Spiral Galaxy at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 11, 2024

Steve Krakow has been a frequent visitor to the Milwaukee Psych Fest, having performed at the music festival several times under the moniker of Plastic Crimewave. His new project with flautist Sara Gossett, Spiral Galaxy, explores a somewhat softer, more intimate version of psychedelia.

For this performance they were joined by Przemyslaw Krys Drazek on trumpet and Brent Fuscalso on bass. Drazak and Fuscalso at one time were collaborating with a range of musicians as Mako Sica, but since primarily been working as a duo and have changed their name to Drazak Fuscalso.

Buy their latest album here.

Recording information:

SPIRAL GALAXY

2024-05-11

Milwaukee, WI

2024 Milwaukee Psych Fest

Steve Krakow: keyboards

Sara Gossett: flute

Przemyslaw Krys Drazek: trumpet

Brent Fuscalso: bass

Setlist:

01 One (14:41)

02 Two (9:44)

Total time = 24:25

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in X-Y

Additional source: Excellent SBD feed via Max Nemer

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3 at 24/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (167 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (78 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of an excerpt of this performance:

Nicholas Elert at the Milwaukee Jazz Gallery on August 2, 2025

Here is a brief and enjoyable set from synthesizer wizard, audio engineer, and film composer Nicholas Elert from the Milwaukee Jazz Gallery back in August. It's a very enjoyable 21-minute set featuring two pieces build from sequencers and synthesizers which build up to a dizzying climax.

Buy his most recent album here.

Recording information:

NICHOLAS ELERT
2025-08-02
Milwaukee Jazz Gallery

Nicholas Elert: synthesizers

Setlist:
01 Performance (21:17)

Total time = 21:17

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for the blog www.milwaukeetaper.com

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (122 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (62 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of this performance: 

Wife at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee on September 25, 2025

Wife is a San Francisco-based punk bank formed in 2021 who came through Milwaukee back in September as part of a national tour in support for their new album on Recess Records, The Importance of Daydreaming. Their music and energy was exhilarating -- surprisingly catchy riffs in short songs bursting with jittery drama and howling poetry. 

Buy their latest album here.

Recording Information:

WIFE 

2025-09-25

Milwaukee, WI

The Cactus Club

Char: vocals

Liv: guitar and bass

Lucky: bass and guitar

Siena: drums and vocals

Setlist:

01 Until Then I’ll Be Flying (2:40)

02 Five (2:21)

03 Wish on A Number (2:39)

04 Play Pretend (2:46)

05 Splintered Smile (2:53)

06 Growing Means Going Old (2:15)

07 Sing to Me Dream (3:36)

08 Crashbox (2:57)

Total timde = 22:07

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF

Additional source: SBD feed from Alex

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (154 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (77 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

here is the official video for the song "Until Then I'll Be Flying"