Cactus Club’s new concert series in support of the Cactus+ Accessibility Initiative kicks off Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. with headliners Bully and opener Scarlet Demore. Tickets are $100.
The new series raises funds for the Bay View venue to improve its accessibility.
“Accessible spaces enhance the quality of life for everyone,” says Kelsey Kaufmann, the club’s owner and operator, in an email. “This project models how small cultural landmarks can be thoughtfully retrofitted, remodeled and expanded in a way that values their histories while materially improving the functionality.”
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
The venue’s initiative will unfold in two phases. The first is the installation of a 23-foot ramp to the front door costing around $90,000 – with a grant from the Ruth Foundation for the Arts, the ramp will be installed in spring of 2025. Phase two is a full expansion and renovation of the venue. The Cactus Club’s building dates back to the late 1800s.
“We want to accomplish an accessible stage, bathrooms, greenroom, solid sightlines and an accessible bar counter,” Kaufmann says. “We welcome donations of all shapes and sizes and would not be mad if a generous daddy – in the all-gender sense – wanted to donate 3 million dollars.”
Half of ticket sales for the Cactus+ Accessibility Initiative concert series go toward the accessibility efforts.
“Improving accessibility is more than addressing physical barriers, though this is a significant priority because of our building’s conditions,” says Kaufmann. “Cactus Club will always be a dynamic space that aims to meet the ever-evolving needs of the many communities we are a part of and serve, we will always be a divey sanctuary for queer and subcultural misfits, we will always push for better outcomes.”
The second show in the Cactus+ Accessibility Initiative concert series is on Aug. 30 at 8:00 p.m. with headliner ESG – tickets are on sale now.
