Some might suggest not being into the 4th of July is un-American but I think it's more like if you're not into three day weekends that that makes you less of a patriot. Fortunately, this weekend has both, so you just be you and enjoy it eh?
#1 and #2
Summerfest, duh!
The Big Gig is already underway and I hear tell that the fireworks last night were phenomenal; I wouldn't know though as I was babysitting my lil boy but now that the weekend is in gear there is plenty to see and do at the Henry Maier Festival Park. And with soooooo many options, I figured I'd share my druthers for the next few days.
Tonight is looking like a great night to check out a bunch of local acts and the Miller Lite Oasis has a pair up early with Greatest Lakes on at 6:15pm followed by GGOOLLDD at 7:15pm. A little rock then some pop and why not finish it off with a great beer bottle band with MKE connections at our stage (Johnson Controls World Stage), The Record Company, who headline at 10pm.
Friday has some hard choices (for me at least) as our stage has the whole Emerging Artist thing with Diane Coffee playing at 6:45 and throwback sensation Taylor Dayne at 10pm, who I would see mostly out of curiosity. Another excellent option is camping out by the Harley davidson Roadhouse for a solid straight ahead starting at 6pm with ex-Femmes' Sam Llanas followed by MKE's Trapper Schoepp lighting the fire for for a Ray Lamontagne finish at 10pm.
Saturday ain't no slouch, and the only act that would entice me over to the Marcus Amphitheater this year is the Alabama Shakes who are excellent live. Amphitheater dreams don't always come true so if not that, I'd have a hard choice between the Peter Bjorn & John show on our stage at 10pm and Mayer Hawthorne at Uline.
Sunday has a few options as well; I like MKE's New Age Narcissism and The Roots at Miller Lite Oasis a lot, but I've seen em a few times and don't like to miss one of the few reggae shows that we get and the Wailers are an interesting option at the Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard. And that's my personal take on the opening weekend at Summerfest.
#3
PBR Fest!
When you have something as big and ubiquitous as Summerfest happening every single year, it's easy to grow weary of it and yet, still want to get your fest on. This Saturday is an interesting alternative to those weary of the sheer immensity and intensity of Summerfest; PBR Fest. The annual block-party sized event held in front of Bay View's Burnheart's bar is never dull and mostly dope.
This year's no different as the lineup looks like it's got everything you need for some fun in the sun. In addition to the many local artisan and craft vendors hawking unique wares, there's an (almost) all local lineup featuring:
New Boyz Club
Tigernite
Space Raft
WebsterX
Direct Hit!
#4
Concert Cruising with Soul Low
Every summer, certain traditions come back to life as the season sends the heat. One great way to beat the afternoon heat is to get lakeside for Milwaukee Boat Line's Concert Cruise series aboard the iconic Vista King. The cruise happens every Saturday and a great idea for the early evening that leaves plenty of time to get out and do other stuff. This Saturday's musical guest is the talented Milwaukee outfit Soul Low who are back for another cruise this year that they've dubbed the Soul Surf Cruise 2.0. The boat looks to be about half-full at the moment so book your passage now, should be fun!
Saturday at 8:30 sharp! @ Vista King 101 W Michigan St, Downtown
#5
Fireworks!
Politics aside, the 4th is about so many things; friends and family, food, a lil R&R and at dusk, some fireworks. A tradtion so powerful that it's not uncommon for whole families to come down to the Lakefront and camp out a bit to ensure they've got a great spot. Can't say I blame 'em, Milwaukee has a pretty good light show and this year is sure to be a blast. Will they be better than last year's? I cannot say, but I am always a little sad when the show's over but hey, Tuesday's not too bad a day to actually start your week eh? And if you miss the big ones on the 3rd, many parks will have their own (smaller) displays on the 4th.
Sunday at dusk @ Lakefront near the Milwaukee Art Museum