Down N’ Downer Hosts Their First Show at Radio Milwaukee Venue

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A live music show on Oct. 17th marked the beginning of a new era for Milwaukee’s Down N’ Downer. This was the first show hosted by Down N’ Downer at Radio Milwaukee’s venue in Walker’s Point.

According to Ben Moyle, one of the founders of Down N’ Downer, they started as a backyard DIY music venue on Downer Avenue.

Moyle stated the idea of Down N’ Downer was started after going to shows at other DIY music venues in the Milwaukee area. Moyle and the other founders of Down N’ Downer built a stage in their backyard and began hosting shows at their venue April 27, 2024 according to their Instagram.

Down N’ Downer quickly became a popular venue for local bands and for Milwaukee music fans. They began their partnership with 88.9 after having to end shows at their outdoor venue.

“This is the first time we’ve had a professional space to do this in,” said Moyle “Every other space we’ve done is either in our living room or backyard.”

This show was Down N’ Downers first collaboration show with Radio Milwaukee. They had performances by three local Milwaukee bands; Strange New World, Chapped Lips, and Killer Highlife.

For one band, this was not only Down N’ Downer’s first collaboration with 88.9 but also their first show. Strange New World band members Victor Calvo and Kevin Reed highlighted what a show like this meant for them and their band.

“It was awesome to get our name out there,” said Reed

“For our first show it was great. We had a lot of fun and the crowd seemed to have a lot of fun.” said Calvo.

Many audience members shared Down N’ Downer’s enthusiasm and appreciation for DIY music.

PROWL Radio Production Lead Eva Groeschl emphasized her appreciation for Down N’ Downers collaboration with Radio Milwaukee and what it means for the Milwaukee DIY music scene.

“It opens your eyes to a whole new world that you might not know exists because it’s literally underground basement shows,” said Groeschl. “This is such a good opportunity to make it more mainstream and educate more people on what’s out there.”

Groeschl stated that she has watched many bands grow in the DIY music scene and loves watching their journey. Groeschl also praised Down N’ Downer and Radio Milwaukee for their organization of the show.

“I think there is something very invigorating about a group of young people all passionate about something and making it happen and this is a prime example of that.” said Groeschl.

The show drew in a crowd of people who already had an appreciation for the DIY music scene and those new to it. Audience member Caitlin Beere states that a show like this was a new experience for her.

“I’ve been to a couple concerts in Milwaukee but nothing like this,” said Beere.“I can feel the hard work put into these bands.”

Down N’ Downer has hopes to continue to put a spotlight on Milwaukee’s DIY music scene.

“I hope the biggest thing that comes from this is that it shows people that you can get involved with music and be involved with the community and make it something that brings people together.” said Moyle.

According to Moyle this collaboration is something that Down N’ Downer will be continuing with Radio Milwaukee. Moyle said that they currently have shows planned out as far as April 2025.