Beginning in 1968 and held at the same location since 1970, Summerfest celebrates its 45th anniversary during the summer of 2012. Summerfest takes place on the 75 acre property of Henry Maier Festival Park, which resides along the shores of Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. People from all over the world, travel to Wisconsin’s largest city to attend “The Big Gig,” and each year between 800,000 and 1,000,000 (yes that is correct, I said ONE MILLION) people will pass through the famous white gates to see their favorite artists and partake in the numerous activities offered within the grounds. With such a large attendance one must ask themselves, why do so many people attend a music festival? Well with over 700 bands playing on 11 stages, including the Marcus Amphitheater which boasts its 23,000 person seating capacity, the biggest problem for many is prioritizing which band they would like to see, as often times there will be several favorites playing all at the same time. Summerfest offers more than just music though, it’s an event for the whole family. There are beverage venders serving Miller brand and other Wisconsin domestic, micro and craft beers, wines and champagne, soda and fresh squeezed lemonade, a various assortment of coffee drinks and liquor beverages. There are dozens of restaurants serving a plethora of ethnic/cultural foods throughout the park, ice cream, frozen yogurt, baked goods, and other decadent deserts are served by vendors. There are arcades, amusement park rides, multiple firework shows including the “Big Bang,” which is the best fireworks show I’ve ever seen, children’s playground areas, clowns, sprinklers to play in and other activities for children. Hundreds of vendors are there daily, selling everything from clothing, purses, hats, leather products, jewelry, and other handmade products from all cultures. You can even get some new ink by the tattoo venders. With all the food, beverages, shops, and activities, it’s amazing to think Summerfest brings over 700 of the most famous artists, bands and performers in the world. Last year was the first year I attended Summerfest not only as a patron, but also to cover the event for Rock И Roll Industries. I shot photos of Jackyl, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Heros Lie, Hinder, Fuel, DoryDrive, Future Leaders of the World, My Darkest Days, Sick Puppies, Soil, Sevendust, Buckcherry, 10 Years, Hollywood Undead, 311, Picture Me Broken and Blue Oyster Cult. Summerfest has several stages dedicated to certain genres of music, and their Rock Stage is one of them, which works out convenient for us. I will be covering the event this year as well and will report back with write-ups and photos for those who can’t make it. Now for those of you who can make it, make sure to come early to save your seat as the grounds stages are not only free with paid park entrance, but first come, first serve. After closing hours if you aren’t ready to go home, Milwaukee offers literally over 1000 bars, clubs and music venues with over 100 of them being in the general area of Henry Maier Festival Park, so there is no shortage of nightlife. I highly recommend
attending “The World’s Biggest Music Festival” and see for yourself, you’ll be glad you did. If you make it out, Look for me & ROCK И ROLL INDUSTRIES MAGAZINE and have your picture taken. Some of the artists/bands playing this year are; Aerosmith, Joe Walsh, Sublime with Rome, Chevelle, Skillet, Hollywood Undead, ZZ Top, 311, Steve Miller Band, Scorpions, Halestorm and Iron Maiden. More are announced daily, and you can get more info at www.summerfest.com. Hope to see you there and until next time…ROCK ALL NIGHT, SLEEP ALL DAY - Justin Edward
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