GREENSHEET
5 best New Year’s Eve weekend shows to choose from in Milwaukee
TODAY IN HISTORY
It looks like some brutal winter weather could put a chill on some plans this Christmas weekend in Wisconsin.
Hopefully, there’s another holiday just around the corner that, fingers crossed, will be devoid of inclement weather.
And with things sort of close to normal these days, it’s looking like a pretty active New Year’s Eve weekend with several shows to choose from across Milwaukee.
So here’s a countdown of your best options.
5. Nate Craig
The comedian and Madison native’s résumé includes tours with Bill Burr and a role on the Emma Stone and Jonah Hill-led Netflix series “Maniac” (from Green Bay-raised creator Patrick Somerville). Back in Wisconsin for the holidays, Craig is doing three nights of shows at the cozy Laughing Tap, culminating with a New Year’s Eve show complete with a champagne toast, or, for a higher price, a full bottle.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 to 31, the Laughing Tap, 706-B S. Fifth St. $15 for Dec. 29; $20 for Dec. 30; $35 to $110 for Dec. 31 at the door and
4. ‘Bluey’s Big Play’
Chances are if you have young kids who watch “Bluey,” you’re not going to make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve (unless the kids wake you up, of course). But chances are if the kids love “Bluey,” you love the program, too, a cute, funny, heartwarming Australian show about an endearing family of talking Blue Heeler dogs. And chances are you will all enjoy the stage adaptation of the show that’s coming to Milwaukee for five shows on the last two days of the year.
When, where, how much: 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 30; 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 31; Miller High Life Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. $19.50 to $165 at the box office, the Riverside Theater box office (116 W. Wisconsin Ave.) and
3. Steve Byrne
Steve Byrne was the first comedian to headline the Milwaukee Improv when it opened last year, so it’s fitting that Byrne — whose credits include multiple Comedy Central specials, 10 appearances on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” and creating and starring on the TBS sitcom “Sullivan and Son” — would have headlining duties for the final shows of the Improv’s first full year of operation.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Dec. 29, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Dec. 30, 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31, Milwaukee Improv, 20110 Lower Union St., Brookfield. $20, $70 for a four-person booth Dec. 29 and 30. $27, $77 for a four-person booth Dec. 31 (includes champagne toast, VIP pass for future show and party favors). Booth passes also include $200 food and drink credit ($50 per person). Available at the box office and
2. Stellar Spark New Year’s Eve
For 20 years, Stellar Spark has been the spot for electronic dance music on New Year’s Eve in Milwaukee, occupying multiple rooms at the Rave and becoming
Shaquille O’Neal, aka DJ Diesel, will DJ at the Rave during Stellar Spark New Year’s Eve. the longest-running event of its kind in the country. In honor of its milestone, Stellar Spark is going extra big for the end of 2022, split across two nights. The first night takes place in the venue’s largest venue, the Eagles Ballroom, with DJ Diesel doing headline duties (you probably know him as NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal). Night two Dec. 31 takes place across multiple stages with dubstep DJ Svdden Death the biggest draw.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31, the Rave, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave. $64.50 (two general-admission tickets for one show); $74.50 (two balcony tickets, one show); $93 to $109 (single two-day pass); $128 (reserved seat, one show); $109 to $149 (single two-day balcony pass); $163.50 to $218 (four general-admission tickets, one show); $223.50 to $298 (four balcony tickets, one show). Available at the box office and
1. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
We started this list with a Wisconsin native, and we’ll end it with Wisconsin natives. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades has become one of the most popular bands operating out of Wisconsin, but last year’s New Year’s Eve show at the Pabst Theater — their first since 2018 — was scrapped due to COVID-19. One year later, they’re ending 2022 with what’s bound to be a blistering bluegrass show, at the more dancefriendly Turner Hall Ballroom, with fellow accomplished Wisconsingroomed Americana acts Armchair Boogie, and Ryan Necci and the Buffalo Gospel on the bill.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. Phillips Ave. $29.50 to $39.50 at the door, the Riverside box office and