Back when I was a small-time event coordinator for a special interest group (I don’t want to talk about it), I learned very quickly what and what not Milwaukeeans would consider spending their money on. I also learned from people who had lived here much longer than I that Milwaukeeans are notoriously choosy with their hard-earned money. And yes, out-of-towners see us as “thrifty” or just downright “stingy.” SO, what did I spend my money on this weekend in Milwaukee?
Friday night, for the first time in at least five years, I decided to indulge in the Deadman’s Carnival. Way back when I was young and freshly dropped out of college, I would go to Deadman’s every month to see what kinds of new oddities and fantasms would roll through our fair city by tour bus or train track. I especially enjoyed it when Sanjula would staple his nutsack together, or Titano would let me cut a cucumber in his hand with a machete, or RedRum would show her sexy gams while dressed as the Red Death. As for the house band, Spadafora and Mary Rodgers were the definition of Magnificent with their brass winds.
But due to a last minute venue change, Deadman’s was not at the charming theater known as Miramar, it was at Hot Water Wherehouse; a massive facility that was perhaps too large for the small crowd that followed Deadman’s south of downtown. Tickets are now $25, which is a completely fair price IF I recalled the entertainment correctly from years ago. Unfortunately, also because of the venue change, a few acts were cut, and the show we saw included Pinky’s band, two card trick guys, and two burlesque dancers. I also hesitate to mention that the crowd participated in a game of “hot potato,” and I immediately called into question what I was doing there and why I spent so much money to do it. After a brief conversation with one of the Magnificents, my friend and I were promised tickets to the next show that would feature the music of Tom Waits. Hopefully the good times will roll so heads don’t have to.
Saturday night was spent in the throes of ecstasy at Mad Planet. For an $8 door entry, Layla, Abby and I delved into 80s nostalgia with the sweet sounds of synth-pop sensations The Quilz, Substance 101 (a Depeche Mode/New Order cover band), and Marc Solheim and the Salford Lads Club (The Smiths cover band). Our hair was heavily sprayed, the Zima was flowing, and the dance floor was crowded with nostalgia junkies happy to get their musical fix. For Substance 101, this was their first show as a Depeche Mode/New Order cover band. Their original music, which is not available, is called Skin Bazaar, and the lead mistakenly decided to play a part of his song in the middle of Marc Solheim’s set, leaving us all a bit shook. Despite the rudeness of the gesture, Substance 101 was fantastic and so close to the real thing. For those of us who are too young to even have a shot at a reunion tour of these two bands, it was greatly appreciated.
Marc Solheim wowed patrons with his Morrissey mannerisms, his flower tossing, and his hair. He changed shirts twice during the show. What started as a joke has now become a fully-fledged cover band miracle, one that would only be possible in the capital of cover bands, Milwaukee, WI. He is a national treasure, preserve him.
Speaking of national treasure, Sunday from 2pm-10pm at Frank’s Power Plant was Matt the Ratt’s Benefit. Hundreds showed up to give their support to Bay View’s friend, bartender, and record enthusiast. Items that Matt himself would’ve coveted were auctioned off in his stead, as well as a lavish bake sale that would shame your grandmother’s church group. Bands that recalled wise words of criticism and encouragement from Matt showed to rock out and do him proud. I caught the likes of REV500 and The Hullmen, but it was The Grovelers that melted my brain with their stage antics and artful shouting. Definitely will be following their shows around the area.
It was an enjoyable evening, but Matt’s current health isn’t entirely understood by all, and I suppose that’s a difficult thing to manage when a man has so many friends and acquaintances, and the lines get blurred between the two. A friend of mine did show up to the benefit though, after visiting Matt moments before her arrival, and she said he’s doing much better, but there is still a long road ahead to a full recovery.
Won’t say how much I spent for Matt, because it is worth every penny. 😛
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