Play in the City

A Musical Snack

I’ve been in a funky mood for the last few days and when I have such a wry disposition, I seek solace in music.

While I was driving back from the gym on my lunch break, I thought, “I could really use some José González.” There’s just something about that Swede’s sweet, sweet acoustic hums that can ease the doldrums.

So, I turned on the radio and tuned into 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, a non-commercial station that’s unlike any other found in Milwaukee, because they actually play José González.

On a side note, I stumbled upon Radio Milwaukee last spring and was drawn to the station’s new approach to radio. The DJs dapple in every genre of music – you’ll hear everything from B.B. King and Patti Smith to Son Volt and Jurassic 5 – and they play deeper cuts that go beyond the same ol’ music that has been regurgitated on mainstream radio for decades. Thus, I knew that Radio Milwaukee would provide the perfect remedy to cheer me up.

And what do you know? I was right.

After a song by The Lemonheads, there it was streaming from my radio: “Killing for Love” by José González, one of my favorite tracks off his newest album In Our Nature. I think Scott Mullins read my mind!

Thank you, Radio Milwaukee, for making my day!

Along the Oak Leaf Trail

So, I might have been a little over-ambitious about the whole Bike to Work Week (BTWW) thing.

To be honest, I probably won’t be able to bike to work. You see, it takes about a half hour to get to my office in Franklin via car along the speedy interstate, so I’d have to roll out of bed at the butt crack of dawn just to make it to work on time. It’s. Not. Going. To. Happen.

Now, I feel like I'm a pharisee.

But, just because I probably won’t partake in BTWW, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to take my bicycle out for a ride a few times this week to commemorate the movement. Plus, it’ll make me feel like less of a hypocrite.

For those of you in the same boat, you shouldn’t feel like you can’t participate in this week’s event either, after all, BTWW conveniently falls into National Bike Month. Thus, with summer fast slowly approaching, there’s ample time to take your bike for a leisurely spin around Milwaukee.

So, even if you won’t be peddling to work, why not keep your car in the lot and ride your bike this week to school, the store, or along the trails? You can also try some of the League of American Bicyclists’ ideas. Here’s their list of suggestions.

Last night, in honor of National Bike Month, I escaped to the Oak Leaf Trail, a hidden treasure for local bike-oholics. Throughout Milwaukee there’s a plethora of terrific bike trails that offer a great alternative to sightseeing, as well as, the opportunity to view the city from a different perspective. The best parts, of course, are the off-road paths, which are surrounded by trees and seem entirely un-urban.

I’ve always been drawn to the rustic beauty of such remote trails where in the summertime you’re cooled by the shade of maple trees, and with each mile you transcend, you are warmly greeted by dozens of passing inline skaters, joggers, walkers, and fellow bikers who are all leaving the bustle of everyday life to exercise or find tranquility in Mother Nature’s splendor.

The Oak Leaf Trail, in particular, features over 100 miles of multiple loops through all of the major parkways and parks that are the framework of the Milwaukee County Park System. The loops are composed of paved off-road trails, park drives and regular municipal streets – you can ride north to Brown Deer, west to 124th Street, south to Ryan Road, and east to Lake Michigan.

'Iron Man' at the Rosebud Cinema

Saturday night was damp and chilly and after a late night on Friday, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and watch a movie with my honey.

Eric, however, had been dying to see Iron Man since it came out last weekend and wanted to watch it on the big screen at the cinema. We made a compromise and decided to see Iron Man at the Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse because this way we both got what we wanted: Eric got to see his movie of choice and I got to sprawl out on the sofa. It was perfect.

The Rosebud Cinema is a charming single-screen movie theater located in the heart of Wauwatosa. When we walked through the entrance and into the foyer, it was like taking a step back in time to when such neighborhood theaters flourished. The theater was built in the 1930s, and in 1999 it was gutted and reopened. The Rosebud's oriental style and upscale décor was warm and inviting and after the building was revitalized almost ten years ago, an emphasis was not only placed on preserving its history but on comfort as well.

The spacious theater was arranged to look like a living room space, well, more specifically, it looked like Elvis’ living room. The theater boasts stadium-style seating that’s furnished with red and black plush love seats and velvet coaches in lieu of conventional chairs. Each seat has access to either an end table or a coffee table where you’re able to place your food, which is a lot more accommodating than having to hold your munchies on top of your lap during the movie.

The theater itself is small – it only seats about 240 people – but what it lacks in seating capacity it makes up for with coziness and style. My favorite feature is the intimate seating, which makes you feel like you’re watching a movie in the comfort of your own home. And just like at home, you’re able to enjoy a relaxed dinner at your sofa if you wish.

After the theater’s face-lift, it now has a rather extensive menu that offers traditional snacks like popcorn, candy and soda, but also includes thin crust pizza, sandwiches, pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and comfort foods like chicken tenders, corn dogs, French fries and soft pretzels. The menu also provides a long list of libations including micro brews such as Lakefront Brewery’s Cattail and the Milwaukee Ale House’s Louie’s Demise, and about a half-dozen of select house wines, as well as, a variety of hard alcohols for various mixed drinks.

National Bike to Work Week

On my way to work this morning, I pulled up to the gas pump near my apartment and as I filled my car with unleaded fuel at $3.89 per gallon, my wallet swelled up and burst into tears.

Okay, okay, that’s obviously an absurd exaggeration, but I did overhear the grumbling of fellow commuters who were reluctantly burning holes into their pocketbooks as they filled their cars with unreasonably priced gasoline.

Milwaukee gas prices are at an all time high – it seems as though we’ve been saying this for the past few years, huh? But, given that gas prices are predicted to exceed $4 per gallon and we’re already on the brink of four bucks around here, it doesn’t seem like we’ll be cut any slack anytime soon. So, do we grin and bare it? Of course not. We’ll just have to find another means to get from place to place.

For instance, as part of National Bike Month, Milwaukee and the rest of the country will be celebrating National Bike to Work Week (BTWW). From Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, the League of American Bicyclists encourages both first time commuters and experienced road warriors to consider biking as an alternative to driving to work. After paying an arm and a leg for gas this morning, this event definitely motivates me to bike instead of drive.

Many people are catching onto this movement too. Last year, hordes of commuters biked to work with their ties flapping in the wind, briefcases strapped onto the rear of their bicycles, and a helmet safely secured on top of their heads. I actually saw one woman in stiletto heals peddling along Wisconsin Avenue probably on her way home from the office. Now, that’s dedication!

Evidently, BTWW has quickly turned into one of the fastest growing movements in the country. Young and old alike have started to participate in the annual week-long bicycling commute as it has become a great incentive to get people to bike to work who normally wouldn't or who don't realize the benefits bicycling has over driving.

Stamp Out Hunger, Milwaukee!

I just finished rummaging through my cupboards for food like rice, spaghetti, granola bars and canned fruits to donate to the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

This Saturday, it’s reported that more than 3,000 letter carriers from over 200 post offices across Wisconsin will hit the streets to collect food that locals will leave beside their mailboxes.

With prices for basic food items skyrocketing, many families are struggling to put a decent meal on the table. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will provide Hunger Task Force with food that they’ll deliver to the hungry and the charities and pantries that feed them.

This year’s food drive is more important than ever. For the first time since 1997, shortages in food supplies from the United States Department of Agriculture are having a direct effect on the amount and types of food a pantry can provide to the poor.

Therefore, Hunger Task Force is emphasizing the need for nutritious snack donations, items including juice boxes, name-brand cereal, fat-free pudding cups, and canned fruits and veggies – Ixnay on the mounds of Ramen 'cause that isn't very healthy, people.

According to Hunger Task Force, last year during the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, 637,000 pounds of food were collected just in Milwaukee County.

So, search your cupboards, cabinets and pantries, maybe donate those canned peas that you know you’re not going to eat, set a bag of goodies by your mailbox, and help stamp out hunger this Saturday!

Secret Labs TV Show - Live Taping

One of Play in the City’s most loyal readers told me about a unique experience and I wanted to share it with y'all.

In case you missed the casting call for Public Enemies two months ago, you might want to consider showing up at Discovery World this Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. to be a part of another exciting taping.

On Saturday night, folks from Milwaukee Public Television will be filming the pilot episode of Secret Labs, a TV show cultivating technology, science, and creativity through humor. I'm guessing that the show's tone will be somewhat like MythBusters and Dirty Jobs, which I love, then again, I’m a bit of a geek.

Adults will have the opportunity to watch the pilot episode taped live with chances to be an extra in the show, participate in audience improv games, and play a role as the "collective audience" while reading from teleprompters and talking to characters in real-time.

According to Discovery World’s website, the pilot episode features filming locations that are deep beneath the streets of Milwaukee, on top of the Gas Light Building and on a pseudo orbital platform. Genetics specialist Tom Zinnen will demonstrate such things as DNA extraction while Secret Labs characters will be introduced through a series of underground labs.

This live show is for people ages 16 or older – sorry kids! Tickets cost $10 for Discovery World and MPTV members and students, and $15 for general admission. Oh, and make sure you get there early to secure your spot!

The edited broadcast show is scheduled to air on MPTV in fall 2008, so stay tuned!

For more information simply head over here or call 414-765-8625. It sounds like it’ll be a blast!

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Secret Labs - Live Taping
Discovery World
500 North Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
$10 Discovery World and MPTV members, $15 general admission
Ages 16 + only

A Jaunt to Wrigleyville

God hates me.

At least that’s what I figure after my trip to Wrigley Field forced me to sit through an agonizing five innings of baseball hell.

I’m not really going delve into the events of Wednesday’s massacre, but I will say that even before it started the outlook was already unfavorable. I was priming myself for a defeat simply because Suppan was on the mound and it was the second game of the series, Brewers fans know what that equates to. Still, nothing could have prepared me for the abomination that ensued after the Cubs scored six runs in the first inning.

Needless to say, Justin, Eric, Terry and I ducked out at the bottom of the 5th. Could you blame us? But, despite having to endure constant taunting, and despite having to shamefully walk away with our heads looking at our feet after only five innings, the four of us had a marvelous time. No, seriously, we did.

Justin and Eric met Terry and I at our apartment at noon and after stopping for gas, we embarked on the mere one and a half hour drive to Wrigleyville. Eric kindly volunteered to drive, which made my day less stressful – it’s funny because as much as I like to be in control, I often detest driving, especially to unfamiliar places. Unfortunately, the stress of navigating Illinois and finding a decent parking spot began to get the best of Eric too, although unlike me, he remained fairly cool and collected.

We had to park several miles from the stadium since the parking lots surrounding Wrigley were outrageously expensive – $40 isn’t cheap for those of us accustomed to parking at Miller Park – and we refused to waste time plugging a meter every two hours.

Eventually though, we made it to the North Side of Chicago and had one thing on our minds: FOOD. My friend Johnny was kind enough to send me a list of recommendations since I had only been to this part of Chicago once for a show at the Metro. One restaurant he highlighted was The Irish Oak, and it was perfect.

A Taste of Italy

For many years, I’ve longed to visit Italy to discover the other half of my heritage. I yearn to toss a coin into Rome’s Fontana di Trevi, to ride a gondola along Venice’s Grand Canal, flirt with a handsome Italian man named Guido, and most importantly, to sample authentic cuisine.

Since I can’t afford a plane ticket or room and board overseas, it’s nice to know that I don’t have to leave Milwaukee to indulge in the bona fide tastes of Italy.

Located just a meatball’s throw from the Summerfest grounds in the Third Ward, the Italian Community Center (ICC) offers a glimpse into Italy’s culture through black and white photographs adorning the building’s walls, a taste of genuine Italian dishes and even a round of bocce ball if you’re so inclined. Clearly, there’s no destination outside of Italy that’s more Italian and so close to home than Milwaukee’s lovely ICC.

Last Sunday, my mom and I went to the ICC, for their thirteenth annual Taste of Italy sampling event. This unique fundraiser offered some fare that, to many, would represent the quintessential Italian restaurant: pizzas, meatballs, pastas and cannoli; even opera was blaring from the speakers overhead.

For only $1.25 per ticket, per serving, we had the opportunity to taste nearly the full array of homemade Italian entrée items, appetizers, desserts and beverages on hand – I have to say, that was quite the deal!

My mom picked me up from my apartment around lunchtime and just a few minutes later we arrived at the ICC. The event had only been open for about a half hour, but the entire place was already brimming with people of all ages, many who fit the stereotypical Italian family so much that I bet there were at least 20 Vinnys, 50 Tonys and 60 Marias there at one time. For real.

As soon as we entered into the reception area, our noses were completely overwhelm by the nostalgic fragrance of garlic, oregano and marinara. Ahhhhhh! As I deeply inhaled, I could feel each aroma invade my nostrils and tease my taste buds and permeate my lungs. It smelled just like my grandma’s kitchen. I loved it!

After glancing over the menu, we made a beeline to the ticket tables located in the foyer and proceeded to buy ten dollars worth of tickets before receiving a Styrofoam tray, which we carried into the Pompeii Grand Ballroom.

The grandiose ballroom housed eighteen food stations that lined the room and encircled dozens of large round tables, each draped in an ivory cloth and garnished with a flickering tea light. The immense yet elegant chandeliers dangling from the vaulted ceiling made the place look fairly contemporary and magnificent, albeit a little tacky.

Where's My Smoothie?

I frequent at the Alterra Cafe on Prospect Avenue on most Sundays, and today was no different.

Because the Prospect Cafe is located in the bustling corridor of my East Side neighborhood, I usually stroll over there for a creamy americano and to gawk at passersby from a window seat. However, knowing I have several blogs that are overdue, and since today was gorgeous outside, I thought now would be as splendid as ever to be productive.

Therefore, I planned on bringing my shades and stretching out on Alterra's expansive patio for the rest of the afternoon. And as an alternative to piping coffee and people watching, I was going to buckle down on work while sipping on my favorite cherry almond smoothie. It was the perfect plan, well, at least it would have been…

You see, when I entered the shop and went to place my order, to my dismay the cherry almond smoothie wasn’t on the drink menu and apparently no longer exists at my corner coffee hub! I nearly cried. Where did my smoothie go?

The problem is that the tropical flavor simply won’t fill the void and now I no longer know what to drink on 60 degree afternoons. Any suggestions?

P.S. Play in the City should be back up to speed this week.

Concert Preview: May '08

Yesterday, when I glanced up at my calendar I noticed that every day had already been crossed out, meaning it was obviously time to flip the page to May.

Wait a second! Where did April go? Hello? Where are you?

No worries, I guess. Lucky for us, not only does May bring bountiful spring flowers, it also provides plenty of concerts. Now, I'm completely ready to move on to May and welcome some great shows and, of course, warmer weather to Milwaukee's scene.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Friday, May 2 at Turner Hall Ballroom

If you know anything about Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC), you know that one, they got their name from the Marlon Brando-led biker gang from The Wild One; and two, that the band built a reputation by producing crunchy garage-band, feedback-laden rock 'n' roll.

Recently it has become increasingly difficult to categorize their Stone Roses, My Bloody Valentine-inspired Brit pop/soulful Americana, though. This is primarily because these guys know how to skillfully dapple in multiple music genres and also compile the best types into one fantastic show.

From acoustic guitars, bluesy riffs and harmonicas, to fast-paced, menacingly distorted, effect-driven sounds, BRMC offers a unique pace change throughout their performance, which crisply bridges the gap between the old and new BRMC.

Aside from their varying styles, the trio still emits the same driving fervor as ever. Clad in black and exuding an effortless cool, the band’s dynamic presence exceedingly fills the stage and answers the question, “Whatever Happened to My Rock n’ Roll?” It’s right here, in every way possible.

$20 General Admission

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Tegan & Sara
Wednesday, May 7 at the Pabst

Tegan and Sara have made a significant impact in alternative music with their catchy folk-electro-pop sounds composed of heart-wrenching, dark, emotional and often obsessive lyrics. It also helps that their latest album The Con was released on Neil Young’s Vapor Records and was produced by Death Cab’s Chris Walla.

What’s truly unique about Tegan and Sara is the honest portrayal of their music and relationship when on stage. The duo’s rapport reveals an open, critically constructive and, at times, impatient relationship bounded by the law of sibling love. It’s actually quite amusing to watch their sisterly banter, especially if you have a sister of your own.

While their antics may seem silly or petty to those who can’t relate to the nagging love they show, you’ll appreciate the magnificent and inimitable contrast it gives to the beautiful harmonies they sing in unison. Perhaps this is why they’ve gained massive amounts of critical praise and fan appeal, because they are real.

$25 Reserved Seating

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The Hives
Sunday, May 18 at the Rave

The Hives had trouble breaking through the retro/punk scene partially due to their counterparts The White Stripes and The Strokes’ strong presence in the limelight. However, they finally got one of their biggest breaks when their single “Hate to Say I Told You So” landed a coveted slot on the Spiderman soundtrack, and then in no time it was streaming non-stop around the globe.

While the Swedish band’s choppy, rapid and zealous songs aren’t ground breaking – their genre has been heard many times before by influential bands like the Sex Pistols, Iggy and the Stooges and New York Dolls – much of The Hives appeal lies in their unassuming but completely aware performance. The cocksure poses are aplenty, self-praise incessant, and the stage banter is comedic, tongue in cheek and sometimes true.

The songs themselves range between retread and tired to slightly above average, but when experienced live they are untouchable. Each note played is presented with a different facial expression as singer Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist struts around the stage like Mick Jagger on speed and offers the crowd an awkwardly enjoyable show full of vigor and amusement.

$21.50 General Admission

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Rilo Kiley
Friday, May 23 at the Pabst

Making their Milwaukee Debut, Rilo Kiley’s endearing melodies, haunting vocals and striking lyrics have been receiving promising attention from Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone.

The acknowledgment hasn’t completely affected the band though; it’s noticeable that they still possess a splendid mix of L.A. cool and Midwestern heart. What’s more impressive is that Rilo Kiley has been able to hone in on the ability to portray beaten down messages of prevailing hope through a blend of lush power pop, soulful synthesis and weepy country ballads, which can’t easily be done when crossing genres. In fact, Elvis Costello compliments Rilo Kiley’s music by labeling it as "the best lyric writing" he had ever heard. And their live show doesn’t fall short either.

Rilo Kiley's blistering live shows match lead singer/songwriter Jenny Lewis’ astonishing charisma and beautiful voice with singer/guitarist Blake Jennett’s shimmering guitar. Then, when you throw in the exemplary drum and bass partnership of Jason Boesel and Pierre de Reeder, the outcome of this collaboration is not only a great show packed with plenty of sparkle and sheen, but music bursting with solid substance and skillfulness.

$24.50 General Admission

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Panic! At the Disco
Sunday, May 25 at the Eagles Ballroom

Don’t Judge. Seriously. I have valid reasons for placing Panic! At the Disco on my Concert Preview.

You see, when I first heard Panic! At the Disco’s debut album, I was taken back by how similar their sound was to Fall Out Boy. The pop-punk sound that makes teenage girls squeal and paw at any pubescent boy holding a gleaming guitar was abound in Panic’s first album. But, the band’s one saving grace – for those of us who’ve been sick of the pop-punk genre long before the turn of the century – is that Panic! takes their music a bit further than their counterparts.

Evidently, their progressions are just a little more complicated, the lyrics are a little more perceptive and their style is impeccably wittier, even though they still have anthem-like hooks, which deliberately emphasize their pop influences.

Additionally, when I first saw Panic! in concert at Lollapalooza two years ago, I found myself really enjoying what I was hearing and I recall being thoroughly entertained by their theatrical stage presence. No joke. But what puts these guys on a higher plane than, say, Fall Out Boy and Blink 182 is that their live shows exude liveliness and theatrics in a Vegas-style, creepy circus explosion bursting with backup dancers and elaborate costumes and makeup to match. So, maybe Panic! At the Disco lacks non-teenage appeal, but trust me, their live show is worth the pain of hearing “I Write Sins, Not Tragedies” one more time.

$30 General Admission

There are many more shows coming to Milwaukee this month. Some honorable mentions that didn’t fit onto my Concert Preview are: Presidents of the United States of America on Monday, May 5, Tiger Army on Saturday, May 24, and The Spill Canvas on Wednesday, May 28.

For other concert information, take a look at the Rave, the Pabst, Riverside and Turner Hall, or any of the venues listed to the left under “Rock Out.”