Summerfest for Kids

If you are thinking of bringing young kids to the Summerfest grounds, I would suggest making the trip as the gates open. There are dedicated areas of the grounds, as well as activities created with families in mind.

Included are a children's theater, playground area, Children's Hospital helmet program, Target Story Time, puppets and so on. For the older kids, there is a sports zone which will have visits from various athletes throughout the week.

Summerfest runs along Milwaukee's Lake Michigan, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get super hot at times. Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats and some water to keep you and the kids cool. And kudos to you for even considering taking on such an activity! Good luck with the stroller!

American Idol "loser" Chris Daughtry hits the Marcus Amphitheater!

The last hole in the Summerfest 2007 Marcus Amphitheater lineup is filled with American Idol top-five contestant from last year, Chris Daughtry's band, Daughtry. Their self-titled debut album has been a hot seller. In fact, it is the fastest selling debut rock album in SoundScan history.

The singles off the album, "Home", "It's Not Over" and "What I Want" have been well-received by music fans and radio. For this season of the show that made Daughtry famous, American Idol castoffs were wrapped up in a montage of video overlaid with the words "I'm going home, to the place where I belong." from Daughtry's "Home".

Grouped with singers like Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry stood out and some say, never wanted to win the American Idol competition as it might not have lead to the same level of success he has now found.

On Friday, July 6 at Milwaukee's Summerfest, check out Daughtry for yourself on the Marcus Amphitheater stage. Daughtry tickets will be on sale through Ticketmaster in the coming weeks and again, with your Daughtry ticket purchase you won't need to have a separate Summerfest admission ticket.

Panic at..????

I have come to terms that Summerfest is about variety of music. Look at the current 2007 line up. We have Heavy (Tool), Hip Hop (Ludacris), Country (Toby Keith), Classic Rock (Roger Waters), Big Hair 80's/ Early 90's Rock (Bon Jovi), Today's Rock (John Mayer) and so on. What troubles me at night is why Panic at the Disco is coming to the Marcus Amphitheater and not a side stage. The Goo Goo Dolls who are bigger name are playing at the Miller side stage. I was hoping for The Police or Rage Against the Machine to come to Milwaukee and fill one of the few spots left, however, "another spot bites the dust". If you are a Panic at the Disco fan, you can still get some great seats at Ticketmaster. Hurry up thou, before all the 14 year old grab them.

Panic! At Summerfest???? At the Amphitheater????

Along with Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is.., and The Hush Sound, Panic! At the Disco will play the Marcus Amphitheater at Summerfest in Milwaukee on Saturday, July 7th, 2007.

This headlining act was formed just a few years back in Las Vegas. They are known for their old-style circus-like shows, with complete with contortionists. Panic! has become a hit with the kids, as has the other bands on the ticket, but will it sell out the Amphitheater? The other bands have come around Milwaukee recently and played to solid audiences at the Rave. Kids are finicky though...this show is still months away.

Panic! At the Disco tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster on Saturday, May 26th at 11am cst. I believe prices are $20-$30 before the additional charges Ticketmaster tacks on. As always, you will have free admission to the Summerfest grounds with your Panic! tickets!

Summerfest 2007 in Milwaukee

Summerfest officials are starting to share a bit more information on the larger of the side stages. My previous post covered the updated Miller Lite Mainstage, which is always a winner. (Long beer lines, but good music).

The US Cellular stage will have the following bands as their headliners. I believe most will take the stage at 10p or so each night. Your Summerfest admission price for the day will cover these shows as well as the million other performers around the Summerfest grounds. If you take a look at the Summerfest official site, they have EVERYTHING you need to know to make your trip to Brew City during the fest perfect...

June 28
Say Anything & Jack’s Mannequin

June 29
Shiny Toy Guns & Silversun Pickups (I will be at this show)

June 30
Rise Against

July 1
Built to Spill

July 2
Social Distortion

July 3
AFI

July 4
Plain White T’s

July 5
Spoon

July 6
Chevelle

July 7
Papa Roach

July 8
Blue October

Miller Stage Lineup for the 2007 Summerfest

This years Miller Stage line up is big as usual. For those who want to see a big ticket show for a small ticket price, Miller Stage is the place to be.

Thou Miller Stage is "free" with paid admission, the Marcus is where the big boys and girls play. According to unreliable sources, their are rumors that Rage against the Machine, The Police and Kenny G are coming to headline Summerfest. I am kidding about Kenny G. I doubt he would fill even a quarter of the stage. Here is the lineup for the Miller Stage at Summerfest in Milwaukee.

6/28/07—Violent Femmes

6/29/07—O.A.R

6/30/07—Goo Goo Dolls

7/02/07—Heart

7/03/07—Buddy Guy

7/04/07—The Black Crowes

7/05/07—All American rejects

7/06/07—Augustana

7/07/07—Live

7/08/07—Lupe Fiasco