Milwaukee’s Central Library became an after-hours concert venue on Thursday evening as local rappers and DJs took over its Grand Rotunda for The Library Show.
The free event, presented by Milwaukee Public Library, Run Along and On What, featured performances from 414BigFrank, Sabbath, Lightris & Sero and AyooLii, alongside DJ sets by Sunny Lou, DJay Mando and r3algrl. ([mpl.org](https://mpl.org/))
Organisers had been planning the show for around a year as part of National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Library card registration and renewal stations were available during the evening, with special-edition cards offered while supplies lasted. ([cbs58.com](https://www.cbs58.com/news/its-a-message-of-solidarity-milwaukee-rap-artists-to-perform-inside-milwaukee-public-library-sept-3))
The event came weeks after controversy surrounding a “no-play list” reportedly circulated among DJs at The Garage, a bar on Milwaukee’s Brady Street. The list named a number of Black artists and included the words “NO MILWAUKEE RAP”, prompting criticism on social media. ([cbs58.com](https://www.cbs58.com/news/its-a-message-of-solidarity-milwaukee-rap-artists-to-perform-inside-milwaukee-public-library-sept-3))
DJay Mando told CBS 58 that the library concert was intended as “a message of solidarity” and positivity, while also promoting literacy and making the library a welcoming place for the city’s music community.
Milwaukee Public Library research and policy co-ordinator Joey McMahon said people from every background and with all musical tastes were welcome at the institution.
Food trucks, local vendors and the library’s Bookseller shop were also part of the programme. The first 50 people to sign up for or renew a library card were due to receive a free event T-shirt designed by Niche Exhibit. ([cbs58.com](https://www.cbs58.com/news/its-a-message-of-solidarity-milwaukee-rap-artists-to-perform-inside-milwaukee-public-library-sept-3))
