milwaukee area's biggest happenings. If we missed an event, please let us know. We just report, you decide. Please call or e-mail ahead to confirm all events, just to be sure. Use the search engine on OnMilwaukee.com to find even more events. On Milwaukee!

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