For college students, there is no better time of the year than summer. Wisconsin generally has a beautiful summer climate, perfect for those weekends when the local beach calls, and by beach, of course that means the nearest lake.
With gas prices the way they are, and knowing that they always go up more during the vacation months, traveling long distances may not be an option for many people. That is why this summer should be named The Summer of Music, due to the fact that Wisconsin and its neighbors are teeming with great venues for music on a practically weekly basis. Besides the local Concerts on the Square and Jazz in the Park, music-lovers do not have to go much farther to listen to some great music. This summer is full of music festivals and concerts beckoning people of all ages to come out and join the fun.
First up on the summer music calendar is the "First One's on Us" concert featuring Ben Folds and The Violent Femmes Saturday, May 27. For those free over Memorial Day weekend, this free event is a great way to kick of the summer. Miller is putting this event on to commemorate the completion of the renovations on the Miller Lite Oasis stage on the Summerfest grounds. Although it is free and open to all ages, it is still a ticketed event. Tickets will be available through local retail promotions and radio giveaways and Miller will provide one free Miller Lite to patrons 21 and older. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m.
The Summerfest grounds will definitely not go unused until the anticipated June 29 event. The Vans Warped Tour will hit Wisconsin on its fourth day of the tour. It will be taking over the Marcus Amphitheater June 17. Tickets range from $75 to $110 for this all-day event, but they are worth it. Beginning at 11 a.m., the stage will be occupied by more than 80 bands, including 18 Visions, AFI, Anti-Flag, Armor For Sleep, Billy Talent, Buzzcocks, Down to Earth Approach, Dropping Daylight, Emanuel, The Fall of Troy, Every Time I Die, From Autumn to Ashes, From First To Last, Greenly Estates, Gym Class Heroes, Hellogoodbye, Helmet, Less Than Jake, Moneen, Motion City Soundtrack, Protest The Hero, Reggie and the Full Effect, Saves the Day, Senses Fail, Shiragirl, Silverstein, Sum 41, Thursday, ZOX and many, many more.
These bands will be seen on several sponsored stages including the MLB Authentic Collection/Vagrant Records Stage and Hurley Stage, which feature more well-known bands and headliners; the Hot Topic Kevin Says Stage is for up-and-coming artists from underground and independent scenes to come and possibly get discovered their music ranges from punk to ska to hip hop and hard core rock. Last is the Ernie Ball Stage, which offers bands from across the country a chance to compete in a battle of the bands-like scene for various prizes.
Concertgoers will also be able to participate in numerous activities set up by the sponsors of the Vans Warped Tour. Cingular wireless customers will be able to flash their Cingular phones at a special skip the line banner as well as receive special texts regarding band signings and other promotions. Play Station will be there once again with samples of their latest software to check out. Major League Baseball, Amateur Mini-Ramp Skate Jam, and several other sponsors will have booths open as well.
For fans of country music, Wisconsin summers are full of country music festivals. The first one of the year is Country Fest in Cadott, Wis. From June 22-25, everyone can get his or her country fix. With adult tickets ranging from $65-75 one-day passes to $130-150 four-day passes, it is definitely possible to get the most for your money. From Thursday to Sunday, country lovers will get to enjoy the tunes of performers like Jo Dee Messina, Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, Rascal Flatts, Trick Pony, Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith, Phil Vassar, Carrie Underwood, and so many more. If you cannot make it to Country Fest, be sure to check out the many other country music festivals being held this summer like Country Thunder, Country Jam, and Country USA.
Less than two weeks after the Vans Warped Tour graces the stage, the World's Largest Music Festival: Summerfest kicks of on Milwaukee's lakefront. Summerfest is celebrating its 39th year of bringing incredible artists to the city's biggest party of the year — one that lasts 11 days, as a matter of fact. Admission to Summerfest has changed since last summer. The Summerfest pins and cards have been retired, so no more getting in free with them during certain times of the day. Instead, adult admission will be $8 from 12-4 p.m. on weekdays and $15 after 4 p.m. and on weekends. For all those music lovers who have to wait until their regular workdays have ended to head over to Summerfest, they are looking at a $3 increase.
The only way to get around that this year is to buy tickets ahead of time. From April 21 to May 31, advance sale tickets will be available at select locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Each ticket is $15, but included in it is a $3 food/beverage credit. Each ticket is also good for a free vintage Summerfest poster, available while supplies last at Grand Avenue mall.
Opening this year's festival at the Marcus Amphitheater will be Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers with Pearl Jam. Summerfest officials must think these guys are going to be big ticket sellers, because they have them at the Marcus for both Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30 at 8 p.m. There will be an entirely different crowd Sunday, July 2 when Nine Inch Nails and Bauhaus rock it up. Their performance will begin at 7 p.m. The next night, July 3, Mary J. Blige will perform at 8 p.m. with Ne-Yo. That is also the night of the Third of July Fireworks on the Lakefront.
Then, Happy Fourth of July! Kenny Chesney is back again for another packed show, as of now he is flying solo. His show on July 4 will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 was a big announcement with Nickelback headlining with Hoobastank and Chevelle starting at 7:30 p.m. And the last performance announced, as of yet, is Country singer Alan Jackson with American Idol Carrie Underwood, also beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8. There are still four more gigs unannounced for the Marcus Amphitheater, so be sure look and listen for more exciting concert announcements. Also, all tickets for Marcus Amphitheater events can be purchased through Ticketmaster at leveled prices.
Despite the big names that appear at the Amphitheater, some really great bands appear on the eight side stages every year. In the past they have included Blues Traveler, Ben Folds, Michelle Branch, Jason Mraz, and tons more. This year, there is a great variety and among those that will appear on the Harley, Miller, and other sponsored stages are Phil Vassar, Yellowcard, Common, My Morning Jacket, Train, REO Speedwagon, Ryan Cabrara, Alice Cooper, Elvis Costello and the Imposters featuring Allen Toussaint, Los Lonely Boys, Dierks Bentley, and so many more there is not room to mention them all, not to mention those that have not yet been announced.
Additionally, while you are enjoying the music, you can also enjoy food and beverages from the many local restaurants that have stations and menus at Summerfest, including Saz's, Gus' Mexican Cantina, Crawdaddy's, Water Street Brewery, as well as Cedar Crest ice cream and hot roasted corn on the cob. Summerfest is all about having a great time, and this summer will be no exception.
Amidst all the Summerfestivities, do not forget about the Dave Matthews Band's two-night appearance. They will be at Alpine Valley out in East Troy, Wis., Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, with Umphrey's McGee opening. They sell out every year, so tickets should be purchased in advance for either $39.50 or $59.50 from Ticketmaster. The show will begin at 7 p.m. with partying before, during, and after.
A straight shot down I-94 will take you to yet another amazing concert experience. Once a national tour, Lollapalooza is now a three-day music festival, taking place in Chicago's Grant Park. This popular event began back in 1990, but was revived in 2003 after a six-year hiatus. Lollapalooza features an eclectic lineup of artists every year. This summer over 130 bands will be performing on eight stages over the weekend of Aug. 4-6. Ticket prices right now are $130, but will increase to $140 and finally to $150 as amounts decrease.
Think of it as close to a dollar per band, which is a great deal when you think about it. From the huge list of acts, there are a number of well-known bands set to perform, including Kanye West, Wilco, Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, Common, Matisyahu, Blues Traveler, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Subways, The Raconteurs, The Flaming Lips, Ween, Queens of the Stone Age, just to name a few. This can be a great way to wind down the summer. So rather than road tripping it somewhere far and expensive, jump in the car and head down with a group of friends and enjoy some really great music.
