Rotating Specials: recording a Milwaukee variety show pilot at Washington Park Media Center
On September 20, 2025, we recorded the pilot of Rotating Specials, a Milwaukee variety show, live at Washington Park Media Center in front of a studio audience.
At a glance
| Date | September 20, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Place | Washington Park Media Center, Milwaukee |
| Produced by | Awen, with TankThink, the media production company founded by Wes Tank |
| Director | Wes Tank, who co-owns the venue |
| Hosts | Mie and Cullah |
| House band | Garrett Waite, Tlalok Rodriguez and Peter Behlmer |
| Format | Stand-up comedy, magic, live music, a film and a sit-down interview, recorded on video |
The format
Rotating Specials mixes stand-up comedy, magic, live music from a house band and a sit-down interview, all recorded on video in front of a live studio audience. Awen produced the pilot with TankThink, the media production company founded by Wes Tank, who co-owns the venue and directed the recording.
a Milwaukee variety show, where we serve up the freshest and most talented artists and entertainers in our amazing city
Mie, welcoming the studio audience at the recording
The hosts and the band
Cullah and Mie hosted. Mie is an electrofolk singer-songwriter whose music blends folk storytelling with electronic soundscapes, and performed music from The Cave. Cullah is a multi-disciplinary artist and entrepreneur who releases an open-source album every April 27.
The house band was Garrett Waite on vocals and guitar, Tlalok Rodriguez on bass and Peter Behlmer on drums. Garrett blends rock, blues, folk and world music through the improvisational structure of jazz. Tlalok is a bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and the founder of MKE Music Night. Peter is a drummer, educator, composer and engineer at Pete's Drum Beats.
Comedy, magic and a conversation
Two Milwaukee comedians did stand-up sets. Luise Noé is known for very silly jokes about very serious topics, including immigration and technology, and performs at clubs across the Midwest. Eric Smith is a local favorite who has opened for comedians including George Wallace, Neal Brennan and Steve Byrne. Garrett Waite also performed magic, and the show included a film from Wes Tank.
Cullah sat down with Kristin Brey, a writer, video creator and radio host, for the interview.
This is like everything that you hope to have, a creative space
Kristin Brey, speaking at the recording
The room
Wes Tank brought the production side to the night. Wes is known for the viral 2020 Dr. Seuss rap videos and the children's series StoryRaps for Kidoodle.TV, and has worked on music videos, documentaries and live performances for children's museums and festivals.
This event was kind of a dream we've had for a long time
Wes Tank, speaking at the recording
Sources
- Lineup, date and venue: our Rotating Specials experience page.
- The venue: Washington Park Media Center and TankThink.
- Photos: frames from our own recording of the pilot on September 20, 2025.
More about the night
Every performer and partner is listed on the Rotating Specials experience page, with links to their own work.
If you are planning a live show, a recorded event or a series, read about our experiential marketing work or get in touch.