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Bembé Bombazo
When: Sunday, September 28th

Where: Zócalo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St., Milwaukee, WI,

By Nick Mandlamadi and Ra'sheed Jordan


Last Sunday, the Bembe Festival at Zócalo Food Park brought Milwaukee’s South Side to life with vibrant music, dance, and diverse cuisine. Food trucks offering everything from Mexican and Puerto Rican dishes to Japanese treats and bagels created a true cultural melting pot. The event was family-friendly, with people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the performances, especially the Bembe dancers and musicians, who kept the energy high throughout the day.


With perfect weather and a welcoming atmosphere, attendees had the chance to connect with the community while learning about the Bembe tradition. The staff at Zócalo were incredibly friendly, sharing their knowledge about the culture and what makes the South Side so special. After speaking with the staff, vendors, and event organizers, it's clear that the Bembe Bombazo is an important, recurring celebration in Milwaukee, and Zócalo is definitely a place to visit again!


Ra'sheed Jordan

Instagram:  @rasheedjordan.wav

Mrs. Doubtfire
When: Saturday, October 4th
Where: Marcus Performing Arts Center

By: Marie De Garo


This musical was like a great big hug. The warmth brought by laughter, the feel good melodies of the music, & the whirlwind adventure the cast brings the audience along for is truly magical. Not only did it bring a new fresh take on the movie classic, but it kept the charm that captured so many hearts in the 90’s & beyond.


I got in & made myself comfortable as I parked in front of the Broadway Buzz discussion area. I highly recommend attending the special Q&A segments prior to shows. There is so much interesting information shared—behind the scenes scoops, logistical miracles that happened to get this show to run as smoothly as it does, as well as how this sweet story came together to become what the audience sees. Not only did Lory Bowman (VP Marketing & Communications for Marcus Center) & special guest Jessica Carey Davis (Tour, Marketing, & Press Director for Mrs. Doubtfire-the national tour) cover all of the things I mentioned, but they opened up the discussion to a Q&A. One of the questions was actually posed to us as the audience-“Why do you subscribe to the Broadway Musicals & the Marcus Center?”A gentleman replied, “It’s an easy date night.”—keep that in mind, it’s a fantastic idea.


Next, I made my way over to the bar & concessions. Oak View Group is a new vendor that has all kinds of exciting options to choose from. New to this season, snacks & beverages you purchase are allowed into the theater to savor while you enjoy your show. Also new this season are the themed concession offerings. I had the It’s A Run By Fruiting cocktail—made with Hornitos Plata tequila, Triple sec, & Housemade guava-citrus sour—with some very tasty sour gummy worms on the side to snack on.


The curtains rose & the show began. What an incredibly talented cast. It was an absolute treat to experience. The show puts a fresh & modern perspective on this classic story. It’s certainly a must-see, fit for the whole family.


After the show, I was kindly invited to the cast party at the Saint Kate on Water Street. Along with the cast, there were even more incredibly special guests in attendance. Make-a-Wish Wisconsin gave Wish kids & their families a truly remarkable experience. There were so many smiles in such a small space, & I loved every moment. I honestly did not expect an experience more heartwarming than the musical itself, but this was truly moving to see. The cast was so interactive & congenial with the Wish kids & their families. What a beautiful way to end the evening.


I ended the evening on the highest note. I am so grateful to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts for making this evening possible. An extra special thank you to Lory Bowman—I can’t wait to see more of what the Marcus Center has to offer this season, & I urge you to do the same.

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