1. Check Out the Wisconsin Triennial Art Show in Madison
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Every three years, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (227 State St., Madison) “charts the latest art being made across the state, capturing the richness and variety of artistic expression in Wisconsin.” The Wisconsin Triennial, on view through Sept. 14, features a wide, thought-provoking range of forms, including intricate paper sculptures by Michael Velliquette, mixed-media subversions of pop culture by Jolene Frechette and abstract paintings of modern media forms by Shane Walsh. I will not soon forget the fleshy, ceramic sculpture Strut – and the series of photos and video of a nude model exploring human forms by posing on it. The pay-what-you-will MMOCA is a nicely sized museum, too – you can spend a couple of hours on the three floors of exhibits and still have plenty of day left to get out and about in a very fun city in summer.
2. Have a Lager at the Re-Opened Von Trier
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
If you haven’t heard already, Von Trier – the long-time, beloved German bar on the East Side – closed a few months ago for renovations and re-opened in June. The spot has new ownership: John Dye, the same guy who owns At Random, Bryant’s and The Estate. Dye promised a refreshed Von Trier that remains true to its classic, cozy, beer hall style. I can now report that the revamp seems to be a success. I paid Von Trier a visit last weekend, hung out under the antler chandelier, barback mural, and stained-glass windows, and enjoyed a German lager at the bar. I was struck by the balance the place maintained between a brighter, open space, and the warm, darker feel of an inviting beer hall. There are more lagers in my future, I’m sure.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Check Out SPRED Jam
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Bread, butter and jam are an unbeatable combination, if you ask me. And there’s no substitute for home-made jam (though I do have some Bonne Maman in my fridge, because making jam is a lot of work). If you feel like I do – and about the making it yourself part, too – you should check out Milwaukee’s SPRED. The flavor profiles make them so interesting. I picked up some peach bourbon jam, aperol spritz marmalade and amaretto apricot jam. None of them are cloyingly sweet, nor are they too boozy, either. The alcohol adds a depth. The aperol is perfect in orange marmalade – they’re symbiotically bitter. But the marmalade isn’t too bitter – it’s citrusy and sweet enough. The apricot and peach jams are really good, too. The apricot is just a shade nutty, almost floral, and the chunky peach jam is sweet and fruity, with a delicate finish that seems rich. You can typically find the jams at Milwaukee Makers Market – co-owner Susie Hayes says they’ll miss the next two markets – they need to build up their inventory! – but catch them at the August 17 market at The Ivy House MKE.
4. Shop at American Science and Surplus
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
I bullied managing editor Archer Parquette into going to American Science and Surplus for several months, begging him to buy some random stuff and write a story about it. Well, it finally happened folks. You’re welcome. Archer spent $88.03 at A.S.S. (the budget was $20, and no, you cannot expense all that AP), and wrote about what he bought here. It’s fun, surprising and perfectly weird. That’s what I say about Archer, too, by the way.
5. Listen to “Switched On Pop”
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
I love music, but sometimes you need to take a break from listening to it. That’s why I started listening to a podcast about music. My favorite right now is “Switched On Pop,” which takes a deep dive into the latest trends and biggest hits in the pop music world. Hosts Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding break down the musical concepts of current chart-toppers in a way that’s accessible and insightful, and the humor in small doses keeps the show light and entertaining.
