SD 1831–1882: Once again I have taken too long to write. Oopsie doopsie. Oh well, let us speed run the past month and a half because I have turned this into a task rather than something enjoyable and reflective.
Late March marked the opening of Elston Electric, a new bar and arcade at the Salt Shed. Jay Howell (aka Punks Git Cut) did a lot of graphics for the new space and was at the grand opening doing sketches. Derek and I were very chill and normal about our love of Bob’s Burgers while getting sketches.
I did my taxes which was not at all stressful while visiting The Understudy Coffee and Books for the first time.
I also made it to the Art Institute to check out the excellent Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds exhibit. I somehow didn’t know much about Reynolds, a Minnesota-born bookmaker who was partners with my beloved Marcel Duchamp for years. The exhibition is as much about Kahlo as it is about Reynolds’ and Duchamp’s home and circle of friends. A highlight for me was seeing another copy of Duchamp’s Boîte-en-valise.
There’s also a a great selection of Roman sculptures up currently as well.
Everyone should really be an Art Institute member!
Everyone should also spend a lot of time at brunch and/or Estereo and Elston Electric.
At the start of April Derek and I slipped away to Milwaukee for the Midwest Gaming Classic. It was much bigger than I expected and a very good time. Though I can definitely blow everyone’s cosplay out of the water if I go again.
I really want to spend an unnecessary amount of money to buy a Virtual Boy. I stayed strong and resisted in the vendor hall however.
One great highlight was seeing Jonah Ray of MST3K fame live-riff a promotional video for the Atari Jaguar. And afterwards I got a photo and autograph. Swoon!
I saw the Retronauts do an interesting panel on the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger. Also saw a great panel with a bunch of the designers and illustrator for the new Stern Dungeons & Dragons pinball table. I find people’s use of spreadsheets very compelling.
Some more silliness.
We also had to go say goodbye to This Is It! which unexpectedly closed. A very sad end to a long legacy of the Milwaukee LGBTQ+ scene.
Obligatory Foxconn Globe and cool bf shots.
It has been a cold spring. The cherry blossoms returned. I didn’t go see them however as we have magnolia trees at home.
We’re finally getting a new couch. In June maybe. Less said about that the better.
Despite the horrors, we must still strive to live delisciously.
I continue slowly attempting to pain my orcs from 30 years ago.
We’ve been doing some spring cleaning and saying goodbye to some old memories. Like Babycat’s puke from under our bed. RIP. 🙁
In early May made another trip back to Milwaukee via Amtrak to see The Magnetic Fields perform the entirety of 69 Love Songs over the course of two nights at The Pabst Theater. Incredible show.
The boys couldn’t make it up so I had Brandi come and meet me. The hotel had a pool which I neglected to inform her, so we went to the world’s fanciest T.J. Maxx to find her something suitable. Ha. Swimsuit.
We made several mistakes in terms of size of appetizers while in Milwaukee.
I also invited John and Lauren up to the concert, and Lauren randomly ran into her cousin and uncle at the show as well. Before the second night we went for drinks at the spy themed bar Safehouse.
We are very cool and had a great time!
I love you Stephin!!!!!
Here is a screenshot that looks worse than the video I took. Technology is evolving! My photos from the back of an auditorium are almost legible.
Highlights were an absolutely incredible rendition of Love is like Jazz and a morose reimagining of Washington, D.C. The first night ended with a darkened theater with a square spotlight on Anthony Kaczynski singing Promises of Eternity. Fantastic all around.
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