Milwaukee may be Chicago’s little sister, but the city has one of the biggest music scenes in the Midwest. The Gufs, Bodeans, Maritime and Promise Ring are just a few of the biggest act out of the city, and there’s many more to come. When visiting the city it’s important to understand what to expect at the various venues across the city.
Bradley Center
Milwaukee’ s largest venue is home to the Milwaukee Bucks and Admirals when the biggest name in music aren’t passing through town. Back in the day, the Bradley Center was where you could see any major popstar like Britney Spears or the Backstreet Boys, but today the only bands that seem to play there are Nickelback, Kings of Leon and other bands favored by “adults.” Expect to pay top dollar for shows at the Bradley Center, though sometimes nose bleed seats are less than $50.
The Rave
The Rave use to be the most popular venue for independent acts. However, over recent it years it appears less acts are opting to play The Rave. This may be due to the fact fewer bands tour through Milwaukee, expensive drink and ticket prices, its awful sound quality or the sketch neighborhood it’s in. Sure, a handful of bands stop at The Rave for every tour, but other venues seem to draw more independent acts instead.
Turner Hall
If you are looking for the latest up and coming bands, or even the most popular bands on the scene, Turner Hall is the place to go. Every night of the week Turner Hall has an event whether it be a $10 concert, drinks and a movie or stand up comedian. The advantages of Turner Hall is not only ticket price, but drinks prices as well. Not only do you get to watch a cheap concert or comedy set, but you drinks are as cheap as $3 (versus $7 for the same drink at other venues). The room has great acoustics and is accessible from every part of the city.
Club Garabaldi
Club Garabaldi is nestled in a quiet Bayview neighborhood. Across the street from a similar venue, The Cactus Club, most weekends (by the way weekend start on Thursday in Milwaukee) you will find national and local acts on the this stage. For anywhere from $5 to $15 you can spend an entire evening watching quality rock ‘n roll. Not only is the entertainment inexpensive, but you can drink in the bar for much less than other venues as well.