This week, there’s still a lot of summer in the air. But the arts season is ready to kick off as one of the major museum shows opens its doors.
#5: Circle, Mirror, Transformation at Boulevard Ensemble Theatre.
Why? Because Annie Baker’s play about a community acting class was called “absorbing, unblinking and sharply funny” when it premiered in New York. And anyone who has taken such a class will recognize the acting assignments: “Okay, be a tree!” Since Boulevard Ensemble hosts acting classes like this all the time (although, we’re not sure if the dabble in vegetation imitation) they seem the perfect group to stage Baker’s comedy.
#4: Ernán López Nussa at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
Why? Because he has blinding chops of a trained classical musician, and the powerful rhythmic sense of his native Cuba. And in the dozen years since he’s made it to the United States, American critics have discovered him and are calling him one of the great living Cuban jazz artists. López Nussa comes to town with his trio in a concert that will add a bit of deep, soulful color to the pastels of the Bader Concert Hall.
#3: Mexican Fiesta at Maier Festival Park.
Why? Because the annual celebration of our neighbor to the south goes way beyond the usual music and beer-fest: Salsa contests, lowriders, tequila tastings, jalapeno-eating, theater, dance, and big-name Tejano groups like Little Joe y la Familia and Tejano Highway 281. And yes, Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling), too.
#2: Current Tendencies II: Artists from Milwaukee at the Haggerty Museum of Art.
Why? Because the Haggerty’s 2009 survey of contemporary Wisconsin artists was true thrill, and this time, we’re bound to make new discoveries as well as reacquaint ourselves with old friends. This year, the focus is exclusively Milwaukee, and the concept of the show involves pairing artists with Marquette University scholars of various fields. The ten featured artists include Luc Leplae, Lisa Hecht, Reginald Baylor, and Sharon Kerry-Harlan.
#1: Present Music’s “Water” at the Marcus Center.
Why? Because it’s time to say goodbye to summer. And because Present Music’s penchant for partnerships means there’s no better way to kick off the art season in Milwaukee. PM kicks off its 30th season with a world premiere by frequent collaborator Kamran Ince, and collaborations with several choral groups (Milwaukee Choral Artists, Cream City Chorus, Vocal Arts of Milwaukee), Danceworks Performance Company, Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre, and UWM’s Department of Art and Design. Come early for the outdoor festivities, and stay late for the fire dancers and bubble artists. Yes, I said “bubble artists.”
