PIET’S CONCERT PICK FOR THE WEEKEND

Backstory:

In 2015, Olivia Doyle, then a 23-year-old Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design student, launched the inaugural Riverwest FemFest to showcase the variety of female musical and visual artists in Milwaukee. The first event consisted of two shows at a lone venue. FemFest has expanded; the third annual installment this week features more than 50 acts playing eight shows across five days at six venues.

Why you should go:

Riverwest FemFest gathers a vast array of local female talent, offering opportunities to discover new music. This year’s lineup spans from experimental rapper Queen Tut; to haunting singer-songwriter Marielle Allschwang; to R&B artist B~Free, responsible for the Journal Sentinel’s pick for the best local album of 2016. This year’s edition has a few out-of-town acts too, including folk-pop duo Seasaw from Madison (pictured right) and post-punk Detroit group Mexican Knives. There’s also comedy, spoken word, burlesque, a drag show, a film festival, a makers fair and an art exhibition in the mix. All proceeds benefit Pathfinders, the Coalition for Justice and the Milwaukee Women’s Center.

Time and place:

Wednesday through Jan. 22. Go to rwfemfest.com for the full schedule and venue locations.

Price:

$40 for all-venue, all-show pass at rwfemfest.com. Prices range from no cover to $12 for individual shows; check the FemFest website for specific show prices.