What's On Tap

This episode is full of local stories, free resources, and fall fun! We kick things off with creative trick-or-treat costume ideas, then chat with Deb Marett from the Milwaukee County Federated Library System about BadgerLink, Wisconsin’s free online resource for magazines, research tools, historic newspapers, and more. Deb also shares updates on her personal art projects before we welcome Dustin Hicks and Jocelyn Nunez from Visit Brookfield to talk about Dine-In Brookfield—eight nights of dining deals, prizes, and authentic local restaurants that celebrate the city’s one-of-a-kind food scene. Plus, we’re giving away Fiddler on the Roof tickets from Skylight Music Theatre, featuring “The Song You Need to Hear,” “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani, and wrapping up with even more Halloween events and costume inspiration!

We’re live in-studio with Dustin Hicks and Jocelyn Nunez from Visit Brookfield to talk about Dine-In Brookfield — eight nights of delicious deals celebrating the city’s vibrant local dining scene. Discover how to grab your Dine-In Pass at VisitBrookfield.com, win exclusive prizes and merch, and explore authentic, family-owned, and Wisconsin-based restaurants. Now in its 7th edition, this community favorite continues to highlight what makes dining in Brookfield truly meaningful.

In this live in-studio Partner Spotlight, we chat with Deb Marett from the Milwaukee County Federated Library System about BadgerLink — Wisconsin’s free online gateway to magazines, research tools, historic newspapers, and more. Learn how students, teachers, and researchers use this state-funded resource for school projects, genealogy, and even car repairs.

Sandy Maxx sits down with Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel Bar Proof Pizza Manager Ainslie Evans to discuss the restaurant and what makes it stand out in downtown Milwaukee. Also, are pineapples acceptable on pizza? You may or may not like Ainslie's answer...

On a shortended What's on Tap prior to the Bucks first game of the season, Sandy Maxx goes through some of the events in this Bucks tip-off week around Milwaukee, then she sits down with Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel Bar Proof Pizza Manager Ainslie Evans to discuss the restaurant and what makes it stand out. Finally, a song from Widespread Panic, who is once again returning to Milwaukee to perform.

In this packed episode, Sandy takes you on a three-hour ride through all things Halloween, music, art, and creativity—from haunted houses and cinematic scares to one-of-a-kind concerts and iconic drum beats. Hour One kicks off with a festive flair, featuring a live call with Pleasant Prairie’s Sarah Howard on the wildly creative Halloween Lights Tour. Sandy also highlights Halloween happenings across Wisconsin—from ghost hunts to pumpkin carving—and where to catch your favorite scary movies on the big screen. Plus, a special seasonal track by LUNDE, rooted in Pleasant Prairie spirit. Hour Two brings Present Music’s Marta Troicki and Daniel Petry into the studio to preview All Souls Eve at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Discover how this multicultural concert blends global traditions—from Mexican and Celtic compositions to reimagined works from the 1600s—complete with food trucks and a live ofrenda honoring Georgia O’Keeffe. Hour Three is a deep, personal, and funny conversation with Victor DeLorenzo, founding drummer of the Violent Femmes. He reflects on returning to the stage for his birthday shows at The Jazz Estate, his evolution as a filmmaker, and the premiere of his short film Mary For The Block, recently featured at the Toronto Film Festival. Hear the story behind “The Bone Lady,” his thoughts on creativity, and what it’s like rediscovering his passion for percussion. Don’t miss this Halloween-season celebration of sound, story, and community—only on What's On Tap.

Violent Femmes founding drummer Victor DeLorenzo joins Sandy live in-studio for an unforgettable conversation ahead of his big birthday concerts at The Jazz Estate on Saturday, Oct. 25. From the iconic opening beat of “Blister in the Sun” to his return to live performance after years away, Victor reflects on rediscovering his rhythm, refining his technique, and reconnecting with the joy of playing. Now focusing on filmmaking, Victor shares the story behind his latest short film Mary For The Block, a fictionalized (and delightfully exaggerated) reflection on his life and recently featured at the Toronto Film Festival. The episode also touches on creative evolution, a few lighthearted Femmes memories, and a look ahead at what's next for this multi-talented artist. Plus, guest Sean Brynda jumps in to ask the all-important question: How do you find the beat?

Live in-studio, Present Music’s Managing Director Marta Troicki and Development Strategist Daniel Petry join Sandy to preview All Souls Eve—a powerful multicultural concert experience at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Daniel shares Present Music’s mission of bringing groundbreaking composers to the city and what makes each performance uniquely moving. Marta dives into the meaning behind All Souls Eve, a cross-cultural musical journey—from a Mexican composer to Irish, English, American-Vietnamese, and even a modernized 1600s piece. Plus, hear about the immersive extras: food trucks, a live ofrenda honoring Georgia O’Keeffe, and the rich tradition of celebrating community through sound.

Sandy goes live with Pleasant Prairie Executive Director Sarah Howard to explore the 4th Annual Pleasant Prairie Halloween Lights Tour! From humble beginnings with a goal of 10 homes to this year’s 22 dazzling displays, Sarah shares how the event has become a spirited tradition. Hear about the wild creativity, themed houses (yes, skeletons having campfires!), and how residents can compete for the coveted Pumpkin King or Queen title. It's all about community pride, spooky fun, and a glowing celebration of Halloween magic.

WTMJ Reporter Elizabeth Lintonen sits down with Tony-award winning actress Karen Ziemba to talk about her role in the Milwaukee Repertory Theater's upcoming production of 'Come From Away.'

The Weekend Trend with Sandy Maxx on Wisconsin's Morning News on Oct 16, 2025. What's coming up this weekend? We’ve got a watch party for the Brewers this evening! The Hunting Moon Pow Wow, Fall Gallery Night MKE, the 8th Annual Milwaukee Paranormal Conference, American Ghost Walks around Wisconsin, and concerts including Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Violent Femmes, The Temptations and Four Tops and Herbie Hancock.

From cocktails at Saint Kate’s new restaurant to Herbie Hancock’s upcoming concert and a zombie farce hitting the Milwaukee stage, this episode is packed with culture, comedy, and the unexplained. We preview Bed and Breakfast of the Damned with The Constructivists’ Jaimelyn Gray, talk ghost stories with Ghosts of Waukesha author Josh Hughes, and meet the creators of Brewed Awakening, a Wisconsin-based sitcom in the making. Plus, don’t miss Herbie Hancock’s exclusive interview, a Fiddler on the Roof preview, and our featured track of the week.

The Constructivists founder Jaimelyn Gray joins us in-studio to preview the world premiere of Bed and Breakfast of the Damned (Oct 25–Nov 7)—a fast-paced zombie farce like no other. We talk undead chaos, French theatrical flair, and why pugs are taking over the set.

Live in-studio, we’re joined by Josh Hughes—author, tour guide, and Waukesha’s go-to paranormal expert—for a deep dive into local ghost stories and supernatural lore. Josh talks about his new book Ghosts of Waukesha, the research behind it, and some of the most chilling stories he’s uncovered, including a mysterious photo taken by his father featuring a ghostly girl who wasn’t actually there. He shares insights from leading the Waukesha Ghost Walk, local urban legends like the witch house, and how he’s spent the past five years unearthing the city’s haunted history. We also preview Josh’s appearance at the Milwaukee Paranormal Conference, where he’ll be speaking alongside others covering everything from ghosts to aliens—and yes, there was even a 20-foot snake last year. Josh rounds out the segment with a personal story about the friendly ghost haunting his own home and tells us where to find more of his work.

Live in-studio, we sit down with Brewed Awakening creator Evan Guirsch and actors Ben C. Adams and Bill Wood to dive into their locally rooted, Wisconsin-meets-California sitcom-in-the-making. Evan shares how a college class sparked his passion for screenwriting, eventually leading to a 10-episode season about a laid-back LA surfer dropped into small-town Wisconsin life. Ben introduces us to his character "Tommy," a family-first guy torn between the West Coast and the Midwest, while Bill brings his character to life right in the studio. The team discusses casting, crowd-funding through Seed&Spark, and the goal of keeping the production local—from crew to cast to music. We also get the inside scoop on the show’s unexpected villain, local actor Bob Benson as "Jack Stone," and wrap things up with sitcom inspirations (Happy Days gets a nod) and a one-word description of what Brewed Awakening really means to them.

In this special interview, legendary musician Herbie Hancock reflects on his Milwaukee memories—including his very first concert in the city—and shares what fans can expect at his upcoming show on October 21st at the historic Pabst Theater. From his early musical beginnings and big break to unexpected surprises and evolving sounds, Herbie talks about staying inspired, drawing in younger audiences, and why he still feels lucky.

this Partner Spotlight Interview features Kris Schiefelbein, Bar Manager at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. We dive into the hotel’s exciting new second-floor restaurant, The Studio Kitchen, explore its evolving bar scene, and talk all things cocktails—including their bold claim to the best espresso martini in the city. From pre-theatre dining to post-show cast visits, Saint Kate offers something for everyone. Bonus tip: leave time to explore the hotel’s inspiring art collection.

Revisiting this remarkable presidential history with fascinating facts about Roosevelt's resilience and the determination of the shooter shared by renowned Wisconsin historian, John Gurda.

Sunday What's On Tap: An Alternative to the Halftime Show from Turning Point USA

It’s a celebration of all things Milwaukee in this full show episode! We kick things off with WTMJ’s Bob Brainerd live in-studio for a spirited Brewers playoff chat — complete with a Pocket Paczki review, song picks for tonight’s game, and stories from working alongside the great Augie. Then, we revisit Sandy’s conversation with Bill Brewster, Chief Curator at the Harley-Davidson Museum, about the unveiling of Bob Uecker’s iconic Harley now on display.