Art things to pass your time between binge drinking!

GARDEN VARIETY

Armoury Gallery has an open tonight from 7-11 for their new show, "Garden Variety." In any of the PR materials about the show, you'll read things like "relationships with the physical and imaginary world", "cultural study", "quiet meditation", and "symbolic imagery".

Let's call a spade a spade...it's a show about dirt, people and things that need to be watered.

Which, by the by, is awesome. I look at my withering tomato plants and weed ridden lawn juxtaposed against my neighbor's nicely manicured parcel of green space and it makes me appreciate this show hugely. I mean it's got "relationships with the physical and imaginary world", "cultural study", "quiet meditation", and "symbolic imagery". Oh, shit, I'm starting to sound artsy. Just see the show. It looks really great and if you hit the reception tonight you'll get to meet artists Joseph Sinness, Erika Olson, and River Bullock. And meeting artists is always good for the soul.

When and where: Opening night reception tonight (9/5) from 7-11 PM, but then the show will be ongoing through October 4th. Armoury Gallery, 1718 N. 1st Street 3N3. For more info call 414-265-2806 or visit www.thearmourygallery.com.



PRESENT PAST

Present Music will be presently opening their season on Saturday at Turner Hall Ballroom. No tumbling, I think, but much engaging stuff for any audiophile.

I don't really even know what to make of a concert that boasts

"Post-Classical Music Party, Fencing & Ballroom Dance Demonstrations, Your Mother Dances Dancers Dance, Hee-Haw, John Adams' Son of Chamber Symphony, Vaudevillian Spectacle Delivered Through Crackling Victrola Veneer of Hand-built Copper Microphone, and Other Astonishing Surprises...

but who cares. This isn't the Jonas Brothers, and that ain't a bad thing for Milwaukee (or any city, for that matter).

Also, The Scarring Party will be on hand. If you don't know them, you should. They are weirdly, freakishly grand.

Since it's the season opener, you can believe there will be some partying going on pre and post show. And you know what partying with musicians means...massive hangovers the next day and a high probability of getting some play. What's not to love about this show?

When and where: September 6. Turner Hall Ballroom, 1034 N 4th Street. For more information call 414-271-0711 or visit www.presentmusic.org.