Posted inArts & Entertainment

Saved by the Light

by Janice Christensen

The gallery shines like a little jewel from the side of the red brick building on Center and Bremen, just around the corner from Fuel Cafe. Saved by the Light Gallery is chock full of glowing, multi-colored art; sculptures made of found objects and fiber optics; television sets playing videos of old commercials and educational films you might remember from grade school. Couches perch near the ceiling (“Sit up here–you get a great perspective. And that one’s perfect for meditation!”). Mrs. Jones, the 13-month-old store-front feline, lounges in the Puma Orange crate, projecting kitty love to all her Riverwest neighbors.

Posted inArts & Entertainment

Southwest and Tex-Mex Music at Gilfest

by Kathy Sahagian

One of the more unusual and enjoyable small festivals in Milwaukee is Gilfest. It’s small in size but big on national recording artists and heart. Gil has earned a reputation as a true music lover through his intimate concerts in his upstairs lounge. His yearly festival covers Tex-Mex, rockabilly, country and other folk music paired up with good food, games for children and community charity. The proceeds this year will assist a local woman who has cancer with her medical bills.