Venue: Bremen Cafe Cuisine: Grilled and cold sandwiches, snacks, coffee, etc. Location: 901 E. Clarke St. (Clarke and Weil) Phone: 372-5351 Hours: Weekdays 8AM-11PM; Sat 10AM-11PM; Sun 10AM-9PM by Thomas Durkin
On any given night, several venues provide Milwaukee music aficionados with a variety of choices when it comes to live music. With most places charging reasonable covers, the opportunity to see and hear live acts is readily available. One spot worth stopping is the Bremen Cafe. On Monday nights, friendly crowds gather to hear aspiring musicians work out their material. The open mic at the Bremen Cafe begins at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Musicians sign up to play three songs in this comfortable setting filled with observant listeners. The intimate setting creates a supportive atmosphere where collaboration becomes an integral aspect throughout the evening. With a large collection of musicians in attendance, the Bremen Cafe is ripe with conversation about upcoming shows, the latest releases, and different projects that are in the works. This provides a great chance to catch up on both the local and national music scenes. For the listener, this is a great chance to hear a wide array of local musicians. Many of the musicians cover songs by artists who influenced them, such as Roger Miller, Blind Willie McTell, and Bob Marley. In addition, they present original compositions that have never been performed live before. This willingness to perform something for the first time catches hold of the audience and generates a definite buzz throughout the small cafe. Attending an open mic night is a great way to help support local musicians in the neighborhood. And besides being a great place to hear music, the Bremen Cafe is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit. In addition to their full selection of coffees, teas, and other drinks, the cafe offers a substantial menu of fresh and grilled sandwiches, appetizers, salads, and bagels. The Bremen Cafe hosts live music on many evenings. Check out their website for more information. Riverwest Currents – Volume 2 – Issue 7 – July 2003