Celebrate the Season at Summerfest
We just celebrated the Summer Solstice, so that means it’s almost time for Summerfest. Eleven Days – Twelve Stages – One Million Attendees – “The Big Gig” they call it. Have you attended lately? If not I encourage you to find a date where the side-stage acts interest you, and go enjoy live music. It’s a lot of fun – a carnival atmosphere – inexpensive – and right here in our backydard.
I rarely buy tickets for the Ampitheater. Instead, my preference is to get there mid-afternoon, listen to whatever appeals on the various free stages, crowd watch and “take my place in the freak parade.” Of course, I pick the date because I want to see a particular band, and in the early evening I try to get myself situated for the big act.
My plans for this year are to attend on July 3rd and 4th – with a stayover in Milwaukee with friends. I’m very excited to see Thievery Corporation on Thursday, and then enjoy the Fourth of July at the festival grounds. It should be a crazy night with Phil Lesh and Friends taking the stage at 8:00pm; following a set by old favorites, Lotus. (The Roots are also scheduled to perform that night, but I suspect I’ll have to wait until their Madison appearance in September to see them again.) Other dates that tempt me include:
| Thurs June 26 | Gnarls Barkley Eric Burdon and the Animals |
| Sat June 29 | Galactic |
| Sun June 30 |
Matisyahu |
| Tues July 1 | Zappa Plays Zappa |
| Wed July 2 | The Crystal Method |
| Sun July 6 | Mickey Hart Band |
TIP: For those weeknight return drives to Madison, I usually pull out before final encores. This will get you home an hour sooner – or more! And you will appreciate that when you get up for work the next day.
– Mister Bill
