The passing year brings about a time to start anew. That’s certainly the case for Gabriel Sanchez, who’s been performing under The Prince Experience for the past 12 years, the unstoppable and insatiable Purple Rain-era Prince tribute act that’s always a pleasing sight on the bill for summer block parties and larger festivals. But this year Sanchez has decided to shed that source material and set out along a new path as a solo performer.
The artist formerly known as a Prince tribute act celebrates the release of his debut album, Immortal By Sound, featuring original material this Saturday at Turner Hall Ballroom, 1032 N. 4th St., and while Sanchez is attempting to make his own mark, he’s not leaving his three-eyed guide completely in the dust. The show, which starts at 7 p.m., also features a fashion show from local designer Taylor Majewski, who designed Sanchez’s wardrobe for the night. It’s also going to be a unique visual experience, as Sanchez promises an original multimedia video for each of his new works.
While Sanchez will still perform under the seductive persona of Prince in the future, Saturday night gives listeners a new look at a city staple simply playing himself. If anything, it’s an ambitious turn for a cover band to take and an inspiring one at that. Before the album release party, listen to “Victor,” the newest single from Immortal By Sound on Sanchez’s Soundcloud page.
Local Coverage, Round 2
After a successful inaugural year selling out Club Garibaldi, the annual Local Coverage showcase, in which local bands are selected to cover another local band on the bill, moves to the larger confines of Turner Hall Ballroom, 1032 N. 4th St.. The show features Decibully playing Soul Low; GGOOLLDD playing Maritime; Klassik playing Decibully; Tigernite playing GGOOLLDD; Soul Low playing Tigernite; Maritime playing Sat. Nite Duets; Twin Brother playing Klassik; Sat. Nite Duets playing The Whiskeybelles; The Whiskeybelles playing Fox Face; and Fox Face playing Twin Brother. Proceeds from the event will be split evenly between Girls Rock Milwaukee and Guest House of Milwaukee.
Stream of the Week
Just more than a week away is another fundraiser entering its second year. Riverwest FemFest starts Thursday, Jan. 21 with a show at Riverwest Public House, 815 E. Locust St., and closes Sunday night at Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St. (For a full schedule of events, check out it’s website.) In the meantime, get to know some of the band’s playing the four-day festival with the first volume in a three-part series of compilations.
Video of the Week
Relive a prom night full of regrets with the switchblade-wielding, blatz-swilling, nudie mag-reading, blue tuxedo-clad bad boys in Soul Low through their new video for Sweat Pea EP track “OMG STD,” that is before the CDC crashes the infected party.
Soul Low – “OMG STD” from RYAN OHM ▲ on Vimeo.
This Week in Live Music
Wednesday, January 13: San Fermin with Andy Shauf at Turner Hall Ballroom, 8:30 p.m. ($15) – (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Thursday, January 14: Living Colour at Potawatomi’s Northern Lights Theater, 8 p.m. ($20-$2) – (1721 W. Canal St., PaysBig.com)
Friday, January 15: The Wailers with Recalcitrant, R.A.S. Movement and Chalice in the Palace Soundsystem at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($21-$40) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: The Young Relevators (album release) with Cherryball at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m. ($5) – (1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
And: BLAX with Scallops Hotel, Mike Regal and Stumblesome at Company Brewing, 10 p.m. ($8) – (735 E. Center St., CompanyBrewing.com)
Saturday, January 16: Dr. Chow’s Love Medicine (album release) with Floor Mode at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m. ($8, includes album) – (1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
Also: Patti LaBelle at The Riverside Theater, 8 p.m. ($55-$125) – (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
And: Tapebenders with Noises and Burn ileum at Circle-A Cafe, 8 p.m. – (932 E. Chambers St., Circle-A-Café.org)
