The Riverwest 24

I don’t know whether this event was purposely scheduled the day after Harley Fest, and the same weekend as the Air and Water Show, but I’m taking it as a sign. We’re done hiding. It’s time to reclaim the streets--by bicycle! Actually, this is sort of the point of the Riverwest 24. The People’s Holiday is for celebrating the neighborhood and, to my mind, laying claim to its public spaces. It’s only technically a race, though for most participants, it feels more like a big group bike ride. There are checkpoints with fun, weird challenges, and a big breakfast, and-- Well, you already know, don’t you? Who doesn’t know the Riverwest 24?

I’m not much of a cyclist, so you’ll find me wandering the neighborhood on foot. You’d think that would take the fun out of it, but honestly, not really. It’s sort of like being Jewish on Christmas. You don’t have to believe in the immaculate conception just to enjoy a glass of egg nog.

The ride begins at 7:00 PM, 2600 N Pierce St

RW24 (?) at Some Fools

Some Fools was the first venue I wrote about for Grape Eater, so they’ll always have a special place in my heart. They follow in a long line of DIY art venues run out of Riverwest basements. They’re sort of a dying breed here, so definitely worth supporting.

They may have also dropped a few wink emojis indicating that they may, possibly, conceivably, be one of the RW24’s secret checkpoints. Though we’ll have to find out for ourselves. The official show features three musical acts and begins, says their poster, at “10:30ish.” Though my guess is that there will be something to see by 7 PM.

"10:30ish” PM, 910 E Townsend St

RW 24 (!) at Jazz Gallery

Another RW24 checkpoint, plus an exhibition featuring “artifacts” donated by past participants and fans of the event.

7:00 PM - 12:00 AM, 926 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

The Milwaukee Air & Water Show

This is a particularly challenging time of year for those with fragile temperaments and/or sensory processing issues. Maybe we should all go to the Renaissance Faire?

Constantly, everywhere, all weekend long.

Elysian Arcs at the Marcus Center

I don’t know why I feel the need to acknowledge this year’s big inflatable sculpture stuck outside a financially troubled cultural institution. I don’t mean to say I hate it. It’s not actively hurting anyone by existing. Truly, if I happened to drive past it without any context or investment, I’d probably think, neat. It’s just--between this and the Art Blaze event next Wednesday, I get the feeling that some of our public art is lacking in substance. I mean, what’s there to say about this after neat?

In any case, it comes down today.

929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Arresting Beauty at the Milwaukee Art Museum

I’m not big on Victorian photo portraiture, and to be honest, the city is full of so many interesting small venues, I don’t pay much attention to what’s happening at MAM. But the Blue Angels are still flying, and the museum’s walls block the sound better than most anywhere else.

Actually, I’m excited to see this. Previewing the show on MAM’s online gallery, I’m struck by how clearly the characteristic Victorian creepiness bleeds through. Maybe after an hour of browsing the collection of strangely beautiful, unsmiling faces, we’ll be more grateful for the wonders of modern technology. The show closes today.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202