Issa (formerly known as Jane Siberry) Comes to Milwaukee!

Can I just tell you how excited I am? This has been a helluva year for music in Milwaukee, and it's coming to a close in grand style.

Between appearances by John Wesley Harding and his Cabinet of Wonders in April (OK, this was in Madison), Flight of the Conchords and Eugene Mirman in May, and Pet Shop Boys in September (not to mention concerts by Madeleine Peyroux and Camera Obscura to round out our entertainment calendar), I thought the year couldn't get any better.

I have never before enjoyed being so wrong.

Our concert-going year is coming in for the softest, sweetest of landings with this Saturday's (12/5) show at Turner Hall Ballroom by the one and only Issa (formerly known as Jane Siberry).

I first heard her as Jane Siberry, back in...1985 was it? My uncle Greg taped her song "The Waitress" off the radio and brought it over for my sisters and I to hear. We were hooked! I have followed her music and seen her in concert a precious handful of times in the years since, and each new album and each new show has resonated profoundly and stayed with me.

Issa's is a voice you simply must experience. Her stage presence will captivate and enchant you. You will laugh, you will cry, your heart will sing like never before. Seriously. Get tickets now, with self-determined pricing. You will thank me later!

Guest Post: Things I Learned From THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (Milwaukee Film Festival)

Today's post is by guest author Meghan Arnold, a fellow Film Fest fan whom I met via Twitter. She has been a mainstay of the #mkeff09 stream, and has also been blogging about the Festival. Meghan graciously agreed to share her thoughts about THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, a film I was too scared to see. Enjoy!

Feeling the need to scare myself to death early on in the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival run, I caught the midnight showing of THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL at the Oriental Theatre. An homage (but DEFINITELY not a spoof) to '80s horror movies, this scared me just as much as it would've had I been an eight-year-old in Rainbow Bright pajamas. I had some added horror, too, as the man next to me couldn't handle the scary and at one point in the flick elbowed me so hard in the ribs that I was bruised for three days.

The basic premise of the film is: Girl takes babysitting gig to earn rent deposit money; girl gets more than she bargained for.

Here's what I learned:

• If a couple desperately needs a babysitter the night of the full lunar eclipse, you may want to pass on that. Especially if it isn't actually babysitting a child.
  
• College kids may love pizza, but order it from your favorite place, not the number the creepy homeowner leaves on the fridge for you.
• For goodness sakes, DON'T run upstairs! Run out the front door!!

Did you see THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL? What did you learn? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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Thanks for your guest post, Meghan!
>>See more Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival posts.
>>See Meghan's blog, Accidental Wisconsinite.

Things I Learned From the MILWAUKEE SHOWCASE (Milwaukee Film Festival)

On October 1 (Day 8 of the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival), I managed to find a seat at the completely packed MILWAUKEE SHOWCASE, a presentation of short films made by Milwaukee filmmakers. (The image at right is from the lovely and brilliantly executed animated film BIRD, by Michael Hawkins-Burgos.)

The energy in the theater that night was fantastic! It was great to see all that hometown pride and enthusiasm for the work of our local filmmakers. The Festival's program director, TJ Fackelman, introduced each filmmaker after his or her short was played, asking a few key questions to get the ball rolling for some quick Q&A between the audience and the filmmaker.

The showcase featured 10 short films in all, representing a variety of genres and styles -- from live action to animation, narrative to the surreal, and documentary to mockumentary. Here are some things I learned:

• House flies hate clowns. (HOUSE FLY, by Paul Foonchy)
• A man who has it all can't really be considered a success if he can't use chopsticks. (SIMPLE, by Keith Michael)
• If your way of dealing with job frustration is by drinking alone at home at night, you'd best take your boss off speed-dial. (THE QUITTER, by Karen Erbach)
  

Did you catch the MILWAUKEE SHOWCASE at the Festival? Which short film was your favorite, and what did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.

>>See more Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival posts.

Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival - Mid-Fest Observations

It's only day 9 of the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival but I am already in a pleasant state that is a combination of exhaustion and ADD-like overstimulation. There must be a German word for that; I imagine it falls somewhere on the awesome compound word spectrum between Schadenfreude and Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz ("beef labeling regulation & delegation of supervision law," naturally).

Having attended a boatload of fabulous films so far, with many more on my calendar through the Festival's closing night (Sunday, October 4), I have gleaned a number of valuable lessons. Here's what I've learned so far:

1. I should really have suspended my Netflix membership for the duration of the film festival. I have 7 DVDs staring at me, reproachfully, every night when I stumble home from an evening of festivaling. I feel bad that I am preventing some other Netflix customer from watching "30 Rock" Season 3, discs 1-3; "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Season 2, discs 2-3; "Rescue Me" Season 5, disc 3; and "Fringe" Season 1, disc 2. (For those of you just tuning in, Netflix is how I watch TV. No cable bill, and no commercials, but I'm always a year behind in my TV pop culture water cooler talk. For the love of god, people, don't tell me what happens on this season of "Lost"!)
   
2. I think I am coming down with a vitamin deficiency. Movie theater food isn't exactly the pinnacle of balanced nutrition (apparently the recently revised food pyramid lacks a "Twizzlers and pretzel bites" category).
   
3. I'm not in my 20s anymore. Which I already knew, of course. But this week's non-stop filmgoing has thrown into sharp relief the fact that going out every night of the week is considerably more tiring to me now than it was back in the day. Thankfully, there's an Alterra on my way to work.

What have you learned at the Milwaukee Film Festival? Share your life lessons in the comments.

See other entries in the "Things I Learned..." series.

Things I Learned From TERRIBLY HAPPY (Milwaukee Film Festival)

Last night at the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival, we went to see TERRIBLY HAPPY (Denmark, 2008).

Described as Twin Peaks meets No Country for Old Men, the film was directed by Henrik Ruben Genz, who has been described as the Danish answer to the Coen brothers. With mashups like those as your cinematic heritage, how can you go wrong?

Here's what I learned:

1. When you're the new marshal in town and the local barkeep uncaps a beer for you because that's what the old marshal always used to drink, don't go trying to assert your authority by ordering a mineral water. You're just going to look like a lightweight.  
   
2. As it turns out, you *can* have too many friends. 
   
3. What happens in the bog stays in the bog.
   

While watching this film (which I *highly* recommend, by the way), I couldn't shake the feeling that its lead actor, Jakob Cedergren (below, top), looks like the love child of Coldplay's Chris Martin (below, left) and Milwaukee Film Festival Executive Director Jonathan Jackson (below, right) love child. The resemblance is uncanny, don't you think?

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Did you see TERRIBLY HAPPY? Learn anything? Share your thoughts in the comments.

>>See more Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival posts.

Things I Learned From THE CHASER (Milwaukee Film Festival)

As part of the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival, we went to see THE CHASER (South Korea, 2008). Here's what I learned:

1. Don't be a prostitute in South Korea.
2. If you fail at #1, pack heat.
3. If you are a lousy shot, make peace with your maker.

Have you seen THE CHASER? What did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.

>>See more Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival posts.

Things I Learned from SHALL WE KISS? (Milwaukee Film Festival)

During the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival, I saw the delightful film SHALL WE KISS? (France, 2007). Here's what I learned:

1. The French really do dress better.
2. Storytelling is a delicious art, one that should never be rushed.
3. A kiss is never just a kiss.

Did you see SHALL WE KISS? What did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.

>>See more Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival posts.

Things I Learned From RACING DREAMS (Milwaukee Film Festival)

On the opening night film of the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival, I had the pleasure of seeing the new Marshall Curry documentary, RACING DREAMS (USA, 2009). Here's what I learned:

1. Go-karts are not like I remember. Today's extreme racing karts can go 70 mph, with just an inch or two of clearance between the ground and your seat. And no suspension.
2. Considering all the gear, fuel, fees, and travel costs, each race can set you back $5000. (Tip for kids: If your parents turn down your request for a pony by saying it's too expensive, tell them you really want to pursue the World Karting Association's National Championship but are letting them off easy with a more down-to-earth request.)
3. RACING DREAMS shattered my preconceived notions that I wouldn't enjoy a film about the junior NASCAR circuit (just as FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and KING OF THE HILL did with football and hillbillies, respectively).

Did you see RACING DREAMS? What did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.

>>See more Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival posts.

Concert Review and Photo Attack - Pet Shop Boys 2009 Pandemonium Tour - Pabst Theater, Milwaukee (Pet Shop Boys Appreciation Week)

Pet Shop Boys Appreciation Week continues with a review and a massive photo array from the Pet Shop Boys concert on 9/15/2009 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee.

One thing you can always count on from a Pet Shop Boys concert is a rich visual spectacle to match the incredible music. It's never just two dudes standing there, expecting you to love them simply because they bothered to show up. Hell no! A Pet Shop Boys concert is always a big production. I don't mean the kind of joyless, self-serving, ego-burdened Big Production that is meaningful only to the band itself; quite the contrary.

With fabulous costumes, top-notch dancers, towering sets (movable and configurable, no less), a complex but seamlessly integrated light show, and the uniquely charismatic stage presence of Neil and Chris, every Pet Shop Boys show is a lush, high-energy celebration -- a treat for your eyes, ears, and booty (on account of all the shakin' it will be compelled to do). Comfortable shoes are a must, because you won't be sitting down at a Pet Shop Boys show.

The Pet Shop Boys' appearance on Tuesday, September 15 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee was all of those things and more. As a stop on their Fall 2009 Pandemonium tour, this was their first-ever concert appearance in Wisconsin, and as such, it was a special treat for local fans -- and for Chicago fans who wanted a chance to see them on back-to-back nights without having to drive 5 hours. The Boys' Milwaukee show got some nice local press coverage in advance, including a brief article in the September issue of Milwaukee Magazine (article available in print only - sorry!), and concert previews in Shepherd Express and The Onion.

While I heard a few people on Twitter complaining about the show being so early in the week, I actually enjoyed the novelty of dancing my ass off, screaming 'til I went hoarse, and sustaining mild hearing damage on a school night. Besides, not every stop on the tour can fall on a weekend -- the Boys would be touring nonstop for a year. Think about it, people. Think of how long that would delay their next album. Is that what you want? Just so you can avoid being tired at work on Wednesday morning? I didn't think so.

The Pet Shop Boys put on a phenomenally good show in Milwaukee -- one that spanned their 25-year catalogue with effortless mashups of songs new and old. I especially enjoyed their layering of "Two Divided by Zero" and "New York City Boy." And how can you not love a cape-and-crown-wearing Neil Tennant singing Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" in the encore? Longtime fans and the uninitiated alike were treated to what one Pabst Theater staffer described as "by far, the best concert I have ever seen at the Pabst."

Bottom line: This show affirms the Pet Shop Boys' status as brilliant musicians and performers of the highest caliber. They clearly love making music and putting on a show, and that pure-hearted energy permeated the theater from their first song to well after their last.

Without further ado, here are some of the photos I snapped at the concert. Enjoy! And let the music play forever...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PSB Milwaukee Pre-Concert Shenanigans (Pet Shop Boys Appreciation Week)

Before the Pet Shop Boys took to the stage on September 15 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, we arrived at the venue with almost four hours to kill, so we got up to some pretty fun adventures.

Four hours? Oh, about that. Let me explain. It's not like we're some crazy fans who'd arrive hours before a show to stake out the joint, take hundreds of photos, sneak into sound check, get thrown out of sound check, attempt to make friends with the tour bus driver, and then get in line at 7:45 like the rest of the poor chumps who didn't have VIP passes. 

We totally had VIP passes, man.

And we didn't get thrown out of sound check, per se. We were just asked to "remain behind that line. Yes miss, that line right there."

The reason for our ultra-early arrival was the pre-show VIP Meet and Greet. All VIP pass holders were asked to arrive at 4:30PM to queue up for the Meet and Greet. We chatted with fellow fans while waiting until the 5:30PM start time. Our friends Jean and Dean arrived shortly before 5:30 (after a 3-hour drive from Dubuque!), and soon we were escorted into the Pabst to meet Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, the Pet Shop Boys.

To say that we were excited is an understatement. After all, if my first Pet Shop Boys concert experience was "the culmination of a life-long dream," what did it mean to me to meet them? And how did I prepare myself for the experience?

First, I spent the previous ten days grinning like an idiot and trying to narrow down the possible topics of conversation. I'd eliminated politics and religion, because that just isn't done - not on a first meeting, in any case. I also tossed out all variations of "OMG, do you have any idea what a big fan of yours I am?!" because (A) of course they wouldn't...they've never heard of me; (B) I'm guessing a few other people might lead with that one; and (C) as much as I hate to admit it, I think these ladies might qualify as bigger fans.

Next, hair and wardrobe. I booked an appointment with the inimitable Jody Fischer at Samson and Delilah Salon in Wauwatosa. She did my hair for my wedding, and she is FABULOUS! (And so are her mannequin heads, clearly!) I needed a haircut anyway, but the Pet Shop Boys concert was an excellent excuse to get my hair done by a professional.

As for wardrobe, I knew I'd be on my feet all evening (not to mention dancing my ass off for a few hours) so the shoes would need to be comfortable and the clothes breathable. Then again, Neil and Chris are style icons; I couldn't very well show up to meet them in yoga pants and tennies. For all they've given to me over the years, the least I could do for the Pet Shop Boys is wear fabulous yet non-breathable fabrics for the night. (The knee-high boots were surprisingly comfortable!)

Finally, coiffed and dressed and somewhat mentally prepared, I was escorted, along with Jean and Dean and the mister, into an alcove in the theater, where Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe were standing, waiting to greet us.

All of my thoughtful questions went out the window as we shook hands with my all-time favorite band. All my meditations on the nature of genius and musical talent, on the interplay between music and art and fashion and design (and, while we're at it, "passion, love, sex, money, violence, religion, justice, and death")...out the window.

HOLY CRAP! WE WERE MEETING THE FREAKING PET SHOP BOYS!!!

While we chatted, Neil and Chris signed our VIP badges (at right) and the CDs we'd brought. We talked about this being their first-ever visit to Milwaukee (and their disappointment at not having time to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum), the best curry in London (The Red Fort), the reasons behind the preponderance of beer and sausage in Milwaukee, and a number of other topics which I'll detail in a future post.

In our brief time with Pet Shop Boys, I found them to be an absolute delight -- they were cordial, courteous, funny, and kind. They were utterly professional, but at the same time, warm.

And, apparently, hungry. For after our time with Neil and Chris was up and we ducked out of the Pabst for a quick dinner on the riverfront before the show, we saw Chris walk by with their tour manager (who also ran Pope John Paul II's tour, back in the day - seriously!). Here's a photo of them from behind (Chris is on the right); we weren't quick enough with our cameras to catch them walking towards us. So off they went, destination unknown.

We finished our dinner as dusk settled over Milwaukee. We walked back to the Pabst Theater as the pre-show DJ set was wrapping up. The place was packed! Soon the show started and the entire audience was on their feet, dancing and singing and cheering and generally having a crazy good time!

Stay tuned for concert pics and more details on what we talked to Neil and Chris about (and what I meant to ask about!) in a future post.