Composer Institute Performance
➸ Nov. 4
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s annual Composer Institute fosters the creation of new compositions from a handful of budding composers. The workshop-filled institute leads up to the Nov. 4 performance at the Helene Zelazo Center – your chance to hear free-of-charge classical music – and premieres of new work.
Footsteps, Shadows and Whispers
➸ Nov. 5-8
Danceworks gives local choreographer Dawn Springer the reins for this performance at Next Act Theatre in collaboration with the Tontine Ensemble. Springer’s work hones in on the physical side effects of dance performance – sweat, sighing, pounding of flexible feet – that usually comprise the periphery of a show. For Springer, they’re the focus.
Villalobos Brothers
➸ Nov. 6
This sextet from Veracruz, Mexico, has performed in Carnegie Hall and brings an intoxicating style to the United Community Center’s Latino Arts Auditorium. The band’s violins and vihuela endure an intense workout that results in music with Mexican traditions, and elements of folk, jazz and classical.
Polly Apfelbaum and Steven Westfall
➸ Nov. 7-Dec. 19
Get thee to Michelle Grabner’s relocated “anti-curator” gallery, The Suburban, which will host work from New York-based artists Polly Apfelbaum and Steven Westfall. Grabner lets artists install what they please, so you’ll have to settle for a thought-provoking surprise.
Rainn Wilson
➸ Nov. 12
After shedding his business-casual “Office” duds as peevish Dwight Schrute, Rainn Wilson created the video series SoulPancake, turned it into a best-selling book, and now discusses his latest literary endeavor, The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy, at the Pabst Theater with Boswell Book Co.
Danger Zone
➸ Nov. 13-14, 20-21
Broadminded has brought laughs to local stages since 2006, and has performed in the Milwaukee Comedy Festival for an impressive 10 years. Fittingly, the Tenth Street Theatre hosts the all-female sketch group’s unveiling of “Danger Zone.”
Nikki Lane with Clear Plastic Masks
➸ Nov. 13
Have yourself a night of contemporary Nashville music at Cactus Club with rockers Clear Plastic Masks and headliner Nikki Lane, whose country-tinted crooning rates high on the patented Milwaukee Magazine appeal-o-meter.
Colors & Chords
➸ Nov. 24
As a benefit for Islands of Brilliance, seven musical acts – including members of Field Report, Volcano Choir, and Testa Rosa – commune with seven visual artists, who will create works based on the musicians’ Turner Hall Ballroom sets.
