About 20 minutes before my band, The Whisper Press, took the stage at BBC on Friday I looked around me to take in the audience.  I like to know what the vibe is before I rock.  Is the crowd big or intimate?  Do I recognize any of the faces?  Are people amped for a wild night or do they seem to want to take in some music on their terms?  Is my bass guitar completely out of tune?  And damn, why did I wear this lame-o shirt? 

There's a lot that goes on in a rocker's mind before a show, despite appearances to the contrary (like chain-drinking Pabst longnecks).  At any rate, as I took in the audience I saw faces that probably looked like me own.  That is, ear-to-ear grins while watching the opening act, Chief, rip a positively awesome set!  Ever hear of Chief?  How bout IROC Z, they were the other act in BBC's December 22nd line up? 

Here's I guess what I'm getting at.  I've been seeing bands in this city for 10 plus years, and I've been rocking every stage in town since 2003.  At no time have I ever seen so many fabulous bands and musicians.  MILWAUKEE is freakin' bursting at the seams with killer bands.  There's Something 2 Do, arguably the best ska band in the midwest.  There's The 5 Card Studs, the best Vegas-style cover act I've ever seen.  Do I need to say that Decibully has written some of the finest Alt Pop/Rock to be found ANYWHERE!  Heathrow continues to rip their version of college alt rock to delighted audiences.  Myself Alone will give any Prog Rock act a run for their money.  Meaghan Owens is an incredibly original voice that calls to mind sticky roadhouse floors and maybe a hint of Ani Difranco too.  Marcella's lead vocalist is not just great in Brew City, she would wow audiences in NYC, LA, Austin, and any major music city. 

I don't know where or how to stop or start a list of first class acts where Milwaukee is concerned today...do I start at The Cocksmiths and stop when I reach Master Zaster Blaster.  Do I count the already buzzing Maritime in the mix (see em' if you can get in the door).  How about On A Sun, those guys just ripped Double Door with Soul Asylum a few weeks ago. 

Yeah...yeah...you've heard it all before.  "Nobody goes out to see bands in Milwaukee, and good Milwaukee bands play elsewhere."  Guess what?  Wrongola!  Milwaukee music is the best it's been since the Femmes rocked street corners in the 80's.  You know what, I think it is better.  We have it all right now, and it is out there waiting to be seen and heard right in your own backyard. 

Check it.

--Mitts