oin us for a Spring Break warm up on the Harborfront!

Revival was born in Kenosha, WI in 2016 with a drive to build something different than the typical group seen at your local festival or bar. ‘Not Your Uncle’s Cover Band’, Revival, brings an energy-packed performance that is guaranteed to have you singing and dancing along. While our repertoire primarily consists of 90’s and 2000’s pop and rock hits, our song list has something for everybody– complete with current Top 40s hits and re-imagined takes on classic throwbacks.

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Gold Steps has opened for Billboard-charting artists The Used, CharlotteSands, Stand Atlantic, Hit The Lights and letdown. to name a few. The band has
fine-tuned their energetic live show through extensive touring, including
supporting SayWeCanFly and Johnnie Guilbert on a full US Tour in 2022. Gold
Steps has performed at several prestigious music festivals, including the Vans
Warped Tour, Summerfest, SXSW and So What Music Fest.

Alternative Press named Gold Steps as one of “13 Artists Who Are Reclaiming
The Pop-Punk Music Scene in 2021” alongside Meet Me @ The Altar and Jetty
Bones. Gold Steps has over 1.91 million streams on Spotify, with tracks featured
on playlists including “Pop Punk’s Not Dead,” “New Punk Tracks” and “Fresh
Finds Rock.”

All live, full band experience from Chicago! All the HITS all the MOVES from Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, NKOTB, One Direction and more!

The Boy Band Night is the ultimate live tribute to the biggest boy bands of all time—delivering a high-energy, full-band show that recreates the moves, the moments, and the melodies that defined a generation. From Backstreet Boys and NSYNC to One Directionand Jonas Brothers, every performance is all-live, no tracks, and packed with fan-favorite hits.

With three frontmen and a full band behind them, the show blends tight choreography, big vocals, and real musicianship to bring arenas and bar stages alike to life. Whether it’s a bachelorette blowout, a summer festival, or a throwback club night, the crowd doesn’t just watch—they sing, scream, and dance like it’s 1999.

Founded by Glenn Hudy and Kenny Braasch—co-founders of The Right Stuff Entertainment—The Boy Band Night has grown from a passion project into one of the most in-demand tribute acts in the country. With national tours, international shows, and a dedicated fanbase, the band continues to deliver the kind of throwback night that always feels like the main event.

Breaking And Entering is proud to present Milwaukee’s premier beat battle tournament, Big Beat MKE. Sixteen producers will compete in a head-to-head battle tournament over the course of four weeks. One lucky producer will be taking home a huge prize pack, as well as the honor of being dubbed the winner of the Big Beat MKE Tournament.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The initial sixteen producers will be chosen based on online submissions reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of Milwaukee’s music scene. Battles will be determined by a random draw.

During a battle, two producers will go head to head for three one minute rounds, alternating beats for the judges and the crowd to hear. If the crowd demands it, one optional overtime round will be contested. Judges will pick the winner based on style, overall sound quality, and crowd reaction.

May 7 – Opening Round Night One
Performances by Mo’City and Super Ego Beats

The French Connection is a tribute show by the Madison-based band Steez, that honors French electronic artists like Daft Punk, Justice, and Air... A high-energy, danceable show that celebrates the music of French electronic artists. 2 sets from the live band and 3 VJ sets from Milwaukee legend DJ Lukewarm.

STEEZ is a popular five-piece funk/jam band from Madison, Wisconsin, known for their high-energy "Creepfunk" style, blending electronic, improvisational, and danceable funk with originals and covers, featuring members like Matt Williams (keys), Steve Neary (guitar/vocals), Alex Roberts (drums), Chris Sell (bass), and Andrzej Benkowski (sax/keys). Formed by UW-Madison students, they built a strong Midwestern following through festivals and venues, praised for their musicianship and camaraderie, balancing touring with studio albums.

The Cooperage welcomes Julius Rodriguez for an intimate performance on the Harborfront.

Julius Rodriguez is an American jazz pianist, composer, and rising star in the vibrant alternative jazz scene. Known for his soulful sound and dynamic playing, Rodriguez blends a deep understanding of traditional jazz with modern influences, creating a distinctive voice that resonates across genres. His music effortlessly merges elements of jazz, funk, and soul, capturing the essence of both old-school and contemporary styles.

Born and raised in New York, Rodriguez began his musical journey at an early age, studying piano and drums and developing a love for jazz through the city's rich musical history. He made a name for himself as young as eleven years old in the vibrant West Village jazz club scene, and later honed his craft at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School of Music, where he further shaped his sound and refined his improvisational skills.

ESTABLISHED IN 2014, ONE TRICK PONY WAS FORMED BY EVENT COORDINATOR, MAUREEN POST AND ALIVE AND FINE OWNER, ASHLEY SMITH AS A MILWAUKEE BASED VINTAGE MARKET. OUR FIRST MARKET FEATURED OVER 20 OF THE BEST VINTAGE VENDORS AROUND AND ESTABLISHED OTP AS A MUST ATTEND EVENT. IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING, WE’VE FEATURED OVER 100 UNIQUE VENDORS IN LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND BROUGHT IN THOUSANDS OF ATTENDEES WHO’VE BECOME A LOYAL FAN BASE OF FASHIONABLE, FORWARD THINKING SHOPPERS AND PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO PARTY.

FROM OBSCURE BOOK TITLES TO 1920’S FLAPPER DRESSES TO 90’S HYPE TEES, ONE TRICK PONY REPRESENTS VINTAGE FOR ALL. OUR DIVERSE MARKETS OFFER MORE THAN JUST INCREDIBLE VINTAGE SHOPPING. OTP PROVIDES A PLATFORM FOR VINTAGE SHOPPERS TO CONNECT TO SELLERS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IRL AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY IN STYLE.

OUR SPRING AND HOLIDAY INDOOR EVENTS AT THE COOPERAGE FEATURE A HIGHLY CURATED, EXCLUSIVELY VINTAGE LINE UP WHILE OUR SUMMER AND FALL OUTDOOR EVENTS AT BAD MOON SALOON FEATURE OVER 60 VINTAGE AND HANDMADE VENDORS FOR AN ULTIMATE FLEA FEEL WITH A TASTY COCKTAIL TO BOOT.

Torcado returns to the Harborfront for a live album recording!

TORCADO is a Milwaukee based Indie project formed in 2023. Combining Indie, Funk, Alternative and Blues, TORCADO brings a wide variety of sounds to a live set. Founded by Jon Blair, TORCADO has played many times to packed crowds at The Cooperage and we are excited to have our first ever live album recording here at the venue!

The Goddamn Gallows return to the Harborfront with former/founding member Jayke Orvis!

In 2004 The Goddamn Gallows began their rough and tumble voyage and haven't looked in the review mirror since. Leaving six studio albums in their path, they have been reinventing their music with every record. Spit from the heart of America's Rust Belt, arising from a night of flophouse violence. Drifting across the states, they cemented their sound in Portland, OR and later in Los Angeles, CA, where they lived in abandoned buildings, squatter camps, storage units and shoebox apartments. In 2007, they left everything behind and spent the next four years living out of whatever vehicle would get them to the next town. Building upon their original sound of twanged-out, punk rock "gutterbilly" (Life of Sin 2004 and Gutterbillyblues 2007), they began picking up stray musicians along the way and adding to their sound; washboard, accordion, mandolin and banjo (Ghost of th’ Rails 2009 and 7 Devils 2011) creating a sound referred to as "hobocore", "gypsy-punk" or "americana-punk", while never being stuck in any one sound. Enter 2018 and The Goddamn Gallows have reinvented themselves once again with The Trial. From rockabilly, psychobilly and punk rock, to bluegrass and metal, The Trial infuses disparate sounds into a new strange recipe of seamless genre bending profundities. Chock full of impromptu antics of the shocking variety and hauntingly eclectic instrumentation, The Goddamn Gallows have made legions of fans with their legendary, live shows. The Goddamn Gallows, takes their progression of mixing punk rock, bluegrass, psychobilly, and metal to a whole new level! The Goddamn Gallows have now partnered with Sailor's Grave Records to help deliver the next chapter of their legacy to the world. The Trial begins now.

Don’t miss Melvin Seals & JGB on April 18th as they bring their special mix of all the tunes you know and love to the Harborfront!

Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become "Jam Band Music". From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up. Melvin and JGB bring an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. John Kadlecik on lead guitar and vocal duties, John-Paul McLean's savory bass, Jeremy Hoenig on the drums and, of course, a heapin' helpin' of the wizard's magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Their chemistry is the focus from which they create a spontaneous and high art where the sky is the limit musically. They offer an exciting, often psychedelic musical journey that changes nightly and keeps the audience dancing and smiling(and some staring in amazement) for hours. Adding his rock-gospel-soul-rhythm and blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed him "Master of the Universe". Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor with JGB. Come see and hear for yourself!

MELVIN SEALS & JGB:

Melvin Seals-Hammond B3 Organ, Keyboards & Vocals

John Kadlecik-Electric Guitar & Lead Vocals

John-Paul McLean–Bass & Vocals

Jeremy Hoenig-Drums

THIS ONE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. An incredible lineup of insane reunions comes to The Cooperage for one night only!

The Plastic Constellations were a Twin Cities-based indie rock band, formed around 1995 in Hopkins, MN. They were known for their rhythmic intensity, anthemic melodies, and playful sense of humor. After a prominent presence on the Minneapolis rock scene for over a decade, the band announced an "indefinite hiatus" just before their album release show for their fourth and presumably final album, "We Appreciate You." This last performance was on April 19, 2008 at First Avenue in Minneapolis. They released albums via Frenchkiss Records, but earlier releases had been on 2024 Records, Modern Radio Records, Blood of the Young Records, and Pretentious Records.

This is run of shows is the band's first live performances in over 15 years. Let's do this thing.

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Out of the depths of Ten Grand (Iowa City) and Forstella Ford (Milwaukee) rises one of the best new bands in the Midwest, Tornavalache. Both Ten Grand and Forstella Ford released a slew of records and toured non-stop in the late 90’s. Their overlapping tour schedules brought them together and they became friends, playing a number of shows throughout the midwest and beyond. Ten Grand spent over 100 days on tour during 2002 alone. In 2003, they released their 2nd full length, “This Is How To Rule”, on Southern Records and supported the record with a European tour. Ten Grand’s end came after the death of our dear friend, singer/guitarist Matt Davis. He will be forever missed, but the bond forged by the remaining members made it impossible to stop making music together. Zach, Bob and Joel of Ten Grand joined forces with Whitney and Dan whose band Forstella Ford had broken up. Claiming both Chicago and Milwaukee as homes, Tornavalanche began playing and recording together in Fall of 2004, and in the Summer of 2005 they reached out to the greater Midwest.

This is their first tour since 2008.

Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own. Influenced by roots music of the Americas and the world, the rhythmic integrity and musical tone are as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent.

Erik Koskinen’s Burning the Deal (released June 28, 2019 on Real Phonic Records/Tone Tree Music) is steeped in American roots traditions. Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, raised in Northern Michigan and upper New York state, then living in urban Minneapolis and now, rural Minnesota, Koskinen grew up with the rhythms of weather, factory towns, and farmlands. Koskinen worked in construction for years as he developed his music career, and he now resides on a farm near where he owns a recording studio in Cleveland, Minnesota, population 717.

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Long Mama’s music blisters with the heart and grit of someone who has lost hard, loved harder, and licked her burns until they stung then silvered. In a drafty attic just west of the Milwaukee River they grew up on, you’ll find songwriter Kat Wodtke (Wood-key) raking through notebooks in search of a salve: words, stories, and sounds to temper the dumpster fires we never mean to light. Flickering behind each song is Wodtke’s lived insight into our human faults and fissures — the moments in life when we can slip and lose our footing or claw our way out, better people on the other side of the blaze.

Join us at The Cooperage for the 5th Anniversary of Milwaukee's 80's Prom!Calling all Heathers, Veronicas, JDs, and Rams!We are bringing the 80's Back To The Future with the premier 80's new wave cover band: 'The First Wave'ALL 80's/ALL NIGHT: an immersive experience! Dancing, a prom king and queen will be crowned, a dedicated prom photo area to get your prom pic, and yes! PRINCE makes a special appearance (aka Gabriel: the world's most elite Prince tribute).Join us for a night of retro fun!

The Kid Boogie Down brings its family friendly fun to The Cooperage! Founded in Milwaukee in January 2017, Kid Boogie Down began as a full sensory family-friendly dance party experience. Primarily designed as an indoor dance party with lights, lasers, music videos and bubbles to combat winter blues, Kid Boogie Down is something enjoyable not just for kids, but for people of all ages.

Prominent Milwaukee-based DJ Lukewarm introduces young audiences to genres ranging from classic disco and funk to modern hits synced with matching music videos. Children of all ages can come ‘Boogie Down’ to the sounds of a live DJ with visuals, lights, lasers, bubbles, and more!

🗓️: April 4th, 2026

⏰: 6pm-12am

📍: The Cooperage (822 S Water St) (Wheelchair accessible)

🍸: 21+

🎟️ : (Early Bird: $20) (Presale: $25) (DAY OF: $30)

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DJS: @r3algrl @mowiah._ & @myagoetsch_

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What is included in admission price? We are happily including pickles from our Dyke Pickle Priest, our Pole Show, Drag performances, DJ’s all night, and face painting and balloon animals at our Clown Station! & More to be announced👀

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Attractions:

Dyke Pickle Priest

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Vendors list coming soon!

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Flash Tattoos by @izzydaisytattoo

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Tarot Readings by @four.7.7.7

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8PM Drag Performances by @bubblez.drag @bonk_the_clown @posiethedoll & @dinah.bolical

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9PM Pole Show by @sj__juice ! Line up coming soon!

Minneapolis legends Polica return to the Harborfront for the first time since 2019 for a very special performance.

Since their emergence from Minneapolis’ vibrant underground in 2011, Poliça has carved out a singular space in electronic indie-pop, blending shadowy synths, pulsating rhythms, and the unmistakable vocal presence of Channy Leaneagh—a voice that bends and refracts like light through water, shaped by intricate processing yet deeply human at its core. Co-founded by producer Ryan Olson, the band’s alchemy has long been defined by its balance of warmth and detachment, with Chris Bierden’s melodic basslines and the dueling drums of Ben Ivascu and Drew Christophersonanchoring their hypnotic sound.

Blue House Film is a DIY film organization in Milwaukee that showcases short films and builds community connections, often hosting events at the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts. They host regular screenings, including Women's History Month events and 92 Minutes At Your Side screenings and are bringing a very special screening to The Cooperage, Monday, March 30th.

Gather Them returns for another iteration of the wildly popular queer dance party!

After the rousing success of the first Gather Them to celebrate the life of a beloved safe space, we decided to keep the fun going! Join us for a night of community, celebration, drag, and music on the Harborfront. We will be having an early bingo and a late night of partying!

Bring an open heart and your dancing shoes because Gather Them is a celebration of pride and a demonstration of queer joy. 🖤
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masq4masq anyone??🍸
JOIN US MARCH 27TH FOR OUR QUEER MASQUERADE DANCE PARTY!
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SOUNDS BY @r3algrl & @myagoetsch_
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BURLESQUE SHOW 10PM: @bodaciousburlesque
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3/27/26
8PM-12AM
THE COOPERAGE
21+
Early bird: $15
Presale: $20
DAY OF: $25
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FIRST 50 PEOPLE RECEIVE A FREE MASQ
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Outfit inspo, & pregame playlist coming soon!

NEW YEAR, NEW SINGERS, NEW THEMES....SAME GREAT VIBEZ!

hosted by Lena Cole & DJ Mister Martin

Performing: TBA

It’s time…

To purchase your tickets to the Friends of MADACC 2026 Fur Ball!

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Cooperage in Milwaukee

on March 21, 2026, from 6p - 11p.

Enjoy drinks, dinner, snacks and entertainment - all benefitting the beloved pets in our community!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-fur-ball

(Don’t want the full meal? No worries, buy a dance, dessert, and snaaaacks ticket instead!)

Also check out these sponsorship opportunities:

https://www.friendsofmadacc.org/.../d18b14...

WIJAM brings Cosmic Railroad and Ifdakar to Milwaukee's Harborfront!

Since 2010, WIJAM has had its finger on the pulse of the Wisconsin original music scene. From partnerships with industry heavyweights such as FPC Live, PTG Live Events, and Live Nation, to talent buying at local clubs, and festival production for annual events like the Moon Dance Music Festival, WIJAM is a non-stop entertainment machine, built on a foundation of integrity and quality.

Performing regularly since the spring of 1999, Cosmic Railroad has become well known for it’s live performances particularly in the Milwaukee and Chicagoland area. They have appeared at such nationally recognized clubs as “The Brat Stop” and “The BBC”. They have also been invited to play at several different festivals in the southeastern Wisconsin and Illinois area, as well as different colleges throughout the Midwest.

Ifdakar's pursuit of musical growth and experimental improvisation create an experience not to be forgotten. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this five piece band has garnered recognition for their live performances, where the band channels elements of psychedelic rock, funk, jazz, and electronica.

The Kid Boogie Down returns to the Harborfront for an all inclusive, dance party for the kids!

The Kid Boogie Down brings its family friendly fun to The Cooperage! Founded in Milwaukee in January 2017, Kid Boogie Down began as a full sensory family-friendly dance party experience. Primarily designed as an indoor dance party with lights, lasers, music videos and bubbles to combat winter blues, Kid Boogie Down is something enjoyable not just for kids, but for people of all ages.

Prominent Milwaukee-based DJ Lukewarm introduces young audiences to genres ranging from classic disco and funk to modern hits synced with matching music videos. Children of all ages can come ‘Boogie Down’ to the sounds of a live DJ with visuals, lights, lasers, bubbles, and more!

Sappho's Secret STOPLIGHT Party is coming BACK to The Cooperage

March 13th • STARTING AT: 7pm
21+
$15

GREEN: single and ready to mingle
YELLOW: "it's complicated"
RED: already cuffed up
Wear your color for $10 cover at door

A mind-bending journey of experimentation, laughter, and healing. Set in a vibrant and surreal venue, THE DOSE is a fully immersive psychedelic experience featuring a carefully curated line-up of some of the best comedians in the country (seen on HBO, Comedy Central, Late Night, Netflix, Don’t Tell, and more!).

THE DOSE is more than a comedy show, it’s a multi-media event featuring our very own DJ and he will play before, during, and after the show! Don't miss the pre-show DJ set (starts at 7 pm doors), its becoming more and more popular. It features live music, visuals, vendors, and flow performers.

Seaside Zoo is a Madison-based Grateful Dead tribute band formed in 2019. Composed of eight members, Seaside Zoo covers everything from the 60’s Pigpen songs to the late 80’s ballads. This group is sure to keep even the pickiest of Dead Heads dancing all night.

Wisconsin's quirky Grateful Dead tribute band, dishing out sun-soaked melodies, fuzzy guitars, and lyrics that wander from beachside daydreams to urban zoo chaos—dontcha know, it's like a surfboard crashed into a punk bar brawl. Their live sets are a wild ride of infectious hooks and zero pretension, perfect for chuggin' PBR's while you sway, stomp, or just lose your mind. Catch these zoo animals unleashed, ya betcha—it's a party that roars louder than a lion with a hangover.

Very special two set/no opener evening packed to the gills with all your favorite's!

Yonder Mountain String Band, a driving force in roots music for nearly three decades and a key player in the progressive jamgrass movement, kicks off a new chapter with Nowhere Next. Featuring original songs inspired by lived experiences, people, and places that have shaped them, the album is a mix of bluegrass, rock, and country with soulful, funky grooves. Their 11th studio album follows the Grammy-nominated Get Yourself Outside (2022), adding depth and momentum to Yonder’s rich musical legacy. �Nowhere Next showcases the musical talents and collaborative writing efforts of founding members Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals), and Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), alongside multi-instrumentalist Nick Piccininni (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals), a five-year veteran whose contributions as a singer and instrumentalist shine throughout the record. Together, they co-wrote nine of the eleven tracks, artfully blending their unique perspectives and vocal ranges to give each song its own distinct character.

Big Velvet returns to the Harborfront after 5 long years to close out our Mama Tried weekend events!

Paul Cauthen first earned his reputation as a fire-breathing truth-teller with the acclaimed roots rock band Sons of Fathers, but it wasn’t until the 2016 release of his solo debut, My Gospel, that he truly tapped into the full depth of his prodigious talents. Vice Noisey dubbed it “a somber reminder of how lucky we are to be alive,” while Texas Monthly raved that Cauthen “sound[s] like the Highwaymen all rolled into one: he’s got Willie’s phrasing, Johnny’s haggard quiver, Kristofferson’s knack for storytelling, and Waylon’s baritone.” The album landed on a slew of Best Of lists at the year’s end and earned festival appearances from Austin City Limits and Pickathon to Stagecoach and Tumbleweed along with dates opening for Elle King, Margo Price, Midland, Cody Jinks, Social Distortion and more. He followed it up two years later with Have Mercy, an album that prompted Rolling Stone to dub him “one of the most fascinating, and eccentric, new voices in country music” and NPR’s Ann Powers to proclaim 2019 as “the year of Paul Cauthen.”

Chris Novak, you know him, you love him, he's the best Milwaukee has to offer... and it's his birthday yet again! Welcome to another year of Chris's fave bands playing his fave show... his own! This year Chris welcomes Milwaukee's own Wonderful Bluffer with Madison's best Carrellee, with support from Prairie Dogs with Rebz River and the Racing Pulses! As always this is not one to be missed, so join us on the Harborfront for a celebration of all things Chris! Doors at 7, Tickets on sale now!