OnMilwaukee.com always has its collective finger on the pulse of Milwaukee. Once again we bring you our monthly dose of hot tips, tidbits and scoops. Here's the Milwaukee Buzz for August.

A NEW DOWNTOWN CHAMP?

Champps Americana sports bar and restaurant is scouting out locations on or around Water Street for a new sports bar. They have two locations in the area already, in Greenfield and Brookfield.

ALL FOR YOU

Janet Jackson has rescheduled her Bradley Center concert for Tues., Oct 16. Ms. Jackson takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Opening the show is 112.

O'KEEFEE ON MAM'S MIND

"O'Keeffe's O'Keeffe's: The Artist's Collection," curated by Barbara Buhler Lynes of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum with MAM's own Russell Bowman, was a huge hit at the Milwaukee Art Museum. More than 90,000 people toured the exhibit in total, and during the final weekend alone (Aug. 17-19) nearly every time slot for the exhibit sold out!

DISHIN' UP REDROOM

redroom, 1875 N. Humbolt Ave., is now open. Owned by Julia LaLoggia, the woman behind Dish, redroom, with its bronze siding, will feature acid jazz, r&b and an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. The big "We're Open" sign can't be missed.

SHAKER'S SHAKE UP

Shaker's, 422 S. 2nd St. is getting a face lift and a new name.

NEW DOWNTOWN HOTEL

The land at 4th & Wisconsin has for years been rumored as a site for a new hotel (wasn't there an historic hotel there before? Why'd they raze that one? -ed.). Nothing has ever happened. But, there's a new proposal from Hunzinger Construction Co. that might actually come to fruition. Stay tuned.

NO MORE SKYWALKS

Another skywalk will soon cloud the skyline of downtown. This one will connect the Hilton with the Midwest Express Center. Is it that hard to walk on the street? Skywalks only work to kill street traffic, hurt retail and suck the life out of an otherwise growing downtown. Don't we want to learn from past mistakes?

A JAMMIN' CHANGE

Jammin' oldies, 98.3 FM, has changed its format slightly. You'll now hear more of "today's R&B and soul" sprinkled with the classics.

RIVER FLICKS RETURN?

The drive-in movie theater -- that starry night site of Milwaukee's adolescent lust -- might be on its way out. But few things are sweeter in summer than watching movies in the moonlight on the river. And while New York and other bigger cities have jumped all over the outdoor movie idea the past few summers, Milwaukee has let its summer flicks slide (except for an occasional outdoor film at a County Park). Don't worry, OnMilwaukee.com and the Westown Association with the very gracious help of the Milwaukee Hilton are proud to announce that NEXT summer the event shall return to Pere Marquette Park. Keep your eyes and ears tuned to OnMilwaukee.com for details.

PINTO

Pinto, featuring members of The Yell Leaders and Wooldridge Brothers, along with some other great veteran Milwaukee musicians, return to perform their vintage country and western favorites, Sat., Aug. 25 at Gil Fest, 2608 N. Downer Ave.

A GRAND MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY

The Grand Avenue, soon to be The Shops at Grand Avenue, is ready to release plans for a huge downtown Christmas spectacular. While we are sworn to secrecy on the details, we can tell you that November and December will be incredibly festive in downtown. New lighting, new exhibits, a revamped Boston Store and several surprises. We'll have details next month. Less than 150 shopping days until Christmas...

STANDING TALL DOWNTOWN

The Wisconsin Women's Club is erecting a new sculpture by Magdalena Abakanowicz in the Kilbourn Ave. median strip outside their building on Cass St.

MORE SCULPTURE

Milwaukee's public art continues to grow on Wed., Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. when the dedication of "Acqua Grylli," a sculpture created for the Milwaukee Riverwalk by Beth Sahagian, is dedicated. Check it out on the west side of the river on the Riverwalk between Kilbourn and Wells.

FAST COMPANY

Ron Leiber, a senior editor at Fast Company, toured the OnMilwaukee.com office Thurs., Aug. 9. Afterward he gave a wonderful speech to a group of 450 young professionals in town. Leiber's thoughts and ideas were thought-provoking and entertaining. Thanks, Ron!

GRENADIER'S UPDATE

We talked with Ike Rosenthal, head waiter and Milwaukee cheerleader from Grenadier's. He assured us that the folks at Grenadier's, 747 N. Broadway, are working to re-open the restaurant as soon as possible, hopefully by October. Rumors have been surfacing after an early August fire closed this landmark dining destination.

NICE DESIGN

The Milwaukee Department of City Development is seeking nominations for the Fifth Annual Mayor's Design Awards. The awards are presented in an ongoing effort to recognize design excellence throughout Milwaukee. Projects eligible for an award must be within the city of Milwaukee and built or redesigned within the last five years. Recent recipients include Blue Dawg Bagels, 1441 N. Farwell Ave., the Waterfront Deli, 761 N. Water St., Stella's Beauty Salon, 3106 W. Vliet St. and the Milwaukee Montessori School at 345 N. 95th St. Nomination forms are available online at www.mkedcd.org. or by calling (414) 286-8543. Submittal deadline is September 1, 2001.

FLANNERY'S EXPANSION

Watch for Flannery's to expand into the restaurant located just to its east.

OOH LA LA

We popped into Jacques' French Deli & Cafe on its opening day recently and the place looks great. There's a small market selection (we bought sea salt and Chestnut spread), a cafe menu and deli. It's a great addition to Walker's Point on 2nd & Washington.

MORE MAYFAIR

Mayfair Mall has officially opened its second floor expansion. It features two new wings with shops aimed at kids and teens. Stuff like Abercrombie Kids, Talbot's for Kids and Pottery Barn for Kids. There are new store for adults, too Check it out.