July Fourth is still down the pike, but this weekend should put you at the ready by featuring a very-American slate of performances and events, including a concert tribute to the whole of American history, a classic by a quintessential American playwright and a dance tribute to America’s great soul music of the 70s and 80s. And because we’re not that way, we also give a nod to our former oppressors across the pond. No hard feelings blokes.
#5: Nick Lowe at the Pabst Theatre.
Why? Because whether you call him the Jesus of Cool or Basher (coined for his production style—“bash it out now, tart it up later”), Nick Lowe has made his mark on the music you listen to today. Last year, the New York Times pointed out the odd fact that Lowe’s music is better known than he is. But that’s started to change in the last few years as his touring and retrospective album, The Old Magic, has brought in old fans and curious new ones. He recently opened for Wilco, but he’s headlining this show, a cabaret-style gig at Turner Hall that promises a surprise “special guest.” It’s no surprise that he’s bringing his long time band along, including the incomparable keyboardist Geraint Watkins.
#4: Frankly Music at Schwan Concert Hall.
Why? Because it’s time to show some love for the Brits. Overshadowed as 20th century retrogrades who couldn’t keep up with 20th century innovation and atonality, Edward Elgar and William Walton might be the Rodney Dangerfield of modern music. Frank Almond and friends will make their case for our friends across the pond with a concert featuring some impressive guest stars. Almond first performs a Walton violin sonata with the young pianist Orion Weiss, who has already soloed with several major US orchestras. Then an impressive quintet—Almond, Weiss, cellist Robert DeMaine, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Ilana Setapan, and New York Philharmonic violist Cynthia Phelps—will play Elgar’s Quintet for Piano and Strings.
#3: Present Music’s Buffalo Nation (Bison bison).
Why? Because it’s been two years in the making, and this evening-long work by Milwaukee-born composer Jerome Kitzke is hardly your average concert premiere. A musical and lyrical history of the American Bison from pre-history to present day, it deploys a huge ensemble of musicians, actors and singers (including a “sound effects choir”) to chart the history of America through the story of one of its native species. Presented in the unique performing space at Franklin’s Indian Community School, it promises to be one of those artistic events that people will be talking about long after it’s over.
#2: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Bus Stop at the Broadway Theatre Center.
Why? Because William Inge doesn’t get enough respect in the annals of the American stage, and as fellow heartlanders, we owe it to ourselves to keep him in the pantheon alongside the East-coasters and Southerners who are typically thought of as the masters of the American stage. The story should seem familiar–eight lives are thrown together when a snowstorm strands them in a Missouri bus station. The film (famous for featuring Marilyn Monroe) is only loosely based on the original play, which is an easy-going romantic comedy that depends on great acting and a sure directorial hand. MCT’s production should have that with a cast that includes Jacque Troy and Doug Jarecki. It’s directed by UW-Parkside professor Lisa Kornetsky.
#1: Alverno Presents’ David Zambrano Soul Project at MSOE’s Kern Center.
Why? Because meticulously coordinated ensembles and finely tuned steps are all fine and good in a dance performance. But sometimes you want to see good dancers just cut loose, as if you stumbled on them in the wee hours at a dance club. Here’s your chance. At the Soul Project, you mingle with Zambrano and his group of dancers—who hail from South Korea, Mozambique and Slovakia—and watch them explode into movement when they hear a James Brown or Aretha Franklin song thunder out over the sound system. Seven dancers, a couple a dozen songs, a crowd of eager listeners and watchers. Sounds like a sure-fire recipe. Note that the “Soul Project” venue has been changed to the MSOE Kern Center, one block north of the original venue, the MSOE Todd Wehr Conference Center.
