Pink Concert in Milwaukee

About a year ago, I found out P!nk was coming to Milwaukee and my friend Kacey asked right away to go. I have loved her since her punk days of the early 2000s and she has just gotten better since then.

I bought tickets within the first 10 minutes they went on sale because I knew it was going to be a big hit. So from March to November, we patiently waited for the concert to get here. Then P!nk came down with voice issues and rescheduled until January. I'm glad she didn't cancel, but it was sad to think we have been in waiting almost a year to see her.

But it was definitely worth the wait. Unfortunately it was rescheduled from a Sunday to a Thursday so we didn't have the day to enjoy downtown Milwaukee and had to rush around after work. We got stuck in some traffic and then had to park and hoof it through downtown to find dinner. So many places were packed, we eventually found Bistro 333 at the Hyatt had seating available.

The manager came over and took our drink order almost immediately and we thought - yes perfect a good spot for a quick bite. Unfortunately this wasn't the case. We got our drinks and looked over the menu a bit. We placed the order with the manager and that's when I saw they had one server and she was running around like a nut.

I got the Turkey and Havarti on a pretzel bun and Kacey got the Angus burger. For lack of pictures of the food, I can best describe the entrees and completely unequal. I received turkey piled high with melty Havarti and pears on a warm pretzel bun with lettuce and mayo. Kacey received a burger plain on a bun. He wasn't asked what he wanted on it only how he wanted it cooked. He immediately asked for mayo to help with the burger and another round of drinks but none of it ever came and we couldn't get the managers attention. My sandwich was so big, I gave Kacey half of mine and he ate the blah burger meat with ketchup. We were really disappointed in the quality of his food and the service.

The server came over and apologized for not making it over to us and that she was slammed. All I can say is - Hey Hyatt, you are across from the US Cellular Arena, Milwaukee Theater and Bradley Center - wouldn't you staff your bar for all event nights adequately? Maybe someone called in sick, but then the manager shouldn't have left until the server could get things under control.

We decided to not let it dampen our spirits and headed over to the BMO Harris Bradley Center for the show. A $14 cocktail in hand (ouch!) and we made our way to our actual nosebleed seats. We were one row off the ceiling but it wasn't too horrible. I probably will never pick those seats again if I can help it, but I did like that I was straight on from the stage.

P!nk puts on a spectacular show. She is so athletic, funny, daring and has an amazing set of vocals.  Her show is almost like Cirque du Soleil with all the acrobatics and dancing. She dangled from a spinning orb on the stage and then spun in the middle really fast and still sang. There were some parts where she was out of breath from the dancing and let us take over the songs but I didn't mind.

Even with her ear piece not working some of the time and you could tell she was frustrated, she still went along with the show even saying she didn't need to hear herself as long as we thought she sounded good. One of my favorite quotes from her "We talk in kids language now about my shows, I am frustrated and feel like Belle." Later she commented on hearing herself in the earpiece was like Nemo and then when it was all better she felt like Cinderella!

She sang, played the drums and piano, danced, flipped, twisted and laughed all over the stage in heels! Her show is very entertaining and she is purely awesome. If she comes again I am there. On a personal level, she has motivated me to realize that if I put my mind to something, I can most likely accomplish it. Physically you can't be her awesome body and I hope to work towards a healthier lifestyle and get back into dancing.

Enjoy the shots from the show here is a link to my YouTube videos to enjoy. 

*Update - here is the link for Tap Milwaukee's thoughts of the show. I agree 100%! 
  http://m.tapmilwaukee.com/pnk-wows-crowd-with-exceptionally-imaginative-performance-b99176254z1-239538391.html

 

 

 

More Waukesha Holiday Happenings

Wow is November flying by and I'm seeing more and more places getting into the Holiday spirit.

And what a better way to kickoff the holidays than with breaking a Guinness Book of World Records for most people caroling at the same time. Arrive by 5:30 at the Rotunda to register to be a part of this great event. The Waukesha Silver Bells page has all the details and list of carols to be sung. Unfortunately I already have plans and am unable to attend but I will be anxiously waiting to hear the results.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Three Sisters' Uniquities (now located on the west end of Main Street) will have the Fairy Godmothers around for fun and they are teaming up with a few other businesses on the west end for a great day.

From their email:

Saturday, November 23rd is also our "HO-HO-HO" Saturday and we're joining with our neighbors,

Restyle Studio, Moxie Beauty Loungeand Waukesha Tattoo Company to kick off the festive season  "West End (Main Street) Style"!!

Then Sunday is the 51st Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Waukesha. I will definitely be in attendance for this! I did hear it was going to be cold, so I might be in Bernie's a bit earlier this year than in the past, but I plan to be there. Parade starts at 4 pm and goes right down Main Street. I see on the City's Chamber Facebook page there are some new fun additions to the parade including the "Jingle Bops!" There are 87 entries in the parade this year!!!!

Here are a few other things that I found online that are coming up in Waukesha.

Tuscan Hall that is owned by Christina's restuarant is having an Open House tomorrow from 6 - 9 pm and all are welcome. Help welcome them to the neighborhood!

Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub is having their Grand Opening on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7 pm. Free food, drink specials and live music. Let's welcome them to the neighborhood as I think they are a great addition.

Key Westconsin has live music by Kimberly Brown on Saturday, Nov. 23. Music starts at 6:30 pm.

Energize Zone Wellness Center is having a Countdown to Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair on Dec. 7 from 10 am - 3 pm. Details on the Facebook page.

The Lucky Rabbit is having some live music: Robert Allen Jr. on 12/7 and DJ Devast8 on 12/13

Carroll University presents Silent Night, a concert at Shattuck Auditorium on Dec. 7 & 8. 

Boscos Social Club is having an Ugly Sweater Party & Contest on 12/14. Prizes, giveaways and another Facebook contest!


So much fun going on in our city, I just love it. If I missed something, please comment or email me and let me know. I am hoping to get out a weekly update from now until Xmas with all the events that are going on!

Food at the Waukesha County Fair

For the past eight years, I have worked the Waukesha County Fair with my company Image Makers Advertising. We handle all the marketing for the Fair and I specifically handle/assist with public relations, media relations and most recently social media.

In all those years, I have been through everything at the Fair - extreme heat (2011), rain/flooding (2010), cold (2009) and now drought. With all that we do, we still find downtime to enjoy the Fair while working and some go on the rides, some relax to the great music and I (of course) like to try the new foods. In the past my favorites have been deep-fried vegetables, iced chai tea (I think I had 7 in one Fair), fried catfish, funnel cakes and chicken strips.

Some of my favorites are back and here are some additional food highlights of the Fair.

Catfish Johnny's (look for the guy with the 6 ft. fish next to his booth) - This vendor is a favorite of Justin Williams at Fox6 and when he comes to the grounds, I always take him over to say hi to the workers and owner. In return, Justin gets a huge plate of scrumptious eats. The fried catfish and the hush puppies are excellent. This place is consistently good.

Silver Spur - This place is located just across from the Coors Light Tent on the north end of the grounds and does excellent business all day long. I MUST have their "Bubba's chicken strips and fries" each year at least once. I don't know what the coating is made of, but it is sweet and salty and I just can't get enough. Prices are very decent too!

Mill Street Concessions is the home of my deep fried vegetables. The line is always really long because in addition to vegetables deep fried, they have deep fried cheese - perfect for a Wisconsin event.

Mill Street Concessions - on the left that says Hot Wisconsin Cheese

Anderson's Corn Roast - seriously how can you go wrong with corn on the cob?

Those are my favorites from the past but I hope to try something new each day of the Fair and report back. Some of the new items this year that I want to try are the gator sausage sandwich, bacon-wrapped tator tots on a stick and the chicken salad wrap. If I was a cream puff person (I'm a funnel cake fan), I would definitely try the new Berry Cream Puff in the 4-H Kitchen. I'll have to get a review on that for sure.

I did also see that there is a cheese stuffed jumbo burger, big bacon on a stick, Louisiana crawfish boil, orange chicken, fajitas, jumbo turkey legs, brownie supreme sundae, coffee drinks and cajun cuisine. If you can't find something at the Fair, you are waaaay too picky of an eater :)


There are great admissions promotions to help you save a little at the gates, we have a great Miller Lite Main Stage Lineup this year as well as local entertainment on two stages.


But I love being on the grounds and working with the great Fair Board of Directors in helping the Fair be a success. They are a solid team and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to work so closely with them.

The Fair opens tomorrow at 3 pm and goes through Sunday at 9 pm. Hope you have an opportunity to stop out and try some food, play some games, check out the animals, go on a ride, dance, drink and just be merry.

What a Difference a Year Makes

This is my 100th post and I struggled thinking of something spectacular enough to do that would justify it being #100. I finally decided to bring it full circle and write about downtown Waukesha and the changes that have happened in the last year because..well...there have been many. I do believe that almost all of them have been for the better.

Let's start with West Main Street and this is one of the latest changes to happen. Bodway's is now Mainstream. From a Freeman article, Tony Bodway decided to sell the business to two customers with great bar & grill experience. You shouldn't notice too many changes but some great additions like more drink specials and more sports on TV.

Mainstream, formerly Bodway's

The Carpet Store on the West End went out of business and the building was purchased by George of Waukesha Tattoo. So many rumors are going around about what the building will be but I will not go into those because they are just that - rumors. Whatever it becomes, I know it will be amazing because George is a great business owner in Waukesha.

O'Brien's Photography Studio and The Sign Shoppe closed to make way for the mildly anticipated Kendall Apartments that will be coming to the west end. The discussions about this building and parking are completely comical at times when listening to the suggested resolutions. I believe that the Alderman of downtown has so many fish to fry that the changes coming to the west end are not a priority. Not saying that his current concerns don't need attention (because they definitely do) but anyone can see that some of the decisions made for parking at the west end will not pan out well. Watch for bumpers on the road. (not speed bumps folks, I'm talking bumpers getting ripped off cars from close quarters!)

Former O'Brien's Photography and The Sign Shoppe - Soon to be Kendall Apts,

ReStyle Studio went into the former Katydids. ReStyle was located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center. It is a home goods consignment shop and has unique pieces from local artists. In May, Restyle opened a women's clothing consignment shop. I currently consign with the shop and cannot tell you how trendy the shop is. I have never been into such a classy shop for consignment - just makes you really feel good about having your clothing there.

ReStyle Studio on Main Street. Home Consignment

ReStyle Studio Women's Clothing Consignment Boutique

River's End Gallery expanded by buying the old Sprizzo's location (that was also a gallery for a bit.) The two locations were turned into one with a beautiful new stone facade added to the front. It is truly a beautiful gallery.

Newly expanded River's End Gallery on Main Street

American Tattoo is now Jedi Tattoo. The owner of American Tattoo put the shop up for sale and left for Florida. There are many stories going around as to why he left, but I won't get into it. Jedi Tattoo brought a huge interactive dinosaur to Freeman Friday Night Live two weeks ago that was a great hit with the kids.

Jedi Tattoo on West Main Street

There is a recent rumor of a beer pub going into the old Save N Save however there is a lot of work needed to the building and people are questioning if it will be able to open. There is another beer pub slated for the old Beer Goggles/Mainstage/Sheperds (depending how old you are!) I guess this was brought up once before but people question how the copper brew kettles will work in the building.


Clinton Street Gallery moved to Main Street next to The Steaming Cup to have a larger space. (No renaming was done.) Their former location was filled with a record/DVD/CD resale shop that has some of the rarest albums that I have seen.

Clinton Street Gallery now on Main Street

Healing Forest Studio went into the old Mango Clothing store and Mango moved next to Nice Ash on Main Street into a former H&R Block location. The Studio offers fine art classes and Mango now has more exposure.

Mango on Main Street

While I'm on this part of town, can anyone explain to me if ?Harlow's? is open? It still has salon stuff inside but I never see anything change or anyone go in the place. 

Three Sister's Spirit relocated to Clinton Street in a building that had been vacant for a while. The building has been remodeled with lovely apartments above it now. The location is smaller for Three Sister's Spirit but they didn't need so much space before.

Key Westconsin has been thriving during the Farmer's Markets due to smart planning of opening up in the AM for breakfast on Saturday's and getting people to see the menu. I love the food and the fun atmosphere. They are also doing some great things with the blog and social media. Hope they keep it up and if they can't - they can give someone's email a jingle - AHEM!

Key Westconsin

People's Park finally reopened bigger and better than ever after a fire in February of 2011 shut them down for a year. They expanded to add a bar and additional seating onto the second floor as well as...wait for it...rooftop dining! I have yet to get to the rooftop but the second floor is very nice.

People's Park - Main St & Clinton St.

The Potter's Shop has turned into a large class space and the artist's that had their work in the shop have spread out around downtown into other galleries.

No restaurant has filled the vacant location in the The Clarke Hotel. Rumor is that the location is extremely overpriced for the size, but still looking for a tenant.

Bieg Boutique is moving from the 5 Points to Broadway as part of The Clarke Hotel. They don't need such a large space and have decided to be a bit of a gift shop for those staying at the hotel.

Bieg Boutique moving from the 5 Points

Bieg Boutiques new location on Broadway

Beading Hearts Studio relocated to the 5 Points from South Street to the Three Sister's Spirit former location. This move alone doubled the business the DeDe had been doing. She has now added yarn in addition to her beautiful beads and classes.

Beading Hearts Studio  now on the 5 Points

Bells and Whistles and Blush Wedding & Event Planning has just opened in downtown. This shop will feature custom wedding accessories as well as the planing office for weddings.

Bells & Whistles on Broadway

RiverMill Foods on Main Street just celebrated 1 year in downtown. This shop has the best salad/soup/sandwich combos in my humble opinion. And don't get my started on their cheesecakes. (insert Barney Stinson Lengendary quote here). I am glad this place opened on the 5 points.

Alterations Unlimited recently closed without much of an explanation. Lena's is still open on Broadway for those that need a seamstress.

Montecito Ristorante and Lounge opened in El Ranchito's former location. They put in a clear garage door and offer a great indoor/outdoor lounge with amazing drinks. The inside of the restaurant is hard to see with the tinted windows (that they cannot do anything about). I have yet to eat here but the drinks are mighty fine. El Ranchito moved up to the Aurora Pharmacy strip mall on Delafield and has since closed. Nothing is in the strip mall, which means there are two completely empty strip malls in Waukesha - odd, yet Walgreens and Aldi's want to annex into the city, tear down homes, put in retention ponds and build new - doesn't make sense to this girl!

Montecito on Broadyway - taken from RiverMill Foods

A Stroke of Genius - Paint, Canvas and Wine Studio opened on Broadway near Gaspar. I have to walk this area again because I didn't see it today. But if there is wine, its been added to my list as a must-do. 

I saw on my walk today that a Fran'tic Screen Printing will be going in next to the River Mart and Popcorn store on Broadway & Main Street (its a walk thru location). This used to be Soundwaves way back when. It will be interesting to find out pricing and capabilities as I have always wanted to make custom shirts for a party.

Pandora's Closet opened on Main Street that I believe is a consignment or second hand clothing store. These owners also opened The Furniture Closet, a second hand furniture store on Broadway. I have not been into either of these but I do know that the owner/manager? of Pandora's Closet is always cheerful and polite and keeps his store front immaculate and sweeps the sidewalk.

Pandora's Closet

The newest store to Waukesha is called Copacetic, a hat store. This went into Serendipity Scrapbooks old location. I have yet to get in here.

Copacetic on Main Street

Fox River Antiques became Antiques and Uniques on Main. The vintage hardware portion of the mall closed and is now a gold and silver buying shop. The two antique shops in the bank parking lot relocated to Racine Ave near Dairy Queen. The status of the buildings was questionable on many levels. There are the ever looming convention center rumors and also the buildings were literally crumbling on the tenants. They are available now for short term leases but I wouldn't suggest anyone moving in unless your product cannot be destroyed when the roof falls in.

Former Antique stop that moved to Racine Ave.

Gold & Silver buying shop

Escamilla Entertianment & Dance Studio opened on Gaspar Street next to Chill in a former record store? (The windows were always papered up but I believe that is what it was). Now the windows are open and you can watch the dancers in action. They are terrific. The studio offers classes that I might join in the next year.


Allo! Chocolat expanded into the former Coffee N Beans to offer a studio with chocolate classes. These classes are open to the public or can be done for special occasions - work parties, bachelorette parties, birthdays, ladies clubs.

Allo! Chocolat's classroom space at Main Street Plaza

O' What A Day Cafe opened in Main Street Plaza just a few months back. This is a gourmet cupcake shop with many daily flavors offered. They are delicious. They hope to have Alterra coffee and sandwiches in the near future.

Oh What a Day Cafe at Main Street Plaza

Cookies Galore & More unfortunately shut its doors this year, but Cake Pops by Design opened. I have seen their creations and they look fabulous. They have limited store front hours and are mainly by appointment but keep them in mind for a unique treat to give someone.

Cake Pops by Design

Andrea's Hair Studio opened on Broadway near Rochester Deli and just down from there it seems that another hair salon will be opening. The place didn't have any beauty supplies or look to it yet, but the window says opening soon. Andrea's looks very nice and modern but I have not had any services done by them.

Andrea's Hair Studio on Broadway

Fiesta Peluche I believe is still in it's first year. This is a party supply store on the East End of (downtown) Broadway.  I have never been in but the window paint looks fun enough that if I'm looking for some party supplies in the future I will head on in.

Fiesta Peluche & new hair salon on Broadway

This is on the other side of the river but I still consider it downtown so I'm adding it. Yanke Saloon has closed and I believe the bar was purchased by Fuzzy's. When I walked by last week, the interior was being completely gutted so we shall see what it becomes. Not sure the status of the apartments above but with the building being so gorgeous, I think that they should be remodeled like the ones on Clinton that are above Three Sister's Spirit.

HOLY CRAP - that was way more information than I thought I was going to have on downtown Waukesha. I'm sure I missed a spot or two but I truly hope my information is accurate and I tried to stay away from the gossip when I could and just talk about first hand experiences.

So I hope you enjoyed by 100th post and with the Waukesha County Fair running Wednesday, July 18 through Sunday, July 22 on the Waukesha Expo Grounds, I will have very limited time to blog due to the marketing support that I give the Fair. For all the details on the Fair, visit the website. (yes that was a partial shameless plug!)

Until my next post, Happy Eating!

Freeman Friday Night Live: Week 1

Sorry I'm a week behind on releasing this - Week 2 to follow in the next day or so!

Although I will not voice an opinion on the need to close the streets or not, I will comment on the wonderful event that makes Waukesha a fun place on Friday nights in downtown Waukesha. Two weeks ago Friday kicked off the start of  Freeman Friday Night Live and if you don't know what I'm talking about, I'll explain. This is an event in which music stages are set up throughout downtown with local talent performing to crowds. The stores also tend to stay open later on these evenings and give those of us that work 8 - 5 during the week, the opportunity to get to these stores.

The weather on that Friday was absolutely perfect and so my friend Tiffany and I took advantage and headed out to FFNL. We started walking in mid downtown and saw babies dancing away outside of Gen 5 and people mulling around the stores too. During the walk it was great to hear all kinds of music and see so many people out on the streets in downtown. As you know I'm a big rooter for keeping it local and loved seeing so many people out.
We made it to Bosco's after running into Mr. Barta who was also taking in the scene before heading to his bar, Nice Ash, for the evening. We decided to park it at Bosco's on a few chairs and take in their beautiful patio and the Brewers Game. The patio at Bosco's was pretty full but we still were able to grab a table and watch the game. The addition of the new flat screens on the patio made it that much sweeter. The vodka tonics were perfectly refreshing as well. People even pulled out bags and ladder golf on the grassy area and started some heated competition. I wanted to join in, but I'm a little rusty in the ladder golf and bags department. I believe Bosco's has even set up leagues and maybe I should have joined. 

We stayed at Bosco's until almost the end of the game and then decided to wander back to the West End and check out Bodway's (my new obsession!). Some of the stages had shut down by this point, but people were still every where in downtown. It was great to see. When we got near Magellan's we saw that they had acutally put up a tent over its stage area on the street and it made for a really nice looking stage. I like that the businesses in downtown are as amped for the music as the pedestrians and customers are.

We got to Bodway's and it was absolutely packed. A group of 5 walked in ahead of us and Tony politely told them he was probably going to be pretty full until the Brewer's game ended up invited the group to grab a cocktail or come back. I spotted a table for 2 near the back and asked Tony if it was up for grabs. He told me it was all mine. It was a bit warm in Bodway's but with an open-concept grill probably does that to a bar. We still grabbed a beer and checked out the menu. I informed Tiff into all the fun, yummy things on the menu and she immediately found many things she wanted.

One thing that I think is great about downtown is that the owners play an active roll in their restaurant/pub. I see Jeff and Joette and their family clan always at the Nice Ash, bartending, cleaning tables, helping people with cigars, engaging in small talk, whatever is necessary at the time to make sure everyone is having a pleasant experience. Tony is the same way at Bodway's and to me, this is what separates Waukesha from Milwaukee places. Sure I don't know that maybe I was served by an owner at a restaurant in Milwaukee, but with the size of Waukesha, I am able to find out who is working and their relation to the owner or that they are the owner. YAY for local businesses again.

As for the food, we started with deep fried pickle spears and the dipping sauce added a little kick to them. So yummy. Tiff got herself the Angus Filet sandwich and I got the Backyard BBQ sandwich with a chicken breast. The chicken was super moist and again, Tony rocked it with the food. Props to the chef! Sure I know that I need to get out to some of my other faves in downtown again, but I have a new go-to that I'm completely pleased with.

So what's on tap for me tomorrow night, FFNL with a few more friends this time. Hoping that the weather holds up and I get to enjoy a few more bands and a cocktail again. Probably in jeans and a jacket, but I'll still take it all in!