Milwaukee Bands and Artists that Headline Summerfest 2011

Would it be Summerfest without either the Bo Deans, or Pat McCurdy, or perhaps the Femmes? It seems like we see these names just about every year, either on the Marcus stage or as a side stage headliner. This year is no different. Danny Gokey even gets a turn in the spotlight, as he headlines the Briggs stage on July 6.

Milwaukee Bands Headlining Summerfest 2011

• July 9 - The regionally famous Pat McCurday plays with The Bodeans


• July 6 - From the suburbs of Milwaukee comes Danny Gokey


• July 10 - Willy Porter will headline the Briggs stage on the final night of the fest

These bands certainly deserve some props, and local heroes do draw. On the nights were we don't have local headliners on the Briggs Stage, we will see Meatloaf, Phil Vassar, Third Eye Blind, and George Clinton. We may be missing out on spring weather, but Summerfest is on the way!

Tom Petty Summerfest 2010 June 25 June 26 Marcus Amphitheater Show

It looks like we will see Tom Petty at Summerfest Milwaukee on June 25 and 26. ZZ Top will be the opening act for both nights. We expected an evening of Tom Petty, but the big surprise is that he's here for two nights.

Tom Petty loves to play here, and who can blame him? Milwaukee loves the nostalgia acts. Consider the fact that we saw the BoDeans and Violent Femmes play Summerfest for about 15 years beyond their freshness date. Oh well, we hope for something current, topical, and fresh for some of the other nights at Summerfest 2010. Tom Petty Summerfest tickets will go on sale soon.

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.

No Increase in Summerfest Admission in 2008

In a recent interview with the newspaper from his alma mater, Summerfest president and CEO Don Smiley, mentioned that for the 2008 Summerfest run, music fans would not see an increase in Summerfest admissions. I suppose this offers a little relief given the fact that gas has reached $4 a gallon. I sound like my Mom.

In this same interview, Smiley mentioned he was in to seeing Rascal Flatts and Gnarls Barkley. Wait? Is this some sort of announcement? Gnarls Barkley isn't on any official Summerfest press releases? The only open date for the Marcus Amphitheater is June 28, and according to Pollstar.com, they are already playing in Denver. Huh? Maybe Smiley is talking about seeing them at another music festival, rather than the one he runs. Makes sense given the one he runs has the same acts year after year, or offers up The Steve Miller Band.

Another Summerfest-related blog listed the following with regard to Smiley's vision for Summerfest, "For Smiley, it's not about a bigger gig. He envisions Summerfest with smaller crowds, older adults, generous spenders." I am old, but I am not old enough to think a statement like this is cool. I could get on board if along with this vision, cool, new music was part of the package. Not Rush for the 17th time. Not the BoDeans either.