You've Read It, Now Hear About It

As regular readers know, this blog is all sooo serious and political. And, yeah, it's been a couple of weeks -- I promise to get something new and topical out there in the next couple of days.

But, with a summer-like sun shining for at least one day here in Milwaukee, let's talk music.

• Radio Milwaukee continues to evolve as a breath of fresh air on the bottom of the FM dial (well, it used to be a dial -- honest!). 88.9 is delightfully ecclectic -- much more old-school and R&B than I expected. I also have learned a lot about some new stuff -- it hasn't changed my opinion much about the death of rock and roll as a social force, but I now understand there is more out there than Dave Matthews. It should be a great summer knowing that there is now a station you can lock into while driving around and also get something unexpected and enjoyable. It's only been, like, 30 years since you could say that in Milwaukee.


• If you have never been to Summerfest in Milwaukee, it is worth the trip whoever is playing. Two of my favorite acts are appearing opening night on June 28th -- Steely Dan at the Ampitheater and Milwaukee's own Violent Femmes at the Miller Oasis. I promised my boy (12) I would take him to see the Femmes for the first time, so it's a tough choice. I just hope he knows he'll be the one saving our seats all day...

I have been grabbing my guitar and playing around Madison and Milwaukee off and on for a long time. I am doing a "Mike Plaisted and Friends" night at Linneman's (1001 E. Locust in Milwaukee's Riverwest) this coming Thursday (the 17th), from about 9 to Midnight. Yes, there are political songs ("Why Does Dan Rather Want to Be My Friend", "Stupid War", "Community Standards" [Inspirational Verse: "Some people will do anything/To get themselves elected"]). So, if you are around, come on and check me out live in person.

I am also hosting and playing at the "Peace Though Music" Lennon tribute at Linneman's on the night before Memorial Day (May 27th). It is a benefit for WAVE (Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort) and the Brady Campaign.

Alright, enough self-promotion. Now back to the nitty gritty...