1. ‘Kaleidoscopes and Quilts’
THROUGH MARCH 2 | WISCONSIN MUSEUM OF QUILTS AND FIBER ARTS
Paula Nadelstern has spent her career quilting dazzling, complex patterns inspired by kaleidoscopes. This exhibition showcases the bright color and motion found in her work.
2. MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
JAN. 4 | THE PABST THEATER
Bust out the bell bottoms for this tribute band emulating the Swedish pop supergroup. Expect the smash hits that made the group famous, like “Mamma Mia,” “Lay All Your Love on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” and many more, along with bright disco-era costumes and elaborate choreography.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Monster Jam
JAN. 10-11 | FISERV FORUM
Six-ton behemoths racing one another and doing wild backflips off dirt ramps – what more can you ask for? This monster truck tour promises action-packed thrills and the chance to vote for your favorite driver. Start the day at the morning “pit party” to see the trucks up close.
4. ‘Winterlude’
JAN. 12 | VILLA TERRACE
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra regulars Yaniv Dinur and Peter Thomas return to the Villa for a Sunday morning of sonatas. Sip coffee, eat pastries and, following the performance, view the museum’s collection.
5. Investigate The Nether
JAN. 11-FEB. 2 | RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS
A detective investigates terrible crimes in an anything-goes virtual reality. Directed by theater regular Elyse Edelman, this play questions the ethics of artificial intelligence.
6. Riveredge’s Birthday
JAN. 16 | THE FERMENTORIUM
Riveredge Nature Center is turning 57! The sanctuary is celebrating with a night of drinks. Raring to make a visit to the center after? Consider embarking on an owl prowl the next night.
7. ‘On the Edge’
JAN. 17-APRIL 27 | GROHMANN MUSEUM
Quarries across the country are the subject of industrial photographer Michael Schultz’ new exhibition. The photos capture all stages of labor and the monumental scale at which it’s carried out.
8. Stephen Hull Duo
JAN. 17 | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
At just 25, Racine native and blues extraordinaire Stephen Hull has already taken his soulful singing and guitar-playing to clubs in Chicago and festivals in Mississippi and France. He’ll perform standards from blues legends at this studio showcase.
9. The Craic
JAN. 17-MARCH 16 | MILWAUKEE REP
Traditional Irish songs and sensational stories fill the air of a boisterous South Kerry pub in this Rep original musical. Expect plenty of cheer and community spirit.
10. Goblin King Masquerade Ball
JAN. 17-18 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Inspired by the cult classic film Labyrinth, this fantastical pageant has waltz dancing, themed cocktails, a makers market and drag performances in an otherworldly atmosphere.
11. Onesie Bar Crawl
JAN. 18 | BROTHERS BAR & GRILL
Winter is full-body pajama season, and so why not embrace the coziness with a Water Street bar crawl? Tickets come with some free drinks and a bottle-opener lanyard – just make sure you’ve got pockets.
12. Ben Schwartz & Friends
JAN. 18 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER
Known for his eccentric Jean-Ralphio character on “Parks & Recreation,” Ben Schwartz enlists fellow comedians for an evening of long-form improv.
13. MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration
JAN. 20 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Every year, Milwaukee students share their art, writings and speeches commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. This year’s prompt is inspired by his words: “What are you doing for others?”
14. Museum Days
JAN. 23-FEB. 2 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
More than 20 museums around Southeastern Wisconsin will discount tickets from free to $15 during this midwinter week. It’s a good chance to see which of our local cultural and historical institutions you’ve been missing.
15. Ice Bear Fest
JAN. 25 | THIRD SPACE BREWING
Third Space’s ’80s-apres-ski-themed event is back for its sixth year. With live music, food trucks, a ski gear costume contest and more, it’s much more than just a release party for the brewery’s awesome Ice Bear Baltic porter.
16. Lincoln Center Orchestra
JAN. 30 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, long-time director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, leads this masterful big band through straight-ahead standards in an uncompromising mode of jazz.
17. ‘Winterdances’
JAN. 30-FEB. 2 | UWM MAINSTAGE THEATRE
Faculty at UW-Milwaukee’s dance department stage this annual showcase of new works and emerging dancers. LA-based guest choreographer Jackie Lopez debuts new dances.
18. Emily Song and the Queen of the Night
JAN. 31-FEB. 16 | FIRST STAGE
Emily Song’s voice is magic – literally. When the 12-year-old discovers her power to cast spells through music, she must save her dad, best friend and the whole city in this new musical.
