Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Vessels decorated with light sail in inaugural Venetian Boat Parade

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 26, 2017 |

The McKinley Boat Owners Association (McBOAT) and the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center (MCSS) hosted the city’s first Venetian Boat Parade in the McKinley Marina channel on August 19. Along with a City of Milwaukee Fire boat and Police boat escort, 14 vessels clad extensively in themed lighting took part in the inaugural sailing festival. The decorations and complexity of illuminations were multiplied by the mirror-like water at night. Presented along with support from the Milwaukee County Parks, the idea for the free parade was to entertain Milwaukee residents with a pageant of light and raise funds for the Milwaukee...

Mayor of Ireland’s County Mayo invites Milwaukee for a visit

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 25, 2017 |

Guests of the 37th annual Milwaukee Irish Fest were treated to the sights and sounds of TradFest from August 17 to 20 in a musical showcase and cultural display. What began as a niche festival in Dublin’s Temple Bar District ten years ago has grown to a five-day music event showcasing the best traditional and folk artists from around the world. “We are delighted to bring TradFest to Milwaukee Irish Fest because we are very proud of our event and what it stands for, pure unadulterated traditional music and culture at its best,” said Martin Harte, CEO of the...

Photo Essay: Irish Fest showcases Celtic culture

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 25, 2017 |

The 37th annual Milwaukee Irish Fest took place from August 17 to 20, celebrating the world’s largest commemoration of Celtic music and culture.

MKE United shares feedback for vision of Greater Downtown

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 24, 2017 |

MKE United held an open house and informational session at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library on August 16 to share planning progress and invite community feedback for its action agenda outlining the future for Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. With an estimated $5 billion of private development projected for the downtown Milwaukee region, a shared and inclusive vision for the direction of that investment has not existed between government, business, and the community. Milwaukee is experiencing once-in-a-generation development cycle in and around downtown that is creating tremendous opportunities for the city. Milwaukee United was formed to respond to this...

Photo Essay: Wisconsin’s first Main Street Day celebrated

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 23, 2017 |

“We are excited to be a part of the Wisconsin Main Street Program. As we work toward bringing new businesses and creating more vibrancy in the commercial district, the Wisconsin Main Street program will provide valuable tools and resources to help make Milwaukee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive the best of the nearly 900 King Drives in the nation.” – Deshea Agee The Historic King Drive Business Improvement District (BID) No. 8 became the state’s 34th Wisconsin Main Street community on August 22, and is the only organization in the state to earn the designation in 2017. The...

Photo Essay: Faith group stands up to racism with silent vigil

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 22, 2017 |

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) chapter of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee (FUSM) held a public vigil against White Supremacy outside of its church after Sunday Worship Service on August 20.