http://onmilwaukee.com/rss/rss_seasonal_summerfest.xml Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Summerfest Guide en-us Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:15:02 CST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://onmilwaukee.com/images/layout/omc_rssfeed_logo.gif http://onmilwaukee.com 204 67 Summerfest is a great event and Milwaukee has a thriving performing arts community. Why not blend the two? http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/sfartsblog070609.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/sfartsblog070609.html?19615 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 18:43:00 CST In a few days, officials will release attendance figures and they likely will indicate a drop from the 2008 total. We can point a couple of reasons for that, including the sluggish economy, a long Brewers homestand, some unseasonably cool and cloudy weather, the calendar (with July 4 falling on Saturday) and a solid-but-unspectacular lineup of musical acts. In the aftermath of the festival, we offer the following hits and misses. Feel free to use the Talkback feature to add your own. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfest09wrap.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfest09wrap.html?19612 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:33:00 CST In a Summerfest season that featured bands that could be considered light rock, nouveau country and '90s pop, Kid Rock closed out the Big Gig Sunday with, well, rock. Throw in some Southern cooking courtesy of Lynyrd Skynyrd (or what's left of it, anyway), as well as Kid Rock's own brand of twang, and Summerfest had a recipe for bad-ass fun. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/kidrockreview09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/kidrockreview09.html?19586 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 02:03:00 CST Elvis Costello and the Imposters headlined the MandI Classic Rock on the south end of the grounds Sunday night as Summerfest 2009 came to a close. And Costello clearly took heed of the name of the stage when writing out the exactly two-hour set list. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/elviscostellosummerfest09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/elviscostellosummerfest09.html?19611 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 23:49:00 CST For the past 35 years, the root beer barrel has been as ubiquitous at local fairs and festivals as food on a stick. OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Molly Snyder Edler ducked into a barrel for a stint as a soda slinger during a busy day at Summerfest. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/rootbeerbarrel2.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/rootbeerbarrel2.html?19606 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 16:01:00 CST Admission to the inaugural Summerfest cost $1.25 or $.50 with three 7-Up bottle caps. Mary Feller has the memory, and the program to prove it. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/firstsummerfest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/firstsummerfest.html?19608 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 11:03:00 CST Living legends graced the Marcus Amphitheater stage during this year's edition of Summerfest, including Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, KISS, and Stevie Wonder. Although they all provided stellar showings for the fans at the worlds' largest music festival, the venue seemed ready for some young talent to breathe life into its speakers. The Fray delivered. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/thefrayreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/thefrayreview.html?19607 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 04:15:00 CST It's a well-documented admission on the pages of OnMilwaukee.com that my guilty music pleasure is Huey Lewis and the News. As someone who considers his taste in music to be at least slightly above average (though plenty will disagree with that, too), I'm well aware that Lewis is neither aurally spectacular nor particularly popular anymore. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/hueylewisreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/hueylewisreview.html?19585 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:30:00 CST Nothing stops a crowd at Summerfest like a crowd at Summerfest. Thursday afternoon, a crowd gathered on the south end of the grounds to see the Sennheiser Sound Tour launch a national campaign. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/sennheisersoundtour.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/sennheisersoundtour.html?19604 Sat, 4 Jul 2009 08:16:00 CST goers seeking out a ground-shaking experience fit to celebrate the fourth of July at Summerfest, look no further than Milwaukee's own Invade Rome. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/invaderome.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/invaderome.html?19600 Sat, 4 Jul 2009 07:08:00 CST A cold beer. Sandy beaches. Summer sun. A good tune. In a nutshell, those are Kenny Chesney's four main components to a good day and, that's pretty much what his fans got Friday night at the Marcus Amphitheater ... minus, of course, the sandy beach. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/chesneyreview070409.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/chesneyreview070409.html?19603 Sat, 4 Jul 2009 01:52:00 CST When I saw that local, family-friendly band The Chicakdees were playing again this year at Summerfest, my family and I -- which includes my 6-year-old sons -- decided to make a pilgrimage to check out the band at Summerfest's Children's Theater and Playzone. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/chickadees2.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/chickadees2.html?19602 Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:45:00 CST Taking the stage right at 10 p.m., Femi Kuti and The Positive Force maintaining high energy for the full 90-minute set. A horn section, pianist, drummer and others joined Kuti on stage as he alternated between vocals and piano. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/femikuti.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/femikuti.html?19597 Fri, 3 Jul 2009 01:28:00 CST For a festival that too often gets criticized for its predictability, Summerfest certainly surprised with its booking of No Doubt -- the initial shocker being that a pop-ska band from the early '90s could fill the Marcus Amphitheater, and the second being that, wait!, No Doubt is still a thing? http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/nodoubtreview09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/nodoubtreview09.html?19596 Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:21:00 CST Singer Grace Weber and pianist Julian Pollack were joined on stage by a drummer, guitarist and saxophone player. The duo, which recently became a five-piece band, comes from New York where its members met as students two years ago at New York University's School of Music. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/graceandjulian.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/graceandjulian.html?19591 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:47:00 CST Some of the musicians who perform at Summerfest kill time during the day by hitting area golf courses, checking out the Milwaukee Art Museum, jogging along the lakefront or sleeping. Los Lonely Boys went shoe shopping. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/loslonelyboysstacyadams.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/loslonelyboysstacyadams.html?19583 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 14:59:00 CST I've written about what it's like to play the noon slot at Summerfest and whether or not it's something a band has to do to move up to more prestigious Big Gigs. Today, I did a tour of the noon bands. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestnoonbands.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestnoonbands.html?19581 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 14:15:00 CST Before Gwen Stefani and No Doubt make their much buzzed about performance in Milwaukee at the Marcus Amphitheater on July 2, a rising musical sensation from Toronto plans to shake up the sonic hemispheres from its first note. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/bedouinsoundclash.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/bedouinsoundclash.html?19573 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:54:00 CST Brewers vice president Bob Quinn will put away his financial reports and pick up a guitar Thursday when he joins Hoi Polloi on stage at Summerfest. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/hoipolloifest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/hoipolloifest.html?19550 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 05:32:00 CST Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan kicked off their summer tour at Summerfest's Marcus Amphitheater Wednesday night, and although they performed many fan favorites, the lack of video screens or an encore featuring both performers left some feeling lukewarm about the concert. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/dylannelson.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/dylannelson.html?19578 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:32:00 CST Many of the fans Wednesday afternoon at the Lite Oasis were "camping out" to see headliner Jason Aldean. Pat McGee won them over with heartfelt, melodic songs and an easy wit. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/patmcgeesummerfest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/patmcgeesummerfest.html?19577 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:56:00 CST On Friday, July 3, at some point during the day, I'll be slinging soda from a random root beer barrel. If you find me, say hello, and I'll buy you a soda. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/rootbeerbarrel.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/rootbeerbarrel.html?19570 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:41:00 CST Located near the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse, the Venice Club remains a popular destination for hungry Summerfest guests and there is one major reason: the fried eggplant. "We are the largest seller of eggplant in the world for 11 days," said Tom Balistreri, one of the operators. "We sell a ton of eggplant a day." Venice Club's product -- served French fry-style -- is hot, crispy and topped with lemon and cheese and is perfect for sharing. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/veniceclubsummerfest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/veniceclubsummerfest.html?19563 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:56:00 CST The OnMilwaukee.com editorial team was challenged to spend a $20, without going over, on something tangible -- a piece of the Big Gig to take home for posterity. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestchallenge09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestchallenge09.html?19549 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:14:00 CST Back again from MandI Bank are two 18-story electric guitars. Nearly 940 windows on the south and west sides of the bank's Downtown building are lit to take the shape of huge electric guitars. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/mibankguitars09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/mibankguitars09.html?19560 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:21:00 CST When most patrons think of security at Summerfest, they probably first conjure up thoughts of the burly "red shirts" patrolling the grounds. But uniformed cops are there at all times, providing backup, ready to act if things get out of hand for the unarmed security. Last Friday, we did a "walk along" with two of these Milwaukee officers. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestpatrol.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestpatrol.html?19556 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:26:00 CST Starting right on time, both Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire took to the stage for an initial 30-minute collaboration. With early 20 musicians on stage, seven original members and more than 80 years of combined touring experience, the stage was littered with instrumental skill. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/earthwindfire.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/earthwindfire.html?19562 Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:16:00 CST With the Big Gig in full swing, we thought it would be fun to send senior editor Drew Olson into another "shift switch" assignment -- this time as a bartender at Summerfest. After spending 25 years in front of the various bars on the grounds, Olson stepped into a beer stand near the rock stage and poured beers for thirsty patrons. He left with sore legs and hips, a little tip money in his pocket and a new appreciation for the people who pour. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestbartender.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestbartender.html?19553 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:03:00 CST Aside from some thank yous and an introduction of his band, George Strait had little to say Monday night when he headlined at the Marcus Amphitheater. And that was OK with his fans, who didn't mind his disinterest in small talk. They paid to see an old-fashioned country music show, and that's exactly what they got from the 57-year-old star. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/063909straitreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/063909straitreview.html?19552 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:56:00 CST When I interviewed Spoon just days before its Pabst Theater stop on its "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" tour in 2007, all drummer Jim Eno wanted to talk about was Summerfest. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/spoon09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/spoon09.html?19551 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:31:00 CST Summerfest is, despite the presence of musicians of all ages, a bastian of youth. At least it was on the Briggs stage on Monday, thanks to 9-year-old, Elkhorn guitar whiz Tallan Noble Latz, whose band performed Monday afternoon. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/tallanlatzsummerfest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/tallanlatzsummerfest.html?19546 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:25:00 CST During a crowded Sunday night performance at Summerfest, Blues Traveler front man John Popper ripped through a dozen songs without conversation other than the occasional, sincere "thank you" and a declaration that the show was a tribute to Michael Jackson. But the lack of banter was made up for with great music. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/bluestraveler09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/bluestraveler09.html?19544 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:41:00 CST It was no surprise that four days after the world learned of the death of Michael Jackson, that news was fresh in the mind of Stevie Wonder, who headlined the Marcus Amphitheater on the first Sunday of Summerfest 2009. After all, Wonder was the first child star at Motown, paving the way for Jackson. But the way in which Wonder chose to pay tribute to Jackson ranged from touching to unusual to downright odd. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfeststeviewonder09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfeststeviewonder09.html?19542 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:55:00 CST With fingers ebbing energy from his inner being into his guitar as if it were an internal organ, Davy Knowles shreds one guitar lick after the other, leans up to the microphone and wails away with raw, uncompromised human emotion. Knowles understands a thing or two about delivery. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/davyknowles.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/davyknowles.html?19539 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:13:00 CST With the smoking ban just a year away, and public smoking at all all-time low approval rate, do you think Summerfest -- albeit outdoors -- should have no smoking or designated smoking areas? Sound-off, Milwaukee, about public puffing at the Big Gig. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/soundoff062809.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/soundoff062809.html?19512 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:17:00 CST As soon as the folks at Summerfest announced that KISS was headlining the first Saturday night at the Big Gig, we knew who we wanted to cover it for us. Our friend Kevin Brandt, better known as "KB" from the "Dave and Carole Morning Show" on WKLH (96.5 FM), is a longtime ally of the KISS Army, has seen a number of the group's shows and use Twitter to transmit updates throughout the show. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/kissmarcusampliveblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/kissmarcusampliveblog.html?19537 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:03:00 CST Milwaukee's Bay Dariz is in a new band called Some Hear Explosions, and I knew it would be a rare treat to see him play at Summerfest Saturday afternoon. This show, like all the others over the years, didn't disappoint. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/somehearexplosions.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/somehearexplosions.html?19538 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:19:00 CST Dropkick Murphys made their first Summerfest appearance Friday night and it's not a reach to say it won't be their last. The Boston-based Celtic punk outfit, which has developed a devoted local following with frequent visits and sweat-drenched shows in tiny clubs all the way up to the Eagles Ballroom, played an energetic 90-minute set before a jam-packed house at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/dropkickmurphys09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/dropkickmurphys09.html?19534 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:44:00 CST Elizabeth "Bo" Black, who served as Summerfest's executive director from 1984 until 2003, is a role model for professional women and a Milwaukee icon. Although she now lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., health issues and a recent achievement award keep Black in the local media and in the minds of Milwaukeeans. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/boblacktalks.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/boblacktalks.html?19511 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:18:00 CST Attention Twitter users. If you're going to be at the Marcus Amphitheater tonight and want to join our live coverage of Keith Urban / Counting Crows show, e-mail your Twitter username to twitterteam@staff.onmilwaukee.com. We'll add you to our lineup and you can share your thoughts along with our correspondents. Send your username by 5 p.m. in order to be eligible and enjoy the show. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/urbancrowstwitterteam.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/urbancrowstwitterteam.html?19527 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:22:00 CST Rancid's show Thursday night at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse struck a cautious mix between pre-millenial albums and the current disc. Many of the tracks were pulled from the highly succuessful "...And Out Come The Wolves," but the set featured everything from tracks from the very early "Let's Go" to the later hit, "Fall Back Down." http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/rancidsummerfest09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/rancidsummerfest09.html?19525 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:04:00 CST As mentioned in yesterday's preview, Bon Jovi should really be credited for much more than its ability to make dudes rock out with its anthems, women swoon with its odes to endless love and power ballad compilations rich with its nostalgic offerings. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/bonjovi.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/bonjovi.html?19523 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:41:00 CST Former Packers legend Paul Hornung (pictured) was among the attractions as Summerfest kicked off its 11-day run on Thursday at the Lakefront. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestday1blog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestday1blog.html?19522 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:03:00 CST You won't see OnMilwaukee.com Publisher Andy Tarnoff at Summerfest every day this year; on the other hand, he will pick his spots for some nice targeted shows this season. Here are his top shows of 2009. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/atsfpicks09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/atsfpicks09.html?19434 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:34:00 CST Drew Olson, Julie Lawrence, Bobby Tanzilo, Maureen Post, Molly Snyder Edler and Andy Tarnoff are fanning out around the grounds; join in the conversation as OnMilwaukee.com's editorial staff updates you on what's happening at the Big Gig on Day 1. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestliveblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestliveblog.html?19509 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:26:00 CST Long after it was formed as a duo, looming LARGER, which played the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Battle of Corporate Bands, celebrates its debut CD, "Too Happy," with a Summerfest gig on Saturday afternoon. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/loominglargersf.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/loominglargersf.html?19488 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:07:00 CST When Normal, Ill.. natives The Run Around played a concert for the employees of Briggs and Stratton Monday afternoon, it was the band's first gig in Milwaukee -- and a warm-up for its official Brew City debut at this year's Summerfest. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/therunaround.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/therunaround.html?19500 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:03:00 CST Summerfest doesn't inspire everyone to automatically crack a big smile, especially those folks who despise large, spirited crowds. Luckily, Brew City doesn't completely shut down during the Big Gig, and the city offers plenty of other options. Here's a sampling. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestalternatives.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestalternatives.html?19478 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:34:00 CST Get ready for 11 days of live music, food and fun at OnMilwaukee.com's "Big Gig® Kickoff Party" tomorrow night. Get to the Irish Pub, 124 N. Water St., between 4 and 9 p.m. for a slew of drink specials and entertaining events presented by OnMilwaukee.com and Bothday and joined by Newaukee. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestkickoff.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/summerfestkickoff.html?19502 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:40:00 CST Summerfest is awesome and Milwaukee is better because of it. There's something for everyone and it's finally here. From Chesney to the Roots to Jet, here are Jeff Sherman's picks for the 2009 Big Gig. http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/shermanpicks09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/summerfest/articles/shermanpicks09.html?19452 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:24:00 CST