Unfortunately, Halloween keeps threatening to become one of those overrated holidays. First, you become too old to fool strangers into giving you free candy. Big kid Halloween parties revive the holiday spirit a bit, but you eventually realize these parties are breeding grounds for shameless attention seekers and “community sex workers.”
Turns out, Halloween can be a let down.
Unless there is a super sweet alternative which is actually worth all the hype, that is.
This Saturday, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1032 N. 4th St., will host “Creatures and Creators,” the Made in Milwaukee 88Nine Halloween Bash.
The party will feature performances by six bands, work from more than 17 artists and a live fashion show.
This year marks Made in Milwaukee’s ninth annual fashion, art and music event, and its second year collaborating with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee for the event. This party presents locals with the opportunity to experience Milwaukee’s best artists, visual and musical, all at once.
The local bands performing include The Championship, Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts, Kid Millions, and Chalice in the Palace. Nationally-known bands Great Lake Swimmers and Serena Ryder will also play at the event.
If that isn’t enough to hold your attention, the Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Scene will also present a costume contest. The person with the best Andy Warhol-inspired costume will win a prize package to MAM’s exhibition, “Andy Warhol: The Last Decade.”
Jordan Lee of Radio Milwaukee is the music director for the bash.
“I am very excited about this year’s line up,” Lee said. “Through my work at 88Nine I was able to get some great national recording artists to bring their tours through Milwaukee.”
Lee said the Great Lake Swimmers and Serena Ryder have both received great responses from the station’s listeners.
“The Championship are poised to be the next big thing to come out of Milwaukee,” Lee said. “Kid Millions has the station’s number one requested song with his hit single, ‘Victim to the Beat.’”
He also said Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts are making a huge impact on the national scene and will be the party’s openers. Kid Millions will release his new album, “Recession Proof Rap” at the event.
“Made in Milwaukee has teamed up with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee this year to further expand the focus on Milwaukee music and arts,” Lee said. “Whatever style of music you are into, there is something for you at this party.”
Lee said fellow event planners anticipate the fashion show will be one of the best yet and this year’s gallery contains work that is sure to impress from amazing artists.
Jen Funk is the artistic director for the party and said five artists will be painting or creating live. All art will be for sale.
“All of the artists are people from Milwaukee that are active in the art scene and have shown works around town at galleries,” Funk said.
Funk said there is no booth fee for artists, who are allowed free reign on what they will show. They are also allowed to keep all profits from sales.
“Made in Milwaukee exists solely to provide artists, musicians and fashionistas with a place to show their work, get their names out there, make contacts and make Milwaukee a great city,” Funk said.
Funk said the event is extremely high energy and takes about a year to plan.
“It has grown (from) grassroots, from showing a couple paintings in a bar, to selling out Turner Hall, all by word of mouth over the years,” Funk said.
Tickets are $10 and doors will open at 5 p.m.
