Milwaukee's Best Kept Secret

The Skylight (158 N. Broadway) is pleased to present the worldwide phenomenon Sing-a-Long Sound of Music. This limited engagement will run May 9 and 10 from 7 to 11pm in the Cabot Theater of the Broadway Theater Center. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 414-291-7800 or online. Don't miss the vocal warm-up and costume competition!

Elaine Erickson Gallery (207 E. Buffalo St.) presents Evolutions featuring Rory Burke and Stacey Steinberg. Both artists will be exhibiting their latest body of works including both two and three dimensional. Ms. Steinberg's work consists of memory evoked prints, painting and structures. Ms. Burke's resin creations have evolved from her original tiny pieces to nearly life-size. Closing reception for the artists Saturday, May 17 from 1 to 3pm. Exhibition through May 21.  Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday or by appointment.  For more information, call 414-221-0613.

Next Act Theatre (342 North Water St.) features John McGivern and Christopher Tarjan in The Mystery of Irma Vep now playing at the Off-Broadway Theatre. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel proclaims “…its rollicking slapstick takes the audience hostage for a hilarious ride of funny and brazenly campy send-ups targeting everything from Shakespeare's tragedies to Daphne du Maurier's ‘Rebecca’…None of them missed a beat -- and neither should you, in snapping up a ticket from the dwindling supply still remaining for this show.” Due to popularity, production run has already been extended through May 25! Purchase tickets in person at the box office or by phone at 414-278-0765, visit www.nextact.org for more information.

In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, the Tory Folliard Gallery (233 N. Milwaukee St.) will host a special exhibition showcasing the talented artists that have made this tremendous occasion possible. For this occasion many of these painters, sculptors and photographers will be exhibiting new work especially selected for this honored event.  This will be a large exhibition featuring many of Wisconsin's most prominent artists: Tom Uttech, John Wilde, Flora Langlois, Mark Mulhern, Marion Coffey, Jason Rohlf, Dennis Nechvatal, Richard Taylor, Steven Foster, Patrick Farrell, Fred Stonehouse, T.L. Solien and others. Exhibition through May 31. For more information, call 414-273-7311 or visit online.  

Katie Gingrass Gallery (241 N. Broadway) presents Urban Perspectives now through June 28. Seven contemporary artists present new work in diverse media that draw inspiration from city life.  These include photographs, or sketched impressions of architecture, landscape and people, and sculptures that condense the mood and energy of the city into compelling forms.  Featuring:  Neil Rongstad, Jeffrey Kenney, Michael McKee, Tom Galbraith, Eric Bladholm, Scott Hefti, and David Bader. For more information, call 414-289-0855 or visit online.

Milwaukee Shakespeare (158 N. Broadway) announced its participation in the 2008-2009 Shakespeare for a New Generation initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest.  This is the third year they have been chosen to participate in this initiative. Only 40 theatres throughout the United States were chosen this year for program funding to present performances and supplementary educational programs for students in their region.  Through the assistance of the NEA award, Milwaukee Shakespeare hopes to expand its service of student matinees and student workshops to a wider populace both within and beyond Milwaukee County.    For more information, visit www.milwaukeeshakespeare.com or call 414-747-9662.

Visit the Elaine Erickson Gallery (207 E. Buffalo St.) and view original paintings by Ruth Grotenrath and Schomer Lichtner. Grotenrath used 20th Century modern influences in her early work and later used the sophisticated arts of Japan. Lichtner is best known for his expressive and whimsical paintings of ballerinas and dairy cows as well as his regionalist murals. The exhibit is ongoing and exclusive to the Gallery. For more information call 414-221-0613 or visit www.eericksongallery.com.

Presented by the East Town and Historic Third Ward Associations, the 20-year-old Gallery Night & Day is the two-day premier art event in Milwaukee for both the experienced artist and most beginning admirer. Download an application for July 25 & 26 Gallery Night and Day here. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 23 at noon.

Please use caution when walking under the St. Paul Street bridge on the Riverwalk. A pair of Canada geese are nesting nearby. The geese are very territorial and will try to keep passersby from getting near their nest. If you keep moving past the nest, the geese should leave you alone. The Wisconsin Humane Society is aware of the situation.

freckle face childrens boutique will be relocating from their current location at 407 E. Buffalo Street to 244 N. Broadway this summer. With this move comes an expansion of new categories including baby strollers, furniture, and gear! Additionally, the eco-friendly focus will continue to be a strong factor in all product areas. Child photographer, Christine Plamann, will be opening a studio at the same location on the 2nd floor.  This studio and viewing gallery will compliment her on-location, natural light lifestyle photography business.   For more information about Christine, please visit www.christineplamann.com or call 414-744-0995.

Celebrity chef, Wynnie Stein of the famed Moosewood Restaurant, will give a demonstration on Monday, May 19 from 7 to 8:30pm at the Milwaukee Public Market. Chef Stein will share the Moosewood philosophy as she demonstrates a delicious and easy to prepare weeknight meal that will showcase Wisconsin's springtime ingredients. Moosewood cookbooks will be available for purchase and autograph. A raffle will be held to benefit Prevent Child Abuse America. Tickets are on sale for $45 per person. This includes the cooking demonstration, menu tastings and light refreshments. To order tickets, please contact Greer Thornton at 312.334.6817 or gthronton@preventchildabuse.org.

Click here for weekly updates and specials from Third Ward Merchant Members! The list is updated every Wednesday, so check back often.

Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) has been recognized as "Architect of the Year" by the American Subcontractors Association of Wisconsin. EUA was recognized with the award for its work on the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. EUA has been honored with the Architect of the Year award nine times.

Here's a brief listing of some of our newest neighbors:
Allen Kitchen & Bath (102 N. Water St.) Award-winning design and remodeling at competitive prices.
Body Massage Studio (207 E. Buffalo St.) A new massage option.
Dockside Market (577 E. Erie St.) Market and deli featuring sandwiches, wine and cheese.
Muscari (316 N. Milwaukee St.) Milwaukee's greener choice for fine flowers.
Rustico's (223 N. Water St.) Gourmet pizza restaurant run by Brian Zarletti. Opening soon!

And farewell to those who have moved out of the neighborhood:
Caffeine Communications (316 N. Milwaukee St.) a part of the Ward since 2003.

Check out the Third Ward Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Guide here! With almost 130 listings, the Guide is sure you help you discover many of the great things the Historic Third Ward has to offer.

Did you miss getting a Summer Sizzle t-shirt last year? Do you need a snazzy polo to look good in? Visit the Historic Third Ward office during regular business hours (M-F 8am-5pm) and check out our Third Ward Gear!
Shirts, hats and magnets are available for purchase.
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2007-purple) - $7
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2006-red) - $6
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2005-blue) - $5
Historic Third Ward Polo Shirt (green) - $10
Historic Third Ward Hat - $15
HTWA Picture Frame Magnet - $5
Cash and checks welcome!

The Historic Third Ward Association and City of Milwaukee Business Improvement District No. 2 are proud to announce that the Historic Third Ward Riverwalk project received a 2007 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design. The Riverwalk also earned Special Recognition in 2006 from the AIA as well as a Special Achievement Award for Public Space from the International Downtown Association (IDA), the honor of Top Project from Wisconsin Builder Magazine and an Award of Excellence at the Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards. In 2005, project won an Honor Award from The Waterfront Center. The Historic Third Ward Riverwalk was designed by Engberg Anderson, a business tenant member of the Historic Third Ward. Learn about the project here.

The current Get Around Guide for the Marquette Interchange Project is now available in our office. The Guide provides information about closures and alternate routes through June 2008. For more information on trip planning, visit www.mchange.org - the official Marquette Interchange Project Web site. The site has closure info, up-to-date traffic conditions and even lets you map your personal route. Or, call the Marquette Interchange Project Hotline at 262-548-5684.