The chances you discover a venue that has served as an Italian Anarchist Book Club in the early 20th century, a social center, punk destination in the ’90s and venue hosting performers almost every day is slim, unless you’re familiar with Milwaukee’s Cactus Club.
It welcomes performances across the board — think punk, indie, pop, rock, folk, garage rock, hip-hop, rap, hardcore punk and drag — each lighting up the stage in one place.
The Cactus Club in the Bay View neighborhood goes beyond just providing a stage — it uplifts these identities in their full authenticity, its existence a narrative of hundreds of performances.
“The entire function of the space is to be very participatory. It’s a blessing and a curse — every night is a different night,” says Kelsey Kaufmann, the owner and operator of the Cactus Club.
Kaufmann has been with the club since 2011, taking over programming and bar management in 2016 and transforming it into a more collaborative space for artists. Since becoming the owner in 2020, her leadership has fostered an environment of openness, affirmation and queer visibility.
This inclusive atmosphere extends to events like “The Serve,” a drag show featuring a close-knit group of friends, all of whom found a support system within the drag community. Though it performs only periodically at Cactus Club, the venue’s broader focus allows performers to embrace full artistic freedom and creative direction — it’s a night of intimacy, art and sisterhood, where drag queens and queer people are offered a collective space to express their true, authentic selves.
Back at Cactus, under neon red light, a chalkboard sign reads, “Sold Out: French Police, Wisteria, DJ Kely AlGlow.”
As indie and goth rock fans drift out, a new crowd gathers for The Serve’s “Brat 2 School” drag show, hosted by Susie Starlet. At 10:15 p.m., screens light up, showing the runway setup in the next room, while Kaufmann bartends amid the anticipation.
“At the end of the day, most of the girls in the show are my friends, and then most of the people in the crowd are people I know or see,” Starlet says. “There’s new faces or people who see the show consistently enough to know the things that I say. It’s so cute and fun. I see the crowd as a person, and it’s like we’re catching up.”
Geo (he/him), who is known as Starlet (she/her) on stage, ventured into drag around 2015 after being inspired by others participating in drag competitions. They began performing in drag between 2020 and 2021 before being invited by Kaufmann to host the Serve.
“I believe in the transformative power of artist-run spaces, queer spaces, spaces of intention — for community building, refuge, learning, escapism, catharsis, making friends and dancing. “
While audience members grab a drink before the show begins, Starlet is behind the scenes, preparing sound checks and managing the show.
Starlet is responsible for introducing each member of The Serve. One by one, each performer takes the stage, collecting tips from the increasingly rowdy crowd. The audience throws money and sings along to pop anthems from artists like Charli XCX and Lady Gaga.
Roxy Toxin, a drag queen from Minnesota, remembers discovering drag at about age 9. Toxin made her Milwaukee debut in 2023 when she got a call from Starlet asking if she could fill in for another performer. Starlet reached out to Toxin, marking her first-ever drag show in Milwaukee.
“I can attribute everything to The Serve, because I wouldn’t have ever really gotten a first gig, if it wasn’t for her, for Susie,” Toxin says, who has now shared the stage with drag icon Trixie Mattel.
Blythe, a queen from Milwaukee, walks onstage in a blue sheer robe and a pink outfit with a demure disposition, her head poised, performing to “Mona Lisa Moan” by Eartheater.
“The Serve is actually really cool, because the audience that goes there actually wants to see something different,” Blythe says. “They actually are fine with songs that aren’t just pop.”
Having the Cactus Club as an openly queer supporting, community space is impactful for artists and attendees alike.
Between performances, Starlet reflects on a heartfelt conversation about her sexuality with family and acknowledges Blythe’s mom in the audience, who often supports the group by attending shows and taking photos.
“It’s important to highlight that parents can support their queer children,” Starlet says.
The crowd cheers, united in their acceptance and establishing an atmosphere of collective respect. Much like Starlet’s call for parental support of queer children, the Cactus Club has strived to create an inclusive environment by ensuring the venue is accessible to those under 18.
Youth programming is a priority for the Cactus Club and for club booker Thomas Hively, who co-runs Milwaukee Hardcore Shows, booking hardcore punk shows in the city.
Hively values accessibility for all ages to experience punk shows.
In October 2019, the Milwaukee Licenses Committee voted to change an ordinance that would permit small club venues to “register as performing arts centers,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Since then, Kauffman and the club’s community activation has continued to foster a network of artists, musicians, small organizers and the launch of Cactus +, a youth programming and education project, in 2022.
“I believe in the transformative power of artist-run spaces, queer spaces, spaces of intention — for community building, refuge, learning, escapism, catharsis, making friends and dancing,” Kaufman says
Eventually, The Serve must strut out for a final “cattle call,” but the Cactus Club will remain a place of acceptance regardless of genre.
Cover Photo: The Bay View Cactus Club’s neon lights shine brightly on a Friday night. Inside, French Police, Wisteria, DJ Kelly Aiglon and The Serve will perform. Photo by Lily Mihelich.
Tile Photo: The Bay View Cactus Club welcomes visitors and performers. Photo by Lily Mihelich.