10.14.2024 | Joshua Radin
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Joshua Radin made his return to Milwaukee at Vivarium Monday October 14, 2024 - his first since 2015 (the one and only mentioned in our Andrew Belle Review). Sounding as good as ever, Radin played to the most intimate audience at a show I’ve attended.
After three years traveling the world and writing music Radin is back in prime form hitting the road in anticipation of his forthcoming album out next February.
He came out swinging with longtime favorite “No Envy, No Fear” right into “Beautiful Day” & “You Got Growing up to Do”. Milwaukee concert goers have a reputation for talking aggressively during shows, especially during the openers, but you could hear a pin drop Monday night - Radin was the true spotlight - to the point he requested fans be turned off. I’ve never seen such a respectful audience - it was quite refreshing!
Radin then launched into alternating between classics and new songs the first being “Let Me Be Right”, a song he described as a “three time loser in love” just wanting to finally find the right person. His latest single “I Believe I’m Falling” was bookended by unreleased tracks “You Don’t Need Anyone” & “I’m Comin’ Home.
The night was capped off by Radin and backing guitar player and Madison native, Gabe Burdulis, hopping off stage to cover Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” in the middle of the “smallest room all tour”.
It truly was a treat having Joshua Radin in Milwaukee again, especially after missing his show in Madison last spring. The new tracks have me looking forward to the new release and hopefully another tour early next year!
09.18.2024 | Andrew Belle
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
I can thank the Pabst Theater group for introducing me to Andrew Belle nearly a decade ago. As an opener for one of my longtime-favorites, Joshua Radin (playing the Vivarium October 14 - you should definitely go) Belle leaned into the new-ish "Black Bear". Though the album was nearing two years old, it was his first Milwaukee concert, and the Hushed version of the album had recently dropped.
Last year marked the 10th anniversary and Belle played acoustic shows in Evanston and Grand Rapids to celebrate. Having so much fun on those stops, two more were added in Minneapolis and Milwaukee, last Wednesday at Vivarium. An 11th anniversary tour if you will.
The first few notes of "Dark Matter" immediately took me back. I'm not sure how often that CD, yes, I know, was on repeat after that show. Despite being a synth heavy album, absolutely nothing was lost with the simplicity of a single acoustic guitar. Belle himself said it was nice to hear how some of these songs were intended rather than over-produced album versions.
Artists like Belle are why I'll continue to see live music. He's a guy that loves being on stage, bantering with the crowd, and above all things playing music. It may be another few years before he's back on the road, but I certainly wouldn't miss it.
Hunter Metts, who I didn't realize at the time had been on American Idol, opened with soulful acoustic tracks as well. His debut EP "Monochrome" was released this summer
08.17.2024 | Reyna
Vivarium| Milwaukee, WI
Hot off a packed Aurora pavilion at Summerfest, REYNA stepped into theVivarium in a dual role Saturday night. Of course headlining with their dreamy dance-pop songs of their latest EP Limonada, but also transporting the audience to 2012 and the angsty indie pop of their previous outfit Vic and Gab. It was Vic and Gab opening for Vic and Gab! In lieu of an America’s Got Talent fast wardrobe change between sets Eliza Hanson and longtime friend of the band(s) graced the stage with her soulful folk.
Despite the infamous more-than-background chatter prompting an announcement from the house, it was one of the best concerts I’ve seen at Vivarium to date (and there’s been quite a few). REYNA is truly one of Milwaukee’s most underrated bands right now. If you were lucky enough to score tickets to their Sh*tty Barn performance in October you’re certainly in for a treat.
04.27.2024 | Social Cig
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Social Cig performs at Vivarium with support from
Duwayne & Micah Emrich, Motel Breakfast, and Well + Good.
04.13.2024 | Scam Likely
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Scam Likely held a sold out record release party for their highly anticipated album “Yolk” at Vivarium with support from Minneapolis’ Gramma and Milwaukee’s Clementine.
03.16.2024 | Them Coulee Boys
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Them Coulee Boys perform at the Vivarium with support from locals Ladybird
03.15.2024 | Sleepy Gaucho
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee’s own Sleepy Gaucho holds an album release party for “True Love Corridor” with support from Moonglow and Ellie Jackson at the Vivarium.
03.13.2024 | Sir Chloe
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Sir Chloe brought her indie pop to the Vivarium Wednesday night with support from Daffo
03.07.2024 | Charlie Parr
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Blues legend Charlie Parr played the Vivarium with Two Runner
03.01.2024 | Diet Lite
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Diet Lite headlined the opening show at the Pabst Theater Group’s newest Venue Vivarium on the East Side - support from Ladybird and Motel Breakfast
