Wmse Backyard Bbq

When WMSE does music is always turns out well. And the very popular Backyard BBQ is no exception.
The BBQ returned in 2014 after a one year hiatus and didn’t miss a beat. WMSE has always been a strong community partner and they heavily invest in all things great about Milwaukee. So it was only natural that they partnered with the iconic Milwaukee Film Fest and hosted them on the debut day of their 2014 Film Guide. The presence of the MFF added a strong local and artistic element to the event.
Food was available for purchased from many popular food trucks (Fry Bread, Hattie’s, and Rudy’s) and the East Town Association (another WMSE Community Partner) was able to raise some funds by running the bar and beverage services.
But the real highlight of any WMSE event is the music. And FREE MUSIC to boot. And the event lineup was as diverse as the station’s daily programming.
Leading off was the Mike Benign Compulsion fronted by Milwaukee native Mike Benign. Benign is no stranger to the local music scene having been a mainstay for the last 25 or so years. Devotees of Milwaukee music may remember his first, and very popular collaboration — Blue in the Face.
Another local act, the Greatest Lakes went on stage next. And while they don’t have the years of experience at their predecessor, they had chops. These Milwaukee boys are oft referred to as folk-​pop-​indie-​rock, which sell records right now and rightfully so.
The first national touring act of the evening was trio from Kansas called Split Lip Rayfield. Their brand of bluegrass with country undertones thrilled the quickly multiplying crowd.
Indigenous, another national act, kept the crowd on their feel with their unique brand of rock. The lead singer, a South Dakota Sioux Indian, stays true to his roots and assembled a touring band of talented Native Americans.
Headlining the night was Nashville born Los Straightjackets. These suit and tie clad lads play their entire instrumental sets while wearing Mexican wrestling masks. Through the years they’ve recorded 20 albums, 13 being original studio cuts and they developed quite the cult following. And judging by the crowd reaction, they may have added a few more from Milwaukee that night.
Rounding out the event tents was the Merch Tech where WMSE peddled their own wares and provided an opportunity to all the bands to reach some fans as well.
Overall WMSE really gets it — good, local, live music and organizations making themselves accessible to their guests. It’s doesn’t get more «feel good» than that.