1. See “Queer Mythologies” at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
I always love popping into Saint Kate’s (free!) art galleries when I’m downtown. In my most recent visit, I wandered in after seeing a show at the Milwaukee Rep, and I was immediately drawn to the relatively new exhibit “Queer Mythologies: Transabstractions” by Milwaukee-based artist Nykoli Koslow. The colorful, swirling pieces fill the room, with some hanging from the ceiling, others on the wall and many of them lit up with colored lights. Each of them are unique, yet they flow together, creating an immersive experience as you walk through the gallery. The paintings and drawings are a physical embodiment of “the ambiguity, complexity, and myriad rich histories that is the Queered human experience,” according to Koslow’s description of the exhibit. The gallery is open until July 17, so definitely go check it out before it ends!
2. Have a Pour of The Doughnut Don Stout
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Pastry stouts are not usually my bag, but this annual collaboration between West North Avenue faves Vennture Brew Co. and Cranky Al’s is no ordinary pastry stout. Despite the copious amount of Cranky Al’s crullers deployed, The Doughnut Don is carefully crafted to not get too sweet, even in the variants that undergo aging in bourbon barrels. The beer was released on Saturday, but as of midday Monday all six variants were still available on draft. Don’t miss the version barrel-aged with the fruity mash Bittercube Orange Bitters, a bright and unexpected top note that works really well with this chocolatey beer.
3. Catch a Flick at the Milwaukee Film Fest
ANN CHRISTENSON, SENIOR FOOD EDITOR
This year, to the relief of a whole lot of people, Milwaukee Film has returned to in-person screenings. I’ve got my eye on a few titles to see this year and, to nobody’s surprise, they’re food/dining related. One of them is We Feed People, a look at the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, whose mission is to feed folks in crisis-plagued parts of the world. The org, founded in 2010 by celeb chef Jose Andres, is a hot news topic right now because of the work it’s doing in Ukraine. Actor Ron Howard directed the 89-minute film, which promises to be a fest highlight. It’s showing Tues., April 26 (6 p.m.), at the Avalon Theater and Wed., May 4 (4:30 p.m.) at the Oriental Theatre’s Herzfeld Cinema. It’s also available for virtual viewing starting Wed., April 27 art 10 a.m.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
4. See The Amazing Lemonade Girl
ALLI WATTERS, DIGITAL AND CULTURE EDITOR
I’m a huge fan of First Stage. Despite being a children’s theater, the shows always bring something to the table for the adults in the room – and that is definitely the case with The Amazing Lemonade Girl. This new play made its world premier last week in Milwaukee, telling the true story of Alexandra Flynn Scott, a bright and fun young girl who was diagnosed with cancer before the age of one. With a simple lemonade stand she was able to raise millions of dollars (and counting) for pediatric cancer research, saving hundreds of lives. As I watched her story unfold I laughed, I cried, and then I laughed and cried some more. The writing is sharp, hilarious and full of honest nuggets about how you can support people with stories like Alex’s. I’d consider it a must-see production for you and your family. It’s running through May 15.
5. Drink in Class at Stella Van Buren
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
The other day, whilst attending to manners of business, I received a call from an associate requesting my presence at a social gathering of sorts. As a man of great importance, I do not often allow my time to be taken up by such frivolity, but I agreed. We met at Stella Van Buren in the Westin Hotel, at said associate’s suggestion, and the experience was quite enjoyable. In fact, I would say that I highly recommend it. The atmosphere was classy, the service pleasant and the drinks enjoyable, and with the warm weather hopefully arriving soon, the bar’s patio will make for a prime summer destination.
