As the weather gets warmer, all Milwaukee area residents look forward to the staple of their summer: Summerfest. With the event being about one month away, most of the bands playing are already posted and it looks like we’re in for a great 11 days of music and fun.
This year, like every year, Summerfest will be hosting a wide variety of performers. Some main stage acts include Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Bob Dylan and No Doubt, just to name a few. This year we are seeing three different country performances (Keith Urban, George Strait, and Kenny Chesney) which are a big staple of the Marcus Amphitheater Shows. This influx of country should add a unique feel to the festival this year and bring out some people that may not have been as interested in the fest previously. Another big name coming to Summerfest this year is KISS, a rock band that has been around since the 1970s. Their performance will bring out some hard rocking fans looking for a sensational and stimulating show. Along with their exciting live performance, we will probably see a lot of great KISS merchandise, such as clothing, action figures and other novelty items. Though the Marcus Amphitheater is a great venue on the Summerfest grounds to see popular big name acts, my favorite stage is the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage. This stage is my favorite because it provides a great opportunity to local musicians. The stage is sponsored by Cascio Interstate Music, which is one of the state’s largest music stores and also a large competitor nationally in the independent music company circuit. The stage offers live, local and original music all 11 days of the fest. Some bands I am excited to see there are a jam band called The Toad King and an alternative mellow band called hitide.lotide. This year the Cascio Stage is moving to a better location between the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse and the Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard stages which is a higher traffic area than the previous location, allowing more people to become prospective fans.
After seeing some great bands and hopefully enjoying some beautiful weather, Summerfest offer a great variety of places to chow down. Whether you are interested in a sweet ice cream treat from Cold Stone Creamery or some spicy hot wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, Summerfest has it all. My favorite place to grab a bite to eat between performances is Greek Village on the north end of the grounds near other ethnic eateries. The Greek Village has awesome gyros, hot and fresh spinach cheese pies and to finish your meal, delicious honey puffs. If you don't like rock and roll, Miller Park tickets are always a great deal. Check out the Brewers if you can.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Side Stages Announce Headliners at Summerfest
A number of the side stage headline acts have been posted for Summerfest 2009. I have to hand it to the Summerfest management. They have booked some solid shows on those stages. We are not surprised to see the BoDeans on one night. At least they are not taking up space on the Marcus Stage.
My early pick for best night would be when the Dropkick Murphys take the stage. The Tossers will play just prior to the Dropkick Murphys. The Offspring play the same night. They are on the Miller Lite Oasis stage. That used to be called the "Miller Lite Jazz Oasis" stage. How times have changed.
Is Summerfest setting up a "punk" night? What a surprise. That's all I have time for today. I'll be back with more Summerfest concert announcements as they get locked in.
My early pick for best night would be when the Dropkick Murphys take the stage. The Tossers will play just prior to the Dropkick Murphys. The Offspring play the same night. They are on the Miller Lite Oasis stage. That used to be called the "Miller Lite Jazz Oasis" stage. How times have changed.
Is Summerfest setting up a "punk" night? What a surprise. That's all I have time for today. I'll be back with more Summerfest concert announcements as they get locked in.
Friday, May 01, 2009
"The Beast" talks about Summerfest
Since I’m taking a blog break, I asked “The Beast” to write up what she likes about Summerfest. Let me introduce “The Beast.”
Being a resident of the Milwaukee tri-county area, Summerfest is an event that is always at the top of the list for summertime activities. Summerfest is my favorite annual music festival. It features all genres of music and boasts the slogan “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” Some headliners coming this summer are Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Chicago, No Doubt, Bob Dylan and The Fray, just to name a few.
While Summerfest is a music festival, it is not just limited to music. Many local eateries serve food and beverages. You can find vendors selling clothing and novelties, and there are many family oriented activities for children available during the day.
Some personal highlights of Summerfest for me would be seeing Jack’s Mannequin at the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage in 2007 and 2008, and seeing A.F.I on the same stage in 2006. This year, I am looking forward to checking out Sound Tribe Sector 9 on July 1. I hope that the weather is better than last year, because it rained both times I went in 2008. One con of the free stages is the bleachers. You will find them bolted to the ground, and right up to the front edge of the stage. I would stand up close to the stage, but I usually get there early enough for a good bleacher spot. With so many people that attend the festival, you will surely be chatting with your neighbors while waiting to see your favorite bands (And hopefully meet some interesting and nice people.)
The U.S. Cellular Connection Stage is in a great location, because it is close to the lake. It’s almost a guarantee that you will feel a cool breeze; it’s also close to the many dining options bathroom facilities. The stage is sponsored by local radio station Rock 102.1, so many of the acts are alternative or rock. The U.S. Cellular Connection stage is not the only place to hear great music though. On the grounds, there are 10 free music stages, such as the Miller Lite Oasis, the Harley Davidson Roadhouse, and M&I Classic Rock Stage. The Marcus Amphitheater is the largest stage, and the “main” stage for performances on the grounds. That is where all the headliners play. Tickets for these shows cost extra, but that ticket price includes Summerfest admission.
Summerfest is a great place to go with your family during the day and enjoy the weather. It’s also a fun nightlife experience, with many bands and musical performances. This year, Summerfest runs from June 25 through July 5. The park is open from noon until midnight, daily. A unique and convenient perk of Summerfest is the Freeway Flyer shuttle service, offering rides to the park and back to park-n-rides in close suburbs and the Milwaukee County Public Transit system offers their bus services for those living downtown. If you are looking for some fun in Milwaukee this summer, I highly recommend that you check out Summerfest and their musical lineup.
Being a resident of the Milwaukee tri-county area, Summerfest is an event that is always at the top of the list for summertime activities. Summerfest is my favorite annual music festival. It features all genres of music and boasts the slogan “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” Some headliners coming this summer are Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Chicago, No Doubt, Bob Dylan and The Fray, just to name a few.
While Summerfest is a music festival, it is not just limited to music. Many local eateries serve food and beverages. You can find vendors selling clothing and novelties, and there are many family oriented activities for children available during the day.
Some personal highlights of Summerfest for me would be seeing Jack’s Mannequin at the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage in 2007 and 2008, and seeing A.F.I on the same stage in 2006. This year, I am looking forward to checking out Sound Tribe Sector 9 on July 1. I hope that the weather is better than last year, because it rained both times I went in 2008. One con of the free stages is the bleachers. You will find them bolted to the ground, and right up to the front edge of the stage. I would stand up close to the stage, but I usually get there early enough for a good bleacher spot. With so many people that attend the festival, you will surely be chatting with your neighbors while waiting to see your favorite bands (And hopefully meet some interesting and nice people.)
The U.S. Cellular Connection Stage is in a great location, because it is close to the lake. It’s almost a guarantee that you will feel a cool breeze; it’s also close to the many dining options bathroom facilities. The stage is sponsored by local radio station Rock 102.1, so many of the acts are alternative or rock. The U.S. Cellular Connection stage is not the only place to hear great music though. On the grounds, there are 10 free music stages, such as the Miller Lite Oasis, the Harley Davidson Roadhouse, and M&I Classic Rock Stage. The Marcus Amphitheater is the largest stage, and the “main” stage for performances on the grounds. That is where all the headliners play. Tickets for these shows cost extra, but that ticket price includes Summerfest admission.
Summerfest is a great place to go with your family during the day and enjoy the weather. It’s also a fun nightlife experience, with many bands and musical performances. This year, Summerfest runs from June 25 through July 5. The park is open from noon until midnight, daily. A unique and convenient perk of Summerfest is the Freeway Flyer shuttle service, offering rides to the park and back to park-n-rides in close suburbs and the Milwaukee County Public Transit system offers their bus services for those living downtown. If you are looking for some fun in Milwaukee this summer, I highly recommend that you check out Summerfest and their musical lineup.
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