US Cellular / 102.1 Stage Announcements

Even though I am approaching the age whereby I should enjoy the Marcus Amphitheater lineup at Summerfest, I tend to get just as anxious to see who the 102.1 radio/US Cellular people line up for their main stage on the Summerfest grounds. Generally, "alternative" type rock and usually doesn't disappoint. This year the first and last day of the fest have peaked my interest with They Might Be Giants playing at 10p on the first night and The Bravery closing the 10 day music festival in Milwaukee. For my $15 Summerfest admission, these two bands can have my loot. The trouble is now, I have the open, the close and the 4th to see The Roots play. Being the grumpy middle-aged gal that I am, I just don't know if I have the stamina to go three days. Depressing I realize. I am more of a Captain's Deck kind of girl. Free beer, place to sit and chill with my friends all sounds good to me. But what doesn't kill me will make me stronger. So watch out you little drunk 18-year-olds trying to see The Bravery, this mama is making her way to the front of the stage.

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.