Milwaukee Music Scene: Week of Events

The Milwaukee music calendar for the week of Oct. 29 through Nov. 4 features a mix of established acts and emerging artists across various venues. The lineup includes singer-songwriter Shakey Graves, the 45th season celebration by Present Music, and composer Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin performing to a classic horror film.

Shakey Graves, the moniker of Alejandro Rose-Garcia, performs at Turner Hall Ballroom on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. The Austin, Texas-born artist is known for unique fan engagement tactics, such as personalized CD packages and scavenger hunts. Rose-Garcia attributes his creative process to randomness and accident, describing his music as a "choose your own adventure" for listeners. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

On Friday, Oct. 30, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country plays The Pabst Theater at 7 p.m. The Nashville-based band blends rock and country influences, a style Donato describes as a mix of "three chords and the truth" and "exploration and bravery." The same venue hosts the group’s second show on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m.

Present Music marks its 45th season with a concert at Zelazo Center’s Bader Concert Hall on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble, which includes artistic director Eric Segnitz, will perform works by Donnacha Dennehy, Nico Muhly, and Alex Temple. The group will also present a new arrangement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 by Aviya Kopelman. A post-show party will feature live music from the Extra Crispy Brass Band.

Voot Warnings takes the stage at The Uptowner on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. The Milwaukee songwriter continues a tradition of performing holiday shows at the venue. Past Halloween performances have featured eclectic characters, including zombies and futon salesmen. The setlist includes songs mocking former presidents and questioning deities, blending garage rock with humor.

Kilbourn performs at Club Garibaldi on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m., opening for Kitty Soft Paw and Cat Call Killers. The Milwaukee quintet recently released the EP Broken. The track Little Bird features vocalist Craig Halstead and a guitar solo that blends dream pop and Americana. The group’s sound also includes country-gothic elements in tracks like Can’t Get You Off My Mind.

The Bridge: ConstelNation presents a transatlantic collaboration at ACME Records on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. The event features Chicago musicians Angel Bat Dawid and Nick Macri alongside French artists Magic Malik, Toma Gouband, and Richard Comte. The quintet explores the transformation of classical and popular instruments, including the flute, clarinet, and guitar.

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin performs the score to Dario Argento’s 1982 film Tenebre at The Rave on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. Simonetti, known for scores to Suspiria and Dawn of the Dead, will lead a live performance set to the film’s screening. The group will return after an intermission to play additional Goblin material and cinematic soundtracks.

Steve Forbert plays Shank Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m., with Jim Hoehn. Forbert noted that his sets vary from show to show, often starting with the song Autumn This Year and ending with Romeo’s Tune. He emphasized the value of performing in real time to observe audience response, stating that playing in front of people allows him to see what he has to deliver.