The SportsRadio 1250 WSSP-AM crew was at Miller Park on Friday, September 24th, 2011. The night our Milwukee Brewers clinched the National League Central Division Championship!
Check out the celebration!
Milwaukee Brewers Rally at Miller Lite Oasis at Summerfest. Thursday, September 29th - Gates at 3:30pm. Event starts at 4pm. FREE to attend. But limited capacity is available at Miller Lite Oasis. Event is on a first come, first serve basis.
The entire Brewers team, players and coaches, will make an appearance from approximately 5:15 pm to 5:45 pm. Parking is available for $5 at Summerfest Parking gates G, H, M, and P. More at http://brewers.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
The Milwaukee Brewers today announced their schedule for the 2012 season, the Club's 43rd season in Major League Baseball. The team will open the 2012 campaign at home against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, April 6 at 3:10 p.m. Opening Day marks the first of a three-game set versus the Brewers NL Central rival and is followed by a trip to Chicago to play the Cubs for four games (April 9 - 12) and to Atlanta for three more with the Braves (April 13 - 15).
The Brewers Interleague schedule will begin with three games against the Minnesota Twins at Miller Park May 18 - 20. The rest of the Interleague schedule calls for a run of three-game series at Kansas City against the Royals June 12 - 14; against the Twins in Minnesota June 15 - 17; at home against the Toronto Blue Jays June 18 - 20 and in Chicago to play the White Sox June 22 - 24.
The Brewers will have two, nine-game homestands in 2012. During the first, the Brewers will face the Los Angeles Dodgers (April 17 - 19), Colorado Rockies (April 20 - 22) and Houston Astros (April 23 - 25). The second nine-game homestand will see the Brewers face the Pittsburgh Pirates (June 1 - 3), Chicago Cubs (June 5 - 7) and San Diego Padres (June 8 - 10).
The team will have one, 10-game road trip during the 2012 campaign that will take place in Pittsburgh (September 18 - 20), Washington (September 21 - 24) and Cincinnati (September 25 - 27). The Brewers will also have a nine-game road trip that will take them to St. Louis (April 27 - 29), San Diego (April 30 - May 2) and San Francisco (May 4 - 6).
The Brewers will play at home on several holidays including Easter Sunday, April 8, vs. St. Louis; Mother's Day, May 13 vs. Chicago (Cubs) and on the Fourth of July against the Miami Marlins.
The Brewers will close out the 2012 regular season at Miller Park, October 1 - 3 against the San Diego Padres. This marks the first regular season games in October in Milwaukee since the 2001 season.
Home start times for the 2012 season will again be 7:10 p.m. for night games Monday - Friday, 6:10 p.m. for most Saturday games (several are listed as TBD), 12:10 for weekday afternoon games in April and May (except Opening Day), and 1:10 p.m. for Sunday games and weekday afternoon games from June through September (except July 3 and 4, which are both 3:10 p.m., and Sept. 12 which is TBD). Road start times will be announced later in the winter. All game dates and times are subject to change.
As a precautionary measure, Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, a business unit of Wichita-based Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, today announced an immediate Class I voluntary recall of approximately 185,000 pounds of 85-percent-lean fresh ground turkey products produced at the companyâs Springdale, Ark., facility on Aug. 23, 24, 30 and 31, 2011, due to possible contamination from Salmonella Heidelberg. Cargill is initiating this recall as a result of one confirmed test sample taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during a post-August 3 recall review of the processing facility, which yielded low levels of the same Salmonella Heidelberg strain that appears to match the strain previously associated with human illness.
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
My family and I had a great time at the 2011 Milwaukee Air & Water Show over the weekend. I even got on the mic and had some fun w legendary Air & Water Show announcer, Herb Henry.
If you've never been to a Milwaukee Air & Water Show, make it a point to check it out in 2012.
You've heard all about it and thought, "I wonder what THAT tastes like?" Deep Fried Butter...you'll find it on the menu at The Machine Shed near Gate 4, next to the We Energies Stage.
If you're trying to decide on weather you should try this or not, let me just say it's the Wisconsin State Fair! Go BIG or go home!
My first reaction to Deep Fried Butter was, "that's a LOT of butter", I later slipped into a butter coma for hours and craved even more when I came to. It's not for everyone but definitely worth a try.
Another year of the Celebrity Baked Potato Eating Contest and another loss...I give up! I thought for sure with defending champion, Brew City Bruiser, "Justice" and Today's TMJ 4's Brian Gotter, "out" of the competition, I was in for the win. I thought wrong!
The Celebrity Baked Potato came down to an "eat off" between Brew City Bruiser, Terror Lipinski and OnMilwaukee.com's Andy Tarnoff, with Andy taking the crown.
Other contestants included, Radar from FM106, Jack Strebel from FM1021, The Fairest Of The Fair Alexis Nickelotti, PR/Communication Manager of WSF Patrice Harris and 3 time Olympian and WI Potato Spokesperson, Suzy Favor Hamilton.
The video below features the  fair-goers Baked Potato Eating Contest.
The good people at The Machine Shed stopped by The MIx Studios this afternoon to drop off a sample of Deep Fried Butter good-ness, along w 2010's Krispy Kreme Cheese Burger (I had about a dozen that year...) and 2009's Chocolate Covered Bacon.
The Deep Fried Butter is...intresting and unique, probably not for everybody but definitely worth a try! Find them near Gate 4 and tell em' Van McNeil sent you! Happy State Fair y'all! :)
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.
Officials of the Wisconsin State Fair are excited to announce even more new foods to the lists previously released! Fairgoers will not be disappointed by the delectable delights offered for this yearâs Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular®. The 160th Fair will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14 in West Allis.
Newly added items are sure to be popular among Fairgoers! Deep Fried Beer, will remind Fairgoers of a warm, salty ravioli or pretzel filled with beer. When Fairgoers take a bite they will find Michelob AmberBock, a rich and balanced beer in liquid form, as well as cheddar cheese dipping sauce on the side. Deep Fried Beer will be served in the Budweiser Pavilion and Fairgoers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this item.
Sazâs Miller High Life Pavilion and Sazâs Ribs have added Hog Logs to the menu, which are wonton skins stuffed with BBQ pork and cheddar cheese, deep fried.
Fairgoers will find French Fried Frito Pies, Eggplant Strips, and Lezza Spumoni added to the menu at Pitchâs / Miss Katieâs Diner.
For those looking for salty and sweet, Ultimate Confections has added Chocolate Covered Fritos to their menu of sweet treats.
Updated lists of new foods both on and off a stick include:
Foods on a Stick:
Joeyâs Seafood & Grill- Breaded Deep Fried Oysters.
Loriâs Sugar Shack- Candy Apples.
Miller Lite Sports Bar & Grill- Chicken Cordon Bleu Bits.
Firehouse- Country Fried Bacon with Country Gravy.
Apollo Gyros- Deep Fried Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog.
Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery- Elvis (Deep Fried Peanut Butter Cup Dipped in Banana Batter).
Madison SportService- Gourmet Braided Pretzel.
Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery- Ham & Cheese.
Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery- Italian Sausage.
Water Street Brewery- Scotch Egg.
Tiki Tapas- Tempura Shrimp Kabob.
Tiki Tapas- Tempura Veggie Kabob.
Tiki Tapas- Tikiyaki Chicken Kabob.
Tiki Tapas- Tikiyaki Steak Kabob.
Joeyâs Tempura Fruit & Vegetables- Tropical fruit tempura (banana, mango and pineapple) with powdered sugar and caramel, chocolate or strawberry sauce.
New Foods Not On A Stick:
Cedar Crest Ice Cream- Bacon Sundae (vanilla ice cream, pancake syrup, real bacon bits).
Golden Gate Bakery- Bread Pudding, Apple Dumplings, Pecan Rolls, Frozen Lemonade.
Island Noodles- Island Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken.
Joeyâs Tempura Fruit & Vegetables- Tempura eggplant, tempura onion rings, tempura green pepper rings, tempura Cajun fried okra, tempura pickles, tempura mushrooms, a combination plate of two items, veggies served with choice of sauce (marinara, Cajun ranch or remoulade), extra sauce.
Madison SportService- Italian Sausage On-a-Stick with dipping sauce, Italian Nachos, Poutine (French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, marshmallow treat on-a-stick with chocolate & nuts, bagged pistachios, Hog Wild Sandwich (pork tenderloin with BBQ pork and bacon), Buffalo Chicken Mac n' Cheese, Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog, Meatloaf "sundae", Hog Wild "sundae".
Major Goolsbyâs- Sweet Potato Tater Tots.
Mama Maryâs Italian Delia & Pizzeria- Sicilian Steak Sandwich, Sicilian Chicken Sandwich.
Miller Lite Sports Bar & Grill- Southern Pork Sandwich, Chicken Cordon Blue Bits On-a-Stick, Buffalo Wings, Beer Chip Platter, Deep Fried Jalapeno caps, Mac burger (burger with bacon, cheese and deep fried mac & cheese), Jack burger (burger with beer battered onion rings, and deep fried jalapeno caps and pepper jack cheese).
Robertâs Restaurant- Gluten Free Hamburger, Gluten Free Chicken Breast Sandwich.
Tavern at the Park- Buffalo Chicken Dip with Celery and Carrots or Chips.
Tiki Tapas- Deep Fried Pork Rinds in various flavors.
Tropics at the Fair- Jamaican Red Hot with Sweet Salsa Relish.
West Allis Shrine Club- Chicken Sausage with Asiago Cheese & Spinach.
Please visit the Food tab at WiStateFair.com for a complete list of foods on-a-stick as well as several specialty lists, including kid-friendly items and vegetarian options. WiStateFair.com also features a food map that will help Fairgoers plan and organize their grazing experience.
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. WiStateFair.com
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
The cast of Church Basement Ladies joins Van McNeil to chat about the show now on stage at the Marcus Center for The Performing Arts, Vogel Hall thur August 7!
This musical comedy celebrates the church basement and the women who work there. The musical is funny, down to earth and youâll laugh until your side dish hurts!
Joining Van in this interview are local Milwaukee cast members...Beth Mulkerron, Rhonda Rae Busch, Norman Moses, Kay Stiefel and Jenny Wanasek!
Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) has your tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek of Zookeeper starring Kevin James. Listen for you cue to call next week! (414.799.1099)
A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper (Kevin James) find love -- without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious. woman.
Summerfest officials are excited to announce several new food and beverage offerings and returning favorites for Summerfest 2011.
Trinity, a new vendor in the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard area, will feature traditional Irish fare including Reuben Rolls, Irish Nachos, Shepherdâs Pie and a Corned Beef Sandwich.
Zaffiroâs Pizza Company, a new vendor in the Ethnic Village, located on the north end of the grounds, will serve a variety of thin crust pizzas along with salads.
SoLo, formerly named Oakland Trattoria, will continue to serve favorites including Pizza, Breadsticks and Chicken Tenders.
Pitchâs, located in the M&I Classic Rock Stage area, will introduce the French Fried Corn Chip Pie, which will be served with sour cream and salsa.
Rupenaâs, also located in the Miller Lite Oasis area, will serve a variety of handmade fresh sausages along with favorites like Spit Roasted Chicken, a Grilled Ribeye Sandwich and a Chicken Wrap.
Flanneryâs, formerly named McGillycuddyâs, will continue to serve Buffalo Wings, Chicken Tenders, Burgers and Fries in a new location on the north end of the grounds.
Sazamaâs Lakeside Grille presented by Fiduciary Management, Inc., located on the north end of the M&I Classic Rock Stage with Miller Lite will once again offer sit-down table service during Summerfest. Sazamaâs Lakeside Grille will feature an assortment of delicious appetizers, steak, poultry and seafood entrees, late night small plates and desserts, a variety of wines and gorgeous lakeshore views.
NEW BEVERAGES MGD 64 Lemonade, a limited edition low calorie beer with the taste of lemonade will be available at selected sites throughout the Summerfest grounds.
Praire Fume from Wollersheim Winery, located in Prarie du Sac, Wisconsin, will be available throughout the Marcus Amphitheater.
Yellow Tail Wines and Domaine Ste. Michelle Champagne will be poured at selected sites throughout the Summerfest grounds.
SPECIAL DATES
For the third consecutive year, Summerfest will host the Worldâs Largest Happy Hour on Wednesday, July 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Summerfest attendees will receive $1.00 off all alcoholic beverages and any 20 oz. soda or water product during the Worldâs Largest Happy Hour!
Special food and beverage discounts will again be offered on Childrenâs Fest Day on Tuesday, July 5 from Noon â 3:00 pm.
Want more Summerfest food info? Print the complete Summerfest Food and Beverage Directory, which lists food and beverages by category and by area at Summerfest.com
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 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
Oh, and BTW...Text MELT to 30543Â from your mobile devices for your chance to win a $50 Gift Card to check out The Melting Pot in Brookfield for yourself. Deadline 5/6/11 5pm CT. Good luck!
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
David Kim is the CEO of Baja Fresh, the country's leading chain in fast casual Mexican dining.
He chats with Van about his Undercover Boss experience, reveals the company's coveted Salsa recipe and lots more! CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:
Baja Fresh has been around for over 20 years. It currently has 400 restaurants operating in 29 states. Per David, Baja Fresh doesn't have freezers -- none of their products are frozen. They use fresh ingredients and everything is made fresh everyday. http://www.cbs.com/undercoverboss
Baja Fresh CEO David Kim Reveals the Company's Coveted Salsa Recipe for the First Time!
David Kim, CEO of Baja Fresh, travels to the front lines of his national restaurant chain during this week's episode of UNDERCOVER BOSS, Sunday, April 10 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and, among many other tasks, attempts to make the brand's popular tomatillo salsa verde.
Though the recipe is generally made in multiple gallon batches several times daily at Baja Fresh's 255 restaurants, the company's executive chef, Francisco Castellanos, has pared down the recipe to a more manageable serving size for those who may wish to nosh on it at home while watching the episode.
Instructions: Pull the husks from the tomatillos and wash the tomatillos under cool running water until they no longer feel sticky. Cut the tomatillos into quarters and place in a blender or a food processor (fitted with the metal blade).
Roughly chop the jalapeno and poblano chili and add to the tomatillos.
Add the remaining ingredients (lime juice, cilantro, salt, sugar and water).
Process to a coarse puree, and then scrape into a serving dish â and serve with your favorite tortilla chips (or on top of chicken or steak tacos). Always stir salsa prior to serving .
***If making ahead of time store it in a container with a lid and place it in refrigerator. The salsa keeps in the refrigerator for 1 day only.
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
I had a super-fun chat w Comedian Kristen Schaal about the new animated hit on FOX that she's a part of called, Bob's Burgers. CLICK ON THE PLAYER TO LISTEN!
Kristen Schaal is a rising star in the comedy scene who won Best Alternative Comic at the 2006 Aspen Comedy Arts Festival and the New York Comedy Festivalâs Andy Kaufman Award. She is also the recipient of the New York Nightlife Award in 2006 for Best Female Stand-Up. In October 2005, she was included in New York magazineâs âThe Ten Funniest New Yorkers Youâve Never Heard Of.â
Schaal recently completed the run of her two-person show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she and her comedy partner were nominated for an if.comedy Award.
Her recent credits include âFlight of the Conchordsâ and âDinner for Schmucks,â as well as voice-over appearances in âToy Story 3â and âShrek Forever After.â Schaalâs âComedy Central Presentsâ special debuted in 2009, and she also served as consultant and writer on âSouth Park.â
Additional film and television credits include âModern Family,â âAqua Teen Hunger Force,â âWhen In Rome,â âGet Him To The Greek,â âValentineâs Day,â âMad Men,â âUgly Bettyâ and âHow I Met Your Mother.â
This sassy lady recently published âThe Sexy Book of Sexy Sex,â a sex guide co-authored with boyfriend and âThe Daily Showâ writer Rich Blomquist.
Enjoy a sampler of BOBâS BURGERS, the new animated series about a man, his family and a burger joint, opens this Sunday on FOX.
The newest member to join the Sunday âAnimation Dominationâ lineup, BOBâS BURGERS follows a third-generation restaurateur, BOB (H. Jon Benjamin, âArcherâ), as he runs Bobâs Burgers with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, condiments and sides, but only a few thoughts on customer service and business management. Despite his greasy counters, lousy location and occasionally spotty service, Bob is convinced his burgers speak for themselves.
Even though business is slow, Bob gets to work with his family. His wife, LINDA (John Roberts, âThe Treeâ), supports Bobâs dream through thick and thin (but truth be told, sheâs getting a little sick of the thin). Their eldest daughter, TINA (Dan Mintz, âImportant Things with Demetri Martinâ), is a 13-year-old hopeless romantic with minimal social skills. Middle child GENE (Eugene Mirman, âAqua Teen Hunger Forceâ) is an aspiring musician and a prankster who serves up more jokes than burgers. Their youngest, LOUISE (Kristen Schaal, âFlight of the Conchordsâ), is the most enthusiastic about her dadâs business, but an off-balance sense of humor makes her somewhat of a liability in the kitchen.
Beyond the restaurant is a city rich with character. Right next door to Bobâs is Itâs Your Funeral Home and Crematorium; down the street is Wonder Wharf, the oceanside amusement pier; and a few blocks away is Wagstaff Middle School, where Bob and Lindaâs kids go to school. And across the street is Jimmy Pestoâs Pizzeria, Bobâs Burgersâ main competition and the thorn in Bobâs side.
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.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Survivor: Nicaragua - 8/7c on CBS
Survivor: Nicaragua is the twenty-first season of the CBS competitive reality show.This season, the 20 contestants will be divided up into two tribes based on their ages. The Espada tribe will feature contestants over the age of 40, and the La Flor tribe will include contestants aged 30 years and younger.
Law & Order: Los Angeles - 9/8c on NBC.
From Dick Wolf, comes a foray into the glitz, glamour and guilt of Los Angeles. From the tony Beverly Hills to the seedy side of Hollywood, LAPD's elite Robbery Homicide Division is on the case. Fusing classic ripped-from-the-headlines storytelling with the backdrop of LA, the series delves into the high-profile crimes of the West Coast.
Hell's Kitchen - 9/8c on FOX.
Sixteen new aspiring restaurateurs step up to the plate on the 8th season of HELLâS KITCHEN. These culinary contenders will brave not only the heat, but also the sharp tongue of superstar chef Gordon Ramsay as they compete to win a life-changing prize.
As the chefs are winnowed down, only those who catch Ramsayâs eye will get to advance to the next round. Hoping for the coveted black chef jacket, the chefs will compete against one another, striving to survive another week. Eventually two finalists will compete head-to-head to impress Ramsay and one lucky chef will walk away with a head chef position at LA Market at the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and the opportunity to be the official spokesperson for Rosemount Estate Wines.
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!
All this week during the lunch hour, listen to Van McNeil to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Edwardo's Natural Pizza.
Never been there before? They've got some good stuff. Take a video preview below.
If you are not able to win, you can still save $$$. On Friday we post $50 Gift Certificates for sale, but you only pay $25. It's all part of my Milwaukee Perk this week. Get all the details...click here.
How To Help Tornado Victims
The tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, as well the twisters as Kansas and Texas, have killed dozens and left thousands homeless. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
Relief efforts are underway. Right now, the best way to help the victims is a donation to major relief organizations.
Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Click HERE to donate online. You can also text REDCROSS to 909999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters." For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website by clicking HERE.
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day. Click HERE to donate via their website. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.
You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check: Put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK. 73157.
Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
Feeding America - Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies. Click HERE for their website.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
How To Help Tornado Victims
The tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, as well the twisters as Kansas and Texas, have killed dozens and left thousands homeless. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
Relief efforts are underway. Right now, the best way to help the victims is a donation to major relief organizations.
Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Click HERE to donate online. You can also text REDCROSS to 909999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters." For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website by clicking HERE.
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day. Click HERE to donate via their website. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.
You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check: Put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK. 73157.
Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
Feeding America - Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies. Click HERE for their website.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Low Maintenance – Big Impact Perennials
Don't let a lack of time, energy or space stop you from growing perennials. Instead select and grow low maintenance plants with big impact.
Start with your design. Once you develop your plan, cut the number of different perennials in half and double the number of each. You will have fewer perennials to identify as they emerge in spring, less maintenance to learn and bigger impact.
Edge your beds to keep unwanted grass out of the bed and make managing the surrounding lawn much easier. I dig a small trench around the edge of my gardens and fill with woodchips.
Always select plants suited to your climate, soil and natural rainfall. You'll have healthier and more beautiful plants with much less work.
Look for perennials that require no staking and little or no deadheading. Avoid those that reseed, are aggressive and do not plant perennials that tend to escape the garden and invade our natural spaces.
A bit more information: Use color to help increase the impact without increasing the number of plants. Warm colors of red, orange and yellow grab your attention. Repeat colors, known as color echoing, from one plant to another to provide unity and balance. Use complementary colors, those across from each other on the artist color wheel, like red and green and blue and yellow to create a focal point.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Grow Your Own Pickles & Celebrate National Pickle Week
Celebrate National Pickle Week by growing a few of your own cucumbers for pickling.
All you need are a few seeds, a sunny location and a bit of garden space or a large container. Train these large vining plants up a fence, trellis or decorative obelisk to save space.
Consider planting National Pickling Cucumber Seeds developed by the National Pickle Packers Association and Michigan Agriculture Experiment station. These were bred for their versatility and perfect pickle shape. You'll be harvesting cucumbers in about 52 days after planting.
Or save some space with Bush pickle. This cucumber forms a 3 to 4 foot wide mound and produces an abundance of 4-inch fruit. It's a perfect size for containers. And save even more space and grow straighter fruit by training these smaller plants up a cage or trellis. Cucumbers are ready to pick in about 45 days.
A bit more information: Cucumbers are generally ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days after planting. This makes them a great option for mid and late season plantings. Just calculate the number of frost-free days left in the growing season to see how late you can plant. And further extend the season by using floating row covers like ReeMay, Harvest Guard, and Frost Covers to protect plants from frosty weather.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Celebrate Clean Air Month – Grow Some Air-Purifying Houseplants
Celebrate National Clean Air Month by growing a few houseplants to improve your indoor air quality.
NASA teamed up with PLANET (Professional Landcare Network, formerly ALCA) and found adding 15 to 18, 6 to 8 inch diameter container houseplants will improve the air quality in an 1800 square foot house. Keeping them healthy will increase their beauty and ability to cleanse the air.
Consider adding a bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii). Use this large houseplant to create a warm welcome for guests, dress up a blank wall or mix in with other houseplants for an impressive indoor garden.
This palm is an understory plant in Central America. It is hardy in zones 10 to 11 and adapted to the lower light conditions indoors. Grow it in a brightly lit location and keep the soil slightly moist.
Cut off fronds as they die, leaving the leafy stem covering intact. Once it is fully dried, remove to expose the attractive stems.
A bit more information: Start new plants by division. Remove suckers and offshoots that form at the base of the plant. Slide the bamboo palm out of its pot. Use a sharp knife or drywall saw to separate the offshoots from the main plant. Repot the parent plant and offshoots in a container slightly larger than the remaining root ball.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
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
The SportsRadio 1250 WSSP-AM crew was at Miller Park on Friday, September 24th, 2011. The night our Milwukee Brewers clinched the National League Central Division Championship!
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.
As a precautionary measure, Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, a business unit of Wichita-based Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, today announced an immediate Class I voluntary recall of approximately 185,000 pounds of 85-percent-lean fresh ground turkey products produced at the companyâs Springdale, Ark., facility on Aug. 23, 24, 30 and 31, 2011, due to possible contamination from Salmonella Heidelberg. Cargill is initiating this recall as a result of one confirmed test sample taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during a post-August 3 recall review of the processing facility, which yielded low levels of the same Salmonella Heidelberg strain that appears to match the strain previously associated with human illness.
My family and I had a great time at the 2011 Milwaukee Air & Water Show over the weekend. I even got on the mic and had some fun w legendary Air & Water Show announcer, Herb Henry.
The good people at The Machine Shed stopped by The MIx Studios this afternoon to drop off a sample of Deep Fried Butter good-ness, along w 2010's Krispy Kreme Cheese Burger (I had about a dozen that year...) and 2009's Chocolate Covered Bacon.
Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) has your tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek of Zookeeper starring Kevin James. Listen for you cue to call next week! (414.799.1099)
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.
I had a super-fun chat w Comedian Kristen Schaal about the new animated hit on FOX that she's a part of called, Bob's Burgers.
Enjoy a sampler of BOBâS BURGERS, the new animated series about a man, his family and a burger joint, opens this Sunday on FOX.
