Author: Correspondent

Oriental Theatre takes center stage for Milwaukee Film expansion

Milwaukee Film announced the acquisition of a 31-year lease to operate the Oriental Theatre beginning July 1, 2018. The realization of years of effort, this lease signals tremendous future growth for the organization and ensures that the Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by Associated Bank, will be a part of the community for years to come. “The Oriental Theatre is a treasure. I have visited hundreds of cinemas worldwide and the Oriental Theatre is my favorite. It is magical to see 1,000 of our members fill the main house at our monthly screenings,” says Jonathan Jackson, Artistic & Executive Director...

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Milwaukee Film gets historic $2M gift from County Executive Chris Abele

In order to support the growth of the organization and successfully meet the demands of running a world class film institution, a fundraising initiative has already begun. A total of $3 million of a $10 million goal has been raised so far, with Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Executive and Milwaukee Film Co-Founder and past Board Chair, making a personal contribution of $2 million. “From day one, every person involved in Milwaukee Film – from staff, to volunteers, to the Board, to our dedicated 3,600 members – has been driven by the goal of not simply creating a film festival,...

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Radio Milwaukee announces concert lineup for 88Nine Block Party

Nationally acclaimed rapper Noname and rockers Strand of Oaks and Field Report will headline Radio Milwaukee’s “88Nine Block Party, Presented by Educators Credit Union,” a free, all-day concert and celebration on June 24 outside the noncommercial station’s studios in Walker’s Point. In addition to the three emerging national groups, the block party will feature leading Milwaukee artists REYNA, D’Amato and Abby Jeanne. The 88Nine Block Party is being held to mark Radio Milwaukee’s 10th year on-air, online and in the community. The station (WYMS 88.9-FM, www.radiomilwaukee.org) launched Feb. 26, 2007. The event is being presented by Educators Credit Union,...

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Software lets public balance $40M shortfall in County budget

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced the launch of his new “Engage Milwaukee” initiative, a hands-on, first-of-its-kind community outreach and education campaign throughout the entire County designed to give the public more opportunities to make their voices heard on important issues. Engage Milwaukee is an extension of County Executive Abele’s belief that Milwaukee County has everything it takes to be the best-run government in the country, but that we can only get there if we constantly aim to improve in all that we do. He also believes that a more interactive model of civic engagement and public input greatly...

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Scholarships exceed $62 million for Class of 2017 students

Milwaukee Public Schools recently announced another record-breaking number of scholarship dollars offered to graduating students. As of June 12, the Class of 2017 received an eye-popping total of $62,742,516 in scholarships, shattering last year’s record of $51 million. This is the fifth straight year, dating back to 2012 ($17 million total) that scholarship offers have increased. $17 million – 2012 $24 million – 2013 $31 million – 2014 $39 million – 2015 $50 million – 2016 $62+ million – 2017 % Increase since 2012 “Congratulations to the Class of 2017 for breaking the record for scholarships raised. It takes...

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PrideFest 2017 makes history with attendance record

Wonderful weather and beautiful people combined at Milwaukee’s lakefront for the 30th anniversary of PrideFest Milwaukee, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of LGBTQ culture and community. With 37,682 visitors attending this year’s festival from June 9 to 11, attendance was up 13% over the previous record of 33,438 set in 2016. Through the PrideFest Plus One campaign , PrideFest raised $5,109 for GSAFE, Wisconsin’s greatest advocate for LGBTQ students in an academic setting. “We were honored and humbled to see such colossal turnout,” said Michail Takach, vice president of Milwaukee Pride. “There was such a powerful, positive energy...

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