The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE
Even during these despairing, lonely times, people need a smile and a community – and one of the most inspirational ways we've seen that happen during this coronavirus pandemic is the many viral videos of people singing together in Italy, and now across the world, united despite being apart. And tonight, warm up your vocal chords, because Milwaukee's joining in.
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is leading the choral charge with a Milwaukee-wide window sing-along, starting tonight – Saturday, March 28 – at 7 p.m. with the Jackson Five's beloved hit "ABC." The organization notes in the event's official Facebook page that it was inspired by the Italian balcony singers, as well as recent performances in Chicago.
"Now Milwaukee, it’s our turn to join the chorus!" writes the Facebook description. "From the East Side to 'Tosa, Cudahy to Port Washington – and all neighborhoods – let's put aside our sports rivalries and STAND BESIDE our fellow Midwesterners (from a safe distance) while social distancing at home."
The instructions are easy: Pull up the lyrics if you need them, pull up "ABC" wherever you can find it – Spotify, record, CD, YouTube video, etc. – and when the clock strikes 7 p.m., it's show time. Record yourself singing the song (whether in tune or tone-deaf) and upload the video to social media with the tag #MKEsingalong.
It'll provide some inspiration – or, at the very worst, some fun escapist entertainment to watch afterwards – and a nice musical, emotional releases after spending the past two weeks or so away from one another. So let's hear those golden pipes tonight, Milwaukee, and sing together while apart!
For more information on the #MKEsingalong, visit the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music's Facebook page or the sing-along's event page.
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.
