Make You Laugh
David Louis
What do you get when a New York comedian crosses several thousand streets to perform in Milwaukee? The city’s best comedic transplant, David Louis. Before opening for Comedy Fest headliner Michael Ian Black in August, Louis earned his stripes in the city’s stand-up scene at venues around town.
Make You Cry
Roberto Harrison
Fair warning: You may get a little teary-eyed when you read Milwaukee poet laureate Roberto Harrison’s thoughtful free verse about politics and personal identity. You can check out one of his books at your local library. Just be sure to pick up a box of tissues on the way home, too.
Steal the Show
Montell “Infiniti” Ross
It’s fitting that Montell Ross goes by “Infiniti,” because UW-Milwaukee’s 2017 drag show was an infinitely entertaining experience, thanks largely to his hosting efforts. Ross, a fan of both sequins and feathers, also dazzles at LaCage NiteClub every Saturday. Or should we say every SaturYAY?
Bust a Move
Cedric Gardner
In 2007, Cedric Gardner two-stepped his way into the “So You Think You Can Dance” finals. Now, he prefers to keep time backstage, working for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Earlier this year, some of his students even appeared in a back-to-school music video for Old Navy.
Design Your Dream Home
Jenni Radosevich
We were flippin’ stoked to hear that designer Jenni Radosevich starred in an HGTV pilot. Network execs, unfortunately, didn’t pick “My Flippin’ Friends” up for more episodes, but you can see clips from the pilot, and more of Radosevich’s drool-worthy DIY work, at ispydiy.com.
Win a VMA
Cody LaPlant
We’re ready for our close-up, Mr. LaPlant. The director wowed us with this year’s “Aya,” a music video he made for Chicago rapper Kweku Collins’ new EP, Grey. The cinematography in the video – literally and figuratively – smolders, and we can’t wait to see what LaPlant does next.
Illustrations by Cameron K. Lewis
Best of Milwaukee 2017
Check out all of this year’s winners!
