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What's On Tap

620 WTMJ

Sandy Maxx explores the culture and creativity across Wisconsin and around the world. The show's focus is on topical interviews and experiences that bring the fan to the heart of what makes Wisconsin special.

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  • 36 episodes
  • Avg 41 min
  • English

Episodes 36

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  • Thursday · 8 min

    The Weekend Trend: Wisconsin Fun Happening August 27-30

    What's on Tap's Sandy Maxx joins Wisconsin's Morning News to give a preview of fun things happening throughout Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin including Sacred Rhythm Mother, Gary Sinise's Graceful Warrior concerts, and more.

  • Tuesday · 1 hr 38 min

    Milwaukee Film, Wildflowers on the Water & Wauwatosa's Newest Public Art

    Milwaukee Film Artistic Director Cara Ogburn previews the Dialogues Documentary Festival, featuring nearly 40 films designed to spark conversation, plus a special 70mm film series at the Oriental Theatre. Discover Sacred Rhythm Mother, Wauwatosa's striking new interactive public sculpture by Justin Roberts, and join Wisconsin musician Sarah Fierek for a preview of Wildflowers on the Water, bringing live music, art, nature and goat yoga to Lakeshore State Park. Plus, hear a moving excerpt from Sandy Maxx's conversation with Gary Sinise about his late son, composer Mac Sinise, ahead of the Milwaukee world premiere of Graceful Warrior at Skylight Music Theatre on August 28 & 29. Also: PLM Paving & Concrete celebrates 60 years, Milwaukee County libraries offer free test prep and career resources, SafeHouse Milwaukee turns 60, and the Milwaukee Art Museum marks 25 years of the iconic Quadracci Pavilion.

  • Monday · 6 min

    SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: PLM Paving & Concrete

    Sandy Maxx talks with PLM Paving & Concrete President and CEO Ryan Laughlin about their 60th Anniversary Party on Aug 27 at The Social Haus in Menomonee Falls.

  • August 23 · 32 min

    Gary Sinise shares the backstory behind "Graceful Warrior"

    Actor, musician, and humanitarian Gary Sinise talks with Sandy Maxx about his late son, Mac, and the music he composed that was only found after his death. Sinise will host a concert performing this music at Skylight Music Theatre September 28th and 29th.

  • August 22 · 46 min

    Milwaukee’s Best Weekend Events, Afterlight & A Taste of St. Lucia

    Sandy Maxx previews the best Milwaukee and Wisconsin events this weekend, including Mexican Fiesta, Taste of Egypt, Afterlight, the Beer Barons tour, Wisconsin volleyball, and National Dog Day celebrations. Plus, Sandy talks with Chef Heskeith Flavien about an intimate St. Lucian dinner at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, celebrating Caribbean food, culture and storytelling. The episode also previews this weekend's WTMJ Conversations, where Libby Collins talks with attorney Karen Conti, who represented serial killer John Wayne Gacy during his death penalty appeal.

  • August 21 · 1 hr 5 min

    Brewers Black Culture Fest, South Milwaukee Arcade at 100 & Brew City Opera's Pagliacci

    Celebrate Milwaukee culture, creativity and community on this episode of What's On Tap with Sandy Maxx. Social X MKE co-founder Ranell Washington previews the Milwaukee Brewers Black Culture Fest at American Family Field on August 21st, bringing Black music, artists, entrepreneurs, Negro Leagues history and family activities to the ballpark. Then, director Doug Clemons takes us inside Brew City Opera's bold, immersive reimagining of Pagliacci and explains why this classic tale of clowns, jealousy and deadly drama could be the perfect first opera. Plus, South Milwaukee Arcade General Manager and co-owner Todd Andreska shares nearly a century of bowling history as the beloved neighborhood institution begins its 100th season, complete with historic memorabilia and a centennial celebration. Also: the first films to receive Wisconsin's new film tax credits and Sandy's Weekend Trend picks for things to do across Wisconsin.

  • August 20 · 7 min

    Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Mexican Fiesta, Zoo a la Carte & More

    Looking for things to do in Milwaukee this weekend? Sandy Maxx is back with The Weekend Trend and a packed lineup of festivals, concerts, food, sports and family-friendly events happening across southeastern Wisconsin. This weekend’s highlights include Mexican Fiesta at Henry Maier Festival Park, Zoo a la Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival at the Pabst Theater and the Taste of Egypt Festival. Plus, Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival and Tim McGraw head to Alpine Valley. Sports fans can catch Wisconsin Badgers volleyball at Fiserv Forum, while the Falls Festival of the Arts brings painting, murals, sculpture and more to downtown Menomonee Falls. From live music and cultural festivals to great food and outdoor events, here’s your guide to making the most of another summer weekend in Wisconsin.

  • August 18 · 1 hr 42 min

    Unpacking a full week of fun in Milwaukee and Gary Sinise's moving tribute to his son

    On this episode of What's On Tap: - Westown Association, BID #5 Marketing & Events Director Megan Kujawa and Irish musicians Ian Gould and Lukas Jaeger on the International Flavor Night themed Milwaukee Night Market on Wed, Aug 19 - Fresh Coast Jazz Festival Chief Executive Officer Carl Brown talks about the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival in Milwaukee Aug 20 - 22 - Flowers For Dreams Design & Marketing Director Lindsay Leinenkugel talks about the Milwaukee Flower Fest - NEWaukee CEO & Founder Angela Damiani discusses Afterlight on the Riverwalk on Aug 21 - Actor/author/musician/humanitarian Gary Sinise talks about the Graceful Warrior world premiere concert performances Aug 28 & 29 at Skylight Music Theatre

  • August 18 · 10 min

    SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Milwaukee Night Market

    Westown Association, BID #5 Marketing & Events Director Megan Kujawa and Irish musicians Ian Gould and Lukas Jaeger joined What's On Tap to talk about International Flavor Night at the Milwaukee Night Market on Wednesday, August 19th!

  • August 16 · 38 min

    What's On Tap Weekend: State Fair history and Pat McCurdy's State Fair memories

    State Fair Historian Tom Zimmerman takes us back through the fair’s remarkable history, including some of its most unusual and entertaining traditions. Then, Sandy talks with Milwaukee musician Pat McCurdy about his long history with the Wisconsin State Fair, his years performing with Kids From Wisconsin, memorable fair experiences and the songs that have become part of his Wisconsin story.

  • August 15 · 1 hr 28 min

    Wisconsin State Fair History, Horses, Music, & Must-See Weekend Picks

    What’s On Tap with Sandy Maxx goes live from the Wisconsin State Fair for a look at the people, music, traditions and stories behind one of Wisconsin’s biggest summer celebrations. Sandy talks with Milwaukee musician Pat McCurdy about his long history with the Wisconsin State Fair, his years performing with Kids From Wisconsin, memorable fair experiences and the songs that have become part of his Wisconsin story. State Fair Historian Tom Zimmerman takes us back through the fair’s remarkable history, including some of its most unusual and entertaining traditions. Plus, Sandy talks with Mounted Patrol Sergeant Dan Nikolaus about the State Fair’s police horses, his partnership with his horse, Ronan, how the horses are trained for the crowds and noise of the fair, and how they serve the community beyond the fairgrounds. The episode also features Sandy’s picks for the final State Fair weekend, listener memories, unusual fair foods, live music, tribute bands, Creamsicle-inspired treats, Cow Prom and more.

  • August 14 · 1 hr 20 min

    Stories of Singing and Scooping at the Wisconsin State Fair

    Sandy Maxx sits down with Piper Faust, a Wisconsin State Fair “Scooper Trooper,” and learns what it takes to keep the fairgrounds clean while serving up a little behind-the-scenes fun. Then, she sits down with Milwaukee musician Bobby Way to talk about his impressive streak of performing at every day of the State Fair since 1992 and how he knows what a crowd really wants to hear. Sandy also talks with Lindsey Stirling ahead of her Wisconsin State Fair performance about her music, live show and return to the fair. Discover the hidden art and history of the Wisconsin State Fair as WTMJ’s Jessica Gatzow joins Sandy Maxx to explore the fair’s impressive wood carvings, including the new Wildlife and Winds of Wisconsin sculpture. Plus, they uncover historic farm photos and vintage State Fair ribbons dating back to 1899.

  • August 13 · 7 min

    The Weekend Trend: Summer Festival Home Stretch

    The Weekend Trend w/ Sandy Maxx! Back for the State Fair finale weekend! It's going to be a great time! Sandy highlights the best sounds you'll hear live on stage. From State Fair to Irish Fest which kicks off today! Plus neighborhood festivals!

  • August 13 · 19 min

    $1Billion in cream puffs, and Lindsey Stirling talks Wisconsin State Fair, Electric Violin & Aerial Performance

    Sandy Maxx broadcasts live from the Wisconsin State Fair and shares an interview with Lindsey Stirling ahead of her Friday night performance on the BankFive Nine Main Stage. Stirling shares what audiences can expect from her high-energy theatrical show, the stories behind her music, her electric violin collection, aerial performances, and the personal experiences that inspire her creative work. Plus, Sandy brings listeners the sights, sounds and flavors of the Wisconsin State Fair, along with a fun look at what a $1 billion Powerball jackpot could buy at the fair.

  • August 12 · 1 hr 9 min

    Pat McCurdy & Peter Noone + a Wisconsin State Fair history lesson

    Go behind the scenes of the Wisconsin State Fair with Sandy Maxx on What’s On Tap. State Fair archivist Tom Zimmerman shares stories of the fair’s history, traditions and memorable moments. Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits talks about his legendary career, the British Invasion, the Cavern Club and performing at the fair. Plus, Milwaukee music legend Pat McCurdy discusses his musical influences, Kids From Wisconsin, his new album and the documentary Bright, Beautiful World: The Infectious Joy of Pat McCurdy. Sandy also explores State Fair-exclusive beers, Wisconsin’s 100- and 150-year farms, and former Milwaukee Bucks coach Don Nelson’s Nellie’s Farm Fund.

  • August 11 · 1 hr 4 min

    Wisconsin State Fair 2026: Peter Noone, Sil’s Festival Ale, Plein Air Art & Blue Ribbon Competitions

    What’s On Tap with Sandy Maxx is live from the Wisconsin State Fair, celebrating the people, music, art, food and traditions that make it a Wisconsin summer tradition. Sandy talks with artist Larry Schulz about the fair’s plein air painting competition, while Herman’s Hermits frontman Peter Noone shares stories from his legendary career and previews his State Fair performances. Plus, Lakefront Brewery’s Russ Klish and Sil’s Mini Donuts founder Lars Wickland reveal the story behind Sil’s Festival Ale, and Wisconsin State Fair Director of Competitive Exhibits Jill Albanese goes behind the scenes of the fair’s blue ribbon competitions, unique contests and agricultural traditions.

Showing 1–20 of 36 episodes