
City Cast Madison
📝 The summer of shellfish!
June 11, 2024 · ✏️ Madison Minutes editor Ava Wojnowski wrote today’s news and The Best segment, with contribution from Adrian González. Hayley Sperling wrote Take Me Home Tuesday. Thanks to Bryan M. Vance for editing today’s newsletter.
Happy Tuesday Madison! Today is a bittersweet one for me — I’m excited to announce you’ll start seeing a new name on this newsletter. Everyone, please extend a warm welcome to Ava Wojnowski! She’ll be writing the newsletter as I settle into my new role as City Cast Madison’s executive producer and we continue the search for a permanent newsletter editor.
I don’t want to get too emotional here — it’s just an email after all — but I wanted to give a big shoutout and genuine thank you to all of you. These past three-plus years of writing the Minutes have been nothing less than wild, to say the least. But it’s thanks to all of you that we’ve made it this far and especially thanks to our hundreds of members who have helped us thrive.
If you’ve appreciated our work, you can help ensure Madison Minutes’ future for years to come by joining our membership program.
Thanks for the memories and the emails 💙
— Hayley Sperling

What's CITY Talking About?
🚓 3 Shootings in 1 Week
- At least 10 people were injured Sunday morning after a shooting on the rooftop of an apartment building near the University of Wisconsin, marking the third shooting this week. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
- Madison Police have not released a suspect or motive for the shooting, but said they believe the incident stemmed from an altercation at a nearby bar. [WPR]
🏛️ New Candidate For Wisconsin Supreme Court
- Dane County Judge Susan Crawford has announced that she will be running for state Supreme Court in 2025, seeking to maintain the court’s liberal majority.
- If elected, Crawford would replace Ann Walsch Bradley, who is not seeking reelection. [Cap Times]
🦪 Did Someone Say Oysters?
- Leopold’s Books Bar Caffé has opened their new patio pop-up Leo’s Half Shell Raw Bar. Not only are they serving up oysters, but they also have shrimp, lobster, crab legs, clams, caviar, and more!
- This patio will be open Friday and Saturday nights from 4-9 p.m. throughout the summer — weather permitting, of course. [Madison Magazine]

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Madison’s Best Queer-Friendly Spaces

Whether you’re looking for meals, adventure, or more places to support, Madison has a lot of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments from which to choose. These are some of our favorites.
For Food and Drink
WOOF’S
Located on King Street, WOOF’S is a popular gay bar in Madison. With different specials every day, this is a quirky spot to grab a drink with your friends.
Herbiary Brewing
Herbiary is your next stop for a brewski — and you have 10 different options. Made without hops, the flavors are nothing like you have ever had before. The founder of Herbiary Nia is trans and uses they/them pronouns, and they believe that beer without hops is an extension of their queer identity.
Short Stacy Eatery
While the name may be “Short Stack Eatery,” these stacks are nothing short of amazing! This Madison brunch spot is always a hit for those looking for both sweet and savory. And for any risk-takers out there, try “The Blind” which is a mystery special for half price.
Dyke Dive
There’s an unfortunate shortage of lesbian bars in Madison, and this pop up is looking to change that. We spoke to co-organizer Sara Akawa about their lineup this year.
Have an Adventure
Betty Lou Cruises
What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than enjoying the shore? There are public and private booking options available, six days a week through Oct. 20.
FIVE Nightclub
If dancing is what you crave, look no further. Featuring a huge dance floor and rotating nightly events, there’s something for everyone.

Take Home Tuesday

Happy Take Me Home Tuesday! This week, the Dane County Humane Society would like to introduce you to one of the sweetest dogs in town — literally. Meet Sugar.
This 3-year-old was shy and stressed after she arrived at the shelter in mid-May. So DCHS sent her to one of their volunteer foster homes to help her relax, where she blossomed. Her foster says Sugar wants to greet every human and dog during their long walks, and that she’s cuddly, energetic, and likes going for car rides. This girl has a heart of gold and is very lovable. Sugar is looking for an active family who will take her on fun adventures and spoil her with lots of snuggles.
Sugar has been with DCHS for a while, so she’s a member of their Lonely Hearts Club, and her adoption fee has been reduced.
Think Sugar would be a great addition to your family? Contact DCHS at (608) 838-0413, ext 145, to set up an appointment to meet her.

What To Do
Tuesday, June 11
- Afroman - The Presidential Tour at The Annex
- Arkansauce at The Bur Oak
- Boats & Bloom Bake Shop at Wingra Boats
- Concerts in the Park Summer Kick Off: Electro Retro at Wetmore Park, Sun Prairie
- Drag Bingo with Bianca Lynn Breeze & Mercedes Benzova at Comedy on State
- Drink and Draw at The Harmony Bar and Grill
- Euchre at Starkweather Brewing Company
- Lucid Tuesday at Crucible
- Lunch Time Live at King Street Walkway - Wisconsin Capitol Square
- Madison Jazz Jam featuring Lenard Simpson Quartet at North Street Cabaret
- MCM Roadshow: Parks Alive at Elver Park
- PVRIS at the Sylvee
- Open Mic hosted by Dan Plourde at Red Rooster Madison
- Trivia Night at The Rigby
- Tuesday Food Pantry at Goodman Community Center
- Tuesday Salsa Dance Night - music by Joe Yang at Cafe CODA
- Vinyl Night at Delta Beer Lab
- Wine School: Uncorking Spring's Light & Bright Whites at Leopold's Books Bar Caffe

Today on City Cast

Must See Madison: Mickey’s vs. Mickies, Fish Boil, and Getting Yelled at on Arboretum Drive
As a new resident to Madison, our City Cast Madison producer Phil Surkis is trying to hit all the Mad Town classics. With help from you folks, he is listening to suggestions for all of Madison’s must-see attractions on today’s episode of the City Cast Madison podcast.

Free · Daily
