Over the last few years, David Cook’s life has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. In short order, the 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician won the seventh season of America’s most popular television show, American Idol, rewrote chart history with a record-breaking 14 debuts on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, released his self-titled major-label debut album in November 2008, watched it debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, spawn two Top 20 singles (the platinum “Light On” and “Come Back To Me”), and sell more than a million copies, reaching platinum status.
David Cook is set to rock the Turner Hall Ballroom on Monday, November 21st.
Amy Lee from Evanescence calls in to chat w Van McNeil about their NEW self titled album which just debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, what fans can expect in concert and lots, LOTS more!
You've heard, maybe even read or saw something about Cirque Du Soleil before, right?
Well, now is your chance to check them out in person at Bradley Center as Cirque Du Soleil Quidam is in town thru this Sunday, October 23rd.
In Cirque Du Soleil Quidam, Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world - the world of Quidam - where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.
Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Lo Green will join the star-studded musical line-up on THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW, airing Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10:00PM, ET/ 9:00pm CT) on the CBS. Cee Lo Green joins previously announced artists Kanye West and Maroon 5.
Supermodel Candice Swanepoel will open the lingerie runway show, which will also star supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, Lindsey Ellingson and a bevy of other Victoria's Secret Angels, and will also include red carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world's most celebrated fashion show.
The runway looks will include over-the-top lingerie embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, iconic angel wings and the $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure Bra worn by Supermodel Miranda Kerr.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson graces the Unplugged stage in “VH1 Unplugged: Kelly Clarkson,” debuting online at Unplugged.VH1.com Thursday, November 17 at 8PM ET / 7PM CT. The on-air premiere follows on VH1 Friday, November 18 at 11PM* and on Palladia, MTV Networks’ high-definition music channel on Saturday, November 19 at 9PM*. Kelly’s extremely personal set will include performances from her forthcoming album Stronger as well as other past favorites.
Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Kelly Clarkson has released 4 studio albums (Thankful, Breakaway, My December, All I Ever Wanted), sold over 20 million albums worldwide, 10 million albums in the US and has had 7 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. She is the recipient of 2 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Awards and 11 Billboard Awards. Clarkson’s last effort, 2009’s All I Ever Wanted debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and produced the smash singles “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “Already Gone.”
Kelly joins Thirty Seconds to Mars, Mumford & Sons, Adele and Lykke Li in the 2011 roster of “Unplugged” artists. New episodes will continue to launch throughout the year at Unplugged.CMT.com, Unplugged.MTV.com, and/or Unplugged.VH1.com.
V.V. Brown stops by The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about her forthcoming album, "Lollipops & Politics", how life is on the road and what's up with her mix tape, "The Underground"? Find out about that and lots more in the interview.
The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their North American tour last night right here in beautiful Milwaukee, WI and got a BIG surprise from one of lead singer Johnny Rzeznik's obsessions, The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages!
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls joins Van McNeil for a chat about...kicking off their US tour at The Pabst Theater here in Milwaukee, when will a new Goo Goo Dolls record be available, and what "Milwaukee" thing(s) is he obsessed with. Find out all of that and lots more in this interview.
Txt 2 WIN!!!
Text keyword 'GOO' to '30543' to enter to win a pair of tickets see the Goo Goo Dolls | October 12th | Pabst Theater. Winner will be selected and notified Wednesday, October 12th at Noon. Good Luck!
Were you NOT able to make it to the Summerfest Grounds Thursday night for the Milwaukee Brewers Rally? Not to worry, we got you covered!
Check out the craziness from the Summerfest Grounds as over 7,000 people came to send the Milwaukee Brewers off to the postseason.
Here is the breakdown for the NLDS on TBS...
Arizona Diamondbacks v Milwaukee Brewers | Â Game 1 (Sat) | 1:07pm | TBS.
Arizona Diamondbacks v Milwaukee Brewers | Â Game 2 (Sun) | 4:07pm | TBS.
Milwaukee Brewers v Arizona Diamondbacks | Game 3 (Tues) | TBD | TBS
Milwaukee Brewers v Arizona Diamondbacks | *Game 4 (Wed) | TBD | TBS
Arizona Diamondbacks v Milwaukee Brewers | *Game  5 (Fri) | TBD | TBS
*if necessary
Milwaukee Brewers clinch the NL Central Division Clubhouse Celebration Video.
Milwaukee's very own and pianist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w Wynton Marsalis, Dan Nimmer chats w Van McNeil about life on the road, the upcoming hometown show at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall Oct 4th, his first meeting w Wynton Marsails and lots, lots more.
Wisconsin's very own Skylar Grey stops by The Mix Studios for a chat w Van McNeil. In this interview Skylar talks about her debut record, "Invinsible" (avail in Jan 2012.), how Marilyn Manson helped out with the name of the album, her time on Tosh.O and lots LOTS more!
THE X FACTOR is the new competition series that gives viewers the opportunity to help choose the next global superstar or breakout music group. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over â both solo artists and vocal groups â who are worthy of the largest prize in television history: a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.
Chris Daughtry joins Van McNeil for a chat about the band's new album due in stores November 21, a possible upcoming tour and what video game soundtrack will he be a part of? Find out in this interview.
Our good friend Gavin DeGraw's fourth studio ablum, "Sweeter"  is available on Tuesday, Spetember 20th.
I had the chance to hang w Gavin during the Summerfest Block Party this past June. We talked about this new record, how life is on the road and lots more.
Plus, IÂ have some of the concert from the night where Gavin did a few new songs from the, "Sweeter"Â record.
Enjoy the concert and interview AND pick up his new record, "Sweeter" at www.GavinDegraw.com
Did you miss Rock The Green yesterday at Veteran's Park on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront?
If you did you missed an AWESOME show but first lets begin with what Rock The Green IS!
Rock the Green is the Midwestâs Premier Near-Zero Waste Music Festival. Our mission is to Entertain, Engage and Educate our audience year-round by combining a world-class concert with an interactive sustainability experience.
Rock the Green entertained its audience by presenting a world-class concert showcasing a variety of nationally-renowned artists.
The fun began early at Veteran's Park with Milwaukee's very own Evan Christian starting things off.
Parachute took the stage and showcased music from their new record, 'The Way It Was', in stores and available for download.
A very chilly Michelle Branch gave us a preview of her new record available in November called, 'West Coast Time'.
Fitz And The Tantrums warmed everybody up with an electric performance and songs from their record "Pickin' Up The Pieces" available now.
The rain started to fall as Ben Folds took the stage and of course he sang about it. 'The Best Imitation Of Myself: A Retrospective' will be available October 11th.
The Fray rounded out the evening with as Issac said, "A night we will never forget." The rain was falling, band members we being sent back to the bus, but Issac and The Fray still delivered! Check out 'Scars & Stories' avail February 2012.
Rock the Green strives to put Milwaukeeâ and Wisconsinâ on the map as a leader in sustainable initiatives. It will educate its audience by offering an interactive sustainability experiences and empowering guests with actionable steps to live a more environmentally balanced life.
Get to know Rock The Green artists The Fray. I had the chance to chat w lead singer Issac Slade.
They Fray are excited to return to Milwaukee to Rock The Green, September 18th at Veterans Park on the beautiful Milwaukee Lakefront.
What is Rock The Green? Rock the Green is the Midwestâs Premier Near-Zero Waste Music Festival. Our mission is to Entertain, Engage and Educate our audience year-round by combining a world-class concert with an interactive sustainability experience.
Rock the Green will entertain its audience by presenting a world-class concert showcasing a variety of nationally-renowned artists.
Rock the Green strives to put Milwaukeeâ and Wisconsinâ on the map as a leader in sustainable initiatives. It will educate its audience by offering an interactive sustainability experiences and empowering guests with actionable steps to live a more environmentally balanced life.
At a meeting of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors, held earlier today, the Fair Park Board addressed the future of the amusement ride area at Wisconsin State Fair as part of contractual procedures. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will be held August 2 â 12 in West Allis.
The board of directors voted unanimously to maintain the tradition of an amusement ride area for the Wisconsin State Fairs in the foreseeable future. Game and amusement rides have been a traditional component of county and state fairs for decades. âA significant number of families and Fairgoers make visiting the amusement ride area a large part of their trip to the Wisconsin State Fair each year,â stated Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling. âWe plan to offer this traditional form of entertainment and enjoyment as part of our Fair for years to come.â
In addition to voting to keep the amusement ride and game area, the board of directors also made the decision that the Fair Park would directly manage ride, games and food operations in the amusement ride area beginning in 2012.
A Fair managed amusement ride area will provide the Fair Park the ability to directly establish working relationships with several ride, game, attraction and concession owners, thereby creating an increased selection of rides and attractions to choose from and ultimately maximizing the consumer experience.
âWe have placed a much greater emphasis on the guest experience in recent years,â said Rick Frenette. âThe additional seating and new shaded areas at the 2011 Fair were one element of that. For 2012, Fairgoers will not only see the return of the amusement ride area, but will see all new rides and attractions continuing our efforts to continually improve the Fairgoer experience.â The Fair Park management will immediately begin work to secure rides, games and attractions unlike those Fairgoers have seen at the Fair in recent years. The goal is to provide the ultimate amusement ride area experience for Fairgoers of all ages.
The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place August 2 â 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
Officials at Wisconsin State Fair Park are excited to announce entertainment and activities slated for the 18th annual Harvest Fair, Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25 at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Admission is FREE, and hours of operation are Friday 5pm - 11pm, Saturday 9am - 11pm, and Sunday 9am - 5pm. Parking is available for $5 at Gates 1, 4, 6 and 8.
âHarvest Fair marks the beginning of the beautiful fall season in southeastern Wisconsin,â stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. âItâs a wonderful way for families to enjoy activities like pumpkin bowling, hay rides, cookie decorating and scarecrow making, along with great music and food.â
The weekend will feature FREE live entertainment on three stages, lots of activities for the entire family and plenty of shopping at the Farmers Market and Harvest Bazaar. There are also several NEW attractions this year, including Food and Wildlife Demonstrations, activities in the Natural Resources Park and amusement rides for both kids and adults. Many Harvest Fair activities and items for purchase will require the pre-purchase of tickets at one of several ticket booths. Tickets will cost $1 each.
The following activities and attractions will be located throughout Harvest Fair, which spans Central Mall and Central Park, as well as the north terrace of the Exposition Center: Hay Rides (2 tickets), Pumpkin Bowling (4 tickets), Fishing Fountain (1 ticket), Make Your Own Scarecrow (10 tickets), Pig Slide (1 ticket/3 slides), CP Rail Train Rides ($2 per ride - proceeds benefit Hunger Task Force), Petting Zoo (FREE), Pony and Camel Rides ($5 per ride), Farmers Market and Pumpkin Patch (prices vary), Harvest Bazaar in the Cousins Subs® Amphitheater & Bazaar (shopping â prices vary).
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 5pm Bluegrass All Stars 9pm STEVE AUGERI former lead singer of Journey.
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION -Â 7pm Sweet Tarts
SAZâS MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION -Â 6:30pm The Sociables
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 11am Childrenâs Contests presented by Just Between Friends Consignment Sale
Best Turkey Gobble, Cutest Jack-O-Lantern Face, Scariest Sound Effect and
Pumpkin Seed Spitting (Registration begins at 10:30am)
5pm Bluegrass All Stars 9pm GREAT WHITE.
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION -Â 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast 11am Ryan McIntyre 3pm Boo The Band -Â 7pm The Toys
SAZâS MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION -Â 1pm Saddlebrook 6:30pm Crossfire
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER
10am - Souper Sunday presented by MilwaukeeFood.com Local restaurantsâ signature fall soups will be available for sampling (tickets required).
Noon - Hoop Vibes
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION - Â 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast - 12:30pm JAMIT
New in 2011, a Wisconsin State Fair staple for many years, the beautiful Natural Resources Park on the south end of the Fair Park will be utilized for Harvest Fair on Saturday from 10am â 6pm and Sunday from 10am â 5pm. At the new Pioneer Days Interactive Displays visitors can get photos taken near a covered wagon, play pioneer games, make crafts like dolls out of yarn and even do pioneer chores like rolling biscuits and snapping beans! There will also be a Pioneer Schoolhouse lesson on what school was like pre-Civil War.
Keeping with the historical theme of the area, children can also comb wool using carding combs, look through a stereoscope (19th Century 3D!), try an old-fashioned egg beater, and attempt to figure out what the other artifacts are. All artifacts are part of the teaching collection at the Milwaukee County Historical Society / Trimborn Farms and may be handled by children of all ages.
Visitors can also stop by the Natural Resources Park to see the Model Backyard exhibit and chat with the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners who will be on-hand to answer all of their gardening questions. And both kids and adults can participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program® hands-on archery demonstrations.
Also new this year, the Family Activity Center located in the Original Cream Puff Pavilion will be buzzing with activity on Friday from 5pm - 9pm, Saturday from 9am - 9pm and Sunday from 9am - 5pm. Kids can get creative at Decorating Stations, including Caramel Apples (3 tickets/apple) and Giant Cookies presented by Golden Guernsey Dairy (4 tickets/cookie or 11 tickets for 3 cookies). They can also âLeaf Their Printâ on the new Harvest Fair Mural and have fun singing, listening, playing instruments and moving to music with staff from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music on Saturday from 2:30 - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
New demonstrations will teach the art of cooking and decorating food along with wildlife presentations from the
SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, Organic Gardening Club, Master Canners, UW-Extension and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Demonstrations will take place Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm.
All kids will want to pick up a FREE Harvest Fair Bingo Board at one of the Fair Information Centers and then travel through Harvest Fair collecting stamps! Across, Up & Down, Diagonal or 4-corners wins a prize! Boards can be redeemed for prizes in the Family Activity Center.
Other new attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum/Kohlâs Color Wheels exhibit, where kids will not only take part in fun projects, but also grow and learn through art just west of Central Park on Main Street. The Robo Fest and VexBot Demonstrations, which combine sports excitement with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams are challenged to fund, design a brand, exercise teamwork, build and program robots to perform tasks against their fellow competitors. The Robo Fest competition is Saturday from 9am until 6pm and continues with the VexBots on Sunday from 9am until 5pm.
From our smallest guests to veteran thrill seekers, all visitors will want to check out the new Rainbow Amusement Ride Area in front of the Exposition Center. Rainbowâs unmatched collection of Classic and Kiddie Rides will offer BIG fun for all ages. Rides will be three (3) tickets each.
A Harvest Fair favorite, the Giant Pumpkin Contest presented by Halloween Express will take place Saturday, September 24 from 11am to 3pm on the Exposition Center North Terrace, and the pumpkins will be on display through the close of Harvest Fair on Sunday, September 25.
Donât forget about the food and beverage! In the Budweiser Pavilion families can enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast from 9 â 11:30am Saturday and Sunday. Kids (3 & under) eat FREE, children (ages 4-12) are $3.50, and adults (13 & over) are $4.95. The Budweiser Pavilion Patio & Grill will be open throughout Harvest Fair.
Elegant Farmerâs famous pies and dessert breads will be for sale at Harvest Fair in the Family Activity Center and in a tent outside of the north end of the Family Activity Center. Pies will be sold outside until closing time.
Apple Pie Baked in a Bag®: 3 tickets/slice or 13 tickets/pie Pumpkin Pie: 3 tickets/slice or 13 tickets/pie Dessert Breads (pumpkin or apple): 5 tickets/loaf
In addition, Fairgoers can savor tasty âHarvest Fareâ from 3-B Concessions, Bennoâs, Catalanoâs Beer &
Pizza, Catfish Johnnyâs, Charcoal Grill, Cousins Subs®, Firehouse, Jaymeâs Chipstix, Joeyâs Seafood, Krautland, Lemon Chill, Madison SportService, MaMa Maryâs, Mary and Caliâs Sweet Shop, Milleâs Italian Sausage, Mr. Edâs Chuckwagon, Pitchâs/Miss Katieâs Diner, Popcorn Headz, S & J Popcorn, Sazâs High Life Pavilion and Ultimate Confections.
The Wineberry Bar & Lounge in the Cousins Subs® Amphitheater and Bazaar area is a great place to sip and savor wines from Wisconsin and the Midwest, and at The Micro adjacent to Bennoâs visitors can enjoy classic and seasonal microbrews.
There are several other exciting events taking place at the Fair Park at the same time as Harvest Fair. These include the World Beef Expo, Milwaukee County Fair, Just Between Friends Consignment Sale, Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation Walk, Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Convention, WI Beer Expo and Halloween Express. For more information on Harvest Fair and all events at Wisconsin State Fair Park, please visit WiStateFair.com.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is home to the Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair will take place August 2 - 12. For more details on Wisconsin State Fair or any of the events at the
Coldplay took the wraps off the second single from their forthcoming album Mylo Xyloto, available on October 24. Check out the new single âParadiseâ and pre-order the new album at Coldplay.com. In addition to the first two singles, the new album includes the title track, âHurts Like Heaven,â âCharlie Brown,â âUp in Flames,â âUp with the Birds,â plus 7 more.
As fans prepare for Thursdayâs NFL Kickoff 2011 game featuring the Packers vs. Saints, those planning on going to the game or the concert are encouraged to arrive early due to the larger-than-normal crowds expected near Lambeau Field.
Visitors to the area should allow additional time for traveling, to seek parking, and for walking toward and around the parking lots, concert area and Lambeau Field entry gates. To the east of stadium, Lombardi Avenue and Potts Avenue should be used to reach the stadium as Armed Forces Drive will be the site of the NFL Kickoff concert. The concert also will be broadcast inside the stadium on TundraVision.
Lambeau Field parking lots will open at 2:30 p.m. for Thursdayâs game with normal procedures. Season parking pass holders should park via their normal lot entrances. Fans should be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. as the pregame festivities will get underway at that time.
Thursdayâs special in-stadium card stunt will need participation from ticketed fans seated in the stadium bowl. Fans will turn Lambeau Field into a ring of stars and stripes during the national anthem and help with a special âGo Pack Goâ display in between the first and second quarter.
Game attendees will find a card taped to their seat with directions indicating which side to hold up during each stunt and whether to stand (national anthem) or sit (Go Pack Go). Fans will be prompted by a group from the field holding up cue cards reading, âGet Ready for Stunt #1,â then âGo Stunt #1.â The same will occur during the second stunt. The stunt, sponsored by Penske, is schedule to be broadcast live during the game.
Additionally on Thursday: Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, with a Packers flag in hand, will lead the team out of the tunnel to the field through the Packers Ambassador Line, which this week will be formed by 31 other NFL alumni, one representing each team in the League. Each of the players will be holding his teamâs respective flag.
The national anthem will be performed by 2007 American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. The conclusion of the anthem will feature a flyover of four F16s from the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard based in Madison and a brief fireworks display.
Thursdayâs fan giveaway is a gold towel with the words, âKick It Off Loud.â Among the many other gameday activities taking place are the annual Coats for Kids collection (coats and cash donations accepted) prior to the game in the parking lot and at the gates, Operation Fan Mail, and alumni appearances by Willie Davis and Chris Gizzi.
Itâs time to get Back To Football as the NFL begins its 92nd season with an unprecedented celebration in its special pregame show, "NFL KICKOFF 2011 PRESENTED BY EA SPORTSâ â 7:30 PM ET Thursday, September 8. KID ROCK, LADY ANTEBELLUMand MAROON 5 are scheduled to perform.
The event opens to the public at 3:15 PM (CT). Fans may enter the concert site from Holmgren Way and may watch the performances along Armed Forces Drive. Fans do not need tickets to attend the free concert and may show up on event day to celebrate the start of the season prior to attending the Green Bay Packers game or watching it on television that evening.
Fans who are not planning on attending the game at Lambeau Field may register at 1iota.com to have a chance to be a part of the casted audience that will watch the concert on South Oneida Street adjacent to the stage. It is advised that fans participating in the casted audience do not have a game ticket as they will remain at the concert site for a live TV hit leading into the kickoff of the game.
NFL Kickoff 2011 will be televised from 7:30-8:30 PM (ET)/6:30-7:30 PM (CT) on NBC and NFL Network, leading up to the season opener between the Packers and the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field (NBC, 8:30 PM ET).
This is the 10th consecutive Kickoff celebration to start the season and the eighth consecutive year the NFL has saluted the Super Bowl champions with the opening game in their stadium on a Thursday in primetime.
The ladies ruled the kingdom at the â2011 MTV Video Music Awards,â broadcast live this evening from Nokia Theater L.A. Live, as Katy Perry and Adele each took home three VMA Moonmen and Lady Gaga two. Katy Perry won the biggest prize of the night, âVideo of the Year,â with her pop anthem, âFireworks,â as well as honors for âBest Collaborationâ and âBest Special Effectsâ for âE.T.â featuring Kanye West. Adding to her reign atop the album charts, Adele won VMAs for âBest Art Direction,â âBest Cinematography,â and âBest Editing.â Genre and gender-defying Lady Gaga kicked off the night as her alter ego Joe Calderone with a show-stopping performance of âYou and I,â and later walked away with two VMAs for âBest Femaleâ and this yearâs new category, âBest Video with a Message.â
VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
BEST MALE VIDEO:
BEST FEMALE VIDEO:
BEST POP VIDEO:
BEST ROCK VIDEO:
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO:
BEST COLLABORATION:
BEST NEW ARTIST:
The most explosive moment of the night belonged to hip-hop heavyweights Kanye West and Jay-Z . The duo brought funk, flare and the fireworks to the VMA stage with the worldwide television debut performance of âOtisâ from their global number one album, Watch The Throne. The kings of hip-hop playfully commandeered the VMA stage with their usual royal swagger through a steady bombastic beat of flames, smoke and pyrotechnics until the patriotic climax as they proudly stood in front of the red, white and blue of a gigantic American flag in a nod to the singleâs cover.
Another high-octane performance came courtesy of Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo and Nayer, who transformed the VMAs into a giant dance party with this summerâs mega hit âGive Me Everything.â The hip-hop trio brought Miami heat to the stage with 60 dancers and a laser light spectacle that brought down the house.
The show took a soulful turn with an unforgettable VMA debut from a hauntingly beautiful Adele who performed the heart-breaking âSomeone Like Youâ with only a piano by her side and the glow of a single spotlight. Introduced by Katy Perry, Adele left the audience breathless as she treated them to one of the most powerful voices of a generation and they responded with a standing ovation.
Chris Brown delivered a show stopper with his high-flying aerial journey through VMA history. It was a visual feast as he few from stage to stage while performing his smash dance hit âYeah 3Xâ into Wu-tang Clanâs âProtect Ya Neckâ into Nirvana with âSmells Like Teen Spiritâ and, finally, âBeautiful People.â
In the midst of performances from global superstar artists, the VMAs continued its legacy of introducing emerging talent. This year, the Awards show featured an explosive VMA debut from Young The Giant, who rocked and body surfed the audience with their hit âMy Body,â alongside a throng of screaming fans.
The emotional highpoint and poignant moment of the evening was the tribute to the late British songstress Amy Winehouse by the legendary Tony Bennett with a surprise introduction by actor Russell Brand. Bennett unveiled footage of Winehouseâs final performance -- his recent recording session with her of their duet âBody and Soulâ for his upcoming Duets II album. The tribute continued with Bruno Marsâs triumphant performance of Winehouseâs hit âValerie.â With his soaring vocals, horn section harmonies, and smooth and syncopated choreography, Mars and his bandâs performance was a joyous celebration of Winehouseâs life and music.
The girls from the âJersey Shoreâ presented the âBest Female Video Awardâ to Lady Gaga and, in an intergenerational twist, was joined by Academy Award®-winning actress Cloris Leachman, who joked that the audience shouldnât confuse her with Betty White.
Throughout the telecast British pop diva Jesse J commanded the House Artist stage as the VMA House Artist, keeping the crowd moving as she belted out her signature hits as well as a selection of other chart toppers.
Closing out the show, hip hopâs hottest MC and entrepreneurial Young Money Millionaire, Lil Wayne, closed with the seductive âHow to Love,â before attacking the stage in full force as the band launched into a Black Sabbath riff and before ripping into âJohnâ from his upcoming album, âThe Carter IV,â to be released digitally at midnight tonight.
Presenters at theâ2011 MTV Video Music Awardsâ included Katy Perry, Miley Cirus, Paul Rudd, Shaun White, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Zoe Saldana, Kevin Hart and Victoria Justice join Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas and Jared Leto.
I had a great time hanging and chatting w Colbie Caillat (and her new puppy Mahti) before her show at The Pabst Theater.
In this interview Colbie talks about her new record in stores and available for download called, "All Of You", she touches on a few new TV shows you can see her in this fall, how did she end up singing for the President Of The United States and lots, lots more!
Additionally, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Zoe Saldana, Kevin Hart and Victoria Justice join Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBOâs âCurb Your Enthusiasmâ as confirmed presenters. Jessie J was also announced as VMA house artist. The â2011 MTV Video Music Awardsâ will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).
To celebrate the life and music of Amy Winehouse, the â2011 MTV Video Music Awardsâ will pay special tribute to the late British songstress with music legend, Tony Bennett. Winehouse and her hero, Bennett, recently recorded the duet, âBody and Soul,â for his upcoming Duets II album, out September 20th. Marking his first appearance on the VMA stage since 1993, Mr. Bennett, who won one Album of the Year, at the 1995 Grammy Awards for the CD âMTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett,â will introduce the tribute, which includes unveiling footage from their recording session together. âBody and Soulâ was Winehouseâs final session and took place this past March at Abbey Road Studios in London. The single and video will be released by Columbia Records September 14th, Amyâs Birthday, in support of the Amy Winehouse Foundation established by the late singerâs family to help a number of charities connected with children and young people.
âIt was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse and when you listen to the recording of âBody and Soul,â it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known,â said Mr. Bennett.
Winehouse, known for the depth and power of her soulful voice will be remembered by fans and peers for her awe inspiring talent and classic hits such as âRehab,â âBack to Black,â âMe & Mr. Jones,â and âYou Know I'm No Good.â
Amyâs father, Mitch Winehouse said, âOur family is honored that the VMAâs are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amyâs performance of Rehab at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amyâs worldwide success.â
2011 VMA performers include Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Pitbull and Young The Giant. Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBOâs âCurb Your Enthusiasm are confirmed to present. Additionally, Jessie J was just announced as VMA house artist. The â2011 MTV Video Music Awardsâ will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).
CHECK OUT THE NOMINEES for The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Eariler this year, I had the chance to work w Bruno Mars for a nationwide radio takeover hosted by Kiss Fm's Rahny Taylor.
Rahny handled the interview like a pro, while I was behind the camera and we both found out all about Bruno Mars music, videos, life and what he's all about. Very cool dude!
Now he's nominated for a boatload of MTV Video Music Awards and will be performing at the LIVE broadcast for L.A. on Sunday, August 28th 9/8c.
Get the stories behind the music, watch music videos and find out what his plans are for the future!
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 1/3 - Bruno talks about the sturggles of breaking into the music biz and almost quitting. Plus, writing or performing? Which does he perfer?
Music Videos: B.O.B - Nutin' On You. Travie McCoy - Billionaire.
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 2/3 - Bruno talks Cee Lo Green, Awards Shows and who was "Just The Way You Are" all about?
Music Videos: Cee Lo Green - Forget You. Bruno Mars f/ Cee Lo Green - The Other Side. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are.
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 3/3 - Bruno describes his "sound" and how the Lazy Song came to be. Plus he talks family, fashion, music and...is Bruno Mars SINGLE?
Music Videos: Bruno Mars - Grenade. Bruno Mars f/ Damian Marley - The Other Side.
MTV announced that Bruno Mars is set to take his talents to the â2011 MTV Video Music Awardsâ stage as the latest artist added to this yearâs amazing lineup of VMA performers. With this performance and four VMA nominations including âVideo of the Year,â the multi-talented singer, musician, songwriter and producer continues to add to an extraordinary year of achievements that include: his multi-platinum certified debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, co-writing, producing and performing on the smash-hits B.o.Bâs âNothinâ On You,â Travie McCoyâs âBillionaireâ and Cee Lo Greenâs âF***k You! (Forget You)â as well as his hit singles, âJust The Way You Are,â âGrenadeâ and âThe Lazy Song.â Additionally, the first round of 2011 VMA presenters have been announced from the world of music and pop culture including: Jonah Hill from the upcoming film Moneyball, the Teflon Don aka The Boss Rick Ross, Seth Rogen from the movie 50/50, platinum recording artist and Emmy Award-winning actress Selena Gomez, Keeping Up With The Kardashians very own Kim Kardashian, and hip-hopâs most innovative alternative collective, Odd Future.
âWeâre thrilled to have Bruno Mars bring his exceptional talent to the VMA stage,â said Amy Doyle, Executive Producer of the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and EVP, Music & Talent, MTV. âHe is one of the most exciting live performers today and with his artistic versatility, he will undoubtedly deliver a standout performance.â
Bruno Mars joins previously announced 2011 VMA performers including Adele, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Young The Giant. The â2011 MTV Video Music Awardsâ will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT.
Viewers can vote for all general VMA categories by visiting vma.mtv.com online or m.mtv.com on their mobile phone through August 16th. In addition, Best New Artist text voting is open to all wireless carrier subscribers by texting BNA to 66333. Voting for this category continues through the show, live on August 28th. Verizon subscribers can vote on all categories via SMS by texting VMA to 66333 (standard message rates apply.)
Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials are pleased to announce that the 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, ended on a high note this evening at 10pm.
Hundreds of thousands of loyal Fairgoers came out to celebrate during the Fairâs annual 11-day run and take advantage of family-friendly pricing, diverse entertainment and fair traditions. Mother Nature was âfairlyâ kind this year, offering a few hot, humid days and a couple days of light rain, but mostly beautiful blue skies and light breezes, providing Fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy all that the Fair has to offer.
âIt was a tremendous Fair despite the tough start,â stated Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park Rick Frenette. âWe are appreciative of the collaboration and efforts of the State Patrol, West Allis Police Department, and Milwaukee Police Department to assure our Fairgoers that the Fair is a safe, fun experience for our guests. We look forward to continuing to work with them for the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair and beyond.â
âThe attendance this year shows, that more than ever our Fairgoers are passionate about the Wisconsin State Fair, and they showed amazing support for us this year,â stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. âWe are thrilled that each year they come out to enjoy the new things we have to offer and the traditions of the Fair â the agriculture, food, music, attractions, contests and activities.â
In addition to a four percent increase in attendance, initial revenue reports reflect a significant increase of 5.6%.
2011 ATTENDANCE 911,231
ADMISSION PROMOTIONS
AUGUST 4 HUNGER TASK FORCE DAY 45,133
149,500 pounds of food donated to Hunger Task Force
AUGUST 5 DISCOVERWISCONSIN.COM DAY 5,145
AUGUST 8 SPRECHER BREWING CO. $6 BEFORE 6PM 10,047
AUGUST 9 KOHLâS FAMILY VALUE DAY 27,559 Adults
13,073 Youth
AUGUST 11 U.S.CELLULAR $5 after 5pm 4,214
AUGUST 14 MILITARY & VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY
COURTESY OF BUDWEISER 2,162
FOOD STATISTICS
Wisconsin Bakers Association Original Cream Puffs 355,478
Artic Glacier Pounds of Ice 550,425
Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 52,143
The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place August 2 â 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
I'm just getting up this fine Tuesday morning only to find out that our good friend Gavin DeGraw was assulted yesterday and hit by a taxi in New York City.
He was admitted to the hospital with a broken nose, cuts on his face and is in stable condition.
Gavin told me in an interview at the Summerfest Block Party that he was releasing his 4th studio album, "Sweeter" in September 2011 and is currently on the road w Train and Maroon 5. Get well soon Gavin!
The cast of Jersey Boys stopped by The Mix Studios for a chat about the show. Now on stage at the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts thru August 14th. Get more info and tickets at http://www.marcuscenter.org/
"TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!â raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.
This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide â all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS, winner of the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, features their hit songs Sherry, Big Girls Donât Cry, Rag Doll, Oh What a Night and Canât Take My Eyes Off You.
Get to know Rock The Green artists The Fray. JoJo (9a-Noon) chats w Issac from The Fray about their forthcoming new record, how life is on the road plus how they stay "green" on the road. CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:
The Fray are excited to return to Milwaukee to Rock The Green, September 18th at Veterans Park on the beautiful Milwaukee Lakefront.
What is Rock The Green? Rock the Green is the Midwestâs Premier Near-Zero Waste Music Festival. Our mission is to Entertain, Engage and Educate our audience year-round by combining a world-class concert with an interactive sustainability experience.
Rock the Green will entertain its audience by presenting a world-class concert showcasing a variety of nationally-renowned artists.
Rock the Green strives to put Milwaukeeâ and Wisconsinâ on the map as a leader in sustainable initiatives. It will educate its audience by offering an interactive sustainability experiences and empowering guests with actionable steps to live a more environmentally balanced life.
Get to know Rock The Green artists Fitz & the Tantrums. I had the chance to chat w Michael Fitzpatrick & Noelle Scaggs backstage at Summerfest.
Fitz & The Trantrums are excited to return to Milwaukee to Rock The Green, September 18th at Veterans Park on the beautiful Milwaukee Lakefront.
What is Rock The Green? Rock the Green is the Midwestâs Premier Near-Zero Waste Music Festival. Our mission is to Entertain, Engage and Educate our audience year-round by combining a world-class concert with an interactive sustainability experience.
Rock the Green will entertain its audience by presenting a world-class concert showcasing a variety of nationally-renowned artists.
Rock the Green strives to put Milwaukeeâ and Wisconsinâ on the map as a leader in sustainable initiatives. Â It will educate its audience by offering an interactive sustainability experiences and empowering guests with actionable steps to live a more environmentally balanced life.
Get to know Rock The Green artist Michelle Branch. I had the chance to chat w her backstage at Summerfest.
Michelle Branch is excited to return to Milwaukee to Rock The Green, September 18th at Veterans Park on the beautiful Milwaukee Lakefront.
What is Rock The Green? Rock the Green is the Midwestâs Premier Near-Zero Waste Music Festival. Our mission is to Entertain, Engage and Educate our audience year-round by combining a world-class concert with an interactive sustainability experience.
Rock the Green will entertain its audience by presenting a world-class concert showcasing a variety of nationally-renowned artists.
Rock the Green strives to put Milwaukeeâ and Wisconsinâ on the map as a leader in sustainable initiatives. It will educate its audience by offering an interactive sustainability experiences and empowering guests with actionable steps to live a more environmentally balanced life.
Donnie Wahlberg joins Van McNeil to chat about the NKOTBSB Tour, his role in the new Kevin James movie, 'Zookeeper', the new Jordan Knight song that features him, "Stingy"and lots more!
Enjoy an  up-close look of the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard and see the new South End redevelopment project on the Summerfest grounds.
Festival producer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., is currently renovating approximately 22-acres of the 75-acre site, Henry Maier Festival Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a 2-phased $25 million construction project. Phase One of the redevelopment project will feature a new 6,000 â 8,000 capacity outdoor stage/venue, the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, a new South Gate and Box Office, as well as new food and beverage buildings and restrooms; all set to be completed for Summerfest 2011. Phase Two of the project will commence in fall of 2011, after the festival season, and include another new venue/stage as well as food and beverage buildings, restrooms and unique lakeshore amenities for festival-goers.
Summerfest fans can secure their place in Summerfest Music History with the new Summerfest Commemorative Paver Program. Perfect for fans, families, friends, organizations, special dedications or celebrating a special event or memory, each brick paver will be inscribed with a personal message or tribute and placed in a new area that has been created as part of the South End Renovation Project, Beat Street Plaza, located just inside the new South Gate.
Fans can purchase commemorative pavers by visiting Summerfest.com/paver or calling 1-855-FEST-PVR. Three different brick sizes and designs are available beginning at $75 ranging up to $200. Additionally, replica pavers are available for purchase with each order; perfect for displaying in the home, office or lobby. The replica paver is made of the same material and includes the exact message inscribed on the installed paver at Henry Maier Festival Park. All replicas include a plaque commemorating each purchaserâs place in Summerfest history along with an official âCertificate of Recognitionâ suitable for framing. Patrons may also purchase paver gift certificates by calling 1-855-FEST-PVR.
âWe are excited to offer a new way for fans to get involved and literally become part of Summerfest history,â said Don Smiley, President and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. âBeat Street Plaza will be a place for festival-goers and visitors from around the world to share in the memories, excitement and magic that Summerfest creates every year at Henry Maier Festival Park.â
The Summerfest Commemorative Paver Program falls on the heels of the completion of Phase One of the South End Redevelopment Project, which features a new 6,000 â 8,000 capacity outdoor stage/venue, the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, a new South Gate and Box Office, as well as new food and beverage buildings and restrooms; all ready for Summerfest 2011. Phase Two of the project will commence in fall of 2011, after the festival season.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Listen to Van McNeil (Noon-4pm)Â all week (6/27-7/1) for your cue to call in and win Summerfest tickets and backstage passes to hang w Adam Levine and the guys from Maroon 5! (414.799.1099)
Summerfest officials are excited to announce details of their partnership with Kohlâs Department Stores through its Kohlâs Cares® program to present the Kohlâs Captivation Station, a new area that will feature kid-friendly performances and educational experiences during Summerfest. Sponsored by Kohlâs Cares, Kohlâs philanthropic program that sells special merchandise and donates 100 percent of the net profits to childrenâs health and education initiatives nationwide, the Kohlâs Captivation Station is located on the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park and will be open from Noon â 8:00 pm, every day of Summerfest.
Children will be able to participate in hands-on musical experiences, mini-clinics, art projects and educational demonstrations each day. Theyâll get to explore the different sounds of drums and guitars while learning tips from instructors during free clinics presented by Cascio Interstate Music, after which they can be a rock star for the day and show what theyâve learned. The Kohlâs Captivation Station is targeted for kids 12 and older but also offers programs for the whole family including the Kohlâs Color Wheels mobile unit, an art experience in partnership with the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Kohlâs Design It! Mobile Lab, an interactive experience with Discovery World where kids can learn more about design. New interactive games, art projects and activities are offered each day.
Throughout the festival, the Kohlâs Captivation Station will showcase entertaining performances from magicians, comic jugglers and bands including Radio Disney Beach Party, Marcus Monroe, Tonyâs Creepy Crawly Zoo, Sir Pinkerton and the Magnificents, Comedy Sportz and more!
âAs a family-focused retailer, Kohlâs is committed to kids health and education initiatives in the communities we serve,â said Julie Gardner, Kohlâs Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. âWe are pleased to bring this new program to Summerfest as an exciting opportunity for families to learn while having fun at one of Milwaukeeâs premier summer events.â
In addition to the Kohlâs Captivation Station, Summerfest and Kohlâs are proud to announce that Sunday, July 3 is Kohlâs Family Day, where from Noon â 3:00 pm, the first 1,500 patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items for kids will receive one (1) FREE Summerfest admission ticket. All food items benefit Hunger Task Force.
Schedules for the Kohlâs Captivation Station and information about Kohlâs Family Day can be found at Henry Maier Festival Park during Summerfest and online at Summerfest.com. Since 2000, Kohlâs and the Kohlâs Cares program have combined to give approximately $38 million to support charitable initiatives in the metro-Milwaukee area. For more information on Kohlâs philanthropic efforts or to purchase Kohlâs Cares cause merchandise, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares
Natasha Bedingfield joins Van McNeil to chat about her new record, "Strip Me", in store and available for download, how life is on the road and what you can expect tomorrow Friday, (June 17th) at her Pabst Theater show. Get your tickets online at http://pabsttheater.org
Gavin DeGraw joins Van McNeil to chat about his forthcoming new album, "Sweeter" in stores and avail for download Aug 9th, what fans can expect at the June 25th Summerfest Block Party Show and lots, lots more!
Listen to Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) to win tickets to New Kids On The Block / Backstreet Boys. June 18th, United Center, Chicago. Listen for your cue to call all week! (414.799.1099)
Summerfest officials have announced Admission Promotions for 2011, providing low or no-cost alternatives to paying the full gate price at this yearâs festival. All exchanges, unless otherwise stated, will take place at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth located across the street from the Summerfest Mid Gate. All Admission Promotions start at Noon and run while ticket supplies last OR through 3:00 pm, whichever comes first, unless otherwise noted. Patrons can also visit Summerfest.com for complete details on all Admission Promotions.
The first 5,000 patrons who enter the Summerfest gates on select dates will receive a complimentary item as an added value. All Gate Giveaway items are while supplies last.
ADMISSION PROMOTIONS FOR SUMMERFEST 2011:
Wednesday, June 29 is Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX 6. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm who donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth as well as the North Gate. All donations to benefit Hunger Task Force.
On Wednesday, June 29, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Uline Live from Darylâs House (Hall & Oates) Reusable Tote Bag compliments of Uline, Livefromdarylshouse.com and Summerfest. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Thursday, June 30 is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel âShow Your Smileâ Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. The first 4,400 patrons who present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon between Noon â 3:00 pm will receive FREE admission compliments of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The coupon will be available in the Sunday, June 26 edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. No copies will be accepted.
Friday, July 1 is Miller High Life â Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. The first 2,000 patrons, 21 and older, who bring six (6) Miller High Life or Miller High Life Light bottle caps will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Visit Millerhighlife.com for details on the National âGive a Veteran a Piece of the High Lifeâ Program.
On Friday, July 1, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) U.S. Cellular®/Summerfest Bandana. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Saturday, July 2 is Goodwill Industries Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1 â July 2, 2011 and bring in their original donation receipt will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. One (1) admission ticket per person for each donation receipt. Only original receipts received at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center dated June 1 â July 2, 2011 will be accepted.
Sunday, July 3 is Kohlâs Family Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items for kids will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Suggested items include peanut butter, canned fruit and macaroni and cheese. All donations to benefit Hunger Task Force.
Tuesday, July 5 is Sentry Foods and Deanâs Milk & Ice Cream Childrenâs Fest Day with TODAYâS TMJ4. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying free Childrenâs Fest activities including the Map of Fun and Family Ticket Package giveaways. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food & beverage items.
Wednesday, July 6 is Klementâs Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when they provide a Klementâs product label (8 oz. or larger) and a non-perishable food item.
On Wednesday, July 6, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Hooters/Summerfest Cup Koozie. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Thursday, July 7 is Northwestern Mutual âMake a Child Smile Dayâ from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate any new, indoor childrenâs toy, art supplies or childrenâs G or PG rated DVD movie with a $5 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. All items collected will be used throughout the Childrenâs Hospital of Wisconsin system. All items must be new with original tags attached and/or original packaging.
Thursday, July 7 is H.O.G.® Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. Patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card. One admission per card. In addition, H.O.G.® members will have exclusive access to the Harley-Davidson Hospitality Deck located at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage between the hours of 4:00 â 9:00 pm on July 7. Limited space; first come, first served. Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a âone out, one inâ basis.
On Thursday, July 7 the first 10,000 patrons will receive one (1) coupon valid for a special offer on Brewers tickets for select games during the 2011 season. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Friday, July 8 is Malt-O-Meal Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting an original receipt from any Wisconsin grocer that specifies the purchase of any two (2) Malt-O-Meal Bag Cereals (10 oz. or larger). Receipt must be dated between June 29 and July 8, 2011. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted. To find the store nearest you visit Maltomeal.com.
Saturday, July 9 is CBS 58 Milwaukee / MDA Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket.
Saturday, July 9 is Scout Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast in uniform will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the South Gate Promotions Booth, valid from Noon â 3:00 pm.
Sunday, July 10 is Have a NYCE Day! from Noon â 3:00 pm. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted for FREEâ¦compliments of NYCE and Summerfest!
Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz joins Van McNeil for a chat about his July 2nd Summerfest show, openers Guster and what's up with a new record? Jason answers all that and then some. CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:
Jason Mraz will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Saturday, July 2 at 6:30PM along with special guest, Guster.
Hailed as one of today’s most gifted pop troubadours, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz broke into the music scene with his debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, with hit single “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)”. Influenced by reggae, pop, folk, jazz and hip hop, his next two studio albums, Mr. A-Z and We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., also found major success, racking up an impressive six Grammy nominations and multi-platinum certifications around the world. He won two Grammy’s in 2010 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. As a songwriter, Mraz has been feted with the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s esteemed “Hal David Starlight Award,” presented to gifted songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs.
He maintains a very close relationship with his fan base and is a critically acclaimed live performer having made his musical journey from coffee shops to arenas and stadiums around the world. Mraz’s hit list is growing and contains the singles “You and I Both”, “Wordplay”, “Geek in the Pink”, “I’m Yours” and “Lucky” (featuring Colbie Caillat). “I’m Yours” was a momentous #1 smash in many formats around the world, earning ASCAP’s 2010 “Song of the Year” award while also setting the record for the longest-running song in the 51-year history of Billboard’s Hot 100.
Beyond music, Jason Mraz is a photographer, activist, surfer, yogi, student and teacher. Jason and Jason Mraz Foundation’s main focus is within arenas of human trafficking and human equality, environment preservation, arts and education, and recovery and assistance. He was named the 2010 SIMA Humanitarian of the Year and is an active supporter of several charities including VH1 Save The Music, Life Rolls On, Free The Children, Musicares, True Colors Fund, SPARC, his hometown arts program and many more.
Joining Mraz are American alternative rockers, Guster, a band known for their live performances and humorous stage banter. With six studio albums and hit singles including “Fa Fa”, “Barrel of a Gun”, and “Satellite” the band’s long standing career has not slowed down. Guster’s dedicated fan base has spread rapidly over the past decade and fans know when they see the band perform live they’re in for a unique performance that has a style all its own.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, June 4 at 11:00AM and include Summerfest admission. All reserved seats are $37 at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express” automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast” at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
Due to the construction project on the south end of the grounds, the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office has been temporarily relocated to the intersection of Harbor Drive and Chicago Avenue at the Mid-Gate of the festival grounds. The building on the north side of the Mid-Gate will serve as the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are excited to announce the eleventh and final headliner slated for Summerfest 2011. Jason Mraz will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Saturday, July 2 at 6:30PM along with special guest, Guster.
Hailed as one of todayâs most gifted pop troubadours, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz broke into the music scene with his debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, with hit single âThe Remedy (I Wonât Worry)â. Influenced by reggae, pop, folk, jazz and hip hop, his next two studio albums, Mr. A-Z and We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., also found major success, racking up an impressive six Grammy nominations and multi-platinum certifications around the world. He won two Grammyâs in 2010 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. As a songwriter, Mraz has been feted with the Songwriters Hall of Fameâs esteemed âHal David Starlight Award,â presented to gifted songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs.
He maintains a very close relationship with his fan base and is a critically acclaimed live performer having made his musical journey from coffee shops to arenas and stadiums around the world. Mrazâs hit list is growing and contains the singles âYou and I Bothâ, âWordplayâ, âGeek in the Pinkâ, âIâm Yoursâ and âLuckyâ (featuring Colbie Caillat). âIâm Yoursâ was a momentous #1 smash in many formats around the world, earning ASCAPâs 2010 âSong of the Yearâ award while also setting the record for the longest-running song in the 51-year history of Billboardâs Hot 100.
Beyond music, Jason Mraz is a photographer, activist, surfer, yogi, student and teacher. Jason and Jason Mraz Foundationâs main focus is within arenas of human trafficking and human equality, environment preservation, arts and education, and recovery and assistance. He was named the 2010 SIMA Humanitarian of the Year and is an active supporter of several charities including VH1 Save The Music, Life Rolls On, Free The Children, Musicares, True Colors Fund, SPARC, his hometown arts program and many more.
Joining Mraz are American alternative rockers, Guster, a band known for their live performances and humorous stage banter. With six studio albums and hit singles including âFa Faâ, âBarrel of a Gunâ, and âSatelliteâ the bandâs long standing career has not slowed down. Gusterâs dedicated fan base has spread rapidly over the past decade and fans know when they see the band perform live theyâre in for a unique performance that has a style all its own.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, June 4 at 11:00AM and include Summerfest admission. All reserved seats are $37 at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (âTicketmaster Expressâ automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize âticketfastâ at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
Due to the construction project on the south end of the grounds, the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office has been temporarily relocated to the intersection of Harbor Drive and Chicago Avenue at the Mid-Gate of the festival grounds. The building on the north side of the Mid-Gate will serve as the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are excited to announce details about The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Block Party featuring Gavin DeGraw on Saturday, June 25. Fans can be the first to FEST in the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, see the new South End redevelopment project on the Summerfest grounds and enjoy a special performance by Gavin DeGraw and other local performers.
DeGraw, an American singer-songwriter and musician is known for his hit singles âChariotâ, âFollow Throughâ, âI Donât Want to Beâ and âIn Love with a Girlâ. His next album Sweeter will release in early August and will feature tracks co-written with other artists.
âWe are excited to unveil the new Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard to our employees and festival fans prior to Summerfest with this exclusive preview party,â said Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. âThe Block Party marks the beginning of a new era for the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard at Summerfest.â
Tickets for the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Block Party are not available for sale, however Summerfest and TapMilwaukee.com will be giving away thousands over the upcoming weeks. Fans will have many chances to win tickets as well as VIP viewing experiences by staying connected to Summerfest.com, âLikingâ Summerfest on facebook and following Summerfest on Twitter. FREE tickets will also be available exclusively at TapMilwaukee.com beginning at Noon on Tuesday, May 24.
Gates for the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Block Party will open at 6:00 pm and everyone in attendance will receive a FREE Summerfest Commemorative Opening Day Ticket. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase from vendors.
âWe couldnât be more pleased about our partnership with Briggs & Stratton and launching this new stage as part of our redevelopment project,â said Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Festival producer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., is currently renovating approximately 22-acres of the 75-acre site, Henry Maier Festival Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a 2-phased $25 million construction project. Phase One of the redevelopment project will feature a new 6,000 â 8,000 capacity outdoor stage/venue, the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, a new South Gate and Box Office, as well as new food and beverage buildings and restrooms; all set to be completed for Summerfest 2011. Phase Two of the project will commence in fall of 2011, after the festival season, and include another new venue/stage as well as food and beverage buildings, restrooms and unique lakeshore amenities for festival-goers.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
The Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage with Onion/A.V. Club Milwaukee will return in 2011 with eleven days of live, local and original music, with many bands originating from the Milwaukee/Wisconsin area.
New this year, the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage with Onion/A.V. Club Milwaukee will be improved with a new location, featuring a larger stage and audience area. The stage will now be located near the lake walk on the north end of the festival between the Summerfest Rock Stage and U.S. Cellular® Connection Stage.
The 2011 lineup is more than impressive, spanning many diverse genres from indie and alternative to hard rock, funk and acoustic sets. The stage will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 8:30 pm | The Right Now
June 30 | 9:00 pm | The Jeanna Salzer Band
July 1 | 9:00 pm | Iâm Not A Pilot
July 2 | 9:00 pm | The Invaders
July 3 | 9:00 pm | The Uptown Savages
July 5 | 9:00 pm | The Fatty Acids
July 6 | 9:00 pm | Brighton, MA
July 7 | 9:00 pm | Mark Mallman
July 8 | 9:00 pm | John The Savage
July 9 | 9:00 pm | Into Arcadia
July 10 | 9:00 pm | Surgeons In Heat
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials announced the fifth list of stage headlining entertainment for Summerfest 2011 at the U.S. Cellular® Connection Stage. The U.S. Cellular® Connection Stage with Leinenkugelâs will once again prove to be a primary attraction for new and alternative music as well as interactive entertainment technology.
The U.S. Cellular® Connection Stage with Leinenkugelâs will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 10:00 pm | Jackâs Mannequin
June 30 | 10:00 pm | Panic! At The Disco
July 1 | 10:00 pm | Anberlin
July 2 | 10:00 pm | The Airborne Toxic Event
July 3 | 10:00 pm | TBA
July 5 | 10:00 pm | Switchfoot
July 6 | 10:00 pm | Tonic
July 7 | 10:00 pm | Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
July 8 | 10:00 pm | Crash Kings
July 9 | 10:00 pm | Alkaline Trio
July 10 | 10:00 pm | The Bravery
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials announced the third list of stage headlining entertainment for Summerfest 2011 at the M&I Classic Rock Stage Headliner Release Party. The M&I Classic Rock Stage with Miller Lite is located at the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park.
The M&I Classic Rock Stage with Miller Lite will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 10:00 pm | Hall and Oates
June 30 | 9:00 pm | REO Speedwagon
July 1 | 10:00 pm | Styx
July 2 | 10:00 pm| Loretta Lynn
July 3 | 9:00 pm | Blue Oyster Cult
July 5 | 9:00 pm | Cinderella
July 6 | 9:00 pm | Peter Frampton
July 7 | 9:00 pm | Kansas
July 8 | 10:00 pm | Leon Russell
July 9 | 10:00 pm | TBA
July 10 | 9:00 pm | Toots and the Maytals
The headliner for July 9 will be announced in the near future. Check Summerfest.com for updates. All performers and show times are subject to change.
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The next Headliner Release Party for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion will be held Thursday, April 21 from 5:00 â 7:00 PM in the Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Everyone in attendance will receive a FREE Summerfest Opening Day Ticket and the first 100 attendees will receive a Potawatomi Goodie Bag that includes a Reward Play coupon. There will also be live music, happy hour specials, raffle drawings that include General Admission Summerfest tickets, Marcus Amphitheater tickets to see Def Leppard on Tuesday, July 5, band merchandise and more!
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials announced the first list of stage headlining entertainment for Summerfest 2011 at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Headliner Release Party tonight. The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Coors Light and Tap Milwaukee is once again proud to showcase a diverse selection of artists and music genres.
The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Coors Light and Tap Milwaukee will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 10:00 pm | Meat Loaf
June 30 | 8:00 pm | George Clinton
July 1 | 10:00 pm | Third Eye Blind
July 2 | 10:00 pm | Phil Vassar
July 3 | 6:00 pm | Ike Reilly
July 3 | 8:00 pm | Alejandro Escovedo
July 3 | 10:00 pm | Jayhawks
July 5 | 10:00 pm | The Wailers
July 6 | 10:00 pm | Danny Gokey
July 7 | 10:00 pm | Raphael Saadiq
July 8 | 10:00 pm | TBA
July 9 | 7:30 pm | Pat McCurdy
July 9 | 10:00 pm | The BoDeans
July 10 | 8:00 pm | Willy Porter
July 10 | 9:30 pm | Amos Lee
The headliner for July 8 will be announced in the near future. Please check Summerfest.com for updates. All performers and show times are subject to change.
The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Headliner Release Party took place today from 4:00 â 6:00 PM. If you missed this event, you missed a live surprise appearance by Phil Vassar, video messages from Meat Loaf and Ike Reilly, autographed merchandise and Marcus Amphitheater ticket giveaways and more!
The next Headliner Release Party for the Miller Lite Oasis will be held Thursday, April 14 from 5:00 â 7:00 PM at the Miller Tour Center, 4251 W. State St., Milwaukee. Fest-fans, ages 21 and older, will get 3 free samples of beer (must present ID) and the first 300 people (21+) to arrive will receive a Miller Valley Mini Mug. There will also be live music, appetizers and raffle drawings that include General Admission Summerfest tickets, Miller Lite Oasis Stage Right Deck Passes, Marcus Amphitheater tickets to see Jason Aldean on Friday, July 8, $100 Gift Certificate to the Miller Tour Center Gift Shop, band merchandise and more!
Dates for the remainder of the Headliner Release Parties are listed below. Details will be released weekly.
Tuesday, April 19 M&I Classic Rock Stage
Thursday, April 21 Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion
Tuesday, April 26 U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Thursday, April 28 Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Tuesday, May 3 Rock Stage
Wednesday, May 4 Jo Joâs Martini Lounge
Thursday, May 5 Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage
In conjunction with its Big Backyard Stage at Summerfest, Briggs & Stratton is hosting a âBattle of the Bandsâ site on Facebook and encouraging music enthusiasts from around the world to enter the competition. The winning band will perform live at Summerfest at the Big Backyard Stage on Saturday, July 2. Music lovers are encouraged to log on to www.briggsbattleofthebands.com from May 13 â May 27 to vote for your favorite band.
The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Coors Light and Tap Milwaukee is just one example of how Briggs & Stratton continually demonstrates its commitment to the community. Briggs & Stratton continues its longstanding commitment of supporting the arts and Summerfest, health and wellness initiatives like Briggs and Alâs Run & Walk and various youth education programs. Briggs & Stratton contributes year round to improve lives in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin communities.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are pleased to have held admission and beer prices for multiple years while making significant improvements to the grounds, including the development of the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse and Miller Lite Oasis, while continuing to showcase an amazing scope and caliber of musical talent at Summerfest.Â
2011 marks the fifth straight year Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. has managed to not raise Summerfest Gate Admission prices. In 2006, $12 General Admission increased to $15, while a new significantly less expensive $8 Weekday (prior to 4:00pm) Admission ticket was also introduced.
Gate Admission ticket prices will not change in 2011, with pricing as follows:
$15 General Admission
$8 Weekday Admission (prior to 4:00pm)
3 for $33 Pass (valid for admission on three separate days)
Festival-fans can save money on ticket purchases when they take advantage of advance sale discounted pricing, featuring General Admission tickets for only $13 and Weekday (prior to 4:00pm) Admission tickets for only $6, if purchased before May 1 on Summerfest.com
As part of Summerfestâs commitment to the community, the event will maintain its plan to develop free or discounted admission promotions on every day of the festival. These admission promotions will be listed on Summerfest.com as they are confirmed. Additionally, as part of its âLetâs Fest!â campaign, Summerfest is giving away 100,000 General Admission tickets, including 44,000 new limited edition commemorative Summerfest Opening Day tickets via promotions and events. Fest-fans are encouraged to connect with Summerfest on Facebook and Twitter for numerous ways to win and receive the free tickets.
Summerfest has not raised beer prices since 2008. Throughout this period, the organization has continued to experience annual increased operating expenses related to entertainer and production expenditures for Summerfest. In 2011, MWF will spend over 9% more on entertainers than in 2008, which was the last time beer prices were adjusted. Moving forward, a 2011 price adjustment on select beverages is necessary in order to continue to pay the perpetually increasing talent fees and deliver the scope and the quality of entertainment Summerfest patrons have come to expect.Â
New beer pricing for 2011 will be $5.00 for a 16 ounce cup of draft beer (previously $4.50) and $6.50 for a 16 ounce bottle of beer (previously $6.00). Â
Considering new 2011 adjusted prices, Summerfestâs beer prices continue to remain among the lowest in Southeastern Wisconsin area sports and entertainment venues and attractions for bottled and draft beer.Â
Summerfest offers festival-goers a variety of coveted food and beverage festival favorites each year. Pricing for all food vendor menus is being finalized, however, pricing on water and soda products as well as the following festival favorites have not changed:Â
·        Sazâs Sour Cream & Chive Fries - $3.25
·        Sazâs Mozzarella Marinara - $3.25
·        Charcoal Grillâs Bacon Wrap Water Chestnuts - $6.00
·        Greek Villageâs Gyros - $5.75
·        Martinoâs Chicago Style Hot Dog with Fries - $5.00Â
·        Milleâs Meat Ball Sandwich - $5.50
·        The Venice Clubâs - Eggplant Strips - $5.75
·        La Perlaâs Salsa and Chips - $3.50
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Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. For the first time in the eventâs history, Summerfest will open on a Wednesday and not operate on Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
A very big THANK YOU to everyone who joined UPAF on Tuesday, March 29th for UPAF's 2011 Campaign Kick Off at the Broadway Theatre Center where the 2011 Campaign goal of $9.65 million was announced.
I was paired up with the lovely and talented Co-Founder of Dance Works Inc., Amy Brinkman and let me just say she is a miracle worker.
I've even heard rumors of a possible Dancing With The UPAF Stars Summer Tour! I think I need some more classes before that. What do you think?
Summerfest officials have announced the eighth headliner slated for Summerfest 2011. Peter Gabriel will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on opening day, Wednesday, June 29 at 8:30PM. Gabriel will be accompanied by the New Blood Orchestra, including members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Following the success of last yearâs sell out concerts, Peter Gabriel returns to the USA and Canada for a 12 date tour and this time out he will apply the orchestral makeover to his own catalogue of hits. The stunning musical backdrop leaves Gabrielâs vocals center-stage and bare, stripped of the usual Rock ân Roll clothing, no loud guitars or booming drums to hide behind. Raw and soul-baring, yet passionate and often joyous, Gabrielâs classic songs take new shape and extra meaning.
The tour is an opportunity to experience the reinvention of an iconic song selection including âRed Rainâ, âSan Jacintoâ, âDigging in the Dirtâ and âDonât Give Upâ before the album release of New Blood later this year.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 2 at 10:00AM and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (âTicketmaster Expressâ automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize âticketfastâ at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
One of my all-time favorite Peter Gabriel songs. Before Paula Cole went solo. Come Talk To Me!
Due to the construction project on the south end of the grounds, the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office has been temporarily relocated to the intersection of Harbor Drive and Chicago Avenue at the Mid-Gate of the festival grounds. The building on the north side of the Mid-Gate will serve as the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com.
Winner opens for major headliner on new Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage at the Worldâs Largest Music Festival, Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI!Â
Milwaukee-based,  Briggs & Stratton, manufacturer of air-cooled engines for outdoor power equipment, and Summerfest, recognized as the Worldâs Largest Music Festival, today announced entries for the third annual Briggs & Stratton Battle of the Bands competition are now being accepted at briggsbattleofthebands.com, the contestâs official Facebook page. Music fans and bands are encouraged to âlikeâ the page and share it with their friends. In just two years, the contest has had more than 1,000 bands enter online and nearly 1 million votes from music fans worldwide. The winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to play Summerfest on July 2nd, rock-star treatment during their stay and helps open for a major headliner on Briggs & Strattonâs Big Backyard stage at Summerfest.     Â
âWe are very excited about this yearâs Briggs & Stratton Battle of the Bands and all of the great talent we know will be submitting songs on our Facebook page,â said Todd Teske, President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. âWeâre especially excited to debut our new Big Backyard stage with a large video screen and gorgeous green space. The Briggs & Stratton Battle of the Bands appeals to many consumers who enjoy music as much as they enjoy our reliable and easy-to-use products that get outdoor work done quickly so they can relax and enjoy life.â
Last yearâs winner, This is Energy, an alternative band from St. Louis, opened for Gavin DeGraw at the Big Backyard during Summerfest.Â
Band members met DeGraw, participated in a press tour, stayed at a luxury hotel, were transported by limousine and much more. This is Energy has since relocated to Nashville, Tenn., to be closer to the recording industry. A series of videos promoting this yearâs contest were recorded in Nashville with the band and will appear over the next few weeks on Briggs & Strattonâs Facebook contest page.
âIf youâre in a band that wants to be in front of thousands of fans, performing at Summerfest, the Worldâs Largest Music Festival, the Briggs & Stratton Battle of the Bands can help make that happen,â said Don Smiley, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. âThis fan-voted contest is a great opportunity for one band to ultimately be front and center at the Big Gig, and this yearâs new and improved Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage will only add to all of the excitement.âÂ
Bands entering the contest should upload their music entries as soon as possible to briggsbattleofthebands.com. Fans vote for their favorite band on Facebook from March 14 to 11:59 p.m. on April 15. The top 10 bands selected by online voters will then be announced. A selection committee will determine three finalists by May 7. Fan voting will then resume on May 13 to choose a winner, who will be announced on May 28. Entry into the contest is free and additional rules/regulations are also posted online.
Summerfest officials are excited to announce the fifth headliner slated for Summerfest 2011. Def Leppard will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Tuesday, July 5 at 7:30PM along with special guest, Heart.
Great Britainâs premiere arena rock band will make their triumphant return to the U.S. this summer. Leppard's influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums, including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria. With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums) - continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. The group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, have become synonymous with their name and it is clear that the anthemic rock megastars have earned their stripes as one of the most enduring and successful touring acts in history.
Joining Def Leppard on tour are Seattle rock legends, Heart, who showed the world that women can rock when they stormed the charts with "Crazy on Youâ, "Magic Manâ, "Barracudaâ, âAloneâ and many more, a stream of hits showcasing the sistersâ enormous talents as both musicians and singers, selling more than 30 million records.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 12th at 11:00AM and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (âTicketmaster Expressâ automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize âticketfastâ at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
Due to the construction project on the south end of the grounds, the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office has been temporarily relocated to the intersection of Harbor Drive and Chicago Avenue at the Mid-Gate of the festival grounds. The building on the north side of the Mid-Gate will serve as the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday, July 4. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com.
Wisconsin State Fair today announced seven exciting shows for the 160th celebration of the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U. S. Cellular. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage lineup will offer Fairgoers even more diversity this year, including old-school hip-hop, contemporary Christian, classic rock, comedy and more. The 2011 Fair will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.
NEW in 2011, all tickets purchased for shows at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage will INCLUDE FAIR ADMISSION. All of the following shows go on sale Friday, February 25 at 10 am online at WiStateFair.com. The box office will NOT be open, but tickets ordered online can be printed at home or mailed for a minimal fee. All seating is reserved.
Dig out the parachute pants and get ready to bust a move, because opening night of the Fair, Thursday, August 4, kicks off with 90s hip-hop superstars MC Hammer, Tone Loc and Young MC. The show will begin at 7:30 pm and tickets will be available for $35, $25 and $15.
On Friday, August 5, the Grammy Award winning Contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns will take the stage following opening artist Corrie Carlson at 8 pm. Tickets will be available for $35 and $25.
Nickelodeonâs hockey players turned pop sensations, Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan of Big Time Rush are sure to melt the hearts of many teenage girls on Saturday, August 6. The show begins at 7 pm with an opening act to be announced in the near future. Tickets will be available for $40, $30 and $20.
On Sunday, August 7 the HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2011 starring The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie, The Association, The Grass Roots, Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders and The Buckinghams will begin at 7pm. Tickets will be available for $35 and $25.
Get ready for some laughs...millions have watched him and his hilarious characters on Comedy Central and CMT, and now they are all heading to the Wisconsin State Fair! Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham takes the stage on Monday, August 8. Brian Haner, the âGuitar Guyâ will open the 7:30 pm show. Tickets will be available for $49, $39, and $29.
2011 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Oak Ridge Boysâ biggest hit, âElvira.â Fairgoers will have the chance to hear it live on Friday, August 12. Billy Dean will open the show at 8 pm. Tickets will be available for $30, $25, $20 and $10.
The amazing acrobatics and inspiring imagery of Cirque Sublime â ADAMO will mesmerize Fairgoers on Saturday, August 13. The show will feature the Acrobazia acrobats, as seen in Cirque du Soleilâs Mystère in Las Vegas. Milwaukeeâs own The Tempters will open the 8 pm show with an a cappella performance. Tickets will be available for $45 and $35.
Donât forget...NEW in 2011, all ticket prices above INCLUDE FAIR ADMISSION, and all of the above shows go on sale this Friday, February 25 at 10 am. At this time tickets can only be purchased online at WiStateFair.com. Tickets can be printed at home or mailed.
The 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14, 2011. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights.
Find out even more at...www.WiStateFair.com
THE CAST OF FOXâS SMASH SHOW âGLEEâ TO RETURN TO CONCERT STAGES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA THIS MAY FOR BLOCKBUSTER CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR PRIOR TO PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EUROPEAN ENGAGEMENT!
Special Presale to American Express Cardmembers Starts February 11; Tickets Go on Sale to General Public Saturday, February 19.
On the heels of blockbuster ratings for the post-Super Bowl episode Sunday night, Twentieth Century Fox Television and âGleeâ co-creator Ryan Murphy are pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed âGlee Live! In Concert!,â starring 13 members of the television showâs cast, will return to North American concert stages this spring.
Beginning Friday, May 21 at the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, âGleeâ stars Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Heather Morris (Brittany), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam) and Darren Criss (Blaine) will perform in an all-new singing and dancing celebration of the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning show.
The North American engagement of âGlee Live! In Concert!,â is a unique concert experience once again conceived by Murphy that will include live performances of some of the showâs most memorable musical numbers from Seasons One and Two, including âEmpire State of Mind,â âToxic,â âMy Life Would Suck Without You,â âItâs My Life,â and of course, the showâs anthem, âDonât Stop Believinâ.â Described by the Los Angeles Times as âtriumphant,â USA Today called last yearâs concerts âequal parts musical theater, giddy pop culture phenomenon and Journey-loving rock show.â
âThe cast and I were so moved by the love and enthusiasm of our fans at last yearâs concerts that we knew we had to do it again,â said Murphy. âThere is something magical about thousands of âGleeksâ coming together to share a special night with our cast, and this tour is one way we can thank them for their unbelievable support from the beginning.â
âJoining the cast this year has been like hopping on a fast-moving train,â commented Overstreet. âI have already had so many incredible experiences, but the chance to perform live on stages across the U.S., Canada and Europe takes the cake. This is too cool.â
âJoining the cast of âGleeâ has been an amazing, rewarding and humbling experience all at once,â added Criss. âOn top of all of that, Iâm fortunate to play such a strong and interesting character like Blaine that speaks volumes to fans. Now I have the chance to perform for thousands of them this summer, and I couldnât be more excited!â
2011 Glee Live! In Concert! Dates:
May 21 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Event Center
May 22 Sacramento, CA Arco Arena
May 24 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
May 27 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
May 28 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
May 29 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
June 1 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
June 2 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
June 3 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
June 6 Boston, MA TD Garden
June 8 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
June 11 Toronto, Canada Air Canada Centre
June 13 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
June 14 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
June 16 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
June 18 Uniondale, NY Nassau Colliseum
Select tickets will be available to American Express cardholders in an exclusive presale beginning Friday, Feb. 11; tickets go on sale to the general public for most cities on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10:00 a.m. (Tickets for the Boston concert go on sale Friday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 a.m.; Toronto goes on sale Friday, Feb. 18 at noon and Sacramento Saturday, Feb. 19 at noon.) Tickets will be available via www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at any Ticketmaster Outlet. Tickets will be available at the arena box offices as well. âGlee Live! In Concert!â has also teamed with I Love All Access to provide a variety of fan ticket packages for the show, including premium seats, parties and more. For more information, please visit âGleeâ at www.gleetour.com.
GRAMMY Award®-winning rock legend and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mick Jagger will perform live on the GRAMMY Awards for the first time. "THE 53rd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS" will be broadcast live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 (7:00-10:30 PM, CT) on the CBS Television Network. Jagger, accompanied by GRAMMY® winner Raphael Saadiq and his band, will perform as part of the telecast's annual "In Memoriam" tribute, which pays homage to members of the music community who have passed away in the previous year.
In his first-ever live appearance on the GRAMMY stage, Jagger will be accompanied by soul singer Saadiq and his band in honor one of his longtime idols, recently deceased GRAMMY winner Solomon Burke. Jagger has appeared only once before on the GRAMMY telecast (with the Rolling Stones), via satellite from London during "The 28th Annual GRAMMY Awards" in 1986, when Eric Clapton presented the Stones with The Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq join previously announced performers and nominees Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, Muse, and Katy Perry; nominees Justin Bieber and Usher, with Jaden Smith; nominees B.o.B, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monáe; nominees Drake and Rihanna; and nominee Cee Lo Green, with Gwyneth Paltrow and the Jim Henson Company Puppets.
Arcade Fire, Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse, Paltrow and Smith will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, and all five Album of the Year nominees are set to perform on Music's Biggest Night®: Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga and Perry.
Current three-time GRAMMY nominee Dierks Bentley, nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Norah Jones, singer/actor Selena Gomez, two-time GRAMMY winner and actor LL COOL J, current nominee Nicki Minaj and current nominee Blake Shelton will appear as presenters.
It's hard to get back into the swing of things this new year isn't it? Some people still have off while others like myself are lethargiclly finding the groove again. Ugh...
Let me offer a distraction from all of that business and give you The Top 40 Videos of 2010!
That's about 3+ hours of the entertainment for the eyes and ears! Plus, LIVE performances from Train, Plain White T's, Hot Chelle Rae and more!Â
So kick back, relax and enjoy  The Top 40 of 2010.
Plain White T's are back with the release of, "Wonders Of The Younger" available THIS TUESDAY. In November, Mix listeners won tickets to an exclusive QDoba lunch performance w/ Plain White's T's.
Just in time for their new record, we release the video of that fun day.
Enjoy Plain White T's Exclusive QDoba Lunch Performance at The Rave/Eagles Club and don't forget, "Wonders Of The Younger" is avail this Tuesday!
MILWAUKEE â November 18, 2010 â Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials announced new dates of operation for Summerfest 2011. Summerfest will test a new configuration of operating days for the 11 day celebration in 2011 that will entail eliminating Mondayâs operation and adding Wednesday, June 29, as the opening day, providing 11 customer-friendly and quality-oriented days of Summerfest for the community. With this change, 2011âs dates will be June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, closed on Monday, July 4.
âAs stewards of Summerfest and Henry Maier Festival Park, we respond to customer preferences and suggestions, which periodically entails making adjustments to the event and its operations so the event and all of its partners and stakeholders have the strongest opportunity and probability for success in delivering the event experience that festival goers desire,â stated Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
This adjustment is based on customer feedback and the premise that, in general, if given the choice, people prefer to attend entertainment events, like Summerfest, on a Wednesday versus a Monday.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. will carefully monitor how the change in operating dates affects Summerfest, its partners and customers in 2011. Should 2011âs results support the strategy, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. may consider making the change on a permanent basis moving forward.
Summerfest will continue to feature the coveted family-friendly promotion, Childrenâs Fest Day, which provides free admission to everyone between Noon and 3:00pm at all gates. 2011âs Childrenâs Fest Day will be held Tuesday, July 5.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed July 4. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com.
In celebration of AMERICAN IDOLâs 10th anniversary season, the No. 1 show on television is offering aspiring singers an additional opportunity to have their voices heard. 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America and FOX have partnered with MySpace to revolutionize the showâs audition process. Beginning today through October 6, hopefuls between the ages of 15 and 28 (as of July 15, 2010) will have the opportunity to submit an audition video exclusively on MySpace at www.myspace.com/americanidol.
Entrants should demonstrate their stellar singing ability by performing one of the songs from the approved list a cappella. Videos are limited to 40 seconds in length, and are limited to one submission per person. Auditions will be judged in a similar fashion to the live audition cities and a select number will advance to the next round of callbacks in Los Angeles. Visit www.myspace.com/americanidol for more information, the song list and the full terms and conditions of the video submission process. Fans will be able to share the videos across various networks and watch highlights in a special gallery on the MySpace page.
After a night of partying in Madison, WI, the guys from Hot Chelle Rae stopped by the studios for a chat and acoustic performance. Their debut record, Lovesick Electric, rocks and is available now.
Ryan Follese, Nash Overstreet, Ian Keaggy, and Jamie Follese, chatted about life on the road, their first time on television and lots more.
An extraordinary line-up of actors, musicians, athletes and journalists have banded together for Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), the groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising funds to accelerate innovative cancer research bringing new therapies to patients quickly that will saves lives now.
Stand Up To Cancer returns to primetime TV September 10, 2010, at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT.
The one-hour fundraising event will be simulcast live and commercial-free on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Bio, Discovery Health, E!, G4, HBO, HBO Latino, MLB Network, mun2, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, The Style Network, TV One, and VH1.
Cat Deeley of FOXâs SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will host the pre-show promotion to kick off the evening as the celebrity phone bank opens at 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST.
A 30-minute online âafter hoursâ extended play featuring jams with musical guests...
Fitz and the Tantrums, Orianthi, Natasha Bedingfield and Heart will conclude the nightâs events.
The pre-show and extended play will be featured on numerous online portals and destination sites (which will all also stream the one-hour special online) including: ABC, ABC News, AOL, Bing, CBS, CBS News, Crackle, Discovery Health, E! Online, FOX, G4, Hulu, Livestream, MLB Network, MSN, mun2, NBC, Style Network, TV Guide, TV One, Ustream, VEVO, VH1, Wonderwall.MSN.com, omg.yahoo.com and YouTube.
PARTICIPANTS CONFIRMED TO DATE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10TH BROADCAST INCLUDE: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Derek Fisher, Seth MacFarlane, Diane Sawyer, Tatyana Ali, Delta Goodrem, Martina McBride, The Simpsons, Dave Annable, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Mandy Moore, Dave Stewart, Christina Applegate, Michael C. Hall, Aaron Neville, Eric Stonestreet, Lance Armstrong, Alyson Hannigan, Apolo Anton Ohno, Marcia Strassman, Natasha Bedingfield, Tony Hawk, Sharon Osbourne, Alison Sweeney, David Boreanaz, Jon Heder, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Maura Tierney, Abigail Breslin, Marg Helgenberger, Jim Parsons, Gabrielle Union, Chiquis, Terrence Howard, Aubrey Plaza, Sofia Vassilieva, Katie Couric, Ken Jeong, Dr. Ana Maria Polo, Sofia Vergara, Cindy Crawford, Rashida Jones ,Queen Latifah, Brian Williams, Fran Drescher, Minka Kelly, Yarel Ramos, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Elizabeth Edwards, Laura Linney, Naya Rivera, Reese Witherspoon, Donald Faison, Zachary Levi, Robin Roberts, Stevie Wonder, Sally Field, Ray Liotta, Seth Rogen, Ethan Zohn.
The broadcast is dedicated to the 12 million U.S. cancer survivors, illustrating how groundbreaking research can change the tide in the fight against the disease. Updates will be provided on the work of the five Stand Up To Cancer Dream Teams, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNNâs Chief Medical Correspondent, will report on other new medical developments.
SU2Câs star-studded television special builds continuing public support and donations for cutting-edge cancer research that translates at a rapid pace from the laboratory to treatments and technologies benefitting patients. One-hundred percent of all donations received from the public will go directly to cancer research. Viewers will have the ability to donate via a dedicated phone line, the web, or through text.
I had a chance to chat w/ some of the Top 10 American Idols at Summerfest. Milwaukee, WI was the second stop in a three month long tour. Siobhan Magnus shares the stories behind her tattoos. Andrew Garcia reveals his plans for after the tour, Katie Stevens gushes over the Green Bay Packers, Michael Lynche & winner Lee Dewyze get into an arguement mid-interview. All in all, a great time was had by everyone. Plus, if you plan on auditioning for Season 10, they all have really good advice on how to handle the monster that is American Idol. Enjoy the interviews!
Day 8 of The World's Largest Music Festival brings difficult decisions. So many great acts to town in town tonight. I wish they would allow Rollerblades or Segways on the Summerfest grounds so I can see all of them. Here are my picks tonight.
Santana headlines Marcus Amphitheatre w Steve Winwood opening at 7:30.
10p - Miller Lite Oasis you've got O.A.R. If they guarantee a performance of, Led Zepplin's "Fool In The Rain" I'm there. We'll see.
Here is where it get's tricky for me. Take my chances w O.A.R. or check out the B52's at the M&I Stage at 10p and get my Rock Lobster on? Ahhhh!
Oh yeah, can't forget The Offspring. They rock the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 10p. Gotta keep'em seperated!
Choose wisely, be safe and have fun. Happy Summerfest ya'll!
For even more Summerfest coverage + how to get in FREE...click here.
The date was April 7th, 2010. Before opening for Daughtry at U.S. Cellular Arena that evening, Cavo stopped by to preview their debut album, "Bright Nights, Dark Days" which is in stores and available for download. Cavo performed 4 songs for us that day and joined us for lunch. A great group of guys from St. Louis who can rock it. Good stuff!
For even more Summerfest coverage + how to get in FREE...click here.
Hard to beleive it's been one year since the passing of Michael Jackson.
Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?
I was covering Opening Ceremoines at Summerfest listening to officals at the podium when my phone started buzzing. It was a text message about the death of Michael.
Though I never had the chance to interview Michael, I did interview those who worked closely with him.
Like...
Orianthi - She was slated to be the guitarist for Michael Jackson on the, "This Is It" Tour.
Ken Ehrlich - He was the Executive Producer of the 52nd Grammy Awards and had talked to Michael about perfroming on the show. Instead a 3D Tribute was produced for the telecast.
Like I said I was covering Opening Ceremonies at Summerfest when I heard the news. Who better to get reaction from than the artists themselves. Gavin DeGraw, Pat Monahan from Train and others shared their thought about the late Michael Jackson.
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us what Michael Jackson songs you'd like to hear on Friday, June 25th, 2010.
There are a ton of different ways to save yourself some $$$ and get into Summerfest for FREE! But you gotta know whats going on, that's why I'm here. The following is a list of all the Admission Promotions that Summerfest offers.
Please know that all promotions, unless otherwise stated, will take place at the Mid-Gate promotions tent located across the street from the Summerfest Mid-Gate. All Admission Promotions start at Noon and run while ticket supplies last OR through 3:00 pm, whichever comes first, unless otherwise noted.
Ready for the madness? Here we go...
Thursday, June 24 is Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX 6. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm who donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Donations will be accepted at the Mid-Gate promotions tent as well as the North Gate. All donations will benefit the Hunger Task Force.
Thursday, June 24 is Miller High Life â Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life Day from 5:00 â 7:00 pm. The first 2,000 patrons, 21 and older, who bring six (6) Miller High Life or Miller High Life Light bottle caps will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Visit Millerhighlife.com for details on the National âGive a Veteran a Piece of the High Lifeâ Program.
Friday, June 25 is Cedar Crest âFlip Your Lid at Summerfestâ Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they turn in a lid and receipt dated June 1 â June 25, for the purchase of one (1) 48 oz. Cedar Crest ice cream. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted.
On Friday, June 25, the first 5,000 patrons will receive two (2) U.S. Cellular®/Summerfest Gadget Grips with a special accessory offer compliments of U.S. Cellular® and Summerfest. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Saturday, June 26 is Goodwill Industries Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1 â June 26, 2010 and bring in their original donation receipt will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. One (1) admission ticket per person for each donation receipt. Only original receipts received at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center dated June 1 â June 26, 2010 will be accepted.
On Saturday, June 26, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) $15 Marcus Restaurant Group Gift Card redeemable at Mason Street Grill, Kil@wat and Milwaukee Chophouse. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Sunday, June 27 is Jockey Family Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,000 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Debra Steigerwaldt Waller Foundation will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket and a Jockey Being Family® Bear.
Sunday, June 27 is Scout Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast in uniform will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the South Gate promotion booth and will enjoy a scout scavenger hunt.
Monday, June 28 is Sentry Foods and Deanâs Milk & Ice Cream Childrenâs Fest Day with TODAYâS TMJ4. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying free Childrenâs Fest activities including the Map of Fun and Family Ticket Package giveaways. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food & beverage items.
On Monday, June 28, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Free Chips and Guacamole Card compliments of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Summerfest. Offer not valid on the Summerfest grounds. The giveaway starts at Noon while supplies last.
Tuesday, June 29 is Kapcoâs 2 Buck Tuesday at Summerfest from Noon â 6:30 pm. All Patrons attending Summerfest on Tuesday, June 29 between Noon and 6:30 pm can purchase an admission ticket for only $2 compliments of Kapco! Purchase tickets now at Summerfest.com.
Wednesday, June 30 is Klementâs Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they provide a Klementâs product label (8 oz. or larger) and a non-perishable food item. Donations benefit the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
Wednesday, June 30 is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel âShow Your Smileâ Day from 4:00 â 7:00 pm. All patrons who arrive at the Summerfest Mid-Gate between 4:00 â 7:00 pm wearing a shirt with the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on and present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon will receive $7 off their $15 admission. Patrons who present only the coupon between 4:00 â 7:00 pm, but are not wearing the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on will receive $5 off their $15 admission compliments of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Both the coupon and the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on are available in the Sunday, June 20, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Be spotted wearing the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on, on your shirt June 30 and win great prizes.
Thursday, July 1 is Northwestern Mutual âMake a Child Smile Dayâ from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate any new, indoor childrenâs toy, art supplies or childrenâs G or PG rated DVD movie with a $5 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. All items collected will be used throughout the Childrenâs Hospital of Wisconsin system. All items must be new with original tags attached and/or original packaging.
Thursday, July 1 is H.O.G.® Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. Patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card at the tent located on the northwest corner of Chicago Street and Harbor Drive. One admission ticket per card. NEW this year: H.O.G.® members will have exclusive access to the Harley-Davidson Hospitality Deck located at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage between the hours of 4:00 â 9:00 pm on July 1. Limited space; first come, first served. Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a âone out, one inâ basis.
Friday, July 2 is Malt-O-Meal Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting an original receipt from any Wisconsin grocer that specifies the purchase of any two (2) Malt-O-Meal Bag Cereals 10 oz. or larger. Receipt must be dated between June 24 and July 2, 2010. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted. To find the store nearest you go to Maltomeal.com.
Saturday, July 3 is CBS 58 Milwaukee / MDA Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket.
Sunday, July 4 is Summerfest âFree âtil Three Dayâ from Noon â 3:00 pm. All patrons attending Summerfest on the final Sunday (July 4) will be admitted for FREEâ¦compliments of Summerfest!
Whew! There you go. All the different ways you can into Summerfest for free. Now you can use all that money you saved for more...(beer, sour cream & chive fries, corn, whatever!) :)
Be safe, drink lots of water and we'll see you at Summerfest, The World's Largest Music Festival!
I'm aware that everyone has Summerfest on the brain, but if you act fast and do some planning, you can save some big dollars for the great Wisconsin State Fair.
State Fair Offical Patrice Harris has all the details in this interview:
Before AMERICAN IDOL, Lee DeWyze worked as a paint store clerk in Mt. Prospect, IL. Kris Allen was a college student from Conway, AR. David Cook tended bar in Blue Springs, MO. Chris Daughtry was a service advisor at a car dealership in Greensboro, NC. Carrie Underwood lived on a farm in Checotah, OK. Jennifer Hudson was a cruise ship performer from Chicago, IL. Kelly Clarkson was a waitress from Dallas, TX. One audition changed the rest of their lives.
Once again, aspiring singers will have the incredible opportunity to audition in cities across the country to become the next AMERICAN IDOL as the No. 1 show on television begins auditions for its milestone 10th season on Saturday, July 17 in Nashville, TN. The search for the next singing superstar will continue in Milwaukee, WI, on Wednesday, July 21; New Orleans, LA, on Monday, July 26; East Rutherford, NJ, on Tuesday, Aug. 3; Austin, TX, on Wednesday, Aug. 11; and San Francisco, CA, on Thursday, Aug. 19.
In celebration of the momentous 10th anniversary and in an effort to continue to find the best undiscovered talent in the nation, AMERICAN IDOL is expanding the eligibility age range for the first time ever to include hopefuls from 15 to 28 years old. (The previous minimum age requirement was 16.)
âA lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16,â said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL. âLowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.â
Audition information, including forms and requirements can be found at www.americanidol.com
Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce the final show slated for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage during the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair.
Train is back on top of the charts after a three-year hiatus, and will rock the Main Stage on Thursday, August 12 at 7:30 pm. From the bandâs recently released fifth studio album, Save Me San Francisco, the hit single, âHey, Soul Sister,â charted in the top three on the Billboard Hot 100 list. The album is a tribute to the city where they began, and revisits the roots rock sound that fans came to love in Trainâs other hits including âDrops of Jupiter (Tell Me),â âMeet Virginia,â and âCalling All Angels.â An opening act will be announced in the near future. Reserved seat tickets for Train go on sale Saturday, June 12 at 10am and will be available for $35, $25, and $15
For more visit: www.wistatefair.com
Adam Lambert will embark on his first headlining tour, an audio and visual spectacular, both theatrical and atmospheric, that will give his millions of fans something theyâll love to listen to and look at. âThe Glam Nation Tourâ kicks off June 4 in Wilkes Barre, PA. âI hope the audience will be able to escape for a few hours and fall into a world full of glam, drama and excitement,â Lambert says. âAnd I would love everyone to come away with a new appreciation for the music on my album.â
Opening for Adam on âThe Glam Nation Tourâ will be 25-year-old guitar goddess Orianthi and, on select shows fellow Season 8 âAmerican Idolâ finalist Allison Iraheta.
Orianthi has already performed with some of the biggest names in music: Carlos Santana, Carrie Underwood, Steve Vai, Michael Jackson and most recently Mary J Blige. She has also had incredible success on her own with the release of her debut album Believe (Geffen) last fall and first single âAccording To You.â Radio and fans were quick to embrace âAccording To You,â propelling it to the top of the charts where it was the No. 2 most played song in the country with digital sales of over one million.
At 18, Allison Iraheta has already begun to make her mark in the music industry. After coming in fourth on Season 8 of âAmerican Idol,â this vibrant red-haired rocker was signed to 19 Recordings/Jive Records, and released her debut album, Just Like You, this past December. Her first single, âFriday Iâll Be Over U,â quickly climbed the top 40 charts. Allison is currently gracing the cover of the May issue of Latina Magazine.
âThe Glam Nation Tourâ lands at Milwaukee's historic Riverside Theater on Tuesday, June 15th.
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 7th at Noon @ The Pabst and The Riverside Box Offices
116 E. Wisconsin Ave. ⢠Milwaukee, WI 53202
Click here for more.
MILWAUKEE â April 22, 2010 â Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials are excited to announce the tenth performance slated for Summerfest 2010. R&B superstar Usher will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Wednesday, June 30 at 7:30PM.
Usher started singing in the church choir when he was six years old. At the age of 14 he was spotted at a talent show by a record executive from LaFace Records. The company signed the young singer while he was still in high school. And the rest is history. He has since won five Grammy Awards, four World Music Awards, four American Music Awards, four MTV Awards, two Peopleâs Choice Awards and countless others. He has been ranked one of the best selling artists in American music history and has ranked higher than any other artist of his generation by Billboard Magazine. He was named the most successful singer of the 2000âs. His 2004 album Confessions was ranked as the top solo album of the last decade. His hit list includes: âYou Make Me Wannaâ, âMy Wayâ, âSlow Jamâ, âTwirk It Outâ and âU Remind Meâ.
On March 30, Usher released his sixth studio album Raymond vs. Raymond, which became his third consecutive album to debut at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. It features collaborations with will.i.am, Ludacris, Diddy, and T.I., to name a few. It features hit singles âDaddyâs Homeâ, âLil Freakâ and âOMGâ.
In addition to singing and acting, Usher is considered one of the music industryâs most creative dancers. His style is influenced by the rich history of the R&B industry. Usherâs energetic live performances combine his great vocals with his natural ability to dance. Summerfest is excited to have Usher grace the Marcus Amphitheater in 2010.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 1 at 10AM and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (âTicketmaster Expressâ automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize âticketfastâ at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
Summerfest 2010 will take place June 24 â July 4 from noon until midnight daily. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com.
MUSE With Special Guests Passion Pit
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Bradley Center
Tickets on Sale THIS Saturday April 24th at 11am!
Reserved Seats at $55 & $45
*Additional fees may apply.
England-based alternative-rock band Muse, who's touring in support of its latest effort, The Resistance, is
slated to visit the Bradley Center with Passion Pit on Wednesday, October 6. Tickets go on sale Saturday,
April 24, at 11 a.m.
Muse are known for their energetic and extravagant live performances and their fusion of many music
genres, including progressive rock, classical music, heavy metal and electronica.
Muse have won many music awards throughout their career, including five MTV Europe Music Awards, five
Q Awards, eight NME Awards, two BRIT awards and four Kerrang! Awards.
Tickets available at the Bradley Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets, or by
phone at 800-745-3000.
MILWAUKEE â April 12, 2010 â Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials are excited to announce the ninth performance slated for Summerfest 2010. Carlos Santana will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Thursday, July 1 at 7:30PM along with special guest Steve Winwood
The Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour 2010 gets underway on June 30 with an initial North American leg running through early August. The Universal Tone Tour 2010 will feature hits from Santanaâs four-decade-long career, as well as songs from a brand new studio album that Carlos Santana is currently putting finishing touches on. Santanaâs most recent release was the 2010 reissue of Supernatural as a 2-CD Legacy Editionâfeaturing 11 previously unissued bonus tracksâin celebration of the classic nine-time GRAMMY-winning albumâs 10th anniversary.
This springâprior to the launch of the Universal Tone TourâSantana can be seen in Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits, exclusively at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (supernaturalsantana.com). The Joint is the only place west of the Mississippi where fans can see Santana through 2010; tickets are currently on sale for dates in April and May.
Opening for Santana is Steve Winwood. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of the Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith and Traffic. He was inducted in to the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in 2004 as a member of Traffic. His list of hits includes âHigher Loveâ, âArc of a Diverâ, âValerieâ and âWhile You See a Chanceâ to name a few.
Exclusive Best Seat ticket presales for the Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour 2010 will take place on SantanaFanClub.com starting April 13. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 24 at 10AM and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (âTicketmaster Expressâ automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize âticketfastâ at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
Summerfest 2010 will take place June 24 â July 4 from noon until midnight daily. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com.
Grammy Award Winners OneRepublic perform, "All The Right Moves"Â for Jay Leno on March 31st, 2010.
Watch the performance then click on the screen to get an exclusive preview of their album, "Waking Up."
We get your letters...
What an amazing weekend!
First of all, a very big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Grafton and Mukwonago and waited in line amid cold, windy and rainy conditions for those Wisconsin Dells Season Opener Cards.
For me, it is a chance to meet / hang out with YOU the listener and give you goodies!
Second, got this letter from our 99.1 The Mix Contact Us forum, from the Dawson family of Port Washington and was truly surprised that my "simple gesture" warranted the following...
Question: Your Name:
Answer: Michelle
Question: Your City:
Answer: Port Washington
Comments:
Yesterday I took my parents to Grafton to wait for season opener cards. It was quite a cold morning. We arrived at 10 because in the past there have been huge lines. My mother is recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. She is a very petite older woman.
Van McNeil was interacting with people people in line and I asked him if it would be possible for my mom to going to the bank to warm up. He unexpectedly took my mom's hand and escorted her into the building. He was so kind to her and gave her a hug. He made sure she was warm and dry and took very good care of her.
My mom and dad are thrilled to be going to the Dells. Unknown to Van my dad just got out of The hospital last Friday after 4 1/2 weeks of being in. It's been a very rough couple of months for my parents and their health. My mother was just beaming about how nice Van was.
I wanted to thank you for the season opener cards which will allow my parents and my family to enjoy a vacation in Wisconsin this summer, and send a special thank you to Van for being so wonderful to my parents.
You're welcome and THANK YOU Michelle!
Just doing what I do because that's how my mama raised me!
Enjoy the Dells!
-Van
#everylistenermatters
Perennial Garden Renovations
Give your tired perennial garden a boost without a total renovation. Topdressing your garden with compost every year or two provides most if not all the nutrients your perennials need.
Pull back the mulch if needed. Then spread an inch of compost over the soil surface. You can buy a quality compost or make your own.
Leave the compost on the surface or lightly mix it into the soil. The earthworms, ground beetles, and other organisms will take it from there – moving the compost into the soil and around the plant roots where it is needed.
Or, do a bit of vertical mulching. Use an auger bit on your cordless drill. Simply drill holes into the soil between plants. Then fill the holes with compost. This gets the compost closer to the plant roots and soil organisms that will help mix it into and improve the soil.
Soil preparation and repair will help transform your garden.
A bit more information: Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ spray to increase plant vigor and their natural ability to tolerate environmental stresses, insect attacks, and disease problems. These natural products aren't fertilizers or pesticides. They can be applied to established plants at the beginning of the season to boost their ability to deal with stress or as soon as problems arise.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Growing Banana Plants Indoors or Out
Add a bit of the tropics indoors or out with a banana plant.
The large leaves are great for screening views and creating a bit of privacy on a balcony, patio or in the yard. Add a wicker planter or chair and you have your own tropical get-away.
The fiber banana (Musa basjoo) is hardy in zones 5 to 11. It grows in full sun. It will die back to the ground and benefit from winter mulch in northern areas of its hardiness zone.
Less hardy and smaller, the blood banana (Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'), has large leaves with red markings on 6 to 8 foot plants. It's only hardy in zones 10 to 11, but can be overwintered as a houseplant or allowed to go dormant in other areas.
Combine these tropical beauties with palms, ginger and bird-of-paradise. Or add some hardy tropical look-alikes such as Japanese forest grass, large leaf hostas and trumpet vines.
A bit more information: Push the limits of your growing region with special wintering techniques developed by Dr. David Francko, author of Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths: Warm-Climate Plants for Cooler Areas. And for those in warmer regions check out Creating the Tropical Look.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Preserving the Asparagus Harvest
Preserve the flavor and nutrition of asparagus to enjoy year round.
This flavorful vegetable is low in calories and high in Vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Unfortunately, it is most readily available and at the best price in the spring.
Insure the best flavor with proper harvesting. Select young tender spears 8 to 10 inches tall. Wash, remove the ends, and then cut to fit the freezer bag or container.
Blanch the asparagus before freezing to lock in flavor, color and texture. Dip the asparagus into boiling water. You'll need a large pan with a lid. Blanch small spears for 2 minutes, medium spears for 3 minutes and large spears for 4 minutes.
Remove and immediately set the blanched spears in ice water for 5 minutes to cool. Drain and freeze.
And, if you don't have an asparagus patch, you may want to consider planting one this year.
A bit more information: May is National Asparagus Month. For tips on planting and harvesting asparagus listen to my audio tip. And check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation website for helpful tips and guidelines for preserving your harvest.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
Add a little color and flavor to your garden and salads with Mexican tarragon.
This subtle beauty is really a type of marigold, but the leaves and flowers have a tarragon fragrance and flavor.
Wait until after the danger of frost has passed to plant this zone 8 to 10 hardy plant. Grow it in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is somewhat drought tolerant. Northern gardeners can treat it like an annual and those in the northern range of its hardiness zone may see it die back to the ground in a hard freeze. But don't worry its root hardy.
The yellow flowers appear in late summer and persist through fall. The 14 to 20 inch tall plants make a nice addition to herb gardens and flowerbeds.
Harvest the new growth to use fresh. Preserve the flavor by freezing the leaves or storing in vinegar. They tend to lose their flavor when dried.
A bit more information: You can find this plant listed under several common names including Mexican tarragon, Texas tarragon, pericon, and sweet mace. No matter the common name you can use the leaves and blossoms in soups, sauces and chicken dishes as well as salads. Some gardeners even seep it for tea. Visit Bonnie Plants for more information and gardeners ideas for growing and using this plant in the garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Year of the Watermelon
Year of the Watermelon
The National Garden Bureau has declared 2013 the Year of the Watermelon. Be part of the celebration and consider planting watermelon in this year's garden.
Don't let the sweet flavor deceive you – these are nutritious as well as delicious. High in Vitamin C, low in fat and calories - it is a great way to boost your energy. Plus, all parts are edible.
You can pickle the rind, eat the fleshy portion fresh or roast or grind the seeds for flavoring. In china they stir fry watermelon while the Russians often pickle it before eating. You may want to try some new ways of enjoying this tasty summer treat.
Grow watermelon in full sun and well-drained soils. Save space by growing these plants on a trellis or decorative obelisk. Just secure the heavy fruit to the support with a cloth or macramé sling. Or plant a few seeds in a container and let the vines wander over your balcony or trellis.
A bit more information: Try planting one of the large picnic-type watermelons that can weigh 15 to 50 pounds. These are sure to get everyone in the family excited about growing and eating this, the largest edible fruit in the United States. Or perhaps you want to try one of the icebox melons that is much smaller at 5 to 15 pounds and easier to squeeze into the fridge. And don't forget about those with unique colored rinds and flesh and of course those that lack seeds.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Clematis Stem Wilt
Clematis Stem Wilt
Your clematis looks beautiful until suddenly the stems and leaves start turning black. Though it looks bad your clematis will survive.
The fungus that causes this disease enters your plant through wounds and cracks in the stem near ground level. Fortunately new growth arising below this point will be disease free.
Reduce future problems by pruning out and destroying infested stems. Disinfect tools between cuts to reduce the risk of spreading this disease.
As new growth emerges from the soil carefully secure it to the support to reduce the risk of cracking and damage. Eliminating the entryways for the fungus will reduce the risk of disease.
In the future consider planting the crown of the clematis below the soil surface. This allows the plant to produce new shoots below the point of infection.
Try growing small flowered clematis that tend to resist this disease. Alpina, macropetala and the viticella types are a few to consider.
A bit more information: For a disease to occur you must have the causal organism (fungus, bacteria, virus) present, disease-promoting weather and susceptible plants. Remove one of these factors and you eliminate the disease. Keep this in mind when managing clematis stem wilt and other plant diseases in your garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
I'm a fan, are you?
Who doesn't LOVE a good Roller Coaster? Am I right?! I've been so very lucky to been have rasied in the Midwest, a stones throw away from Six Flags Great America, where I practicaly spent my summers as kid with my best bud Edgar!
Mom and dad would drop us off at open and pick us up at close. 10a-10p. Don't think I could handle that now. Heck, I could barley make it on one run of Batman The Ride Backwards!
Yes, that's right, for a limited time this season, (BTW... I tried to find out when from officials, they wouldn't budge, so get there soon!) Batman The Ride will be running BACKWARDS!!
MOBILE USERS: Click here to WATCH Van rides Batman: The Ride Backwards!
www.SixFlags.com
My Lucky Brewers Socks
I've been wearing these sock to the last few games I have attended at Miller Park and the crew always wins when I have them on. Do you think my socks lucky?
Matt Nathanson AND Plain White T's coming to Festa!
YES! That headline is correct...Matt Nathanson AND the Plain White T's will be performing at Festa Italiana, Saturday night, July 20th and I have the honor of being your ON STAGE HOST!!
I'm super stoked and looking forward to hanging with Platinum-selling singer-song writer Matt Nathanson, and Grammy-nominated Chicago-bred Plain White T's again!
Check out the videos from both groups last visit to The Mix Studios:
WATCH Matt Nathanson Interview and Performance.
WATCH Plain White T's Interview and Performance.
Watch for and Prevent Borers on Trees and Shrubs
Extreme heat and cold, droughts and floods can leave our plants stressed and more susceptible to damaging borers.
These insects are the immature stage of moths and beetles that feed under the bark and inside the stems of plants. Their feeding weakens and in some cases kills the plant.
Many borers are opportunists, attacking already stressed trees. We can't control the weather but we can help reduce stress on our plants. Start by growing plants suited to the climate and growing conditions in your landscape.
Mulch the area under and around the base of trees and shrubs. Organic mulches like wood chips keep the roots cool and moist and reduce competition from grass and weeds.
Be sure to water new plantings thoroughly and as needed the first few years. And do the same for established trees and shrubs during extended drought. This will keep them healthy and help ward off borers.
A bit more information: Incorporate trees and shrubs into perennial planting beds. You will create an attractive garden and better environment for the plants. Plus, planting beds as well as mulching will reduce the need for hand trimming and will keep weed whips and mowers away from the trunks of the trees. And don't pile soil or mulch over the stems of shrubs and the trunks of trees. These practices create entryways for pests and encourage disease problems.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Lawn Revival
If sparse, bare spots or lots of weeds describe your lawn, it is time for a little lawn revival.
Start by evaluating the current state of your lawn. If more than 60% is bare or filled with weeds, it is time to start over. Look at this as an opportunity to properly prepare the soil, select a more drought tolerant lawn or convert it into a no mow or low maintenance lawn or planting bed.
Overseed thin sparse lawns. Core aerate first or use a slit seeder to insure good seed-to-soil contact. For small bare spots use a lawn patch kit or make your own. Mix a handful of quality grass seed into a bucket of topsoil. Remove any dead grass and roughen the soil surface. Then sprinkle the commercial or homemade lawn patch over the prepared bare spot.
Keep the soil moist until the grass seed begins to grow.
A bit more information: Larger areas will benefit from the addition of organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil before sowing the grass seed or laying sod. Keep the soil moist until the sod has rooted into the soil below and the grass seed begins to grow. Consider overseeding the lawn to help create a more uniform appearance in the lawn. For more information, click here.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Over the last few years, David Cook’s life has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. In short order, the 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician won the seventh season of America’s most popular television show, American Idol, rewrote chart history with a record-breaking 14 debuts on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, released his self-titled major-label debut album in November 2008, watched it debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, spawn two Top 20 singles (the platinum “Light On” and “Come Back To Me”), and sell more than a million copies, reaching platinum status.
Amy Lee from Evanescence calls in to chat w Van McNeil about their NEW self titled album which just debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, what fans can expect in concert and lots, LOTS more!
You've heard, maybe even read or saw something about Cirque Du Soleil before, right? 
Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Lo Green will join the star-studded musical line-up on THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW, airing Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10:00PM, ET/ 9:00pm CT) on the CBS. Cee Lo Green joins previously announced artists Kanye West and Maroon 5.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson graces the Unplugged stage in “VH1 Unplugged: Kelly Clarkson,” debuting online at Unplugged.VH1.com Thursday, November 17 at 8PM ET / 7PM CT. The on-air premiere follows on VH1 Friday, November 18 at 11PM* and on Palladia, MTV Networks’ high-definition music channel on Saturday, November 19 at 9PM*. Kelly’s extremely personal set will include performances from her forthcoming album Stronger as well as other past favorites.
V.V. Brown stops by The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about her forthcoming album, "Lollipops & Politics", how life is on the road and what's up with her mix tape, "The Underground"? Find out about that and lots more in the interview.
The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their North American tour last night right here in beautiful Milwaukee, WI and got a BIG surprise from one of lead singer Johnny Rzeznik's obsessions, The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages!
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls joins Van McNeil for a chat about...kicking off their US tour at The Pabst Theater here in Milwaukee, when will a new Goo Goo Dolls record be available, and what "Milwaukee" thing(s) is he obsessed with. Find out all of that and lots more in this interview.
Were you NOT able to make it to the Summerfest Grounds Thursday night for the Milwaukee Brewers Rally? Not to worry, we got you covered!
Milwaukee's very own and pianist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w Wynton Marsalis, Dan Nimmer chats w Van McNeil about life on the road, the upcoming hometown show at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall Oct 4th, his first meeting w Wynton Marsails and lots, lots more.
Our good friend Gavin DeGraw's fourth studio ablum, "Sweeter"  is available on Tuesday, Spetember 20th.
Did you miss Rock The Green yesterday at Veteran's Park on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront?
At a meeting of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors, held earlier today, the Fair Park Board addressed the future of the amusement ride area at Wisconsin State Fair as part of contractual procedures. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will be held August 2 â 12 in West Allis.
Coldplay took the wraps off the second single from their forthcoming album Mylo Xyloto, available on October 24. Check out the new single âParadiseâ and pre-order the new album at 
The ladies ruled the kingdom at the â2011 MTV Video Music Awards,â broadcast live this evening from Nokia Theater L.A. Live, as Katy Perry and Adele each took home three VMA Moonmen and Lady Gaga two. Katy Perry won the biggest prize of the night, âVideo of the Year,â with her pop anthem, âFireworks,â as well as honors for âBest Collaborationâ and âBest Special Effectsâ for âE.T.â featuring Kanye West. Adding to her reign atop the album charts, Adele won VMAs for âBest Art Direction,â âBest Cinematography,â and âBest Editing.â Genre and gender-defying Lady Gaga kicked off the night as her alter ego Joe Calderone with a show-stopping performance of âYou and I,â and later walked away with two VMAs for âBest Femaleâ and this yearâs new category, âBest Video with a Message.â
I had a great time hanging and chatting w Colbie Caillat (and her new puppy Mahti) before her show at The Pabst Theater.
I'm just getting up this fine Tuesday morning only to find out that our good friend Gavin DeGraw was assulted yesterday and hit by a taxi in New York City.
Getting you ready for the Train show at the Washington County Fair this Saturday night. You can get more info on tickets at 
Get to know Rock The Green artists Fitz & the Tantrums. I had the chance to chat w Michael Fitzpatrick & Noelle Scaggs backstage at Summerfest.
Get to know Rock The Green artist Michelle Branch. I had the chance to chat w her backstage at Summerfest.
Matt Nathanson joins Van McNeil for a chat about his new record, "Modern Love" in stores and avail at MattNathanson.com.
Natasha Bedingfield joins Van McNeil to chat about her new record, "Strip Me", in store and available for download, how life is on the road and what you can expect tomorrow Friday, (June 17th) at her Pabst Theater show. Get your tickets online at 
Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz joins Van McNeil for a chat about his July 2nd Summerfest show, openers Guster and what's up with a new record? Jason answers all that and then some.
Winner opens for major headliner on new Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage at the Worldâs Largest Music Festival, Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI! 
THE CAST OF FOXâS SMASH SHOW âGLEEâ TO RETURN TO CONCERT STAGES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA THIS MAY FOR BLOCKBUSTER CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR PRIOR TO PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EUROPEAN ENGAGEMENT!
According to BonJovi.com...He and the boys will be rockin' Bradley Center, May 21st, 2011.
Plain White T's are back with the release of, "Wonders Of The Younger" available THIS TUESDAY. In November, Mix listeners won tickets to an exclusive QDoba lunch performance w/ Plain White's T's.
After a night of partying in Madison, WI, the guys from 
An extraordinary line-up of actors, musicians, athletes and journalists have banded together for 
Cat Deeley of
Day 8 of The World's Largest Music Festival brings difficult decisions. So many great acts to town in town tonight. I wish they would allow Rollerblades or Segways on the Summerfest grounds so I can see all of them. Here are my picks tonight.
I'm aware that everyone has Summerfest on the brain, but if you act fast and do some planning, you can save some big dollars for the great Wisconsin State Fair.
Adam Lambert will embark on his first headlining tour, an audio and visual spectacular, both theatrical and atmospheric, that will give his millions of fans something theyâll love to listen to and look at. âThe Glam Nation Tourâ kicks off June 4 in Wilkes Barre, PA. âI hope the audience will be able to escape for a few hours and fall into a world full of glam, drama and excitement,â Lambert says. âAnd I would love everyone to come away with a new appreciation for the music on my album.â
MUSE With Special Guests Passion Pit
