SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK – “Exit, pursued by a bear…” Optimist Theatre presents The Winter’s Tale on the hillside of Kadish Park on June 12 (media preview), June 13-15, 19-22, and 26-29. All shows are free and start at 8PM. Director M.L. Cogar describes The Winter’s Tale as, “a panoramic adventure-romance that showcases some of Shakespeare’s richest language. The story stretches between two fairy tale kingdoms, across the genres of tragedy and comedy…it offers us a jealous king, a wrongly accused queen, a brave princess, a comic shepherd, and a singing thief — in other words, plenty of room for our team of local artists to explore the parallel inventiveness of both performance and production.” And aye, a bear! For more info about the cast and play, go to optimisttheatre.org. Sponsors, donations, and volunteers are needed too.
POETRY OUT LOUD – Woodland Pattern’s Poet Laureate series continues with readings this month by Brenda Cardenas & Douglas Kearney on Fri, May 2, 7PM; current Poet Laureate Jeff Poniewaz & David Cope on Sat, May 10, 7PM; and Antler & Howard Nelson on Sat, May 17, 7PM. All past and current Milwaukee Laureates who still live in the city were invited to take part in the series and to choose a poet to share their reading with them. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see fine poets reading and speaking about poetry!
HUMBOLDT BLVD – Lumpy, bumpy Humboldt Boulevard is scheduled to be resurfaced this summer from Locust to Meinecke, before the RW24 Bike Race in July. If funding can be secured, the section from Locust to Keefe will also be done, but if not that portion would be done in 2015. The project involves grinding down the pavement to smooth out the surface and then pouring high impact paving asphalt over the top. It goes pretty quick and could be done in a week or two. There is no cost to property owners and won’t include curb or sidewalk work.
TOWN HALL MEETINGS – Speak your onions! State Senator Chris Larson will be hosting a legislative session review at two town hall meetings. The first will be in Riverwest on Tue, May 6, 5-6:30PM at Gordon Park Pavilion (Humboldt & Locust) with Rep Jon Richards, Ald Nik Kovac, Rep Sandy Pasch, Rep Leon Young & Senator Nikiya Harris. The second will be on Tue, May 13, 5-6:30PM at Riverside High School, (1615 E Locust) with Rep Jon Richards and Ald Nik Kovac.
GARRISON KEILLOR – Attention Prairie Home Companion fans! GK will be promoting his latest book, The Keillor Reader, at the UWM Union Ballroom on Mon, May 5, 7PM. The Keillor Reader encompasses monologues from A Prairie Home Companion, stories from The New Yorker and The Atlantic, excerpts from novels, newspaper columns & more. Presented by the UWM Bookstore and Boswell Books, tickets are $30and include an autographed copy of the book; tickets at brownpapertickets.com.
NOMINATE SOMEONE! – Are you a social justice activist? Know someone who is? Then nominate them (or yourself) for the Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award. The honor is awarded annually to recognize an outstanding city resident who best exemplifies Zeidler’s legacy of social justice and civic accomplishment. The award was established by the Common Council in 2006, and city residents who are not elected officials are eligible for consideration. Last year’s winners were Reuben and Mildred Harpole. Nomination forms are available at milwaukee.gov/ZeidlerAwards or call 414.286.2366.
OVERPASS LIGHT BRIGADE – Bring your LED lights, glowsticks & candles to light up the night at Garden Park (Locust & Bremen) on Sat, May 10, 7:30PM. OLB will be holding up several messages before heading over to Linneman’s for a benefit party with music by The Flood and short films by Dusan Harminc. Proceeds go to the OLB Documentary Filmmaking Fund. More info at overpasslightbrigade.org.
PENOKEE HILLS – Join Joel Austin as he presents a slide show of photos from his new book, Discovering the Penokees, on Tue, May 20, 7PM at the Urban Ecology Center (1500 E Park Pl). The Penokee Hills, located in northern Wisconsin, are threatened by a proposed open pit mine. “Whether you know the Penokees well,” says Austin, “or are just learning about them, I hope that this book will motivate you to care about the future of this beautiful, wild place.” Books will be available for sale & signing.
MAY DAY MARCH – Join the May Day March to Stop Deportations on Thu, May 1. Assemble at Voces de la Frontera (5th & Washington) at 10AM and march to the Milwaukee County Courthouse. More info at vdlf.org.
BOOK RELEASE READING – Art Night Book is publishing Revolution & Reclamation, its first curated chapbook on love and social justice. Many local writers from Milwaukee and Riverwest, including publisher and poet Angie Trudell Vasquez, will be reading at People’s Books (804 E Center) on Thu, May 8, 6:30-8PM; free (see ad Page 5).
THE GREEN SHEET – Remember when everyone read the Green Sheet? The Green Sheet was a popular section in the old Milwaukee Journal newspaper that ended about 20 years ago. Dan Chabot, its final editor, will discuss its history, memories of beloved columnists Ione Quinby Griggs and Gerald “Slightly Kloss-eyed” Kloss, the funnies (comics), and more on Sat, May 10, 2-3:30PM, Centennial Hall (733 N. 8th St). Copies of the Green Sheet will be on display at the Central Library thru May 31.
HIDDEN MKE – Bobby Tanzilo, managing editor at OnMilwaukee.com, reads from his new book, Hidden History of Milwaukee, on Wed, May 21, 7PM at Boswell Books (2559 N Downer). This is urban spelunking at its best – where no space in the Cream City is off limits! (see ad Page 2).
VICTORY GARDEN BLITZ – The Victory Garden Initiative has a grand goal of installing 500 raised bed gardens throughout Milwaukee County from May 10-24 and many hands are needed! A 4×8 garden is $160, including installation by volunteers and filled with beautiful new soil from local composters. To volunteer, donate tools, sponsor or purchase a raised garden, you’ll find all the dirt at victorygardeninitiative.org/blitz or call 414.431.0888 (see ad Page 10).
FOOD JUSTICE – The Buddhist Peace Fellowship presents Food Justice: What would the Buddha do? a public talk by Santikaro with a response by Venice Williams of Alice’s Garden, on Thu, May 15, 6:30-8:30PM at Body & Soul Healing Arts Center (3617 N. 48th St). Santikaro brings a wealth of knowledge of the Early Buddhist Teachings and social justice issues, having spent 19 years as a monk in the Thai Tradition, and many years as an activist in Southeast Asia and North America. Donations will go toward supporting the work of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Milw Chapter.
ALL LENNON, ALL NIGHT – Linneman’s annual John Lennon tribute rocks the stage on Sun, May 25 with many local stars. In memory of John Lennon and all those killed or injured by handguns, proceeds go to WI Anti Violence Effort (WAVE) and The Brady Campaign (for line-up, see ad Page 11).
CO-OP DOINGS – Support our neighborhood co-ops! The annual meeting for the Riverwest Public House is coming up on Sun, May 18, 6-8PM. If you would like to run for the board of directors, pick up an application at the bar (815 E Locust) or find it online at riverwestpublichouse.wordpress.com. Annual membership is $40 or $200 lifetime (see ad Page 8). You can also support the People’s Books Co-op fundraiser at the Public House on Fri, May 23, 9PM, $5. People’s Books annual membership is $20 or $100 lifetime (see ad Page 12).
BIKE TO WORK WEEK – Miltown is gearing up for the National Bike to Work Week, May 11-17, sponsored by the Bike Federation. Morning commuter stations will be open 7:30-9AM at Riverside UEC, Amaranth Bakery (3329 W Lisbon), and UEC Valley Passage. For more info about the week’s events and biking to work with Mayor Barrett on Mon, May 12, go to wisconsinbikefed.org.
DIY COMPETITION – Show off your DIY home improvement skills! Enter a project in the Community Warehouse DIY Competition by May 17, with at least 70% of materials purchased from CW. Winners will be announced by May 22 and first place wins a $100 CW Gift Certificate. For an entry form, email DIY@thecommunitywarehouse.org or call 414.383.7792 (see ad back page).
FAIR TRADE CRAWL – The best day all year to shop fair trade! Crawl and shop at dozens of Fair Trade establishments on Sat, May 10. The Riverwest Co-op, People’s Books Co-op, Fischberger’s, Outpost, and Colectivo are among the many shops offering tastings, discounts, and specials. Dance it up at the After Party at Riverwest Public House, 4-8PM, with music by Urban Exchange (see ad Page 2).
RRRAGS & RUMMAGE – Three great opportunities for DIY crafts & bargains! Spring RRRAGS, Mother’s Day Edition on Sat, May 10, 1-5PM at Falcon Bowl (see ad Page 9). ART BAR’s Great Rummage Sale, May 17 & 18, 10AM-5PM (rain or shine); half off everything on Sunday. To sell your stuff ($10 for both days) call the bar at 414.372.7880. RIVERSIDE UNIV HIGH SCHOOL Rummage Sale & Flea Market, on Sat, May 17, 9AM-3PM in the gym (1615 E Locust, see ad Page 13).
WEARABLE ART SHOW – The 10th annual show on Sat, May 3, 9:30-3:30 at the Shorewood Village Center (3920 N Murray) offers hand-dyed fashions, appliqued sweatshirt jackets, jewelry, handmade hats, colorful scarves, purses & more, as well as a bake sale, silent auction & door prizes. Sponsored by the Shorewood Woman’s Club to benefit local scholarships; admission $2.
FRATNEY SCHOOL – La Escuela Fratney (3255 N Fratney) is hosting two community events this month! Bring your friends and family to the Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Fri, May 9, 5-8PM at Polish Falcons (801 E Clarke); $4-$8. Then come to the Open House and 25th Birthday celebration on Thu, May 15, 5-7PM. The fun evening includes refreshments, speakers, tours, and the dedication of a quilt made by students from Meta House.
WALDORF HIGH SCHOOL – Information sessions about the new Waldorf High School opening this fall with a 9th grade class will be held on April 28, May 13 & June 11, 6:30PM at Tamarack Waldorf School (1150 E Brady). Help support the new the school at the Revels of Spring benefit on Fri, May 9, 7:30PM at the Urban Ecology Center. More info: 414.277.0009 or tamarackwaldorf.org.
MAD HOT BALLROOM – Cheer on our local dance stars at the 8th annual Danceworks Mad Hot Ballroom & Tap Competition on Sat, May 17 at the Bradley Center (1001 N. 4th St). Students in grades 4-6 from 45 schools are provided with 12 weeks of instruction by Danceworks, and the best dancers compete for top honors in this free, exciting event. Participating northeast side schools include La Escuela Fratney, Hartford Avenue University School, Maryland Av Montessori, Pierce School, and St. Marcus School. More info at danceworksmke.org.
SUMMER CAMPS – The days just fly when kids have fun things to do in the summer! These neighborhood organizations are now enrolling for summer camps and most have easy online registration: COA Youth & Family Centers (coa-yfc.org), Danceworks (danceworks.org), Holton Youth & Family Center (holtonyfc.org), J.S. Cable Music (jscablemusic@me.com), Milw Public Theatre (milwaukeepublictheatre.org), Peacemakers Day Camp (milwaukeequakers.org/peacemakers), Urban Ecology Center (urbanecologycenter.org), Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (wcmusic.org), Woodland Pattern (woodlandpattern.org), and YMCA (ymcamke.org).
FREE ADMISSION – Moms get in free on Mother’s Day and Dads are free on Father’s Day at the Milw County Zoo and Milw Public Museum. Mitchell Park Domes are free on Mondays, 9AM-Noon (except when a holiday falls on a Monday). The Milw Art Museum and Milw Public Museum have free admission every first Thursday of the month.
MUSEUM MILE – Discover Milwaukee’s hidden museum jewels on Sun, May 4, 11AM-4PM. The day includes free or reduced admission to five East Side museums: Charles Allis, Jewish Museum, Villa Terrace, North Point Lighthouse at Lake Park, and Museum of Wisconsin Art at St. John’s on the Lake. Free activities for children include a Museum Mile scavenger hunt. More info at milwaukeemuseummile.org.
MILW FILM FEST – Milwaukee Film is now accepting entries for the 6th annual Milw Film Festival (Sep 25-Oct 9). Works of all genres and forms may be submitted, with entries due by Mon, June 23. Also returning is The Milw Youth Show, a showcase of short films by and for filmmakers ages 18 & under. More info at mkefilm.org
LAW DAY – Get free legal advice on Law Day, Sat, May 10, 1-4PM. The Milw Bar Association provides free information at four libraries: Central Library downtown, Center Street, Brown Deer, and Forest Home. One-on-one meetings with an attorney are available for anyone needing legal assistance. Anytime an attorney is needed, a free lawyer referral is also available at findmilwaukeelawyers.org or call 414.274.6768.
CITY HALL CLOSED – City Hall and most city departments, except for police and fire services, will be closed on Fri, May 23 (an unpaid furlough day) and Mon, May 26 for Memorial Day.
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CONCERTS & DANCES
COMMUNITY POTLUCK & SING-A-LONG
Sat, May 3, 5:30-8:30PM
Milwaukee Friends Meeting
3224 N Gordon Place
Everyone welcome. Bring food to share and your voice to sing!
ENSEMBLE MUSICAL OFFERING
Sat, May 5, 8PM
All Saints Cathedral
818 E Juneau
CPE Bach 300th Anniversary Celebration with pre-concert talk at 7PM. Tickets: ensemblemusicaloffering.org.
DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE
Fri, May 9, 7-9PM
Milwaukee Friends Meetinghouse
3224 N Gordon Place.
Everyone welcome! No partner or experience needed.
LESSONS & CAROLS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
Sat, May 10, 4PM
St Paul’s Episcopal Church
914 E Knapp
With St Paul’s Choir and selections by William Mathias, Eleanor Daley, Schubert, Tchaikovsky & others; freewill offering.
MASTER SINGERS OF MILWAUKEE
Sat, May 17, 6:30PM
St Paul’s Episcopal Church
914 E Knapp
Just Jazz2, a cabaret style show with light refreshments & wine. Tickets: mastersingersofmilwaukee.org.
PASTORS FOR PEACE
Sun, May 18, 7PM
Coffee House
1905 W Wisconsin
Celebration of Latin American Music with Tony Baez & Grupo Caupolican (MKE area musicians from the Andes & Latin America). Benefit for the Pastors for Peace Legal Defense Fund; donation.
CONTRA DANCE
Fri, May 2, 7PM
Falcon Bowl
801 E Clarke
Contra Dance for singles, couples, families & kids. Lesson at 7PM, dance with caller at 8PM; $10, kids free.