What's On Tap

Sandy Maxx shares highlights from the first weekend of Summerfest!

Are you ready for Summerfest? Milwaukee World Festival’s President and CEO Sarah Pancheri and Chief Revenue Officer Kevin Canady sit down with WTMJ’s Sandy Maxx to preview Summerfest 2026, including this year’s including this year’s lineup, free admission deals, festival tips and what’s new on the Milwaukee lakefront. From amphitheater headliners to food, family activities and immersive art, they breakdown how to make the most of this year’s festival.

Sandy Maxx joined Wisconsin's Weekend Morning News to talk about the mural honoring Bob Uecker in downtown Milwaukee.

On this episode of What's On Tap with Sandy Maxx, Sandy previews one of the biggest festival weekends of the summer, including Polish Fest, Tosa Greek Fest, the Appleton Flag Day Parade, Turtle Fest, and the Lakefront Festival of Art, and the first-ever Guitar Town Music Festival honoring Les Paul in Waukesha. Plus, hear Sandy's conversation with Brad Smith and Ian Ash about the first ever Guitar Town Music Festival, get a preview of Summerfest 2026 just one week before opening day, including the surprising Summerfest guest from The Simpsons, Hank Azaria.

The Weekend Trend with Sandy Maxx. And hope you’re not out of town this weekend! Polish Fest. Greek Fest in Tosa, and the Flag Day Parade! We also discuss a really cool event for the Chad Smith foundation – and Sandy spoke with the drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on What’s on Tap!

Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers joins Sandy Maxx to discuss launching the Chad Smith Foundation in Milwaukee, creating free after-school music programs for kids, and his recent experiences recording on the The Rolling Stones new album and working with Paul McCartney and Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live. Plus, a preview of GuitarTown Music Festival in Waukesha, Discovery World’s Turtle Fest, and the delicious traditions, music, and culture of the 57th Annual Tosa Greek Fest.

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy joins Sandy Maxx to share stories from his legendary career, his role in Sinners, and his upcoming concert July 26 at Milwaukee's Riverside Theater. Plus, Skylight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Unger announces a special world-premiere event featuring Gary Sinise and the music of his late son, Mac Sinise. Sandy also catches up with the creator and cast members of Brewed Awakening, a new Wisconsin-made TV pilot beginning production this month, and shares local arts, music, and cultural highlights from around Milwaukee.

Blues icon Buddy Guy joins Sandy Maxx ahead of his Riverside Theatre performance for a conversation filled with humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom. Buddy reflects on his journey from a two-string guitar in rural Louisiana to becoming one of the most influential musicians of all time, shares stories from decades on the road, and explains why connecting with audiences still drives him at nearly 90 years old. Plus, thoughts on keeping the blues alive, his recent Grammy-winning success, his role in Sinners, and the simple power of music to bring people together.

What to expect and who to root for with Wisconsin connections at the Tony Awards. Plus your invitation to join Sandy Maxx at the Tony Awards Watch Party at Skylight Music Theatre!

On this special Tony Awards preview edition of What's On Tap with Sandy Maxx, Sandy explores Wisconsin's remarkable connections to Broadway's biggest night. Milwaukee native and Tony Award nominee for Best Sound Design for a Play, Josh Schmidt, talks about the journey and dynamics of the play, BUG. Tony Award winner Anthony Crivello and Skylight Music Theatre Executive Director and Broadway veteran Susan Varela share their insights, predictions, and favorite nominees ahead of the 2026 Tony Awards. Hear why The Lost Boys, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Death of a Salesman, and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) are generating buzz, learn about Wisconsin artists making an impact on Broadway. Plus, your invitation to join Susan and Sandy at Milwaukee's biggest Tony Awards Watch Party at Skylight Music Theatre.

On this episode of What's On Tap with Sandy Maxx, Milwaukee Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements joins Sandy for a lively preview of the 2026 Tony Awards, sharing his picks, predictions, and insights on Broadway's biggest night. Artist Adam Himebauch discusses the citywide Milwaukee Gold Rush scavenger hunt and its National Cheese Day-inspired finale. Sneaker entrepreneur Eric "Shake" James and creative director Alexander John unveil the new adidas x SNEEX "What The Milwaukee" Forum Low, a collectible shoe celebrating Milwaukee culture, Summerfest, and community impact. Plus, Jim Weatherly and Jeffrey Bensman preview the grand reopening of the historic Gobbler Theater in Johnson Creek and reveal their vision for the iconic entertainment venue's next chapter.

The Weekend Trend and festival season is in full swing and we’re kicking off tonight with Pridefest and Jazz in the Park! Plus, a Scottish festival, The Art64 event is this weekend as well. And the Wisconsin connections to the biggest stage in the Tony awards.

Sandy Maxx told Libby Collins of WWMN some of the latest streaming shows (including a surprising 4th season of Ted Lasso and a Larry David project with a former president as a producer), movies (including Mortal Kombat 2 and the latest Spider-Man movie), and music coming this week. She also previewed the next What's On Tap show. 

In for Sandy, Libby Collins sits down with Grace Dugan from the Charles Allis art museum to discuss a very unique exhibit of movie and TV posters. Next, Eric Segnitz joins Libby to discuss Present Music welcoming Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/musician Nathalie Joachim to lead their season finale. Finally, Dr. Seuss art representative Jes Steiner joins to discuss an exhibit going up in Whitefish Bay that he will be attending and interacting with fans at.

On this episode of What's on Tap... - Tammy Bockhorst, Executive Director of East Town Association, shares this summer's lineup for Jazz at the Park! - Neon artist Rosalie Phillips talks about her new exhibition! - Sarah Weh from Wisconsin Craft and local artists Chris Jensen and Matthew Krause talk about the Morning Glory Art Fair. - Former television producer Fran Weinstein shares stories from her new book, "Tortured Soles: High Heels, Low Expectations and the Hollywood Gossip Mill". - A hunt for Bigfoot throughout the Bridges Library System.

On this episode of What's on Tap... - WTMJ's Elizabeth Lintonen takes you to the red carpet of the 4th Annual Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Event! - Milwaukee filmmaker Pam Percy discusses her first documentary, "Finding Loren", about finding and recovering the remains of WWII pilot Loren Hintz. - Artist Mauricio Ramirez breaks down how he's creating Milwaukee's Bob Uecker mural. - Madison native Gabe Gronli shares his experience writing for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. - Milwaukee has been named the #1 city for creatives!

A chat with the artist behind the new Bob Uecker mural!

The Weekend Trend! Eyes to the sky... the kite festival is back and will be at Veteran’s Park this weekend! We also highlight Christian Yelich’s charity concert. Plus, more concerts including Brit Floyd! And free concerts as well.

Sunday What's on Tap: Inside the new mural honoring Mr. Baseball

Wait, what? The Weekend Trend! Sandy Maxx highlights the best events coming up this weekend including - Airplane! Is being screened at the Riverside Theater with Robert Hayes & Julie Haggerty in attendance for the Q&A. A few documentaries including one produced by a member of the Violent Femmes. Plus, a festival of flowers and art all over the state!

On this episode of What's on Tap… Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums Bagpiper Gary Byers talks about an important event happening Wednesday. Actors Ekene Ikegwuani and Silver Anderson discuss Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's production of "A Raisin in the Sun". Filmmaker Pam Percy discusses her new film, "Bra-va: A Titillating History of Bras", plus a screening event on May 14th at the Oriental Theatre. Local band Kitty Soft Paw celebrates the release of their new album, "Catalyst". Musicians Brad Smith and Ian Ash discuss the Guitar Town Music Festival on June 13 in Waukesha and the Chad Smith Foundation! A country legend is coming back to Wisconsin!

Sandy Maxx talks with Milwaukee filmmaker Pam Percy about her third documentary, Brava: A Titillating History of Bras, a film exploring the cultural and historical evolution of bras and women’s fashion. They also discuss the upcoming screening on Thursday, May 14 at the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee, which will include a showing of musician Victor DeLorenzo’s debut short film Mary For The Block, as well as a creative bra fashion show open to audience participation.

andy Maxx joins Libby to talk about the recently released Bank Five Nine Amphitheater Lineup for this year at State Fair!

On this episode of What's on Tap... - Celebrating World Bonsai Day with two experts from the Milwaukee Bonsai Society. - Historic Third Ward Association Executive Director Jim Plaisted announces this year's Third Ward Moon Festival! - Visit Milwaukee Communications Manager Julia Meehan and artist Adam Himebauch talk Visit Milwaukee's Gold Rush Scavenger Hunt. - Talking with the directors of Next Act Theatre's Dinner with the Duchess.

The Weekend Trend w/ Sandy Maxx and we begin with a cheese scavenger hunt here in Milwaukee! As well as the Cheese swap! If that isn’t your first choice, we’re talking Mother’s Day plans including a community garden, and plant bingo bonanza!

On this episode of What's on Tap... - New music from the Rolling Stones! - A Cinco de Mayo history lesson and the best local Mexican restaurants. - A secret episode of The Bear - Matthew Perry's "Friends" memorobilia is being auctioned off for a good cause. - The return of TV's favorite coach! - Sandy talks with two of the quadruplets who played Phoebe's triplets on "Friends" - Concert announcements from Todd Rundgren, Robin Trower, and Kevin Smith!

Sunday What's On Tap: An iconic villain returns to the big screen, plus, a cheese swap!

On this episode of What's On Tap... - Storytelling performer Greg Marshall - and Stella's Playground representative Ben Orton-Vipond join the show to talk about Greg Marshall Pops Out of the Trees, a one-person show on May 07 at Vivarium to benefit Stella's Playground! - An encore interview with Husband-and-Wife Actors James Pickering and Tami Workentin about their new show, George & Gracie: A Love Story at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. - A rundown of farmer's markets happening in the area this weekend! - Celebrating Pat McCurdy's 100th virtual show!

The Weekend Trend w/ Sandy Maxx and it’s Derby weekend baby! There are so many celebrations locally that you can be part of. Plus, free comic book day! And of course, what movies and plays are coming up that you can catch this weekend?

On this episode of What's on Tap... - Visit Milwaukee Vice President of Communications and Advocacy Claire Koenig joins the show to talk about Milwaukee on TV in the States and aroad!  - Time for a cast party! Sunset Playhouse's "All Shook Up" Co-Directors Nikki and Tommy Leuck and actor Brad Skonecki join Sandy to talk about their show. - Local musician, composer, and filmmaker Noah David Eckstein joins What's on Tap to talk about his song and the corresponding music video for "Cladosporium Coke Dial" which will be part of the Milwaukee Film Festival music video showcase! - Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Performing Arts Artistic Director Tyler Nikolas joins the show to talk about their 2026-27 Season Announcement! - Sandy welcomes Milwaukee musician Mie, whose music video for her song "Freakshow" will be part of the Milwaukee Film Festival music video showcase! - Encore interview: Chad Smith Foundation Board Member Brad Smith, Celebrating Badfinger event creator Mary Karlzen, and Badfinger family members' agent Mark Strothman Jr. join the show to discuss the Celebrating Badfinger event, April 28th at Let It Be in Waukesha - Sandy shares some of Milwaukee Film Artistic Director Cara Ogburn's picks playing this week at the Milwaukee Film Festival!

Sandy Maxx joins Libby for this weeks edition of Sunday What's On Tap! Libby & Sandy discuss the new biopic drama directed by Antoine Fuqua that dramatizes the life of Michael Jackson.

Bridges Library System Coordinator of Youth and Inclusive Services Angela Meyers talks about some of the lesser-known features available in the Bridges Library system. This conversation spotlights The Library Memory Project, which provides services to help people with memory loss.

The Weekend Trend w/ Sandy Maxx! We begin with the Midwest Gaming Classic! All of the things offered in the gaming classic and what costume Sandy Maxx will don while at the convention. Plus, Dinner with the Duchess, and Sunset Playhouse has an Elvis show!

On this episode of What's On Tap... - Libby talks with the directors of the documentary film, "Peter Asher: Everywhere Man". - Documentarian Vianca Fuster talks about her short film, "Where It Started". - MIAD students Bailey Staerkel and Carmen Briones put on a fashion show! - Film Critic Matt Mueller gives his Milwaukee Film Festival picks! - WTMJ's Jessica Gatzow shares the story of a Wisconsin poet profiled in a new film.

On this edition of What's On Tap... - Elizabeth Lintonen recaps the red carpet open of UECK - Kenosha's Katie Camosy, Director of Gaslit, a documentary featuring Jane Fonda playing at this year's Milwaukee Film Festival - Ben Kossow, CEO of Riley Construction, talks about the Good Stand Project - where young entrepreneurs have a chance to to raise money for a charity of their choice - What Not to Wear host Stacy London talks about her new mission, helping people with psoriasis feel comfortable in their skin - Sandy Maxx recaps her Maxx-perience with "A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream"

On this episode of What's on Tap… 414 Day festivities around town! A preview of the upcoming MAXX-perience: Cocktails and a chat with the director of A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream. Milwaukee Public Market's Paige Hammond talks about their Gallery Night MKE plans! One of indie rock's biggest acts is coming to town! Harmonic Harvest Founder, President, and CEO Jenna Washuleski and Fundraising & Creative Programs Associate Julia Bradfish talk 414 Day and Gallery Night MKE! Director Samantha Martinson and Assistant Director Laura Kloser talk Next Act Theatre's Dinner with the Duchess.

Sandy joins Libby Collins to talk about her appearance on "Born to Bowl"!

Sandy joins the Upswing to talk about the upcoming Maxx-perience with Skylight Music Theatre!

Deb Marett from the Milwaukee County Federated Library System joins Sandy Maxx about how borrowing books can help build community and how MCFLS is celebrating National Poetry Month!

On this episode of What's On Tap... - A Michelin Guide to the Great Lakes has been announced, and Milwaukee is on the map! - Celebrating British Power Pop greats Badfinger with local musicians on April 28 at Waukesha's Let It Be club - It's a cast party! Husband-and-Wife Actors James Pickering and Tami Workentin talk about their new show, "George & Gracie: A Love Story" at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. - Sandy invites you to her latest Maxx-perience, which includes seeing her on stage as part of Skylight Music Theatre's A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream on April 15th

Erik Bilstad would make an awesome Smaug. The Weekend Trend w/ Sandy Maxx! What’s going on this weekend? Some local plays including one that is The Hobbit! Which is awesome. Plus, more Broadway musicals that are *just* off Broadway. You’ll know what we mean.

Sandy Maxx talks with Milwaukee Film's Cara Ogburn about some of the documentaries at this year's Milwaukee Film Festival!

Sandy sits down with the filmmakers behind the upcoming Bob Uecker documentary and the organizers of the Milwaukee Film Festival beginning in less than two weeks.

Sandy Maxx highlights Wisconsin pride as West Allis and Madison face off in the Strongest Town tournament finals, with a look back at her conversation with Strong Towns’ Carlee Alm-LaBar and how to vote. She also rounds up Easter activities across the area, including Racine Art Museum’s Peep-inspired exhibit. Producer Jaslyn Snell shares must-see picks for the upcoming Milwaukee Film Festival. Plus, Sandy spotlights Skylight Theater’s immersive MAXX-perience.

Sandy Maxx joins Wisconsin's Morning News to preview events this weekend. Cheers to the 80s! A live showing of ‘Clue’ the movie and a cover band named Sixteen Candles that will be cranking out the 80s hits! Also, ‘Is This a Room?’ about the infamous Reality Winner FBI interrogation case that is at the Milwaukee Chamber Theater.

On this episode of What's on Tap... - Sunset Playhouse Executive Managing Director Ella Walker previews their 2026-2027 Season! - Clue cast member Lesley Ann Warren introduces The Song You Need To Hear and invites you to join her for a 40th Anniversary Screening of the movie.

Tight dresses, tight friendships and Tim Curry. Actress Lesley Ann Warren shares her stories of the making of the 1985 comedy film "Clue" in advance of her Milwaukee appearance hosting a special screening of the film on Thursday, April 2, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Sunday What's On Tap: Larry David Returns!

On this episode of What's On Tap... - Milwaukee Film Artistic Director Cara Ogburn talks about the newly-announced lineup for the Milwaukee Film Festival! - Local ways to celebrate World Theatre Day and Women's History Month! - Suggestions for your weekend and spring break! - A new song from a music legend.