Milwaukee, Man: A Drummer's Damp Descent
okay, so. milwaukee. i just got back, and honestly? it’s… something. i’m a touring drummer, right? been all over, seen some weird stuff. but milwaukee… it’s got this quiet weirdness. like a polite, slightly damp ghost.
I checked the weather - it’s drizzling, a persistent, grey kind of drizzle. Feels like 2.54 degrees. Seriously. Pack a raincoat. And maybe a small boat.
I was there for a gig, playing with a local band - The Rusty Sprockets. Good guys, solid tunes, but the venue… the *Brass Tap (check it out on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brass-tap-milwaukee) was… cozy. Like, really cozy. I swear i could smell the beer fermenting in the walls.
Someone told me that the best place to get a bratwurst is Usinger’s. Apparently, it’s a Milwaukee institution. I didn’t make it, but I heard it’s worth the pilgrimage. I did grab a surprisingly decent burger at a place called Comet Cafe - they have a weird, retro vibe. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60824-d728788-Reviews-Comet_Cafe-Milwaukee_Wisconsin.html
My gear list, because, you know, drummer stuff:
My Tama Starclassic Maple kit (obviously)
Vic Firth 5A sticks - always.
A ridiculous amount of earplugs. Seriously, protect your ears.
A small, portable dehumidifier. Milwaukee humidity is real.
A good book. You’ll be waiting around a lot.
I spent a day wandering around the *Historic Third Ward. It’s got these cool art galleries and boutiques. It felt… gentrified, but in a charming way. I stumbled across a vintage shop - Ragged Provisions - and almost blew my per diem on a ridiculous 70s velvet suit. https://www.raggedprovisions.com/
“Don’t go near the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory after dark. Something about… strange noises. And glowing plants.”
That was some drunk advice i got from a guy at the bar. I didn’t investigate. Probably for the best.
If you get bored, Madison and Green Bay are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it to either, but i’ve heard Madison has a decent music scene.
I also checked out the Milwaukee Art Museum. It’s a striking building, right on the lake. The architecture is insane. Definitely worth a visit. You can find more info here: https://www.mam.org/
Honestly, milwaukee isn’t going to blow your mind. It’s not a party city. But it’s got a certain… quiet charm. A sort of understated cool. It’s a place to wander, to eat a good burger, to listen to some live music, and to maybe, just maybe, avoid the glowing plants at the conservatory.
Pro-tip: bring layers. Seriously. The weather is unpredictable. And don’t expect sunshine.
Oh, and one more thing. I overheard someone saying that the Lakefront Brewery* tour is a must-do. Apparently, it’s hilarious. I didn’t have time, but i’m adding it to my list for next time.
Okay, i’m off to find some coffee. This sleep deprivation is hitting hard.