Join Girls Rock Milwaukee at the Courage+ Bravery in Bloom: A Queer Arts Festival! We will be tabling from 12 to 4, serenaded by Girls Rock friend Orange Drink and Girls Rock alumn Nora Nora.
Support Girls Rock and Ladies Rock at Well House 1900 while showing off your flashiest punk rock prom attire. Featuring Ladies Rock alumns Middle Reader and Girls Rock alumns Mala Mala. Suggested $10 donation
Going to Amplify Youth Music Fest? Stop by the Girls Rock MKE table and say hey!
At Girls Rock MKE, we believe creating music is resistance.
In response to the escalation of federal immigration enforcement and resulting community harm, Girls Rock MKE invites you to an evening of creative resistance through music at Mother Lion.
This lightly facilitated community workshop will center cultivating a supportive space to process, express, and transform emotions and experiences through songwriting within a supportive community.
Due to space, seats will be limited. More info and donation-based ticketing coming soon. This is a mutual aid event and proceeds will benefit the Minneapolis Girls Rock program (She Rock She Rock) and Voces de la Frontera.
She Rock She Rock
https://sherocksherock.org/
Voces de la Frontera
https://vdlf.org/
5:30-6:00: Arrival / Mingle
6:00: Welcome / Circle Opening
6:30: Collaborative Songwriting Exercise
7:00: Free Songwriting
8:00: Optional Performance
8:50: Circle Closing
2026 Session 1: Ladies Rock Camp
March 27-29, 2026
Camp Location: Mount Mary University
Showcase Location: Radio Milwaukee Studios
Ladies Rock Camp is an intensive Friday-Sunday music camp in Milwaukee for women and gender expansive adults (18 years or older). Campers of all skill levels learn an instrument (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals), form a band, write a song, and perform their song at an end-of-weekend showcase for friends, family, and fans.
During camp, campers receive small-group instruction on instruments, attend workshops, and practice with their bands. Workshops focus on topics such as songwriting, conflict resolution, women in rock, band merchandising/marketing, and others emphasizing leadership and the skills women need to take over the world! Instrument instruction and workshops are taught by a volunteer staff of Milwaukee-area musicians, teachers, artists, crafters, business owners, and community organizers.
No musical experience is required! You do not have to bring your own instrument, although you are welcome to do so. We will provide instruments and equipment during camp. In your registration, you will be asked to pick two different instruments you would be interested in playing in your band. The choices are bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, or vocals.
Online registration for Session 1 is currently open, and there's still space for you... for now! Register now to secure your spot!
Presenting Sponsor: Marquette University's Institute for Women's Leadership
Table Sponsor: The New State
We’re thrilled to bring back one of Girls Rock MKE’s most beloved fundraising events: The Dinner Party: Sound to Table, returning on Thursday, February 12 at Honeypie Café. This special 56-seat culinary fundraiser sold out last year, and we’re tickled to innovate it even further with a special twist: each of the five courses will be inspired by a Milwaukee woman or non-binary musician/band and paired with the creativity of local women and non-binary chefs. We're also proud to introduce accessible pricing tiers so folks across different budgets can still participate in this magical evening while raising important funds for Girls Rock MKE!
The Dinner Party is an evening inspired by Judy Chicago's 1970 piece The Dinner Party, an installation that set the table for important women in history. This iconic installation resonates deeply with our mission at Girls Rock MKE to amplify the creative and leadership voices of individuals of marginalized identities and diverse experiences through music education and performance.
When: Thursday, February 12th, 6:30 PM
Where: Girls Rock MKE Sponsor Honeypie Cafe (2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave)
How much: $75 to $175, depending on the tier you select, with one $1000 VIP table available
Vegetarian and peanut/tree-nut free meal options available.
Tickets are now on sale! This event is capped at 56 attendees, so don't wait on it! Grab your seat at The Dinner Table.
Look forward to courses inspired by the following local artists:
Rat Bath
Caley Conway
*aya
Shle Berry
Adorner
Chef pairings and full menu will be announced in early 2026!
Start off 2026 by shaking off the winter blahs and getting on the dance floor with Girls Rock MKE at the inaugural all-ages Get Loud Dance Party – a feel-good, high energy, low pressure, home-by-10pm kind of night. Think of this as an “I like to dance but also like my bedtime” party, steered by DJ and local party queen Lauryl Sulfate!
This event is a fundraiser for Girls Rock MKE, helping us provide empowering music programs for girls and trans youth in our community. Come shake it, shimmy it, and get loud with us!
Thank you to our media sponsor WMSE!
Celebrate the end of a successful A Rebel Sound Workshop Series with music and light refreshments! This workshop was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Rock out with us at Kids MusicFest! We will be there with information on upcoming Ladies Rock and Girls Rock camps. Bring your questions and we’ll have answers!
Help raise some funds for Girls Rock MKE and enjoy the sounds of our favorite party queen as we are joined by Pabst Benatar and Bobby Portishead, Jr!
The final workshop in A Rebel Sound three-workshop series! This session will explore the basics of studio recording and sound engineering in an actual recording studio. This workshop is designed to build confidence and interest in music production.
We’re looking for volunteers to join our table at Flannel Fest!
We’re looking for volunteers to join our table at Beet Street!
Led by Girls Rock MKE camp instructors and Executive Director Mary Joy Hickey, this session will explore songwriting fundamentals—structure, lyric writing, melody, and creative storytelling. Participants will engage in creativity exercises, write original songs, and reflect on their own voice and experience through music.
Milwaukee music-lovers are invited to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Girls Rock MKE’s Ladies Rock Camp with a rooftop party and rock show on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Hailing from Milwaukee (now based in NYC), Abby Jeanne and the Shadowband will perform a celebratory set as part of a regional tour, along with a performance from Chicago supporting act The Knee-Hi’s and a reunion of beloved Milwaukee punk band Fox Face, who disbanded in 2022 and of which Hickey is the bassist. The all-ages event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Radio Milwaukee Studios’ (220 E. Pittsburgh Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53204) unique rooftop space, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. The event is a benefit for Girls Rock MKE programs and will feature a silent auction. Supporters can RSVP on Facebook Limited tickets (120) now available for purchase at the link below.
Join us for a live radio broadcast! Tune into the Maggie Daun Radio Show on Monday, August 25th, streaming from Cactus Club.
To note, this is not an in-person event, but you can hang out with us from the comfort of your kitchen or commute on 92.7 WMDX.
Learn the ins and outs of Live Sound and Event Production with this free workshop led by industry professionals, for Milwaukee residents ages 12 to 18.
A Rebel Sound is a workshop series led by Girls Rock and The New State made to connect industry professionals with teens interested in the music industry. Snacks, materials, and transportation support provided for all workshops.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming workshops:
Songwriting & Creative Expression - Saturday, September 27 at 12:00 p.m. Location TBA.
Studio Recording & Engineering - October TBA. Location TBA.
Come cheer on the next generation of rock stars! The Girls Rock Showcase is the big concert event where campers perform their original songs.
**DOORS at 11:30 a.m. **
**SHOW at 12:00 p.m. **
There is a sliding-scale door cover of $10-20 that goes to support Girls Rock MKE camp operations. Kids 10-years-old and under get in FREE!
Merch and refreshments will also be available.
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All week camp attendees of all skill levels learn how to play a rock instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform that song they created on their new instrument at this magnificent showcase. Show up and support these future rockers!
This is a family-friendly event. Fans and friends of all ages are welcome to attend.
ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ
Girls Rock MKE and The New State are proud to present “Find Your Kuumba,” a vibrant afternoon of music, art, and community at Kuumba Coffee & Juice’s (274 E Keefe Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212) outdoor space in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood.
This free, all-ages event takes place Saturday, August 2 from 12–4PM, featuring performances by local bands, a community open mic, DJs, and youth musicians from Girls Rock MKE programs. Attendees will enjoy an array of artist vendors, food and beverages from Kuumba, and interactive and educational activities, including live sound, stage management, and DJ mentorship and a community art project.
Event Schedule:
12:00–1:30 PM – Community Open Mic led by Girls Rock MKE program alumni band Nail Polish
1:30–2:00 PM – Featured Artist Performance #1 (Ellie Jackson?)
2:15-2:45 PM – Featured Artist Performance #2
3:00–3:30 PM – Super Ego Beats
3:30–4:00 PM – Youth DJs from The New State
The event will spotlight a new youth-led partnership between Girls Rock MKE and The New State and offer a platform for youth musicians to share their voices. Performances will be emceed by a special guest from the Girls Rock alumni network, and community partners will be on site to build connections and spark ideas for future collaborations.
Artist Vendors: Local artists will be tabling and selling work throughout the event.
Sponsorships Welcome: Girls Rock MKE and The New State are seeking sponsors to help make this and future programming accessible and impactful.
Volunteer and Support: Connect with us at the info table to learn how to support youth music education in Milwaukee.
We’re thrilled to announce Milwaukee Youth Idol — a brand new event celebrating young voices in our city! Presented by Girls Rock MKE in partnership with School of Rock Shorewood, this high-energy live competition invites youth to take the stage and sing their hearts out in front of a live audience along to a chosen music track. This inaugural event marking a collaborative partnership between School of Rock Shorewood and Girls Rock MKE aims to to promote creativity and empowerment for young musicians through new youth music events and community opportunities.
Time: 2:00-4:30 p.m. Performances, 4:30-5:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony
Who can participate: Youth vocalists (ages 8-18)
How it works: Think American Idol, but Milwaukee style! Performers will sing 1 minute of a chosen song for our panel of judges, including Gaby from REYNA, Cris Siqueira (Co-owner of Lion's Tooth Bookstore and singer of Spidora), Joey Turbo, Ken at Dirtnap Records, and Lexi Smith (Opera singer with UWM Florentine).
Prizes include:
Tuition packages to School of Rock Shorewood
Tuition to Girls Rock MKE programs
And more exciting surprises!
Register for Milwaukee Youth Idol.
Want to Have a Targeted Impact?
We are seeking Milwaukee Youth Idol Event Sponsors! Various sponsorship packages are available.
Your sponsorship will:
+ Support local youth in developing their musical and performance skills
+ Align your brand with creativity, confidence, and community-building
+ Give your business visibility in front of a diverse, engaged community
Come cheer on the next generation of rock stars! The Girls Rock Showcase is the big concert event where campers perform their original songs.
**DOORS at 11:30 a.m. **
**SHOW at 12:00 p.m. **
There is a sliding-scale door cover of $10-20 that goes to support Girls Rock MKE camp operations. Kids 10-years-old and under get in FREE!
Merch and refreshments will also be available.
ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ
All week camp attendees of all skill levels learn how to play a rock instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform that song they created on their new instrument at this magnificent showcase. Show up and support these future rockers!
This is a family-friendly event. Fans and friends of all ages are welcome to attend.
ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ
We're coming to @summerfest!
Girls Rock MKE has been invited to play the @amfam stage on June 26th at 12pm! We can't wait to celebrate Milwaukee, eat some delicious food, and rock out at our hometown festival!
Ladies Rock Camp alumni The Furies and mother-daughter duo Nail Polish will grace the stage.
Save the date and come enjoy summertime in Milwaukee with us 🎶
Doors 6:30 p.m. | Show 7:00 p.m.
All Ages!
Tickets: $10-20 sliding scale; Kids under 10 free!
Get ready to rock with this year's graduating class of Ladies Rock Camp Session 2! Come support 5 new bands of rockers as they perform a song they wrote with a band they formed playing an instrument they learned - all in one weekend!
Girls Rock MKE will be hosting Jam House at Arts @ Large in February, March, and April! The Arts @ Large Jam House community program removes the barrier between stage and audience. Anyone in the crowd can go from an audience member to the featured performer while creating songs on stage that are then recorded and given to them the week after the show.
Led by new and familiar faces of Girls Rock MKE staff and volunteers, come create and collaborate with some of our amazing program mentors and create music on the spot. Throughout the night, Michaela will be offering live sound audio mentoring for those interested in honing their skills.
Jam House is more than an open mic with a live backing band; it is a vibrant community space where musicians and artists of all skill levels collaborate to create original music together. All jams are recorded at Arts @ Large and given to everyone that plays! Thank you to Joy Engine for making this program possible.
Grace Weber’s Music Lab is a FREE monthly music and arts education program for greater Milwaukee area middle and high school students, presented by HYFIN, a Radio Milwaukee station. At The Music Lab, students have the opportunity to learn about the music and entertainment industries through featured guests. They are also given the opportunity to collaborate, perform, and build relationships with their peers.
On Friday, March 28th, during International Women’s Month, Girls Rock Milwaukee will be Grace Weber’s Music Lab featured guest.
Attendees are invited to sign up for limited spots in the Teen Open Mic. Students ages 13-18 can sign up to take the Radio Milwaukee stage (singers, rappers, musicians, poets, & more - this means YOU!). Young artists will be invited to share their musical gifts, gain performance experience, & receive support & feedback from our featured guest of the month, along with our Lab Director & student audience members.
*NOTE: Teen Open Mic slots are limited & filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must RSVP & register beforehand to participate & open mic list will close once slots are filled or by noon the day before Lab at the latest.
GIVEAWAYS & MORE
Attendees will also enjoy:
● Free food and beverages
● Live DJ & teen social hour at 4pm
● Teen Prize Raffle (GWML gear)
● Connecting & creating with other young creatives
● Learning about the diverse fields & occupations in the music industry
Join us on Friday, March 28th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. CST, in-person at Radio Milwaukee. Can't join us physically? You can still tune in for our virtual stream; open to all ages through the GWML Facebook page. RSVP to attend or sign up for the teen open mic today at gwmusiclab.com.
~ All Lab attendees, including students, parents, family & teachers, must RSVP online for entry ~
Join us for the finale performance to the 2025 Session 1 Ladies Rock Camp! Each band will perform one *original song* they wrote over the weekend's 3-day camp.
Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Show at 7:00 p.m.
Cover: $10 suggested donation
All Ages Show! All fans are welcome.
ABOUT LADIES ROCK
Ladies Rock camp, a Girls Rock MKE program for adults, is an intensive Friday-Sunday music camp in Milwaukee, WI, for women and gender-expansive people who are 18 years or older. Campers of all skill levels learn an instrument (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or vocals), form a band, write a song, and perform their song at an end-of-camp showcase for friends, family and fans!
Campers do not need musical experience to participate. Ladies Rock camp is a fun, welcoming, accessible program that encourages folks to try something new and build confidence in themselves.
Learn More about Ladies Rock camp at www.ladiesrockmke.org.
Donate to our non-profit organization, its programs, or contribute to camper tuition financial aid at www.girlsrockmke.org/donate. Girls Rock MKE is a non-profit 501(c)3 and contributions are tax-deductible.
Girls Rock MKE will be hosting Jam House at Arts @ Large in February, March, and April! The Arts @ Large Jam House community program removes the barrier between stage and audience. Anyone in the crowd can go from an audience member to the featured performer while creating songs on stage that are then recorded and given to them the week after the show.
Led by new and familiar faces of Girls Rock MKE staff and volunteers, come create and collaborate with some of our amazing program mentors and create music on the spot. Throughout the night, Michaela will be offering live sound audio mentoring for those interested in honing their skills.
Jam House is more than an open mic with a live backing band; it is a vibrant community space where musicians and artists of all skill levels collaborate to create original music together. All jams are recorded at Arts @ Large and given to everyone that plays! Thank you to Joy Engine for making this program possible.
LADIES ROCK SESSION 2: JUNE 19-22, 2025
UW-Milwaukee Helene Zelazo Center (Fri & Sat, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Northern Lights Event Venue (Sun 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Kick-off Party: Thursday, June 19 6:30pm @ TBD
Showcase: Sunday, June 22 @ 88.9 Radio Milwaukee Studios 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Tuition: $300 (Financial aid available)
For women & gender-expansive adults ages 18+
Girls Rock MKE will be hosting Jam House at Arts @ Large in February, March, and April! The Arts @ Large Jam House community program removes the barrier between stage and audience. Anyone in the crowd can go from an audience member to the featured performer while creating songs on stage that are then recorded and given to them the week after the show.
Led by new and familiar faces of Girls Rock MKE staff and volunteers, come create and collaborate with some of our amazing program mentors and create music on the spot. Throughout the night, Michaela will be offering live sound audio mentoring for those interested in honing their skills.
Jam House is more than an open mic with a live backing band; it is a vibrant community space where musicians and artists of all skill levels collaborate to create original music together. All jams are recorded at Arts @ Large and given to everyone that plays! Thank you to Joy Engine for making this program possible.
GIRLS ROCK CAMP SESSION I
July 14-18, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
UW-Milwaukee Helene Zelazo Center
Showcase: Sunday, July 20 @ Vivarium 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tuition: $400 (Financial aid available)
For girls & gender-expansive youth entering 3rd-12th grade fall 2025
GIRLS ROCK CAMP SESSION II
August 11-15, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
UW-Milwaukee Helene Zelazo Center
Showcase: Sunday, August 17 @ Vivarium 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tuition: $400 (Financial aid available)
For girls & gender-expansive youth entering 3rd-12th grade fall 2025
Girls Rock Camps: Early bird registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3rd for $25 off camp tuition through Friday, February 28th!
GIRLS ROCK MKE PRESENTS
A ONE-DAY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL & FUNDRAISER
12–2PM WORKSHOPS (ALL AGES)
2–8PM EARLY SHOW (ALL AGES)
9PM LATE SHOW (21+)
$25 ADV / $35 DAY OF (FULL DAY)
$10 ADV / $15 DAY OF (LATE SHOW ONLY)
$50 VIP BUNDLE (ADV ONLY)
INCLUDES FULL DAY TICKET, GIRLS ROCK MERCH PACKAGE + MORE TBA
Save the Date! Girls Rock MKE will host our first annual “JoyFest,” a one-day music and arts festival and fundraiser on Sunday, December 15. JoyFest is a celebration of the joy found in community, creativity, and the power of the collective. The festival will include workshop programming, performances from Girls Rock and Ladies Rock camp alumni, and local acts highlighting the contributions of marginalized genders across Milwaukee’s creative spaces. JoyFest will embrace the generous spirit of the holiday season with a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, VIP ticketing, and opportunities to include Girls Rock MKE in your philanthropic giving. Your holiday glam attire is vigorously encouraged, but not required. All event proceeds will go to support Girls Rock MKE’s sustainability and 2025 growth initiatives.
Calling all Girls Rock teens! Join Girls Rock MKE Executive Director Mary Joy and the Milwaukee Rep's Teen Council for a FREE dinner and a ticket to Marie and Rosetta, the electrifying musical story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight as influential women in rock history!
This event is entirely FREE for teens! Join us before the show for a pre-show reception with free food, and stick around after the show for a panel on Successful Black & Brown Women in the Workplace!
Pre-show Reception begins at 6:30pm, show begins at 7:30pm, the panel will take place following the show, until approximately 10:00pm.
Approximate Running Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes with no intermission
Recommended Age: 14 and up
Tickets are limited, and will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for this Teen Night event, please fill out this form and click 'submit'.
In 1979, artist Judy Chicago completed her famous feminist installation piece titled The Dinner Party, featuring 39 mythical and historical women with a goal of preventing the forgetting of women's contributions to the world. Girls Rock MKE invites you to join our modern day Dinner Party to benefit our Girls Rock and Ladies Rock camp programs, which empower individuals of marginalized identities and diverse experiences through music education and performance.
This inspiring culinary experience will feature FIVE courses from five of Milwaukee's top women and non-binary chefs. More information and full menu coming soon, but don't wait to grab your seat at the table - this intimate dinner is capped at 60 attendees.
Date: Thursday, November 14th, 2024
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Girls Rock MKE Sponsor Honeypie Cafe (2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207)
Price: $125/seat
Vegetarian and peanut/treenut free meal options available
