Exit 23

Local rock band Exit 23 will play alternative rock at the Muskego Festival, which takes place in Veteran's Memorial Park, on opening night, Thursday, August 25, according to John Domanski, vocalist and bass player for the band.

The band, which has performed at gigs in popular clubs including the Rave/Eagles Club and the Miramar Theatre in Milwaukee, just finished recording an album called “You’re Invited,” to be released in a month or two, Domanski said.

Exit 23 was named after an entrance door at Muskego High School, near the stage where the original band members performed in a school Pops concert, Domanski said. The group was formed in 2008 and after some turnover, now includes Dan Joerres on drums & vocals and Jake Derdowski on guitar.

The band played for free at the Muskego Festival in 2008 to get their start, and today book regular gigs, many after audiences see them perform at other shows, Domanski said.

Thursday night is alcohol-free Family Night at the festival, with $16 midway wristbands from 6 to 10 pm. Exit 23 plays from 6 to 9 pm at the Food Court, while the Muskego Teen Idol Semi-finals are held from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Family Tent.

Performing on the MGD Stage on Thursday night are Maxine’s Studio of Dance at 6:30 pm, an Aerial Fabric Demonstration at 7 pm, and Majk Dance & Gymnastics at 7:30 pm.

For those who can’t make Thursday night at the festival, Exit 23 has their next gig on September 18th at the Miramar Theatre in Milwaukee, 2844 North Oakland Avenue.

- Heidi Lindhorst