On The Record

Last week, Milwaukee Record dropped by Cactus Club for another edition of our Book Club. This time around we invited Vinyl Me, Please Senior Editor Andrew Winistorfer and VMP contributor Benjamin Munson to join us for a lively chat about the record subscription club's first book, 100 Albums You Need In Your Collection. Before welcoming the guests of honor, hosts Tyler Maas and Matt Wild commemorated On The Record's 100th episode by discussing some memorable past guests. Then, Winistorfer and Munson came on stage to talk about the process of picking just 100 records, all four of their crossing paths, differences between Madison and Milwaukee, and who Ben thinks the Madison Mallards' recent Chris Farley bobblehead resembles.

Zima is back, motherfuckers. The "refreshing citrus beverage" that was discontinued in the U.S. nearly 10 years ago returned to liquor store shelves this week. Instead of having our staff weigh in, we called in an expert to give some thoughts on the malt beverage, as well as other limited time or seasonal products.

Host Tyler Maas was joined by Taste Of Home editor (and former Milwaukee Record contributor) Rachel Seis. After trying some Zima, they evaluated Mountain Dew's patriotic new Dew.S.A., the cinn-ful Pepsi Fire, and Red Bull's just-released Purple Edition before moving to Taco Bell's Naked Chicken Chips. Before the end of the show—which, let's be honest, it pretty much just a Doughboys tribute episode—the taste buds also sipped the seasonal #Merica! lager from On The Record beer sponsor Surly.

Every year, Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (a.k.a. MADACC) rescues approximately 11,000 stray, mistreated, and abused animals. As part of the organization's "regulation and care services," MADACC strives to help give animals a second chance through adoption. MADACC recently started its "Pit Bull Prrroud" promotion, in which pit bulls can go to good homes for only $45, and adult cats can be adopted free of charge.

Tyler Maas recently toured MADACC's facility and learned more about the organization from Kathy Shillinglaw, who started as a volunteer and now serves as MADACC's Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. They discussed what MADACC does, misconceptions about certain dog and cat breeds, and the upcoming Walk Run Wag event at Hart Park on July 8. Tyler also promises he'll adopt an adult cat eventually.

About a year and a half after coming on the podcast to discuss local food trends, longtime Milwaukee Magazine dining critic Ann Christenson, and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee on-air personality and accomplished amateur cook Tarik Moody join host Tyler Maas to revisit some familiar topics. Like last time, they discuss some exciting new developments in local dining, under-sung establishments, annoying fads/terms, and the city's struggle to change its edible identity while still holding to its celebrated traditions. Ann also calls Tyler a hipster and Tarik reminds the world why he loves Real Chili.

In 2011, Milwaukee artist Jeff Redmon and Made In Milwaukee's Chuck Watson put their heads together on an annual event meant to bring artists and Bay View businesses together. Bay View Gallery Night was born. Entering its seventh year, the one-night undertaking is bigger, better, and more wide-reaching than ever. Along the way, they joined forces with Bay View Jazz Fest as well. On June 2, Bay View Gallery Night will return with more than 50 Bay View (and Bay View-adjacent) businesses, close to 100 artists, 30-plus jazz projects, and 12 music venues combining for the affair. Prior to the event, host Tyler Maas met up with Redmon and Watson to discuss the history of Bay View Gallery Night, how it has grown and developed over the years, and how Milwaukee supports its artists (and decides to fund public art). The trio also talked about the great Arte Para Todos benefit, which Watson and Redmon help organize.

Host Tyler Maas recently met with up-and-coming musician Vincent VanGreat at the Cactus Club. They were also joined by Promise, a V100.7 radio personality who highlights the best in Milwaukee-made hip-hop every weekend on his "Heat From The Street" segment. Together, the trio talked up the history of Milwaukee hip-hop, its ups and downs, struggles rappers face in this market, and who is helping to bolster the city's rap rep.

Even though we try to keep our whereabouts secret at all times, we still get a lot of stuff sent to our office. CDs, tapes, books, hot sauce, wine, and condoms are just a few of the things that regularly pop up in our mailbox. But what to do with all this sweet, sweet swag—especially the sweet, sweet swag that doesn't fit in with our usual coverage? Welcome to the inaugural Milwaukee Record Clearinghouse, a stirring Facebook Live event (and podcast) where we sort though and discuss a bunch of random stuff. New records from Brett Newski, Cabin Essence, and the soundtrack to Wisconsin Foodie hold down the music portion of the hour, while wine from Cannonball and hot sauce from WMSE and Direct Hit! provide the food/drink component. Will Tyler say "mouthfeel"? Will Matt think everything is just "fine"?

Though Gareth Reynolds is a writer, actor, improvisor, and touring stand-up comedian, the Brown Deer native is known to listeners throughout the world for his utter lack of historical knowledge. The Los Angeles-based multi-hyphenate is a co-host of The Dollop, a popular American history podcast that's landed him a book deal and has brought him to perform in Iceland, Australia (three times), and throughout the United States.

Last week, Milwaukee's own Turner Hall Ballroom hosted The Dollop. A day after that packed, rowdy, and hilarious show, Reynolds (and lifelong friend Brett Stepeke) met Milwaukee Record's Tyler Maas at Puddler's Hall to discuss his improv origin at ComedySportz, finally getting his break on The Dollop, writing for Arrested Development, the Green Bay Packers, and his love for Cousin's Subs.

Milwaukee Beer Week gave host Tyler Maas a reason to meet up with some local brewers to discuss the growth and development of Milwaukee brewing, whether there's a craft beer bubble, and if so, whether it's close to bursting. He went to Enlightened Brewing Company (one of the city's smallest breweries) to meet up with owners/brewers Tommy Vandervort and James Larson and Evan Koepnick, a brewer from Wisconsin microbrewery magnate Lakefront Brewery. Together, they shared some thoughts, laughs, and delicious Milwaukee beer over the course of an informative hour-long conversation.

Kavon Cortez-Jones loves Milwaukee. The poet and lifelong resident calls the city the "Paris of the Midwest" in his new book, Club Noir. Cortez-Jones' debut release is bursting with references to local landmarks, area musicians, and beloved regional institutions. The majority of the book—which features works written between the ages of 18 and 21—comes from a place of love and appreciation, but through acknowledging some of the difficulties faced while growing up on Milwaukee's north side, some poems also indirectly shed a light on the city's issues with segregation.

Host Tyler Maas caught up with the up-and-coming Milwaukee poet at Riverwest Public House. Cortez-Jones talked about his introduction to this often-overlooked art form, the upbringing and experiences that inform his work, and why he holds Milwaukee in such high regard. Oh, and they talk about Cheetos for a while, too.