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Upcoming events
Thanks to everyone who saw two awesome brands of rock-show on Thursday and Friday of last week with The Dirtbombs and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (which sold out!). We're making sure you have more reasons to leave the house and see some of the best musicians performing today as they roll through Milwaukee.

To that end, WMSE welcomes 2 Foot Yard to Shank Hall on Thursday, May 29th at 8PM. You might be more familiar with the band than you think, as it features Carla Kihlstedt, violinist extraordinaire who has previously graced WMSE-sponsored stages as a member of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, and in her Alverno Presents-commissioned Necessary Monsters concert in 2007. Rounding out the trio are Marika Hughes (Charming Hostess, Vienna Teng) and Shahzad Ismaily, who will be seen at Turner Hall Ballroom as part of Secret Chiefs 3, and who has worked with Laurie Anderson, Marc Ribot, and many others. Tickets are only $10, and more information is available at shankhall.com.


The Avett Brothers
We're not about to name names because they assure us the situation is now under control, but a significant number of staff-members and on-air DJ's sort of peed their pants when it was announced that The Avett Brothers were coming to Milwaukee on Saturday, May 10th. For the unaware among you, The Avett Brothers are "like a rolling thunder tent revue" (Harp Magazine) whose "stunning songs carve into your chest and settle in, stitching up the gaping flesh with shredded banjo strings (settle down there, Paste Magazine) marrying "Beatles melody to old-time/folk/bluegrass instrumentation with the Avetts' punk roots showing in attitude and energy" (that's much more helpful, eMusic.com). Last year's Emotionalism showed up on Best of 2007 lists everywhere, from NPR to Magnet, and on Saturday you'll hear songs from the forthcoming The Second Gleam.

Don't miss this all-ages show at Turner Hall Ballroom, with Jessica Lea Mayfield opening things up at 8PM. Tickets are $15, and are on sale now.


Was (Not Was)
We feel stupid for even telling you something so obvious, but Don Was is one of the greatest producers of all time, lending his talents to a list albums by artists which include Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, BB King, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Raitt, Al Green, Brian Wilson, Roy Orbison, Stevie Nicks, Ringo Starr, Waylon Jennings, and - of course - Hootie & the Blowfish. And please don't roll your eyes at us when we waste your time by telling you what you already know, that Don's band, Was (Not Was), is one of the most influential and beloved bands around since Don established it with David Was, Sweet Pea Atkinson, and Wayne Kramer in 1980.

Back with an acclaimed new album (Boo!), Don, David, and Sweet Pea bring the group's latest lineup to the Pabst Theater this Monday, May 12th. Todd Snider - a headliner in his own right - is a special guest... Oh, wait. What's that? Oh, well stop the gosh-darned presses because our own Paul Cebar is opening the night with a rare solo acoustic performance at 8PM. Tickets are on sale now for this intimate lower-level-only show. And tune in to The Jules Show this Thursday as Tom Crawford speaks with the very cool, very gracious Don Was! (The interview was already conducted, so we can tell you now just how rad the guy is.)

Upcoming WMSE sponsored events:

Turner Hall Ballroom –
The Avett Brothers on May 10
Tiger Army on May 24
Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band on May 30
Mark Kozelek on June 7
Gogol Bordello on June 11
Secret Chiefs 3 on June 26
BORIS on July 19
CSS w/ The Go! Team on July 31
Johnny Winter on August 15

Woodland Pattern –
Alternating Currents Live: Olivia Block on May 4
ACLive: Chicago Luzern Exchange on May 25
ACLive: Dave Rempis Percussion Quartet on June 15

Pabst Theater –
Was (Not Was) on May 12

Hotcakes Gallery –
The Deep End Ensemble on May 28

Shank Hall –
2 Foot Yard on May 29

Present Music –
Zoomusic on June 6

Sturgeon Bay, WI –
Steel Bridge Song Fest on June 12, 13, & 14

Luckystar Studio –
Animal Crackers' opening reception on July 13