Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's "Bands to Watch" 2019 Showcase- 88.9 Radio Milwaukee Studios, 1/12/19

The Milwaukee music scene is as lively and robust as I've seen it since I began following local bands in high school.  With wonderful support from stations like 91.7 WMSE,  88.9 Radio Milwaukee and others more acts than ever are getting attention along the shores of Lake Michigan and beyond.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel music writer Piet Levy put together a diverse line-up of acts that all are pushing their sound past the shores of Bradford Beach. The "Bands to Watch" 2019 showcase drew an incredibly diverse crowd that appealed to a wide audience. The great thing about this event was the chance for me to enjoy several of my favorite artists who produced some of my favorite music of 2018, as well as checking out new artists I've never seen before.

On Saturday evening fans of all ages packed the 88.9 Radio Milwaukee studios for a showcase of local music making waves.

Buffalo Gospel- 
2018 was a breakout year for a band that is no longer our city's best-kept Americana secret.  These days Buffalo Gospel is selling out regional shows and has cultivated a strong following. With a stellar release On the First Bell, Buffalo Gospel continues to tighten and refine their sound.  Their live performance puts them up there with any Americana act I've seen and lead singer/songwriter Ryan Necci's vocals continue to grow in range.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Luxi-Luxi's performance was truly unique.  The solo electronic artist was joined on stage by a visual artist as she performed songs from her latest release Lost Letters (of Seraphina) which also has an accompanying video game!  Her trippy vocals reminded me a bit of early Portishead and played well to the crowd who appreciated her quirky and original style.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Versio Curs-
Versio Curs' power punk style was by far the most rocking act of the evening.  With a two-guitar attack, driving drums, and thumping bass, they had many of the younger fans in attendance completely engaged.  To quote one college-aged fan standing next to me, "these guys could easily be my new favorite band."  They are certainly worth a listen.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Christopher Porterfield of Field Report-
Christopher Porterfield's masterful songwriting has gained him and his group, Field Report, attention from coast to coast.  From performing at the Bradley Center with Bon Iver last February to selling out two nights at the Back Room at Colectivo this past spring to an epic "Home for the Holidays" show this past December, Porterfield had a great 2018.  What's even more encouraging is how he's debuting new tunes.  Despite some technical difficulties during his set, Porterfield's humble and earnest nature allowed him to jump into the crowd and play "Tightrope" without amplification (and despite a sinus infection), to the delight of fans in attendance.  Porterfield's vocal range continues to grow and his affable nature and endearing lyrics make him a constant favorite.

Photo by Will Piper

Lex Allen-
Lex Allen has become quite the prolific songwriter of late.  He's currently working on his follow up to his excellent 2018 record Table 7: Sinners and Saints.  Lex was the most dynamic performer of the evening with a stage presence that is energetic, theatrical, and above all, fun.  Lex's message of being who you are comes through in his songs.  Whether he's jamming with a young fan, leading the crowd in swaying and clapping or jumping into the audience to sing with fans, Lex Allen is perhaps one of the most engaging and entertaining acts out there.  How does one top "Struck Gold?"  Only time will tell.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Dead Horses:
Dead Horses' core combination of Sarah Vos (guitar) and Daniel Wolff (upright bass) closed out the evening.  The Milwaukee-via-Oshkosh duo has continued to refine their sound and grow as musicians.  Vos's vocals show yearning and peace simultaneously and draw the listener deeply into her songs.  Performing brand new material from an upcoming 2019 release alongside highlights from 2018's amazing release, My Mother the Moon, Dead Horses closed out a night of great music in grand fashion.

photo by Stephen Bloch