As we leap into summer, the City of Festivals launches its jam-packed slate of fests, with festival action along the lakefront and throughout the city nearly every weekend in June. But don’t worry, for theater lovers looking to beat the heat, there’s still plenty to see in the Milwaukee Theater District! With a loaded slate of concerts, comedians and performances at Pabst Theater Group venues, the Bradley Symphony Center and the Marcus Performing Arts Center, here are nine shows to see in Milwaukee this June.
“MJ The Musical”
June 1 | 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Catch one of the final performances of “MJ The Musical” at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Making its Wisconsin debut later in May, running May 27 through June 1, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical takes you beyond the moves and tunes that made Michael Jackson one of the greatest entertainers during his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. This thriller takes you behind the curtain, sharing a glimpse of MJ’s creative mind and collaborative spirit that made him an icon. Moonwalk your way to tickets today!
Samia with special guest Raffaella
June 5 | 8 p.m.
Up-and-coming artist Samia rolls into Milwaukee on June 5, bringing her fast-growing catalogue of music to the Turner Hall Ballroom. Her fourth album since 2020, Samia’s recent release, “Bloodless,” is all at once simple and complex. The simple instrumentation of an acoustic guitar and drums pair with lyrics that examine a paradoxical existence, creating an album that’s wholly unique. With over 150 million streams and opening in front of sold-out crowds for artists like Maggie Rogers, Lucy Dacus and Courtney Barnett, Samia is coming to Turner Hall Ballroom for a headlining set of her own. Find your seats today!
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
June 10 | 8 p.m.
“Best Pop Instrumental Performance.” “Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album.” “Best Blues Album.” Ben Harper’s Grammy albums speak for themselves. He’s one of the most versatile songwriters and one of the single most gifted musical risk-takers in the music industry, his work spanning genres like pop, reggae, soul, blues, rock, funk and folk, amassing 18 studio albums. With hits like “Burn One Down,” “Forever,” “High Tide Or Low Tide” and “Amen Omen,” this is one you won’t want to miss. Find your tickets here!
DANNY GO!
June 13 | 5 p.m.
A little family-focused show for the kids, DANNY GO! is coming to the Miller High Life Theatre on June 13. This live-action educational children’s show is a great way to introduce your kids (ages 3-7) to theater, with music, movement and plenty of silliness to keep them entertained. The popular children’s entertainers are best known for their YouTube Kids channel, Spotify and Apple Music content, which helps teach kids some of the skills needed for their development in fun and engaging ways. GO get your tickets today!
Ledisi with special guest Marsha Ambrosius
June 13 | 7 p.m.
A Grammy Award-winning artist who has redefined the soul and R&B genres, Ledisi’s performance at the Riverside Theater is our next pick not to miss. Known for her powerful storytelling and spellbinding performances, she’s racked up 15 Grammy nominations throughout her career and a series of chart-topping singles, including “I Need To Know,” “Pieces Of Me” and “Alright,” blazing her own trail as an icon in the contemporary soul genre. Get your tickets to see her live in Milwaukee!
Great Moments in Grand Opera
June 13-June 15
Coming to the great place on a Great Lake, Great Moments in Grand Opera is coming to the Bradley Symphony Center on June 13-15. In this grand season finale, music director Ken-David Masur will lead the Milwaukee Symphony and Chorus to create swelling harmonies and melodies accompanying lush instrumentation from master composers like Wagner, Mozart, Verdi and more. Get great seats to the Grand Opera!
Daniel Tosh
June 21 | 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
For nearly three decades, Daniel Tosh has been giving his hilarious takes on life and, in the back half of June, he’s about to bring them to Milwaukee at The Riverside Theater. Best known as the creator of “TOSH.0” on Comedy Central, he has also appeared on TV shows, standup specials and his latest project, the “Tosh Show,” a YouTube show and podcast that launched in 2023. Don’t miss his side-splittingly funny perspective when he returns to Milwaukee in June. Find your seats!
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
June 25 | 8 p.m.
For over three decades, Jason Isbell has been a brilliant, yet ever-evolving artist. From his early project, the Drive-By Truckers, to his recent work with the 400 Unit, Isbell has continued to shift his sound in new ways. However, his raw emotion and vulnerably honest lyrics are his calling card that have connected with fans all over the world. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear well-loved songs like, “If We Were Vampires,” “Alabama Pines,” and “Only Children,” as well as songs from the group’s 2023 release, “Weathervanes.” Get your tickets today!
Ralph Barbosa & René Vaca
June 29 | 7:30 p.m.
A dual headlining tour that’s bringing the laughs to the Cream City in June, Ralph Barbosa and René Vaca are coming to the Pabst Theater on June 29. Described as one of the shyest attention hogs to ever do comedy, Ralph Barbosa is a rising star in the comedy industry. Recently named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch, he also sold out a pair of theaters during the Netflix Is A Joke Comedy Fest 2024 and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Joining him is René Vaca, winner of the 16th annual StandUp NBC competition, who has quickly built a social media following with his standup comedy clips reaching 900,000 followers on Instagram and 580,000 on TikTok. Get your ticket to a night of laughs here!
