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.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/why-kathmandu-is-ranked-one-of-the-fastest-growing-cities
- https://votoris.com/post/calgary-sun-wind-and-a-whole-lotta-prairie
- https://votoris.com/post/seberang-jayas-economy-a-messy-real-look-from-a-touring-session-drummer
- https://votoris.com/post/bogot-brain-dump-numbers-humidity-and-unexpected-coffee
- https://votoris.com/post/sustainability-in-shagamu-how-green-is-this-urban-space