Play in the City

Party Like it's 1599

Bristol Renaissance Faire performer and Municipal Jester to the city of Milwaukee, Ann-Elizabeth Shapera a.k.a. “Jane the Phoole,” said, “In today’s culture we don’t know our neighbors and we don’t want to because if they knew us they might want our stuff. In general, we’re isolated and miserable. We live in boxes, work in boxes, transport ourselves from place to place in boxes, and even get most of our entertainment from boxes. Sixteenth-century people didn’t know boxes or self-consciousness; they simply didn’t have filters. They lived right out loud. And at the Renaissance Faire, our audience can finally join us and live that way too.”

I don’t think I’d go that far making the generalization that people today lead isolated and miserable lives (I think this as I type from the confinement of my office cubical). However, the idea of living in the Renaissance Period is pretty intriguing.

If you travel approximately 40 miles south from Milwaukee to Kenosha, you will find yourself in a time warp. Over the past 20 years, the Bristol Renaissance Faire has transported nearly three million guests back to a time when fencing was a popular sport, knights wooed maiden’s hearts, and politeness was actually a desired quality.

The Ren Faire was one of those things I talked about doing but never did. Since there has been nothing but rave reviews, this year I finally made it a point to go.

I met Eric at his place by 10 a.m. – that’s too early for a Sunday. Eric’s mom, dad and sister came shuffling in from their hotel shortly after (the Danielsons were in town for the weekend to visit Eric and to meet my parents for the first time). Once we gathered our necessities – including the tickets printed from our computer that saved us $5 per person – we were out the door and on the road.

The sun was finally shinning after eight-straight days of rain, yet the air wasn’t even humid like it typically would be; it was comfortable. The sky was the perfect shade of blue with white clouds that took the shape of dinosaurs and ships as we drove with the windows down.

After being stuck in a stream of slow moving traffic, we inched our way to the grassy parking lot. We were finally there.

SPIN Magazine loves Milwaukee!

I was just informed by my friends at the Pabst Theater that Milwaukee is in the news again!

SPIN Magazine profiled Milwaukee in their September issue (with Rilo Kiley on the cover).

It features favorite joints that Milwaukeeans already boast about like The Palm, Broad Vocabulary, Paper Boat and the Pabst Theater!

I hear it’s an awesome article for non-Milwaukee people who don't understand why our city is so fabulous.

I plan to pick up a copy on my lunch break. You should too.

Milwaukee: Scene For New TV Pilot

Is Milwaukee ready to go Hollywood?

NBC was shooting a pilot for a new drama called “The Watch” in Milwaukee. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips was here shooting a scene near the Calatrava on Monday, according to local news sources.

The producers decided to use Milwaukee as the setting for their show because of new incentives for TV and movies to shoot here. Does this mean there’s a chance for potential star sightings around the city?

“It’s good to work outside of Los Angeles or New York,” Phillips said. “We’re going to be seeing a lot of your downtown beauty, and be a part of that,” he continued.

(Talk about great publicity for Milwaukee!)

"The Watch," is a show about a neighborhood watch group that takes matters into its own hands in the fictional Milwaukee suburb of Ridgeview.

According to The Hollywood Reporter and other television news sources, Phillips will play the police chief.

Phillips is probably best known for his roles in "La Bamba" and the string of "Young Guns" movies. He most recently appeared on several episodes of CBS' "Numb3rs" and an episode of USA Network's “Psych.”

The director of the show, Charles McDougall, won an Emmy for directing the pilot to “Desperate Housewives;” however, there’s no decision on whether NBC will pick up the Milwaukee-based show this fall.

I think it’d be great to have the local hot spots or city icons that we see daily as the backdrop for a prime time TV show. And we can say to ourselves, "I live right around the corner from that place!"

Milwaukee might not be LA, still, it’s about time Milwaukee gets recognized for all it offers. This is where it's at!

River Flicks Rained Out

Bummer. My Friday night plans need some readjusting. River Flicks has been canceled due to inclement weather and wet conditions in Pere Marquette Park, according to the Westown Association's website.

I'm so disappointed! I was looking forward to catching a free viewing of The Muppets Take Manhattan, a favorite of mine growing up. It would have been really cool to see Kermit, Miss Piggy and Fozzie on a big screen outside - especially since in 1984, when the movie debuted, I was only 2-years-old and wouldn't even remember if I had seen it in the theaters.

Oh well.

River Flicks will continue next week with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on Friday, August 31, at dusk. Don't forget to roundup the kids or your friends to enjoy the last film of the 2007 series.

Now, I'll find a way to make the most out of this evening and certainly will have a great weekend regardless. You do the same!

Edelweiss Party Cruise

I wasn’t sure where to begin this entry, so it took much longer than anticipated; probably because I was really excited about my first cruise on the Edelweiss and was a bit disappointed. The thing is it’s not because it was a bad experience it just wasn’t what I expected.

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I was a fool for thinking an all-you-can-drink Miller Lite Party Cruise wouldn’t be like the booze cruises I’ve taken before.

I made reservations a few days in advance as suggested. Justin, Eric and Amy met my sister and I at our apartment, we all crammed into my Focus, and then headed for our Miller Lite Party Cruise.

The five of us were huddled together as we waited to board the boat. It was a chilly August evening, but pleasant since I was wearing jeans and a light jacket. Seconds later, the anticipated crowd shuffled onto the dock to join us. Many people in the groups looked underage, yet the woman at the ticket window didn’t check IDs, so anyone could get onboard.

We boarded from the starboard side of our boat around 10:30 p.m. and were “at sea” until 12 a.m. As we climbed aboard the Edelweiss Cruise Ship at the Third Street Pier, the moon created a picturesque backdrop for the nearby office buildings that captured its orange reflection in their shiny windows. At the same time, flocks of people pushed their way into the boat’s cabin and lunged for a seat on a window bench. A few minutes later, the boat began to navigate under bridges and through the heart of downtown Milwaukee. I was excited to see the outstanding views.

Hockey Fans Sing a New Tune

Attention all bands and musicians: The Admirals are looking for a song!

Like many other Wisconsin sports teams, the Milwaukee Admirals want to start a tradition by having their own song.

Presently, Wisconsinites relive past Packers’ touchdowns when they hear Todd Rundgren’s “Bang the Drum All Day” or that irritating tune “Who Let the Dogs Out?” (woof. woof. barf) by the Baha Men. Furthermore, longtime baseball fans still whistle the melody of "Come See What's Brewin',” the Brewers' theme song from the 70s.

It’s no wonder why the Admirals want a theme song; fans will rally behind it!

So how will they come up with a song? They won’t. Instead, the Admirals are looking to Milwaukee area bands, musicians and songwriters to develop a theme song that inspires, motivates, and portrays the true character of the hockey team.

At PITC, we witnessed the hunger people have for contests. Creating another that showcases local talent, creates great publicity and makes people crazy is a fantastic idea in my opinion!

Check out this ditty by one local hopeful, the Great Lakes Renegade.

While “Shot and Goal” wouldn’t be my first choice, it’s undoubtedly catchy.

Yo ho shot and goal. Yo ho shot and goal!

You get my point.

The hockey team will shoot a video using the winner’s song and will play it on the Jumbotron during the 2007-08 season.

Until the end of this month (which is coming up fast), anyone with spare time and musical talent (and a love for the Admirals would certainly help) should make submissions in the form of CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, or even eight-tracks (if you’re Rip Van Winkle and slept through years of technology).

Then mail it by August 31 to:

Milwaukee Admirals
Attn: Tim Van Wagoner
1001 N. Fourth Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203

The Admirals will announce the winners prior to the start of the 2007-08 season in mid-October.

If you’re musically challenged like me – I’ve only mastered “Chopsticks” on the piano – you can still support the Admirals hockey team by attending the many games at the Bradley Center all season-long.

The Admirals will open their 2007-08 season on Saturday, October 6 at 7 p.m. in Peoria against the Rivermen with the home opener slated on Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m. against the Quad City Flames.

The (wet) Dog Days of Summer

Holy buckets o’ rain!

My morning commute was the only time since Friday night that I didn’t need an umbrella – I’m sure you noticed the sheets of rain coming down all weekend! As a result, I was forced to cancel my plans for Saturday and Sunday – Zoo Ala Carte and Irish Fest – two highly anticipated events.

These events are primarily held outdoors, so the rain definitely discouraged many from attending. On the other hand, I know a couple of people that didn’t let the rain hold them back (this is why I love Milwaukeeans). I admire those who braved the sloppy weather to spend the day on the Summerfest grounds or at the Zoo with the sea lions.

As for me, I guess there’s always next summer.

I didn’t mind staying in all weekend (mainly because I’ve been feeling under the weather); I don’t mind being a homebody either – curling up on the sofa to read or watch a movie, staying indoors to cook or catch-up on chores. At the same time, I hate to waste a summer weekend; especially when autumn is fast approaching and winter is coming around the corner. Lets face it people, we just don’t get a ton of hot, sunny days.

Mother Nature’s non-stop rain was not only a huge disappointment for me and my friends, but it raked havoc on the entire state of Wisconsin all weekend.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been experiencing “the dog days of summer,” so the whole state desperately needed the wet weather… but certainly not this much.

Wholesome State Fair Fun

Early this summer, I passed many big purple “Grand Champion of Summer” ribbons on billboards along I-94. These ads were a constant reminder of the approaching Wisconsin State Fair that rouses the guilt I contained for not being compelled to go.

While I’ve never been big on state fairs, there are many locals who look forward to the opening day of the Wisconsin State Fair like a child brimming over with anticipation for Christmas Day. In contrast, I usually have to force myself to attend, just to say that I went since it’s the Wisconsin thing to do.

It isn’t that I hate the Fair; when I do go I have a good time, it’s just another world to me. I rarely went as a child; consequently, I’m awkward around farm animals. To clarify, 1) most horses hate me; I’ve been bitten and trampled twice (so much for being gentle giants). 2) Pigs are kind of gross (except for racing piglets). 3) Cows are cute, but foreign to me.

I realized I was a city girl when I went to college in a rural town in southeastern Minnesota. There wasn’t much to do when it turned cold outside since I could no longer bike, rollerblade or hike around the lakes. For the first couple of years I was miserable until I found a niche of great friends (and the local bars). For four years I longed for the city lights, bustling streets, daunting architectures, and 24-hour diners in Milwaukee.

My lack of devotion to the State Fair could also be due to my upbringing. I wasn’t raised around farm animals nor did I grow up waking at dawn, sheering sheep, plowing fields or bailing hay. Had I, maybe I’d be more like my college roommate, Sarah, who lived with her family in Iowa for nearly 20 years. Living in a place where she was routinely subjected to the farming community, she fell in love with horseback riding, farming, and among other things, corn (go figure).

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that (let me make myself clear), it’s just something unfamiliar to me. I’ll even admit to being a little ignorant. On the other hand, I know enough to admire those who live to raise animals or produce goods that I use daily and take for granted as I buy them for a couple bucks at the grocery store. Seldom do I think of the harvesting done to make the whole wheat toast I eat every morning, or how many cows were milked to get the half gallon of 1% I drink every week; or even the number of chickens raised to sell for food so I have a decent meal each night.

Clearly, there’s a lot that goes into this industry annually, hence the amount that also goes into the State Fair. This year I decided to see what was involved and to hopefully learn more about an industry I know little about.

Nearly a million fairgoers enjoy the annual, fun-filled State Fair each year. Last Saturday I finally visited the 156th annual State Fair and this time I went with an open mind.

Get Your Dollar's Worth

Expect a lot of change tonight at Jazz in the Park. 

What I mean is that every vendor on location for this week’s performance will be giving change in $1 coins, according to the East Town Association. This is in honor of the Thomas Jefferson dollar coin that was released into the public today. 

You can enjoy Latin jazz from Nabori, sip a glass of wine under the stars, eat a picnic dinner in the park, and play heads or tails with one of the first Jefferson coins in circulation. 

The release of the Thomas Jefferson dollar is the third presidential coin to be added into circulation, preceded by George Washington (released February 15) and John Adams (May 17). The coin honoring James Madison will go into circulation in November and the U.S. Mint will honor four more of the nation's presidents every year in the order they served in the White House, according to TMJ4 News.

The U.S. Mint is hoping its new dollar coin series will help refresh some hazy memories of Adams, Jefferson and all the other presidents.

Additionally, by having a rotating design on the new dollar coins, the Mint is hoping to keep interest high and avoid the famous flops of two previous dollar coins — the Susan B. Anthony (introduced in 1979) and the Sacagawea (2000).

Perhaps the fate of the Susan B. Anthony coin has already foretold the outcome of the new dollar coins. I can’t understand why anyone would want to carry more change. It seems unnecessary since we currently have a dollar bill. Even if that becomes obsolete, I would hate carrying around the extra change. 

Anyway, if getting your hand on one of the first Jefferson coins doesn’t get you out to Jazz in the Park tonight, I bet fantastic Latin salsa music will!

See you there!

Chefs Battle + Trolley Ride = Fun

It was a much anticipated Saturday morning, the morning of the final Battle of the Chefs! I’ve been looking forward to this competition since the last preliminary round a couple weeks ago.

The event is a culmination of four preliminary rounds - June 16 and 30, July 14 and 28 - which resulted in six chef finalists – Shane Valenti of Brew City, Jarvis Williams of Carnevor, Mike Wolf from The Knick, Andy Stiyer of Moceans, David Piette from Sabor, and Time McLean of Whole Foods – to compete for the title of "Best Chef in East Town."

It was difficult waking up early this particular Saturday morning mostly due to a hectic week and watching Stardust at the Marcus Theater in Mequon until late. Thus, I was longing to hit the snooze button on my annoying alarm clock and stay in bed until lunchtime. Still, I knew excitement was awaiting me at the East Town Market, so it was a little easier to wipe the sleep from my eyes and roll out of bed five minutes later.

After several cups of Kona coffee and a bite of cinnamon raisin toast, Eric and I were out the door and heading on our bikes to Cathedral Square.

I really enjoy biking in the morning for two reasons:

1. There’s less traffic to weave around. 
2. It is a way to fully wake-up and a great activity to jump-start your energy.

(Plus, it’s always easier to find parking when you can chain your bike to any pole.)

The morning air was thick and stifling, even worse than the past competition as I remembered borrowing napkins from Market vendors to wipe my brow. On this day while I was fanning my neck with a brochure from the visitors stand, I wondered how the chefs could bear hovering over hot stovetops all morning.

Again, the East Town Market was packed with town’s people gathering around the six chefs as they cooked feverishly. Emcee John McGivern announced that each competition drew in a greater number of spectators. This wasn’t hard to believe. It’s about time people caught on to a unique and exciting event such as this.