Monday, Sept. 12: MC Chris at Cactus Club, 9 p.m.
Whether you know him as his “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” identities MC Pee Pants and Sir Loin, by his prominent (if not absolutely exclusive) place at the top of the nerdy hip-hop hierarchy, or as just plain talented rhymesmith Chris Ward, you’re probably aware of MC Chris. As one of Cactus Club’s first huge 15th-anniversary performances, MC Chris and his myriad sci-fi references will play host to what will likely be a wall-to-wall crowd in an intimate club setting. MC Lars, Mega Ran and Adam WarRock open. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Tuesday, Sept. 13: Mark Broussard at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($15)
Louisiana-based purveyor of “Bayou Soul” Mark Broussard has done about as much as one can without managing to become a household name. After a quintet of studio albums, writing the theme song for NBC’s “Medium” and managing to get three singles on the radio this year alone, Broussard plays what may be his final Turner Hall show, as it looks like the Pabst or Riverside theaters seem the future site to see this up-and-coming pop artist as his deserved notoriety grows. Matt Hire and Chic Gamine open. (1032 N. Fourth St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: The Milk Carton Kids at Mad Planet, 9 p.m. ($12) – (533 E. Center St, Mad-Planet.net)
And: James Lee Stanley at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($15) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
Wednesday, Sept. 14: Tommy Keene at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($15)
Although the new wave is long dead, Tommy Keene still trudges on. The former Geffen and Matador recording artist has sidestepped being contained in the dreaded new wave/power pop box with 14 diverse albums and a 30-year on-stage track record. Doug Gillard Electric, Sally Crewe And The Sudden Moves open. (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
Thursday, Sept. 15: Conrad Plymouth at Cactus Club, 9 p.m.
Hometown outfit Conrad Plymouth slathers its stripped down acoustic licks with warm and fuzzy harmonies. As the band’s stock in the Milwaukee music scene (and beyond) has risen in 2011, so now has its catalogue. Christopher Porterfield and co. recently dropped its second effort, Comrade Plymouth, which can be heard here. Flojo, Paper Thick Walls and Vic & Gab open. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: Yo Gabba Gabba! Live at Pabst Theater, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. ($29.50-$39.50) – (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
Friday, Sept. 16: Pezzettino at Cactus Club, 9 p.m.
Milwaukee expatriate Pezzettino makes a hometown return. The now-Brooklyn-based musician has made a name for herself with an intoxicatingly unique and minimalist style fueled primarily by the equally goofy and haunting accordion. Don’t miss this truly one-of-a-kind Milwaukee prodigy. Vitrolum Republic, Wolfgang Schaefer open. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: Crappy Dracula at Quarters Rock ‘N’ Roll Palace, 10 p.m. ($5) – (900 E. Center St.)
And: James Vincent McMorrow at Turner Hall, 7:30 p.m. ($10) – (1032 N. Fourth St., PabstTheater.org)
Saturday, Sept. 17: Rodney Carrington at Riverside Theater, 7 p.m. ($39.50)
Saturday night, while rocker Lindsey Buckingham blasts out his hits at the nearby Pabst Theater and Michael Ian Black fills Turner Hall will a cloud of laughter, Rodney Carrington will split the difference a few blocks away with his immensely popular brand of country music-infused comedy. The Blue Collar meets Toby Keith (it’s much better than it sounds!) style proves an entertaining format for both comedy purists and country music lovers alike. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Lindsey Buckingham at Pabst Theater, 7:30 p.m. ($45) – (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Sunday, Sept. 18: Rock The Green at Veterans Park, 11 p.m. ($25-50)
According to the festival’s website, “Rock The Green is the new way to rock – the convergence of world-class live music, sustainability and giving back to local communities.” Whether you attend in support of the environmental message or just because you enjoy the likes of The Fray, Ben Folds, Fitz And The Tantrums, Michelle Branch, Parachute and Evan Christian, there’s no reason to miss this promising inaugural Milwaukee festival. (1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., RockTheGreen.com)
Photo of Fitz And The Tantrums courtesty of FitzAndTheTantrums.com.
