Home, Family and Finding Where You Belong

This was the topic of a fantastic musical we were privileged to experience over the Cinco de Mayo weekend in Milwaukee. The musical was In The Heights and the story explores three days in the characters’ lives in the New York City Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights. Winning four Tony Awards in 2008 and a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the storyline along with the music combining a bilingual combination of rap, hip hop, merengue and bachata made me want to stand up and dance, but I quickly realized that would only serve to embarrass those around me. Needless to say, I was well-behaved and very attentive the entire time. I even learned a little more Spanish!

After the show, a quick trip through the Milwaukee Hyatt observing the site of the attempted Teddy Roosevelt assassination and some friendly conversation with a nice lady in the hotel elevator revealed that Saturday was not only the day of the Kentucky Derby! Yes! The Brew City Bruisers Women’s Roller Derby Championship was on for later that evening at the US Cellular Arena! Not having ever seen any “Derby” in real life, we really felt this was an opportunity that we could not deny ourselves.

Bloody Cupcake, the Lead Jammer passes the pack lead by Grace Killy!

We learned about the Jammers, the Blockers, the Lead Jammers and Pivot Blockers while watching Maiden Milwaukee vs. The Shevil Knevils! With names like Bloody Cupcake, Formaldehyde, Betty Clobber, Grace Killy and Habeas Kickass, these ladies were able to entertain to a much higher level than any 2 year old philly could during some old horse race down in Kentucky!

No, mint juleps were not being served, but they had a killer ice packed Vodka Tonic for only $7! Afterwards, it was out for Tapas to celebrate the Spanish version of Cinco de Mayo (yeah, I know).