The Best Things to Do This Week, According to Our Editors: April 1

1. See The Thing at The Cooperage

CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER

2. Grab a Prototypical Porter at our “Top Chef” Watch Party

CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

One thing I love about Enlightened Brewing is how they keep it simple. Instead of mango cardamom milkshake IPAs and dill pickle goses – which are fine, if you’re into that! – Enlightened stacks its beer lineup with classic styles executed with restraint. They’ve got a good amber, a flagship cream ale and, my favorite of their core beers, Prototypical Porter. True to its name, Prototypical is a nice, straightforward American porter – balanced between the slightly chocolatey malt and a touch of hop bitterness, with drinkability front and center. I mention it this week because it would be the perfect beer to kick back with during our “Top Chef” watch party and expert panel this Wednesday. Come join us! 

Watch party is Wednesday, April 3; Sweet Smoke food truck arrives at 6 p.m., show at 8, panel discussion afterward, free or VIP tickets available here.

3. Peep the Peeps Exhibition at the Racine Art Museum

EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Every year, professional and amateur artists alike craft elaborate, imaginative artwork with Peeps candy, displayed at the Racine Art Museum. Now, I don’t have a sweet tooth – I have multiple sweet teeth. A carnival of confectionaries is right up my alley, and probably yours, too, if you like things that are fun.

The room bursts with creativity, and the makers range from experienced artisans to fifth grade classes. I won’t spoil everything I saw because the surprise element is part of the fun, but expect lots of puns and references to fine art and pop culture. (My personal favorites included a knitted Peeps vest and a Peeps portrait made with Scottish stamps.) The exhibition runs until April 13; it’s worth the drive, and check out the rest of the museum while you’re there.

4. Grab a Drink at Izzy Hops

ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR

Last Thursday, I had to speak in public. I know – who thought that was a good idea? I was talking about our coverage of the Milwaukee Film Festival at their Friends and Family Preview Night at the Oriental Theatre. I was only on stage for about 30 seconds, but it felt like eight years. Stumbling through my remarks, I managed to pass neither out nor gas in front of everyone, so I count that as a win.

Your friendly neighborhood managing editor is meant to lurk in caves, eating canned goods and weeping at his fallen state, not to step on a stage in front of people and speak as though he is a normal human. Afterward, my equilibrium was wrecked and my nerves shot. What I’m saying is I needed a drink. I headed a block over to Izzy Hops (2311 N. Murray Ave.), a spot I hadn’t tried before, and allow me to report back, my good reader, that it was pretty good. Solid, friendly neighborhood bar with a big beer selection. It was a fitting spot to quietly contemplate my inadequacy with a cold pint in hand.

5. Listen to Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé

BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR

Y’all! Y’all. Beyoncé has done it again. It’s safe to say Cowboy Carter is a masterpiece. It definitely has country overtones throughout but it mixes so many genres and does it in a way that’s seamless and brilliant. Her genre-bending happens throughout the album but is perhaps most noticeable in “Ya Ya.” She also covers Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” with lyric changes, like “I’m warning you” instead of “I’m begging you,” which add a threatening and empowered tone to the song. That track is followed by – one of my favorites – “Daughter,” which literally features her singing Italian opera (Spoiler alert: it’s beautiful). And lastly, I’ll leave you with a recommendation to listen to “II Most Wanted,” a gorgeous country duet she sings with Miley Cyrus. I can’t get over their harmonies. Yee-freaking-haw. I’ll be listening all week. 

Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar!