Who's Playing Summerfest? July 3rd

Yup, can't find a single act I'd be happy to see today. All I know about Kenny Chesney is he was married for a minute to Renee Zellweger, and she allegedly hinted he was gay after they split up. But hey, Renee? Come closer. No, closer, I don't want people to hear, this is just between you and me. He probably isn't gay, he just ignored you because he was afraid you'd shatter on your wedding night. What happened to the cutie from Jerry Maguire? You look like a dried up twig. Eat something. Even a salad. Go ahead, it won't hurt. I promise.

Anyhow, the 4th is coming up - what are your plans?

Who's Playing Summerfest July 2nd

I don't know if I'd brave Thursday's weather - a high of 68/low of 54, but much cooler by the lake - just to see No Doubt. Then again I like their music, I'm a fan of Gwen Stefani's solo work, and since she had kids certain areas of her anatomy have filled out quite nicely. There would be worse ways to pass an evening.

Judas Priest is at Summerfest too, but yawn. Pass. I could never get into their music. The closest I ever got to liking their sound was what I heard of the Priest knock-off band in the movie Rock Star.

sidenote: The best part of that film remains, of course, Mark Wahlberg peforming "Good Vibrations" during the closing credits. Yes, even better than the much hyped lesbian kiss by Jennifer Aniston, which should tell you just how ho-hum that scene turned out to be.

Again, I'll pass on Priest.

I do however dig Whitesnake just a wee bit, and I like David Coverdale. I will say that the Jimmy Page/David Coverdale collaboration from the '90's (cleverly named Coverdale/Page) really doesn't hold up over time. I remember sending in my little postcard and buying it from my BMG account; it was the Hard Rock/Metal Selection of the Month, if memory serves. For a minute there I thought it was the bomb and the second coming of Zep. What can I say? Oopsie.

BTW - I've learned a new word. Apparently "hype" means "crack addict", and is used as a noun to replace the former in conversation. Whodathunkit.

Who's Playing Summerfest - July 1st

Today Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson are co-headling at Summerfest, and that's about all you need to know. I'm not a big Dylan fan. I'm not even a casual Dylan fan, but I can't help but acknowledge his status as an icon and seeing him in concert would be something to tell the grandkids. Plus he saw Buddy Holly in person and loved the guy, and for that I heart him.

As far as Willie Nelson, he's always been a favorite of my Mom, to the point where I remember being taken to see Willie in Honeysuckle Rose in 1980, when I was all of six years old. I think she also took me to one of his concerts, although I was too young then and she's too old now (j/k) to remember for sure. But we saw Kenny Rogers back in those early years of mine, so it doesn't seem unlikely. I know my Dad met the guy in person during his years as a hotel night auditor.

As long as we're on the subject, always thought it was odd that my Mom, who is top to bottom a Midwestern, law abiding and conservative woman, would adore a long haired, pot smoking, gravel voiced singer. Hell, the guy claims to have smoked pot on the roof of the White House. I don't see how that jibes with the woman I know, since even I think less of him for that. Oh, I think pot should be legal, but as long as it isn't it was disrespectful to do it at the White House. In my opinion, any and all crimes commited there should originate in the Oval Office.

What can I say, I'm a traditionalist.

Who's playing Summerfest - Tuesday June 30th

There's a variety of talented artists headlining Summerfest today, but the selection of Chicago with Earth Wind & Fire at the Marcus Amphitheater strikes me as a weak draw. I could be wrong. I have nothing bad to say about Chicago. I think they're OK, and my sister C was always a big fan. EWF isn't my cup of tea, but my buddy Carlos likes them enough to crank them on his stereo on the way to Brewers games. So who knows, maybe they'll bring down the house.

Of the headliners I'd pick from one of two: blues great Buddy Guy, who's supposedly better in person than on vinyl, or Staind, a grunge-ish band that I could swear I saw in '99 or 2000. For those of you just as wrapped up in the music of your youth as I am, but who place that ear just a wee bit earlier in the 20th century, check out Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Who's playing Summerfest - Monday June 29th

Not a great lineup today, IMHO. I liked Heart for a minute back in the '80's, and I still dig some of their music. But the partisan side of me is still nursing a grudge over their objection to the use of Barracuda in the last election. Not that it would prevent me from stopping by to catch their free set if I happened to be there. But they can be seen at many lesser venues around Wisconsin, including a recent Pridefest - so why waste a day at the Big Gig on them?





Nor would I empty my wallet for George Strait, although I acknowledge him as a fine artist. I'm over country. It sounds fine, but their overuse of the chorus gets tiresome. However, Mr. Strait does hold the honor of being the artist who sang our wedding song in '96. Not in person, of course, as at the time I was not the World Famous blogger I am now. Even so, "I Cross my Heart" will forevermore hold a special place in the Slapinions household.

Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start.
I see it in your eyes, you can feel it from my heart.
From here on after let's stay the way we are right now,
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow.

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete,
And as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet.
As we look into the future, it's as far as we can see,
So let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be.

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

And if along the way we find a day it starts to storm,
You've got the promise of my love to keep you warm.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine,
A love as true as mine.

Fond memories there. Still, The Gufs aside, I'd say Monday is as good a day as any to avoid the festival grounds.

Who's Playing Summerfest - Sunday June 28

Ok, this is the first time this year I'd choose to see the headlining act at the Marcus Amphitheater. I really enjoy Better than Ezra, and Blues Traveler would be neat, but c'mon - ya gotta pick Stevie! Not only is he a legend, it's mere days after Michael Jackson's death. Is there anyone out there who *doesn't * think he'll kick it up a notch and play tribute to his friend? Hell, if I had the money, I'd be there. I think it'll be a hell of a show.

Who's Playing at Summerfest - June 27th

I suppose I should pay homage to KISS as they headline the main stage, but alas they're before my time. The closest anyone I know came to fandom was Joey Nowak, who brought a KISS LP to kindergarten show and tell. But in first grade he also swore he saw Santa delivering his Christmas presents, so I'm not sure his opinion is all that trustworthy.

Who's left (of the headliners)? I'm sick to death of the local BoDeans, so I'd go with Barenaked Ladies. I saw them in 2004 and they were a blast. I believe they're out promoting a children's record they did, of all things, and I guarantee the concert will be a hoot.

Who's Playing Summerfest - Friday June 26th

Keith Urban's the big draw tonight, but if I had my choice of free tickets I'd see The Offspring. For a bit of the unusual, check out Buckwheat Zydeco and his cajun flair. I first saw him on Letterman maybe twenty years ago, and I've never forgotten him. I doubt you will either.







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Today's Summerfest Lineup - June 25th

Today's the start of Summerfest, Milwaukee's annual music festival down at the lakefront. It's perhaps best known outside the state as the event where George Carlin was arrested for doing his "Seven Words" routine.

I'm not a big fan of crowds, drunks, or spending the day baking in 85 degree heat, so it isn't my preferred activity. But I'm definitely in the minority, so with that in mind here's today's headliners, led by Bon Jovi and Puddle of Mudd. Personally I'd skip 'em all and go see the Meat Puppets at the U.S. Cellular stage at 8 p.m.

Enjoy the show!