Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Design project helps local creatives bedazzle MCTS bus shelters with art

Posted by Editor | Jun 18, 2018 |

On June 14, representatives from Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, and artist CK Ledesma unveiled the first piece from a new art program that turned the bus shelter at the northeast corner of Humboldt Boulevard and North Avenue into a canvas. The Bus Art Project MKE was developed to feature the designs of the local artists on bus shelters throughout Milwaukee County. Inspired by a similar project Lybra Ray started in Sheboygan, she approached MCTS with the idea and found support. “I grew up riding the bus in Milwaukee, so this project is part...

Lex Allen kicks off Bay View’s outdoor concert series with Chill on the Hill performance

Posted by Editor | Jun 14, 2018 |

The Bay View Neighborhood Association, in partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks, began its 14th season of Chill on the Hill on June 5 with a performance by Lex Allen. While Milwaukee has no shortage of outdoor music events in the summer, Chill on the Hill is special for Bay View residents. The Tuesday night concert series at the Humboldt Park Bandshell draws neighbors from across the street and all parts of the city. “Our Talent Team has worked hard to stick to our philosophy of bringing original music and local musicians to perform for our Bay View neighbors....

Danica Roem opens PrideFest with keynote about speaking truth to power

Posted by Editor | Jun 11, 2018 |

“Whatever problems the LGBT community may have in the state capital, you are not going to have them in the County Courthouse or City Hall. We are in this together, and that’s what this is all about, being together. We have to be respectful of each other and understand where we, as human beings, want to be loved and want to love in whatever way is appropriate for us.” – Mayor Tom Barrett Proudly celebrating local LGBTQ culture and community, the 31st Annual PrideFest Milwaukee officially kicked off the summer festival season on June 8. The opening ceremonies featured...

MCTS offers Northshore service to Summerfest with return of Bayshore freeway flyer

Posted by Editor | Jun 7, 2018 |

After a 15-year hiatus, MCTS will again provide Freeway Flyers service to Summerfest from the Park-Ride lot near the Bayshore Town Center. County Executive Chris Abele, Summerfest CEO Don Smiley, and Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy announced the special event route at a press conference on June 5 at the Silver Spring Drive Park-Ride Lot across from Bayshore Town Center. “We are the economic engine of the Northshore. We are where everyone goes to shop, to dine, and to recreate. So we are pleased to have this opportunity to help all of the Northshore communities to have an easier way...

“The Great American Read” asks Milwaukee book lovers to pick their favorite novel

Posted by Editor | Jun 7, 2018 |

Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) announced recently that it will receive a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) to host programs around “The Great American Read.” The eight-part PBS television series was designed to engage audiences to read and share their personal connections from a list of 100 diverse books. The chosen books span five centuries, from Don Quixote (1603) to Ghost (2016). Authors from 15 different countries are represented, with genres ranging from beloved children’s classics such as Charlotte’s Web to modern best-sellers such as Twilight. “MPL is honored to receive this...

The day Milwaukee turned orange to help end gun violence

Posted by Editor | Jun 5, 2018 |

City leaders and community advocates gathered at O’Donnell Park on May 31 to raise awareness about gun viоIеncе, in recognition of Wear Orange Day and National Gun ViоIеncе Awareness Day on June 1. More than 100,000 men, women, and children are shоt every year across the nation, with gun viоIеncе devastating families in Wisconsin and tеrrоrizing disadvantaged Milwaukee neighborhoods. The annual Wear Orange Weekend, June 1 to 3, is a national campaign to end gun viоIеncе. The Calling, the orange sunburst-shaped sculpture at O’Donnell Park, was the background for the kick-off rally, attended by dozens of supporters dressed in...