CONCERT REVIEW: All Messed Up 8 (Day 2) (Linneman's Riverwest Inn, Milwaukee)

As fun and chaotic as ever, Milwaukee's long-running randomized musical experiment, All Messed Up, returns to Linneman's Riverwest Inn for its eighth unpredictable year.

Read my full review here.

CONCERT REVIEW: Triple Eye Industries Fest 2, Day 2 (The Cactus Club/Club Garibaldi, Milwaukee)

Milwaukee noise rock imprint Triple Eye Industries assembles a sizable portion of its roster for a Saturday night showcase, but the results prove to be a tad monotonous.

Read my full review here.

FEATURE: Gloss Records Spotlights Its Diverse Roster With Gloss Weekend

After a busy first year, which saw them working with artists from every corner of Milwaukee music, Gloss Records rallies their roster for a weekend celebration.

Read the full piece here.

CONCERT REVIEW: Rusty Pelicans, Indonesian Junk, Pharaoh Mac & Con Solo (Tonic Tavern, Milwaukee)

Arte Para Todos brings a full slate of killer local talent to Bay View's Tonic Tavern for a show that typified the burgeoning festival's feel-good attitude and eclectic approach.

Read my full review here.

ALBUM REVIEW: Various Artists - Arte Para Todos 2016 Festival Compilation

Poring over the schedule of just about any worthwhile music festival, it's only a matter of time before a certain amount of indecision sets in. It's usually impossible to see everything you'd like to, and if you're looking to try something you're unfamiliar with, band names on a page don't help all that much. Thankfully however, Arte Para Todos, happening today through Sunday at various Milwaukee locations, has thoughtfully provided an audio sampler of their eclectic offerings to help you make those tough choices, and what's more it's well worth a listen even if you have no plans to attend.

Available at the fest's Bandcamp page, and also as a limited edition Gloss Records cassette, the compilation pulls together tracks by many of the most auspicious performers involved, from impossibly soulful singer Lex Allen and celebrated indie powerhouse Midnight Reruns to tough-as-nails MC Queen Tut and wonky slack-rockers Sat. Nite Duets. While most entries can naturally already be found elsewhere, there's also a smattering of new, as-of-yet exclusive cuts, such as the fresh Fatty Acids number "Strangers" and NO/NO's tantalizing "Television", which make the collection deserving of a spin even if you've already made your picks for this weekend.

Of course, as with any collection of this sort, and especially for one comprised of over 25 selections, there are the inevitable rough patches, but the hits here far outweigh the forgettable misses and, besides, it's all for an unimpeachably good cause: to help make up for the appalling shortcomings in arts funding at Milwaukee public schools. In fact, interspersed throughout the lengthy but enjoyable release are convincing testimonials from the organizers and musicians themselves, which should amply persuade you to check out something at this year's APT, no matter what it may be. Chances are you won't be disappointed.

CONCERT REVIEW: Riverwest FemFest Day 4, Part 2 (Company Brewing, Milwaukee)

Coming back strong in its second year, Riverwest FemFest once again puts Milwaukee's female-identifying artists center stage, and raises some serious funds in the process.

Read my full review here.

FEATURE: Breadfest Aims for Inclusivity in Its Third Year

I sit down with promoter Myles Coyne to find out more about the third installment of Breadfest, happening July 29th through August 2nd at various venues across Riverwest.

Read the full piece here.

FEATURE: Utech Records Festival Offers a Worldly Lineup of Experimental Music

Just in time for their tenth anniversary, Milwaukee's Utech Records label assembles experimental musicians from far and wide for an incredibly eclectic two-day festival.

Read the full piece here.

FEATURE: Milwaukee Psych Fest Returns for a Crowded Four-Day Weekend

I catch up with Milwaukee Psych Fest founder Andrew Shelp to find out how the city's annual celebration of all things trippy has evolved since last year's inaugural event.

Read the full piece here.

CONCERT REVIEW: Sugar Stems, Johnny Ill Band, The Midwest Beat & Head on Electric (Bremen Café, Milwaukee)

Long quasi-dormant, Milwaukee Dusty Medical Records looks forward to a busy 2014 with a two-day festival, finishing up with tonight's enjoyable bill at Bremen Café.

Read my full review here.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to Win a Pair of Passes to Riot Fest 2013

Voodoo Inspector is psyched to be giving away a pair of passes to Riot Fest 2013, taking place September 13-15 at Chicago's scenic Humbolt Park! The festival, now in its eighth year, has only announced a portion of the final lineup, but already it offers plenty to see for fans of punk and alternative rock, including Blondie, Dinosaur Jr., Best Coast, Violent Femmes, Bob Mould, Rocket from the Crypt and many more!

Tickets and festival passes are available for purchase here, but you can enter to win a free pair of passes, good for all three days, via the submission form below. All you have to do is 'like' Voodoo Inspector on Facebook, enter your name and email address, and you're in the running. The winner will be announced June 01. Good luck!

Enter to win a pair of passes to Riot Fest 2013 (Chicago, September 13-15)!

CONCERT REVIEW: Summer Soulstice Music Festival (North Avenue, Milwaukee)

I check out the 12th annual Summer Soulstice, which is not Milwaukee's most distinctive street festival by any means, but still one with plenty of local music (and beer) on tap.

Read my full review here.

FEATURE: From Handsome Furs to Drugs Dragons: The A.V. Club's Guide to Radio Summer Camp

My preview of the now come and gone 2011 Radio Summer Camp festival. If you missed, it's sure to be back next year with a brand new lineup of awesome bands.

Read the full piece here.