Barenaked Ladies. Photo by David Bergman
Monday, August 6: Russian Circles at Cactus Club, 8 p.m.
Last December, Chicago-based instrumental metal band Russian Circles packed the Cactus Club as part of the Bay View bar’s impressive 15th anniversary shows. With a 10-month break between performances, it appears Milwaukee is sufficiently prepared for another helping of face-melting tunes from the tremendous trio. Chelsea Wolfe and Marriages open. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Tuesday, August 7: Styx at Wisconsin State Fair, 7:30 p.m.
Come sail away to a beautiful, fancy-free land of fried delicacies and past-prime rock ‘n’ roll at the Wisconsin State Fair. As your caloric intake swells exponentially, your enjoyment of Styx’s timeless collection of hits will grow accordingly. (8100 W. Greenfield Ave.)
Also: James Vincent McMorrow and Juniper Tar at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($13) – (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
And: Kottonmouth Kings, Big P, Prozak and Moonshine Bandits at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($21.50) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Wednesday, August 8: Matisyahu at The Rave, 7:30 p.m. ($26.50)
Hasidic rapper Matisyahu might come off as a gimmick on bio alone, but his distinct and primarily positive brand of hip-hop proves he’s more than just a unique story. Dude can rap. The Dirty Heads opens. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Thursday, August 9: Catacombz at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m.
Milwaukee’s own Catacombz plays around town fairly often, but this show is particularly special, as it marks the release show of the band’s latest cassette (yes, cassette), MOTHER TONGUE 2, and its final show before setting out on a late summer tour. Outside and Soup Moat open. (1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
Also: Cameron McGill, Jackraasch, and Jeremiah Nelson at Club Garibldi, 8 p.m. – (2501 S. Superior St., ClubGaribaldis.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Friday, August 10: Barenaked Ladies at Wisconsin State Fair
“If I Had a Million Dollars,” it’d be “One Week” of Canada’s favorite pop rockers in Milwaukee, instead of just one night. “Pinch Me” if I’m dreaming; The Barenaked Ladies are coming to town to play their happy-go-lucky hits. If you think “It’s All Been Done,” the Barenaked Ladies might just surprise you with a few things to spice up the band’s live show. I don’t know any more songs to reference here. Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd And The Monsters and Cracker will also play. (8100 W. Greenfield Ave.)
Also: Rufus Wainwright, Adam Cohen and Teddy Thompson at The Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. (39.50) – (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
Saturday, August 11: My Morning Jacket and Band Of Horses at BMO Harris Pavilion, 7:30 p.m. ($44)
Bandleader Jim James and the rest of seminal Louisville modern rock band My Morning Jacket have cultivated quite the following and critical acclaim since forming in the late ‘90s. Last year’s rock solid Circuital serves as a testament to the band’s undeniable staying power. Helping MMJ break in the spanking new pavilion is indie rock powerhouse Band Of Horses. (200 N. Harbor Dr.)
Also: Tesia, Great White and Slaughter at Wisconsin State Fair, 7:30 p.m. – (8100 W. Greenfield Ave.)
Sunday, August 12: The Wildbirds and The Celebrated Workingman at Tonic Tavern, 8 p.m. (FREE)
It’ll be a Sunday Funday when two of the city’s favorite rock bands pair up for a FREE show at swanky Bay View lounge, Tonic Tavern. What better way to end a weekend? (2335 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.)
