Milwaukee Art Beat—New arts showcase to debut in Bay View April 3 at Hide House

Source: Annie B. Productions, 213-595-1149
Milwaukee Artbeat

Award-Winning Milwaukee-Area Producer Kicks Off New Arts Showcase Series in Bay View

“One of the things that seems to be missing at many arts showcase events is the ability for us to get inside the artist; find out what they were thinking when they created that piece, how it transformed from an idea to a finished work.”  Award-winning producer Annie B., creator of “Milwaukee Artbeat,” kicks off a new, innovative arts showcase series, taking events like this to a new level.  “We hope to inspire young artists and audience members alike, so they can take something away from the event, learn something about an intriguing artist or an art form, inspiring them to share it with others.  It allows the artist to share more than their work, but who they are, what they’re about, inviting a very different sort of connection to their audience members.”

Hosted by local singer/songwriter Annie B. and local free-style rapper Nick Ramsey, the monthly event highlights 4-5 different artists of all types, from thespians to filmmakers, sculptors to songwriters, all tied together by a unifying theme.  “It’s more an exploration than a showcase, where we really get that in-depth view.  We take a look at the story of the artist, where they’ve been in their journey as an artist, and how they got to where they are now.  Audience members are encouraged to participate.”  Each event segment will be videotaped for YouTube broadcast by X-Facta Productions, where online community members can comment as well.

Milwaukee native Annie B. left the area in 1992 for a degree in psychology, but found her heart was in a different place.  She worked with her first band in the mid 90s to find her sound as an artist, while also working with SNCAT (Sierra Nevada Cable Access Television) to gain experience as a television producer.  She won a W.A.V.E. (Western Access Video Excellence) Award in the late 90s for a piece educating young people about dating & domestic violence, but music remained her #1 passion. 

She found her way to Los Angeles in 1999 to pursue her musical career, and her alternative band in L.A., Shut Up Marie, landed on college and commercial airplay charts in the early 2000s.  Annie has appeared on MTV, she’s hosted various shows and events in Southern California and throughout the U.S., and has traveled the country as a singer/songwriter.  Shortly after her move in 2007 to Austin, TX, a family situation brought her back to her hometown in early 2008, and she’s never been happier.  “I’ve found Wisconsin to be one of those best kept secrets… truly a great place for artists.  It allows us to breathe, without the pressure and competition of a place like L.A., or even Austin.  And the support for artists around here is refreshingly genuine.”

Annie recruited Ramsey after meeting him at a video shoot and finding out about his experience as an emcee.  The team promises a diversified and dynamic show.

The Milwaukee Artbeat Kickoff is on Friday, April 3^rd at the Hide House, 2625 S. Greeley St., Milwaukee, WI 53207.  Doors open at 7pm, seating begins at 7:30, and the show starts at 8pm.  An $8 donation will include a free glass of wine and appetizers.  Info on featured artists and all future events can be found by visiting www.milwaukeeartbeat.com. 

Local artists of all types from SE Wisconsin are invited to submit for future shows by e-mailing: producer@milwaukeeartbeat.com with links and/or jpegs of their work.

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