Tuesday, Nov. 15: The Wildbirds with Hugh Bob and The Hustle at The Hotel Foster, 8 p.m. ($5)
Ever since its opening early this year, The Hotel Foster has been making an impressive play for venue legitimacy among the crowded North Avenue bar scene. With a décor reminiscent of an elegant Parisian hotel lobby, it’s certainly one of the most unique in the area. And with artists like The Wildbirds, Kid Cut Up and Jaill stopping by in the coming weeks, it looks like they’ve got the booking thing down, too. (2028 E. North Ave., thehotelfoster.com)
Wednesday, Nov. 16: John Mellencamp at The Riverside Theater, 6:30 p.m. ($39.50-$121.25)
Sorry, but if I have to explain to you what John Mellencamp is all about, then you, my friend, are not a true Wisconsinite. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., pabsttheater.org)
Also: Kenny Loggins at Northern Lights Theater (in Potawatomi Casino), 8 p.m. ($40-$60)
(1721 W. Canal St., paysbig.com)
Thursday, Nov. 17: Freedy Johnston with Allison Scott at Club Garibaldi, 8 p.m. ($12-$15)
In the world of singer-songwriters, there are songwriters and then there is Freedy Johnston. Known for his impeccably downtrodden writing style, picture perfect musicianship and ability to write lyrics that border on the literary, the New York City-based artist currently splits his time between the Big Apple and Madison. (2501 S. Superior St., clubgaribaldis.com)
Also: King’s Horses with Lollipop Factory and Everybody At Midnight at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m.
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Friday, Nov. 18: The Avett Brothers with David Mayfield Parade at The Riverside Theater, 7 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Brothers Scott and Seth Avett have been creating music together since they were children, and apparently they were listening to a wildly diverse group of influences over those years. The North Carolina-based group’s music ranges from heartbreaking folk to upbeat pop-tinged bluegrass to moments of pure punk energy, which translate fully to the band’s intensely frantic live set. As a testament to the band’s universal appeal, its latest release I and Love and You cracked the top ten on Billboard’s best-selling digital album, rock album and folk album charts alike. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., pabsttheater.org)
Also: Seizure Chicken Fall Fest with Castle Thunder, Secret Colours and Kane Place Record Club at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. ($6)
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
Also: Songs For The Soul Benefit with Heidi Spencer at Bay View Brew Haus, 9:30 p.m.
(2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., bayviewbrewhaus.com)
Also: The Gourds with Eagle Eye Williamson at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($15)
(1434 N. Farwell Ave., shankhall.com)
Satuday, Nov. 19: Seizure Chicken Fall Fest with Canopies, Prophetic, Golden Coins and Greatest Lakes at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. ($6)
Milwaukee/Chicago-based music blog Seizure Chicken has come into its own as a strong voice in the Midwest indie and garage rock conversation since its inception in 2009. The outfit makes another contribution by helping us usher in the coming winter with a two-night fall festival. Friday night’s lineup is solid to be sure, but we’re geared up for Saturday with folk rockers Greatest Lakes, ‘90s indie rock throwbacks Golden Coins, local hip-hop icon Prophetic and electro-pop maestros Canopies closing out the show. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
Also: Mates of State with The Generationals at Turner Hall, 8 p.m. ($15)
(1032 N. Fourth St., pabsttheater.org)
Also: The Avett Brothers with Jill Andrews at The Riverside Theater, 7 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
(116 W. Wisconsin Ave., pabsttheater.org)
Sunday, Nov. 20: Yellow Ostrich with Conrad Plymouth and Jeanne Salzer Trio at Cactus Club, 8 p.m.
The Cactus Club closes out an impressive weekend of talent showcases by welcoming back one of Milwaukee’s favorite expatriates and current New Yorker Yellow Ostrich. The primal guitar-laden electronica solo artist will be joined on the bill by some of Milwaukee’s finest current artists-in-residence in Conrad Plymouth and Jeanne Salzer Trio. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
Also: Big Sky Hour with Lady Cannon at Tonic Tavern, 8 p.m. (FREE)
(2335 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., tonictavern.com)
The Avett Brothers photos by Melissa Madison Fuller.
