
Tue · 2pm
Sam Shackleton and Shawn Alan Hurd
feat. Sam Shackleton
X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and More
Scottish folk meets Milwaukee charm — a night of storytelling through song.
$18
ft. Sam Shackleton, Shawn Alan Hurd
Scottish cowboy ballads meet Milwaukee's folk scene — a night of storytelling through song.
Part I
About this event
Sam Shackleton, known for his Scottish cowboy ballads, brings his unique blend of folk and country to X-Ray Arcade. His music, deeply rooted in the traditions of Scotland and the 1960s folk revival, offers a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with the oral traditions of both sides of the Atlantic. Expect a performance that feels both timeless and fresh, as Sam weaves stories through song.
Joining him is Shawn Alan Hurd, a Milwaukee-based troubadour whose narrative-driven songs explore themes of forgotten artists and rustic dreamscapes. His guitar work and storytelling create an immersive experience, making this a must-see for folk music enthusiasts. The intimate setting of X-Ray Arcade enhances the connection between artist and audience, ensuring a memorable night.
From the organizer
X-RAY ARCADE PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC / ALL AGES 7PM DOORS / 8PM MUSIC $18 CASH DAY OF SAM SHACKLETON - SCOTTISH COWBOY BALLADS TOUR Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok Sam Shackleton, also known by his Gaelic moniker, Sorley the Bard, is a Scottish singer-songwriter and folk artist. His music is greatly inspired by the rich inter-connected musical oral traditions of Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. Strongly influenced by the 1960s folk revival, his unique sound is a mix of country, old time, traditional, folk, and blues with a Scottish spirit. He was born in Stirling and raised all over Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands, and his music is deeply inspired by the oral tradition, musical culture, and landscapes of Scotland. Sam also holds a Research Masters degree with distinction in Scottish Ethnology from the renowned academic folk music institution, the School of Scottish Studies, specializing in folklore and ethnomusicology. He spends his days writing, performing, and busking across the world, sharing his unique and authentic musical style through his own writing and interpretation of the folk traditions, songs, and ballads that came before him. He views all of his music as part of the carrying stream of folk tradition. SHAWN ALAN HURD Bandcamp | Instagram Shawn Alan Hurd is a guitar picking troubadour currently passing his time in Milwaukee, WI. His folk-leaning narrative songs tend to focus on downtrodden and forgotten artists as they weave their way through rustic dreamworlds, dodge distant memories, and traverse through charcoal dusted landscapes.
Getting in
Tickets available online
Registration required — must sign up
Pricing details
$18 cash day of.
Pro tips
The event is $18 cash only at the door, so make sure to hit an ATM beforehand as there are no card payments accepted.
Who'll Be There
Attendees are likely to be a mix of local music lovers, folk enthusiasts, and perhaps a few curious newcomers. The all-ages aspect suggests a diverse crowd, including younger individuals, families, and older adults who appreciate folk music. Expect a laid-back, community-focused audience rather than a party crowd.
Part II · The feel
The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.
Library rules. Whispers and a calm body — this is not a talking-out-loud room.
Designed for 3–6 people. Good group-of-friends territory.
More like this

Tue · 2pm
feat. Sam Shackleton
X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and More
Scottish folk meets Milwaukee charm — a night of storytelling through song.
$18

Tue · 7pm
feat. Sam Shackleton
X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and More
Scottish folk meets Milwaukee charm at X-Ray Arcade — don't miss it.
$18

May 11 · 6:30pm
feat. Caley Conway
Dead Bird Brewing Company
Intimate indie rock session with Caley Conway in a cozy brewery setting.

Tomorrow · 7pm
feat. Julius Rodriguez
The Cooperage
Soulful jazz on the Harborfront with Julius Rodriguez — a night to remember.
See details

May 10 · 6:30pm
feat. Dallas Wax
X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and More
Rock out with Dallas Wax and Heavy Bend at X-Ray Arcade — local vibes, big sound.
$20

May 15 · 3pm
feat. Doug Martsch
Turner Hall Ballroom
by WMSE 91.7 FM + 88Nine
Indie rock legends Built to Spill live at Turner Hall — a must for music lovers.
See details