Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Waveriders greet the summer sunrise with “Wiloha” surf culture

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 8, 2018 |

Atwater Beach in Shorewood once again provided a scenic spot for the 6th annual Surf @Water fundraiser on August 4, as a celebration of the Great Lakes surf culture and the primary drive for supporting the Surfrider Foundation-Milwaukee. With Sheboygan holding the honorary title of “surfing capitol of the Midwest,” Milwaukee’s growing freshwater surfing culture is no longer a well-kept secret. Surf @Water has created lasting memories and enhanced the love of our Great Lake for hundreds of children, families, and people of all ages for the past five years. Surfrider-Milwaukee is part of a network consisting of 81...

Air & Water Show 2018 performances prepared and waited for weather to clear

Posted by Lee Matz | Jul 24, 2018 |

The 2018 Milwaukee Air & Water Show took place along the city’s lakefront under poor weather conditions on July 21 and 22, limiting the public performances for each day. Unlike the thick fog in 2014 that grounded the entire show, this year was still able to feature some of the scheduled attractions. Families and enthusiasts gathered along Bradford Beach and Lincoln Memorial Drive in the hopes of watching the US Air Force Thunderbirds, despite the cloudy conditions that rendered visibility unfavorable for many hours. The two-day show is one of the largest free public events in the city. The...

Classic Mark V deep sea suits allow diving enthusiasts to submerge back in time

Posted by Lee Matz | Jul 16, 2018 |

The Lake Michigan Classic Diving Organization (LMCDO) hosted Wisconsin’s first Classic Diving Event on Milwaukee’s lakefront from July 13 to 15, between the South Dock of Discovery World and Lakeshore Park. Participating divers had to be PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) certified in order to suit up and go underwater. Each was fitted with vintage-style, hard-helmet diving suit that weighed more than 160 pounds. Portions of the three-day dive event were open to the general public, allowing area residents the opportunity to wear and dive into Lake Michigan with the classic...

Lance Sijan’s inspirational story shared at screening of new documentary about his life

Posted by Lee Matz | Jun 29, 2018 |

Bay View’s Avalon Theater hosted a private showing of the film “Sijan: A Quest for Freedom” on June 26, which featured the experiences, life, and courageous example of the Medal of Honor recipient as told through the memories of his family, friends, and fellow Vietnam Prisoners of War. The premiere of the “Sijan” documentary was attended by several hundred guests, who all shared a special connection to the 25 year old Bay View native, Captain Lance Peter Sijan. Many in the audience traveled from across the country to see the film, and for the opportunity to trade their personal...

Epic weather conditions no match for determination to sail in 80th Queen’s Cup race

Posted by Lee Matz | Jun 25, 2018 |

With waves up to eight feet battering hulls from multiple directions, the Queen’s Cup sailing competition set course from Bay View’s South Shore Yacht Club (SSYC) for its 80th annual race across Lake Michigan on June 22. While inclement weather conditions did force a few smaller vessels to withdraw from the race, 160 boats and more than 1,000 sailers battled a choppy Lake Michigan that made the start of the physically demanding journey a bit more unpleasant. It was noted by Queen’s Cup veterans that the conditions were the most challenging in recent memory. Celebrating its 80th year, the...

NEWaukee transforms the heart of downtown into 2018 Night Market

Posted by Lee Matz | Jun 24, 2018 |

The 2018 Night Market season started on June 13 for the fifth consecutive summer, converting the city’s main street from frantic automobile traffic to groups of leisurely strolling families and friends. The Night Market is a monthly, open-air emporium that offers a wide variety of experiences for people of all backgrounds and ages. The area from West Wisconsin Avenue, between 2nd and 4th streets, and Old World Third Street, between Wisconsin Avenue and Wells Street is transformed to host the event. NEWaukee founded the Night Market in the summer of 2014 with the goal of creating a free, vibrant,...