Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, producer and multi-platinum selling artist Bruno Mars will sit down for an exclusive interview and to premiere his new music video “It Will Rain,” the first single from THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 soundtrack that features a never-before-seen clip from the film, on MTV on Wednesday, October 26th at 7:54pm ET / 6:54pm CT during “MTV First: Bruno Mars.”
After personally introducing the new music video and answering a few fan questions, Bruno will stay on for an additional interview with MTV News’ Sway Calloway on MTV.com. In addition, fans will be treated to a live broadcast from MTV News’ studio, celebrating the upcoming release of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 soundtrack with special guests, including TWILIGHT soundtrack Music Supervisor Alexandra Patsavas, super fans and more.
Fans can get in on the action immediately by submitting video or text questions beginning today via MTV.com or via Twitter (using @MTVNews / #AskBruno)
Over the last few years, David Cook’s life has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. In short order, the 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician won the seventh season of America’s most popular television show, American Idol, rewrote chart history with a record-breaking 14 debuts on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, released his self-titled major-label debut album in November 2008, watched it debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, spawn two Top 20 singles (the platinum “Light On” and “Come Back To Me”), and sell more than a million copies, reaching platinum status.
David Cook is set to rock the Turner Hall Ballroom on Monday, November 21st.
Amy Lee from Evanescence calls in to chat w Van McNeil about their NEW self titled album which just debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, what fans can expect in concert and lots, LOTS more!
You've heard, maybe even read or saw something about Cirque Du Soleil before, right?
Well, now is your chance to check them out in person at Bradley Center as Cirque Du Soleil Quidam is in town thru this Sunday, October 23rd.
In Cirque Du Soleil Quidam, Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world - the world of Quidam - where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.
Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Lo Green will join the star-studded musical line-up on THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW, airing Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10:00PM, ET/ 9:00pm CT) on the CBS. Cee Lo Green joins previously announced artists Kanye West and Maroon 5.
Supermodel Candice Swanepoel will open the lingerie runway show, which will also star supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, Lindsey Ellingson and a bevy of other Victoria's Secret Angels, and will also include red carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world's most celebrated fashion show.
The runway looks will include over-the-top lingerie embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, iconic angel wings and the $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure Bra worn by Supermodel Miranda Kerr.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson graces the Unplugged stage in “VH1 Unplugged: Kelly Clarkson,” debuting online at Unplugged.VH1.com Thursday, November 17 at 8PM ET / 7PM CT. The on-air premiere follows on VH1 Friday, November 18 at 11PM* and on Palladia, MTV Networks’ high-definition music channel on Saturday, November 19 at 9PM*. Kelly’s extremely personal set will include performances from her forthcoming album Stronger as well as other past favorites.
Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Kelly Clarkson has released 4 studio albums (Thankful, Breakaway, My December, All I Ever Wanted), sold over 20 million albums worldwide, 10 million albums in the US and has had 7 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. She is the recipient of 2 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Awards and 11 Billboard Awards. Clarkson’s last effort, 2009’s All I Ever Wanted debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and produced the smash singles “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “Already Gone.”
Kelly joins Thirty Seconds to Mars, Mumford & Sons, Adele and Lykke Li in the 2011 roster of “Unplugged” artists. New episodes will continue to launch throughout the year at Unplugged.CMT.com, Unplugged.MTV.com, and/or Unplugged.VH1.com.
V.V. Brown stops by The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about her forthcoming album, "Lollipops & Politics", how life is on the road and what's up with her mix tape, "The Underground"? Find out about that and lots more in the interview.
The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their North American tour last night right here in beautiful Milwaukee, WI and got a BIG surprise from one of lead singer Johnny Rzeznik's obsessions, The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages!
Game Two of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals was a rough one for the Crew!
What did Skipper Ron Roenicke have to say after the loss? Plus, Prince Fielder and Nyger Morgan share what the Brewers have to do to win Game 3. Get it all in this quick recap!
NLCS Schedule | All games on TBS.
STL @ MIL, Sun., October 9, 3:05PM (w) 6-9 F.
STL @ MIL, Mon., October 10, 7:05PM (l) 12-3 F.
MIL @ STL, Wed., October 12, 7:05PM
MIL @ STL, Thurs., October 13, 7:05PM
MIL @ STL, Fri., October 14*, 7:05PM
STL @ MIL, Sun., October 16*, 3:05 or 7:05PM
STL @ MIL, Mon., October 17*, 7:05PM
*if necessary. LET’s GO MILWAUKEE BREWERS!
Milwaukee Brewers NLDS Chamionship Celebration.
Milwaukee Brewers Summerfest Playoff Rally.
Milwaukee Brewers clinch the NL Central Division Clubhouse Celebration Video.
Front Row Amy on our sister-station SportsRadio WSSP.
Kenny Wormald calls in to chat w Van McNeil about starring the in the Footloose movie in theaters THIS FRIDAY, October 14th. Plus, what people are saying about the remake and has he talked to Kevin Bacon about it? All that and lots, lots more!
Writer/Director Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow," "Black Snake Moan") delivers a new take of the beloved 1984 classic film, "Footloose." Ren MacCormack (played by newcomer Kenny Wormald) is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont’s local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister’s troubled daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) in the process. http://footloosemovie.com
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls joins Van McNeil for a chat about...kicking off their US tour at The Pabst Theater here in Milwaukee, when will a new Goo Goo Dolls record be available, and what "Milwaukee" thing(s) is he obsessed with. Find out all of that and lots more in this interview.
Txt 2 WIN!!!
Text keyword 'GOO' to '30543' to enter to win a pair of tickets see the Goo Goo Dolls | October 12th | Pabst Theater. Winner will be selected and notified Wednesday, October 12th at Noon. Good Luck!
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins and punt returner-kick returner Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the 2011 season (October 2-3), the NFL announced today.
QB AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Rodgers became the first player in NFL history with 400 passing yards (408), four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a game in the Packers’ 49-23 win over Denver.
He completed 29 of 38 passes (76.3 percent) for 408 yards with four touchdowns and one interception for a 134.5 passer rating. He also rushed for 36 yards and two scores.
For the third season in a row, Rodgers has recorded a passer rating of at least 110 in four consecutive games. No other quarterback since the 1970 merger has posted two consecutive seasons with four 110+ passer rating games in a row.
Rodgers has 1,325 passing yards, the most in franchise history through the first four games of a season. He is the only player in team history to throw for 12 touchdowns and rush for two scores in the first four games of a season.
In his seventh season from California, this is Rodgers’ fourth career Player of the Week Award and second this season (Week 1). He has been named Player of the Week four times in the past nine weeks (Weeks 13 and 16, 2010; Weeks 1 and 4, 2011).
Rodgers and BRETT FAVRE (12) are the only quarterbacks in team history to win the award at least four times.
The NFL also announced eariler this week that quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, Eli Manning of the New York Giants, and Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers are the finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on October 2 - 3.
Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com/FedEx from 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday through 3 p.m. EST on Friday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week.
New York’s Eli Manning completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 321 yards and two scores in the Giants’ 31-27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers completed 29 of 38 passes for 408 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in the Packers’ 49-23 win over the Denver Broncos. His 134.5 quarterback rating was the highest on the weekend.
San Francisco’s Alex Smith threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers’ 24-23 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Green Bay Packers take on the Atlanta Falcons in front of the nation this Sunday, 7pm on NBC.
Whip out your cell phones and txt 2 WIN tickets and backstage passes to hang with Evanescence, Friday, October 21st at The Rave / Eagles Club.
Watch the video for further instruction!
Many will enter, only one can win. Winner will be selected and notified the morning of October 17th, 2011. Good luck and thanks for listening to 99.1 The Mix!
In Novemeber of 2004, Tony Hale (Buster Bluth) called in to chat with Van McNeil about the second season of Arrested Development. In this interview Tony talks about the cast, what his plan were after the show and much more! ***Creator Mitch Hurwitz announced today that a mini-4th season of nine to ten episodes would air, leading up to a major motion picture. Dates on the return of Arrested Development episodes and the film have yet to be announced.
It's no wonder why it's the #1 Haunted House in the NATION!
Screams are their business.
Wisconsin FearGrounds is in the habit of terrifying its guests, and has gained national recognition for it. This year, the FearGrounds has been recognized as the #1 “MUST SEE” haunt in the United States by Haunted Attraction Magazine.
Located at the Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188, the haunted attraction waits ominously for those brave enough to cross its threshold.
Ann Marie and Timothy Gavinski are owners of Nightmares4U, the company responsible for the Wisconsin FearGrounds.
“We want everyone to enjoy the experience,” Ann Marie said. “Whether they come to be scared, to laugh, or to be creeped out, we want them to have fun.”
The Gavinskis are very active in the haunted attraction industry. Timothy has served two terms as president of the International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA) and the Gavinskis are frequent instructors at a number of national seminars on owning and operating haunted attractions.
Timothy received an industry award in 2010 in recognition of his support, dedication and contribution to the haunted attraction industry.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Sean Lee of the Dallas Cowboys and kicker Jason Hanson of the Detroit Lions are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Month for September, the NFL announced today.
OFFENSE: QB AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Rodgers led the team to a 3-0 record, completing 74 of 103 passes (71.8 percent) for 917 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception for an NFL-best 120.9 passer rating.
He posted a passer rating of at least 100 in all three September contests.
Rodgers leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.8 percent) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (8:1).
In his seventh season from California, this is Rodgers’ third career Player of the Month Award and second in a row. He previously was honored in October 2009 and December 2010.
Rodgers is the first player to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Month in consecutive months since Pro Football Hall of Famer MARSHALL FAULK (December 2000 and September 2001).
He and BRETT FAVRE (five) are the only Packers to be named Offensive Player of the Month multiple times.
Milwaukee's very own and pianist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w Wynton Marsalis, Dan Nimmer chats w Van McNeil about life on the road, the upcoming hometown show at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall Oct 4th, his first meeting w Wynton Marsails and lots, lots more.
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
Thanks to everyone who came up to The Russ Darrow Group in West Bend on Saturday for the 2011 Toyota Prius Giveaway! Many people entered and qualified but only ONE could win and that ONE was Todd from Mequon!
A email from our winner Todd from Mequon:
Hello, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone from the WMYX staff that was present for the drawing for the car on Saturday. Everyone was so friendly and I could just tell they were rooting for the whole crowd to win. I was lucky enough to be the winner and could not be more thrilled. Special thanks to Kid and Elizabeth for cheering everyone on, to JoJo for being the lucky charm on car winners and Van McNeil for not pulling my number out of the bucket. I am trading my old Honda Civic either back to the dealer or selling it soon and should be picking up the car by next weekend. They were going to let me drive it home that day, but I was still shaking from the adrenaline. Again, thanks to all. I look forward to hitting WMYX on the preset when I drive it home!  Todd.
Last call to qualify! Last call! You can still qualify for our 2011 Toyota Prius from Russ Darrow Group at Russ Darrow Toyota located at 2800 West Washington Street in West Bend from 11am to 11:50am TODAY, Saturday (9/24)!
Co-creator of, "The Cleveland Show", Mike Henry joins Van McNeil for a chat about what fans can expect this third season, who will be guest starring and he even gives some Milwaukee love to Milwaukee Brewers 1st baseman Prince Fielder. All that and TONS more!
THE X FACTOR is the new competition series that gives viewers the opportunity to help choose the next global superstar or breakout music group. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are worthy of the largest prize in television history: a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.
Chris Daughtry joins Van McNeil for a chat about the band's new album due in stores November 21, a possible upcoming tour and what video game soundtrack will he be a part of? Find out in this interview.
The third season of Glee hits the airwaves Tuesday, September 20th, 8.7c on FOX.
Its fall and that means back to school for the students and faculty at McKinley High. The New Directions clan returns after a devastating loss at Nationals, so Mr. Schuester assigns a project to get them back on track. Meanwhile, Sue Sylvester starts her congressional campaign.
Check out the Season 3 cast in pictures and some scenes from the season premiere!
Our good friend Gavin DeGraw's fourth studio ablum, "Sweeter"  is available on Tuesday, Spetember 20th.
I had the chance to hang w Gavin during the Summerfest Block Party this past June. We talked about this new record, how life is on the road and lots more.
Plus, I have some of the concert from the night where Gavin did a few new songs from the, "Sweeter" record.
Enjoy the concert and interview AND pick up his new record, "Sweeter" at www.GavinDegraw.com
Did you miss Rock The Green yesterday at Veteran's Park on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront?
If you did you missed an AWESOME show but first lets begin with what Rock The Green IS!
Rock the Green is the Midwest’s 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 Milwaukee– and Wisconsin– 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 Midwest’s 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 Milwaukee– and Wisconsin– 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 – 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. “A 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,†stated Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling. “We plan to offer this traditional form of entertainment and enjoyment as part of our Fair for years to come.â€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.
“We have placed a much greater emphasis on the guest experience in recent years,†said Rick Frenette. “The 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.†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 – 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
The highly anticipated fourth installment of The Twilight Saga, directed by Academy Award® winner Bill Condon, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 reveals the mysteries of this romantic epic that has entranced millions.
In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child… which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).
With more of the romance, passion, intrigue and action that made Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse worldwide blockbusters, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling book series, begins the conclusion of the tale of vampire love, boundless friendship, acceptance, and finding your true self.
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.
“Harvest Fair marks the beginning of the beautiful fall season in southeastern Wisconsin,†stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. “It’s 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€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 – 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 - 7pm Sweet Tarts
SAZ’S MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION - 6:30pm The Sociables
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 11am Children’s 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 - 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast 11am Ryan McIntyre 3pm Boo The Band - 7pm The Toys
SAZ’S MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION - 1pm Saddlebrook 6:30pm Crossfire
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER
10am - Souper Sunday presented by MilwaukeeFood.com Local restaurants’ signature fall soups will be available for sampling (tickets required).
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 – 6pm and Sunday from 10am – 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 “Leaf Their Print†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/Kohl’s 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. Rainbow’s 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.
Don’t forget about the food and beverage! In the Budweiser Pavilion families can enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast from 9 – 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 Farmer’s 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 “Harvest Fare†from 3-B Concessions, Benno’s, Catalano’s Beer &
Pizza, Catfish Johnny’s, Charcoal Grill, Cousins Subs®, Firehouse, Jayme’s Chipstix, Joey’s Seafood, Krautland, Lemon Chill, Madison SportService, MaMa Mary’s, Mary and Cali’s Sweet Shop, Mille’s Italian Sausage, Mr. Ed’s Chuckwagon, Pitch’s/Miss Katie’s Diner, Popcorn Headz, S & J Popcorn, Saz’s 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 Benno’s 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.
The Milwaukee Health Department is reporting another laboratory-confirmed case of measles, bringing our total count to 2 confirmed cases. In its more severe form, measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death. It is a highly contagious disease that can spread via airborne droplets person to person.
In result MHD is extending immunization clinics through the weekend.
As fans prepare for Thursday’s NFL Kickoff 2011 game featuring the Packers vs. Saints, those planning on going to the game or the concert are encouraged to arrive early due to the larger-than-normal crowds expected near Lambeau Field.
Visitors to the area should allow additional time for traveling, to seek parking, and for walking toward and around the parking lots, concert area and Lambeau Field entry gates. To the east of stadium, Lombardi Avenue and Potts Avenue should be used to reach the stadium as Armed Forces Drive will be the site of the NFL Kickoff concert. The concert also will be broadcast inside the stadium on TundraVision.
Lambeau Field parking lots will open at 2:30 p.m. for Thursday’s game with normal procedures. Season parking pass holders should park via their normal lot entrances. Fans should be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. as the pregame festivities will get underway at that time.
Thursday’s special in-stadium card stunt will need participation from ticketed fans seated in the stadium bowl. Fans will turn Lambeau Field into a ring of stars and stripes during the national anthem and help with a special “Go Pack Go†display in between the first and second quarter.
Game attendees will find a card taped to their seat with directions indicating which side to hold up during each stunt and whether to stand (national anthem) or sit (Go Pack Go). Fans will be prompted by a group from the field holding up cue cards reading, “Get Ready for Stunt #1,†then “Go Stunt #1.†The same will occur during the second stunt. The stunt, sponsored by Penske, is schedule to be broadcast live during the game.
Additionally on Thursday: Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, with a Packers flag in hand, will lead the team out of the tunnel to the field through the Packers Ambassador Line, which this week will be formed by 31 other NFL alumni, one representing each team in the League. Each of the players will be holding his team’s respective flag.
The national anthem will be performed by 2007 American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. The conclusion of the anthem will feature a flyover of four F16s from the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard based in Madison and a brief fireworks display.
Thursday’s fan giveaway is a gold towel with the words, “Kick It Off Loud.†Among the many other gameday activities taking place are the annual Coats for Kids collection (coats and cash donations accepted) prior to the game in the parking lot and at the gates, Operation Fan Mail, and alumni appearances by Willie Davis and Chris Gizzi.
The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) released its 2011-12 schedule today, with the action slated to kick off for the 96-game regular season on Thursday, November 3. Opening weekend for North America’s most storied professional indoor soccer league will be highlighted by the debuts of the Wichita Wings, Rochester Lancers and Syracuse Silver Knights. Also part of the opening-weekend action is the Milwaukee Wave, who looks to defend their MISL Championship. The Wave opens on Sunday, November 13 when they play host to Wichita at U.S. Cellular Arena.
The MISL has grown from five to eight teams for the 2011-12 season as the Baltimore Blast, Milwaukee Wave and Missouri are joined by a new franchise in Chicago as well as the Norfolk SharX, Rochester, Syracuse and Wichita.
The season is set to wrap up on March 4, with crucial intra-division contests such as Milwaukee at Chicago (Saturday, March 3) and Baltimore at Syracuse (Sunday, March 4) that could have bearing on the 2011-12 MISL playoffs.
The 2011-12 MISL regular season will consist of 24 games, with teams playing 16 games within their division - six games against their nearest geographic rival and five games each against the other two teams. They will face each of the teams from the other division twice, once home and once away.
The MISL playoffs will begin with the semifinals March 9-11, featuring the top two teams from each division meeting in a home-and-home series with a mini game to decide the series following the second game if needed. The championship will follow the same format on March 16-18. The higher seed will choose which game it hosts.
Milwaukee Wave Schedule | Home games are in bold
Saturday November 5, 2011 | 6:00PM | Inter-squad Exhibition
Sunday November 13, 2011 | 3:00PM | Wichita Wings
Tuesday November 15, 2011 | 10:30AM | School Days Game
Saturday November 19, 2011 | 6:00 PM | Chicago
Sunday November 20, 2011 | 3:10PM | Missouri Comets
Saturday November 26, 2011 | 6:00 PM | Chicago
Sunday November 27, 2011 | TBA | Chicago
Friday December 2, 2011 | 7:00 PM | Missouri Comets
Saturday December 10, 2011 | 6:00PM | Rochester Lancers
Friday December 16, 2011 | 7:00PM | Wichita Wings
Friday December 23, 2011 | TBA | Chicago
Saturday December 31, 2011 | 2:00PM | Baltimore Blast
Friday January 6, 2012 | 7:00PM | Norfolk harx
Sunday January 15, 2012 | 7:30PM | Syracuse Silver Knights
Monday January 16, 2012 | 1:00PM | Rochester Lancers
Saturday January 21, 2012 | 7:35PM | Wichita Wings
Thursday January 26, 2012 | 7:05PM | Wichita Wings
Friday January 27, 2012 | 7:35PM | Missouri Comets
Sunday January 29, 2012 | 3:00PM | Syracuse Silver Knights
Saturday February 4, 2012 | 6:00PM | Missouri Comets
Friday February 10, 2012 | 7:00PM | Wichita Wings
Sunday February 12, 2012 | 3:00PM | Chicago
Wednesday February 15, 2012 | 10:30AM | School Day Game
Saturday February 18, 2012 | 7:35PM | Baltimore Blast
Get ready to take flight! Six Flags Great America announces plans to add a state-of-the-art roller coaster for the 2012 season. X-Flight is a ground-breaking wing coaster featuring cutting-edge technology. The Gurnee theme park is the first to announce plans for a wing coaster in the U.S.
X-Flight will take riders on a flight that defies gravity, with no track above or below them. Riders sit in pairs, suspended on either side of the track with their feet dangling, as they begin their climb up a 12-story plunge launching them into speeds of 55mph through 3,000 feet of intense drops and five inversions, including a barrel roll and zero-g roll. One of the most adrenaline-pumping moments on the ride is an extreme fly-through where the coaster speeds straight toward a structure, before making a last-minute vertical flip to fit through a keyhole cut-out.
“Six Flags Great America has a long history of introducing legendary rides and first-of-its-kind roller coasters,†said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America Park President. “What makes
X-Flight so unique is soaring through 3,000 feet of high-speed drops, loops and turns, with nothing above or below you. The coaster’s train actually looks like a plane with seats suspended on either side of the track. It’s like nothing you have ever experienced before. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary wing coaster to our guests for the 2012 season.â€Â
X-Flight is designed by acclaimed Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, who also designed Six Flags Great America favorites: Raging Bull, SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight and BATMAN: The Ride. The wing coaster will make its home in the County Fair section of the park. Construction begins this Fall. X-Flight is scheduled to open Spring of 2012.
At last summer’s conference in Miami, Bango took home the honor of NBA Mascot of the Year, which was voted on by his fellow mascots. Bango added another title during the 2010-11 season as he received the “Most Awesome Mascot†award at the Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards in February. This year, Bango passed on the torch to the 2011 NBA Mascot of the Year, Grizz from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Bango has been a very busy Buck in the offseason with more than 80 appearances since May 1. Last week, Bango, along with Bucks and GE staff, volunteered at GE Day of Caring at Burbank Elementary School. He also made appearances at the annual Milwaukee Juneteenth Day celebration parade; the Badger Mutual Insurance Boys and Girls Club Tailgate Party at Miller Park; the Pewaukee Clean Water Festival at Pewaukee Lake and four Fourth of July Parades throughout the community. Bango also volunteered his time by distributing school supplies at the House of Peace Back to School Drive and helped serve breakfast and supper along with The Gathering of Southeastern Wisconsin at two Milwaukee locations. All of Bango’s volunteer efforts and appearances listed above are part of the Milwaukee Bucks Community Caravan, which spans throughout the summer and through June 2012.
Bango begins his 34th season with the Bucks and he has been energizing and entertaining Bucks fans with his high flying dunks, acrobatic moves and crazy shenanigans. The ageless Bango has brought smiles and thrills to Bucks fans at home games, appearances, parades, school assemblies, hospital visits and everywhere Bucks fans celebrate since 1977. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada and in China and will be back at the Bradley Center for the 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks season.
It’s time to get Back To Football as the NFL begins its 92nd season with an unprecedented celebration in its special pregame show, "NFL KICKOFF 2011 PRESENTED BY EA SPORTS†– 7:30 PM ET Thursday, September 8. KID ROCK, LADY ANTEBELLUMand MAROON 5 are scheduled to perform.
The event opens to the public at 3:15 PM (CT). Fans may enter the concert site from Holmgren Way and may watch the performances along Armed Forces Drive. Fans do not need tickets to attend the free concert and may show up on event day to celebrate the start of the season prior to attending the Green Bay Packers game or watching it on television that evening.
Fans who are not planning on attending the game at Lambeau Field may register at 1iota.com to have a chance to be a part of the casted audience that will watch the concert on South Oneida Street adjacent to the stage. It is advised that fans participating in the casted audience do not have a game ticket as they will remain at the concert site for a live TV hit leading into the kickoff of the game.
NFL Kickoff 2011 will be televised from 7:30-8:30 PM (ET)/6:30-7:30 PM (CT) on NBC and NFL Network, leading up to the season opener between the Packers and the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field (NBC, 8:30 PM ET).
This is the 10th consecutive Kickoff celebration to start the season and the eighth consecutive year the NFL has saluted the Super Bowl champions with the opening game in their stadium on a Thursday in primetime.
The ladies ruled the kingdom at the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards,†broadcast live this evening from Nokia Theater L.A. Live, as Katy Perry and Adele each took home three VMA Moonmen and Lady Gaga two. Katy Perry won the biggest prize of the night, “Video of the Year,†with her pop anthem, “Fireworks,†as well as honors for “Best Collaboration†and “Best Special Effects†for “E.T.†featuring Kanye West. Adding to her reign atop the album charts, Adele won VMAs for “Best Art Direction,†“Best Cinematography,†and “Best Editing.†Genre and gender-defying Lady Gaga kicked off the night as her alter ego Joe Calderone with a show-stopping performance of “You and I,†and later walked away with two VMAs for “Best Female†and this year’s new category, “Best Video with a Message.â€Â
VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
BEST MALE VIDEO:
BEST FEMALE VIDEO:
BEST POP VIDEO:
BEST ROCK VIDEO:
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO:
BEST COLLABORATION:
BEST NEW ARTIST:
The most explosive moment of the night belonged to hip-hop heavyweights Kanye West and Jay-Z . The duo brought funk, flare and the fireworks to the VMA stage with the worldwide television debut performance of “Otis†from their global number one album, Watch The Throne. The kings of hip-hop playfully commandeered the VMA stage with their usual royal swagger through a steady bombastic beat of flames, smoke and pyrotechnics until the patriotic climax as they proudly stood in front of the red, white and blue of a gigantic American flag in a nod to the single’s cover.
Another high-octane performance came courtesy of Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo and Nayer, who transformed the VMAs into a giant dance party with this summer’s mega hit “Give Me Everything.†The hip-hop trio brought Miami heat to the stage with 60 dancers and a laser light spectacle that brought down the house.
The show took a soulful turn with an unforgettable VMA debut from a hauntingly beautiful Adele who performed the heart-breaking “Someone Like You†with only a piano by her side and the glow of a single spotlight. Introduced by Katy Perry, Adele left the audience breathless as she treated them to one of the most powerful voices of a generation and they responded with a standing ovation.
Chris Brown delivered a show stopper with his high-flying aerial journey through VMA history. It was a visual feast as he few from stage to stage while performing his smash dance hit “Yeah 3X†into Wu-tang Clan’s “Protect Ya Neck†into Nirvana with “Smells Like Teen Spirit†and, finally, “Beautiful People.â€Â
In the midst of performances from global superstar artists, the VMAs continued its legacy of introducing emerging talent. This year, the Awards show featured an explosive VMA debut from Young The Giant, who rocked and body surfed the audience with their hit “My Body,†alongside a throng of screaming fans.
The emotional highpoint and poignant moment of the evening was the tribute to the late British songstress Amy Winehouse by the legendary Tony Bennett with a surprise introduction by actor Russell Brand. Bennett unveiled footage of Winehouse’s final performance -- his recent recording session with her of their duet “Body and Soul†for his upcoming Duets II album. The tribute continued with Bruno Mars’s triumphant performance of Winehouse’s hit “Valerie.†With his soaring vocals, horn section harmonies, and smooth and syncopated choreography, Mars and his band’s performance was a joyous celebration of Winehouse’s life and music.
The girls from the “Jersey Shore†presented the “Best Female Video Award†to Lady Gaga and, in an intergenerational twist, was joined by Academy Award®-winning actress Cloris Leachman, who joked that the audience shouldn’t confuse her with Betty White.
Throughout the telecast British pop diva Jesse J commanded the House Artist stage as the VMA House Artist, keeping the crowd moving as she belted out her signature hits as well as a selection of other chart toppers.
Closing out the show, hip hop’s hottest MC and entrepreneurial Young Money Millionaire, Lil Wayne, closed with the seductive “How to Love,†before attacking the stage in full force as the band launched into a Black Sabbath riff and before ripping into “John†from his upcoming album, “The Carter IV,†to be released digitally at midnight tonight.
Presenters at the“2011 MTV Video Music Awards†included Katy Perry, Miley Cirus, Paul Rudd, Shaun White, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Zoe Saldana, Kevin Hart and Victoria Justice join Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas and Jared Leto.
I had a great time hanging and chatting w Colbie Caillat (and her new puppy Mahti) before her show at The Pabst Theater.
In this interview Colbie talks about her new record in stores and available for download called, "All Of You", she touches on a few new TV shows you can see her in this fall, how did she end up singing for the President Of The United States and lots, lots more!
Additionally, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Zoe Saldana, Kevin Hart and Victoria Justice join Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm†as confirmed presenters. Jessie J was also announced as VMA house artist. The “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).
The Green Bay Packers today announced expansion plans for Lambeau Field, a project that will include approximately 6,600 new seats in the south end zone and a new gate and rooftop viewing platform in the north end zone.
The project, with a projected cost of approximately $130 million, will get underway with a Sept. 1 groundbreaking, and be complete for the 2013 season. The Packers will fund the project, with no involvement of public tax money, including general and sales taxes.
“We’re excited to begin work on the expansion of Lambeau Field,†said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “This project will benefit the Packers and our fans through two new gates for better stadium entry and exit, additional seats and updated amenities, as well as more gameday crowd noise focused on our opponents. It also will benefit our community, initially through construction jobs, but also in the long term through the increased economic impact of additional fans coming to Packers games each year.â€Â
In the south end zone, the new seats, all with seatbacks, will be added in four levels. General seating will be featured, in addition to themed areas with some indoor concession environments. A new south gate will include four elevators and escalators to efficiently move fans in and out of the stadium.
The north end zone will include a new stadium gate, with six elevators, that will enable club-seat and suite holders to enter and exit the stadium more efficiently and provide an additional ADA entrance and exit point. The project will include construction of a rooftop viewing terrace for use by club-seat holders on gameday, and will be available for special events on other days. Both new gates will lessen the traffic at other gates throughout Lambeau Field and improve the stadium’s overall entrance and exit patterns.
The Packers are arranging to finance all the costs of the expansion, with funding components to include traditional borrowing. A stock sale is being considered, and the team will seek NFL approval for what would be the fifth such offering. With regard to a user fee, the team anticipates a program similar to what was used for the Lambeau Field redevelopment (1999-2003). Additional funding options from the NFL will be explored.
The ticket-pricing structure for the new seating area s is still being established, with the price for seats expected to range between current bowl seat (top price $87) and current club-seat prices (top price $313). A Green and Gold package will be used for most of the new seats, similar to current stadium bowl seats. Some seats will be considered premium and be sold as a 10-game package. Final details of seating sections, including pricing and amenities offered, are expected to be announced after the 2011 season.
Seats will be made available initially to current season-ticket holders, with priority given to those who have held tickets the longest. The number of new seats available will be equal to the number currently held. Those opting for new seats will relinquish their current seats. After that process, members of the waiting list will be approached to purchase any seats remaining in the new sections or seats that have become available in the stadium bowl.
Miron Construction, of Neenah, Wis., has been selected as the general contractor for the project. The company served as the major subcontractor on the Lambeau Field redevelopment project and has thorough experience with the Packers. Hammes Company Sports Development Inc., of Madison, Wis., will serve as project manager and Elkus Manfredi is the project’s design architect.
As an economic impact and benefit to the community, the project is expected to employ approximately 1,600 workers over the next two years and provide more than $70 million in wages. Long term, the additional 6,600 seats will potentially generate approximately $11 million annually in new spending impacts in Brown County from non-residents, according to a study by AECOM released in September 2010 by the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District that projected the impact of additional seating at the stadium.
Previously, the team announced the plan to install new Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards, with the new boards to be ready for the 2012 season. This project, with a cost of approximately $12 million, is being funding jointly by the Packers and the Stadium District, through team funding as well as the district’s capital improvement fund consisting of user-fee money. The two parties also funded the new distributed audio system which debuted at Packers Family Night, Aug. 6.
All told, the projects represent more than $143 million of Lambeau Field enhancements and improvements, all funded without public tax money.
To celebrate the life and music of Amy Winehouse, the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†will pay special tribute to the late British songstress with music legend, Tony Bennett. Winehouse and her hero, Bennett, recently recorded the duet, “Body and Soul,†for his upcoming Duets II album, out September 20th. Marking his first appearance on the VMA stage since 1993, Mr. Bennett, who won one Album of the Year, at the 1995 Grammy Awards for the CD “MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett,†will introduce the tribute, which includes unveiling footage from their recording session together. “Body and Soul†was Winehouse’s final session and took place this past March at Abbey Road Studios in London. The single and video will be released by Columbia Records September 14th, Amy’s Birthday, in support of the Amy Winehouse Foundation established by the late singer’s family to help a number of charities connected with children and young people.
“It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse and when you listen to the recording of “Body and Soul,†it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known,†said Mr. Bennett.
Winehouse, known for the depth and power of her soulful voice will be remembered by fans and peers for her awe inspiring talent and classic hits such as “Rehab,†“Back to Black,†“Me & Mr. Jones,†and “You Know I'm No Good.â€Â
Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse said, “Our family is honored that the VMA’s are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amy’s performance of Rehab at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy’s worldwide success.â€Â
2011 VMA performers include Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Pitbull and Young The Giant. Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm are confirmed to present. Additionally, Jessie J was just announced as VMA house artist. The “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).
CHECK OUT THE NOMINEES for The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
IMAX Corporation and Paramount Pictures announced that Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the third film in the blockbuster Transformers franchise, is returning to 246 IMAX(R) locations for an extended two-week run from Friday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 8. During those two weeks, the 3-D film will play simultaneously with other films in the IMAX network.
Since its launch on June 29, Transformers: Dark of the Moon has grossed $1,095 billion globally, with $59.6 million generated from IMAX theatres globally.
Tyrese Gibson joins Van McNeil to chat about Transformers Dark Of The Moon. Plus what happened on set w/ Shia Labeouf and what's next for Tyrese? Find out in this interview.
"The fans have spoken and we are excited to bring Transformers: Dark of the Moon back to IMAX theatres," said Greg Foster, IMAX Chairman and President of Filmed Entertainment. "The film has been a remarkable success and we are thrilled to offer fans in North America another chance to experience the latest chapter in this history making franchise."
Transformers: Dark of the Moon: An IMAX 3D Experience has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology for presentation in IMAX 3D. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique immersive environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the third film in the Transformers franchise and the first shot in 3D. It is directed by Michael Bay, written by Ehren Kruger and produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. The film has been rated PG-13.
(C) 2011 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
HASBRO, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
Lady Gaga announced Friday that she is set to open the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards during "MTV First: Lady Gaga" to thousands of fans in Times Square as her Little Monsters revealed the news via a banner right in the center of New York City. She also introduced her new music video “Yoü and I†for its television premiere and responded to questions from fans on TV and online at mtv.com.
"I have a really big announcement," the New York native told MTV’s Sway, the same night her "Yoü and I" video made its television debut. "But I thought as usual, instead of me announcing it, I'd let the Little Monsters do it for me."
"It means the world to me," Gaga said of opening the 2011 VMAs. "I just feel really blessed every day. I have the most amazing fans."
Lady Gaga joins previously announced 2011 VMA performers including Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Young The Giant. The “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 8pm CT | LIVE!
“You and I†is the fourth single to be released from Lady Gaga’s third studio album, Born This Way. In addition to performing, Lady Gaga is nominated for four Moonmen at the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards,†including Best Female Video (“Born This Wayâ€Â), Best Art Direction (“Judasâ€Â), Best Choreography (“Judasâ€Â) and Best Video with a Message (“Born This Wayâ€Â).
Global icon Jennifer Lopez, rock legend Steven Tyler and Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson will return to the judges’ panel for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL. The trio, along with Emmy®-nominated host Ryan Seacrest, will begin their search for America’s next singing superstar when AMERICAN IDOL debuts Sunday, Jan. 22 (9pm CT)), immediately following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME on FOX.
AMERICAN IDOL recently received an incredible 10 Primetime Emmy® Award nominations, more than any other reality program on television and the most nominations in the show’s history. Highlights include Emmy® nominations for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program as well as an Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Ryan Seacrest.
“Having both Jennifer and Steven return to IDOL in 2012 alongside Randy is such a positive reflection on what was a wonderful and hugely successful season last year, and everyone is delighted,†said Simon Fuller, Creator and Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL.
“I am very pleased to have our panel of judges back for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL,†said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Their chemistry and ability to select amazing talent made last season one of our most successful yet, and we look forward to going on another exciting ride.â€Â
“From the very first day of auditions, we knew we had something special in our new judges panel, and we’re so happy that America felt that way too,†said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Together with Ryan – who is fantastic day in and day out – they built an incredible connection with both the contestants and our viewers, and I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome them all back to IDOL for another season.â€Â
AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 show, continues its search for the best undiscovered talent in the country with auditions in Houston, TX, on Friday, Aug. 26. For more audition information, visit www.americanidol.com
Eariler this year, I had the chance to work w Bruno Mars for a nationwide radio takeover hosted by Kiss Fm's Rahny Taylor.
Rahny handled the interview like a pro, while I was behind the camera and we both found out all about Bruno Mars music, videos, life and what he's all about. Very cool dude!
Now he's nominated for a boatload of MTV Video Music Awards and will be performing at the LIVE broadcast for L.A. on Sunday, August 28th 9/8c.
Get the stories behind the music, watch music videos and find out what his plans are for the future!
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 1/3 - Bruno talks about the sturggles of breaking into the music biz and almost quitting. Plus, writing or performing? Which does he perfer?
Music Videos: B.O.B - Nutin' On You. Travie McCoy - Billionaire.
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 2/3 - Bruno talks Cee Lo Green, Awards Shows and who was "Just The Way You Are" all about?
Music Videos: Cee Lo Green - Forget You. Bruno Mars f/ Cee Lo Green - The Other Side. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are.
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 3/3 - Bruno describes his "sound" and how the Lazy Song came to be. Plus he talks family, fashion, music and...is Bruno Mars SINGLE?
Music Videos: Bruno Mars - Grenade. Bruno Mars f/ Damian Marley - The Other Side.
MTV announced that Bruno Mars is set to take his talents to the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†stage as the latest artist added to this year’s amazing lineup of VMA performers. With this performance and four VMA nominations including “Video of the Year,†the multi-talented singer, musician, songwriter and producer continues to add to an extraordinary year of achievements that include: his multi-platinum certified debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, co-writing, producing and performing on the smash-hits B.o.B’s “Nothin’ On You,†Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire†and Cee Lo Green’s “F***k You! (Forget You)†as well as his hit singles, “Just The Way You Are,†“Grenade†and “The Lazy Song.†Additionally, the first round of 2011 VMA presenters have been announced from the world of music and pop culture including: Jonah Hill from the upcoming film Moneyball, the Teflon Don aka The Boss Rick Ross, Seth Rogen from the movie 50/50, platinum recording artist and Emmy Award-winning actress Selena Gomez, Keeping Up With The Kardashians very own Kim Kardashian, and hip-hop’s most innovative alternative collective, Odd Future.
“We’re thrilled to have Bruno Mars bring his exceptional talent to the VMA stage,†said Amy Doyle, Executive Producer of the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and EVP, Music & Talent, MTV. “He is one of the most exciting live performers today and with his artistic versatility, he will undoubtedly deliver a standout performance.â€Â
Bruno Mars joins previously announced 2011 VMA performers including Adele, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Young The Giant. The “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT.
Viewers can vote for all general VMA categories by visiting vma.mtv.com online or m.mtv.com on their mobile phone through August 16th. In addition, Best New Artist text voting is open to all wireless carrier subscribers by texting BNA to 66333. Voting for this category continues through the show, live on August 28th. Verizon subscribers can vote on all categories via SMS by texting VMA to 66333 (standard message rates apply.)
Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials are pleased to announce that the 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, ended on a high note this evening at 10pm.
Hundreds of thousands of loyal Fairgoers came out to celebrate during the Fair’s annual 11-day run and take advantage of family-friendly pricing, diverse entertainment and fair traditions. Mother Nature was “fairly†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.
“It was a tremendous Fair despite the tough start,†stated Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park Rick Frenette. “We 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€Â
“The 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,†stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. “We are thrilled that each year they come out to enjoy the new things we have to offer and the traditions of the Fair – the agriculture, food, music, attractions, contests and activities.â€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 KOHL’S 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 – 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
So, I had the honor of attending my first Doggie Wedding at this years Wisconsin State Fair...
It was different, intresting and kinda made me think, "Why hasn't TLC or Animal Planet made a show about this yet?", maybe they have! I'm not sure.
None the less, the Doggie Wedding of Nala and Drake was a lot of fun and everyone in the Poultry & Rabbit Pavilion had a good time.
Stay tuned to the end of the video for some SHOCKING post marriage thoughts from Nala and check out the Doggie Weddings thur Thursday.
I'm just getting up this fine Tuesday morning only to find out that our good friend Gavin DeGraw was assulted yesterday and hit by a taxi in New York City.
He was admitted to the hospital with a broken nose, cuts on his face and is in stable condition.
Gavin told me in an interview at the Summerfest Block Party that he was releasing his 4th studio album, "Sweeter" in September 2011 and is currently on the road w Train and Maroon 5. Get well soon Gavin!
Deep Fried Beer...like the Deep Fried Butter everyone is talking about it at this years Wisconsin State Fair.
You've tried to imagine the flavors in your mouth and what it might taste like...
You're wondering where you can find it and how much it costs.
I have you covered as we go to the Budweiser Pavilion and get some first reactions to the much talked about Deep Fried Beer at the 160th Wisconsin State Fair.
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 Midwest’s 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 Milwaukee– and Wisconsin– 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 year’s 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.
Saz’s Miller High Life Pavilion and Saz’s 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 Pitch’s / Miss Katie’s 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:
Joey’s Seafood & Grill- Breaded Deep Fried Oysters.
Lori’s 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.
Joey’s 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.
Joey’s 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 Goolsby’s- Sweet Potato Tater Tots.
Mama Mary’s 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).
Robert’s 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
Get to know Rock The Green artists Fitz & the Tantrums. I had the chance to chat w Michael Fitzpatrick & Noelle Scaggs backstage at Summerfest.
Fitz & The Trantrums are excited to return to Milwaukee to Rock The Green, September 18th at Veterans Park on the beautiful Milwaukee Lakefront.
What is Rock The Green? Rock the Green is the Midwest’s 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 Milwaukee– and Wisconsin– 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 artist Michelle Branch. I had the chance to chat w her backstage at Summerfest.
Michelle Branch is excited to return to Milwaukee to Rock The Green, September 18th at Veterans Park on the beautiful Milwaukee Lakefront.
What is Rock The Green? Rock the Green is the Midwest’s 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 Milwaukee– and Wisconsin– 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.
In a statement, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony say, "We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved, and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.".
Relationships are tough. In Hollywood, even more so. Whatever the reason may be for the split, I wish them both the best.
Tyrese Gibson joins Van McNeil to chat about Transformers Dark Of The Moon. Plus what happened on set w/ Shia Labeouf and what's next for Tyrese? Find out in this interview.
Enjoy an  up-close look of the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard and see the new South End redevelopment project on the Summerfest grounds.
Festival producer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., is currently renovating approximately 22-acres of the 75-acre site, Henry Maier Festival Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a 2-phased $25 million construction project. Phase One of the redevelopment project will feature a new 6,000 – 8,000 capacity outdoor stage/venue, the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, a new South Gate and Box Office, as well as new food and beverage buildings and restrooms; all set to be completed for Summerfest 2011. Phase Two of the project will commence in fall of 2011, after the festival season, and include another new venue/stage as well as food and beverage buildings, restrooms and unique lakeshore amenities for festival-goers.
Summerfest fans can secure their place in Summerfest Music History with the new Summerfest Commemorative Paver Program. Perfect for fans, families, friends, organizations, special dedications or celebrating a special event or memory, each brick paver will be inscribed with a personal message or tribute and placed in a new area that has been created as part of the South End Renovation Project, Beat Street Plaza, located just inside the new South Gate.
Fans can purchase commemorative pavers by visiting Summerfest.com/paver or calling 1-855-FEST-PVR. Three different brick sizes and designs are available beginning at $75 ranging up to $200. Additionally, replica pavers are available for purchase with each order; perfect for displaying in the home, office or lobby. The replica paver is made of the same material and includes the exact message inscribed on the installed paver at Henry Maier Festival Park. All replicas include a plaque commemorating each purchaser’s place in Summerfest history along with an official “Certificate of Recognition†suitable for framing. Patrons may also purchase paver gift certificates by calling 1-855-FEST-PVR.
“We are excited to offer a new way for fans to get involved and literally become part of Summerfest history,†said Don Smiley, President and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “Beat 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€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 – 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 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. 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
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 you’ll 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!
Listen to Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) all week (6/27-7/1) for your cue to call in and win Summerfest tickets and backstage passes to hang w Adam Levine and the guys from Maroon 5! (414.799.1099)
Summerfest officials are excited to announce details of their partnership with Kohl’s Department Stores through its Kohl’s Cares® program to present the Kohl’s Captivation Station, a new area that will feature kid-friendly performances and educational experiences during Summerfest. Sponsored by Kohl’s Cares, Kohl’s philanthropic program that sells special merchandise and donates 100 percent of the net profits to children’s health and education initiatives nationwide, the Kohl’s Captivation Station is located on the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park and will be open from Noon – 8:00 pm, every day of Summerfest.
Children will be able to participate in hands-on musical experiences, mini-clinics, art projects and educational demonstrations each day. They’ll get to explore the different sounds of drums and guitars while learning tips from instructors during free clinics presented by Cascio Interstate Music, after which they can be a rock star for the day and show what they’ve learned. The Kohl’s Captivation Station is targeted for kids 12 and older but also offers programs for the whole family including the Kohl’s Color Wheels mobile unit, an art experience in partnership with the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Kohl’s Design It! Mobile Lab, an interactive experience with Discovery World where kids can learn more about design. New interactive games, art projects and activities are offered each day.
Throughout the festival, the Kohl’s Captivation Station will showcase entertaining performances from magicians, comic jugglers and bands including Radio Disney Beach Party, Marcus Monroe, Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, Sir Pinkerton and the Magnificents, Comedy Sportz and more!
“As a family-focused retailer, Kohl’s is committed to kids health and education initiatives in the communities we serve,†said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are pleased to bring this new program to Summerfest as an exciting opportunity for families to learn while having fun at one of Milwaukee’s premier summer events.â€Â
In addition to the Kohl’s Captivation Station, Summerfest and Kohl’s are proud to announce that Sunday, July 3 is Kohl’s Family Day, where from Noon – 3:00 pm, the first 1,500 patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items for kids will receive one (1) FREE Summerfest admission ticket. All food items benefit Hunger Task Force.
Schedules for the Kohl’s Captivation Station and information about Kohl’s Family Day can be found at Henry Maier Festival Park during Summerfest and online at Summerfest.com. Since 2000, Kohl’s and the Kohl’s Cares program have combined to give approximately $38 million to support charitable initiatives in the metro-Milwaukee area. For more information on Kohl’s philanthropic efforts or to purchase Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares
Watertown, Wisconsin's very own Kevin Stangler joins me to chat about his role in the touring production of Fiddler On The Roof now on stage at Marcus Center for the Perfoming Arts. Get tickets at http://marcuscenter.org
Gavin DeGraw joins Van McNeil to chat about his forthcoming new album, "Sweeter" in stores and avail for download Aug 9th, what fans can expect at the June 25th Summerfest Block Party Show and lots, lots more!
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, Shepherd’s Pie and a Corned Beef Sandwich.
Zaffiro’s 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.
Pitch’s, 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.
Rupena’s, 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.
Flannery’s, formerly named McGillycuddy’s, will continue to serve Buffalo Wings, Chicken Tenders, Burgers and Fries in a new location on the north end of the grounds.
Sazama’s 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. Sazama’s 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 World’s 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 World’s Largest Happy Hour!
Special food and beverage discounts will again be offered on Children’s Fest Day on Tuesday, July 5 from Noon – 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
Listen to Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) to win tickets to New Kids On The Block / Backstreet Boys. June 18th, United Center, Chicago. Listen for your cue to call all week! (414.799.1099)
Summerfest officials have announced Admission Promotions for 2011, providing low or no-cost alternatives to paying the full gate price at this year’s 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 Daryl’s 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 “Show Your Smile†Day from Noon – 3:00 pm. The first 4,400 patrons who present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon between Noon – 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 – Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life Day from Noon – 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 “Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life†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 – 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 – 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 – July 2, 2011 will be accepted.
Sunday, July 3 is Kohl’s Family Day from Noon – 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 Dean’s Milk & Ice Cream Children’s Fest Day with TODAY’S TMJ4. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying free Children’s 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 Klement’s Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when they provide a Klement’s 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 “Make a Child Smile Day†from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate any new, indoor children’s toy, art supplies or children’s 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 Children’s 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 – 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 – 9:00 pm on July 7. Limited space; first come, first served. Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a “one out, one in†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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 3:00 pm.
Sunday, July 10 is Have a NYCE Day! from Noon – 3:00 pm. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted for FREE…compliments of NYCE and Summerfest!
Summerfest officials are excited to announce the eleventh and final headliner slated for Summerfest 2011. Jason Mraz will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Saturday, July 2 at 6:30PM along with special guest, Guster.
Hailed as one of 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)â€Â. Influenced by reggae, pop, folk, jazz and hip hop, his next two studio albums, Mr. A-Z and We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., also found major success, racking up an impressive six Grammy nominations and multi-platinum certifications around the world. He won two 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 Bothâ€Â, “Wordplayâ€Â, “Geek in the Pinkâ€Â, “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 Faâ€Â, “Barrel of a Gunâ€Â, and “Satellite†the band’s long standing career has not slowed down. Guster’s dedicated fan base has spread rapidly over the past decade and fans know when they see the band perform live they’re in for a unique performance that has a style all its own.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, June 4 at 11:00AM and include Summerfest admission. All reserved seats are $37 at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express†automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast†at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
Due to the construction project on the south end of the grounds, the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office has been temporarily relocated to the intersection of Harbor Drive and Chicago Avenue at the Mid-Gate of the festival grounds. The building on the north side of the Mid-Gate will serve as the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are excited to announce some exciting low cost package alternatives that offer a significant savings on admission to Summerfest and to other local attractions and businesses.ÂÂ
Milwaukee Brewers and Summerfest 2 for $24 Ticket Package
Summerfest and the Brewers have teamed up again to offer a ticket package that includes one Summerfest General Admission ticket, good any time during Summerfest 2011, and one Terrace Reserved ticket to the Brewers home games against the Rays & Twins June 20-24. The package also includes a special edition Brewers-Summerfest long sleeve t-shirt. To order, visit brewers.com/summerfest or call (414) 902-4000. This offer ends June 24.
Harley - Davidson Museum® and Summerfest Rock-N-Roll 2-For-$20 Ticket Package
The package includes one Summerfest General Admission ticket, good any time during Summerfest 2011, and one adult admission to the Harley-Davidson Museum, good through December 31, 2011. The $20 package represents a collective savings of $11. Patrons can order online now at Summerfest.com through June 10, 2011.
Cost Cutters Family Hair Salon Ticket Offer
Beginning now, spend $30 or more at any participating Milwaukee area Cost Cutters salon and receive one free Summerfest General Admission ticket while supplies last. Visit Costcutters.com for a location nearest you.
The Business Journal Power Lunch
All patrons presenting an original coupon (printed in the Business Journal) will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket valid Noon – 2:00 pm any weekday (7 days). Duplications will not be accepted, original coupons only.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are excited to announce details about The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Block Party featuring Gavin DeGraw on Saturday, June 25. Fans can be the first to FEST in the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, see the new South End redevelopment project on the Summerfest grounds and enjoy a special performance by Gavin DeGraw and other local performers.
DeGraw, an American singer-songwriter and musician is known for his hit singles “Chariotâ€Â, “Follow Throughâ€Â, “I Don’t Want to Be†and “In Love with a Girlâ€Â. His next album Sweeter will release in early August and will feature tracks co-written with other artists.
“We are excited to unveil the new Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard to our employees and festival fans prior to Summerfest with this exclusive preview party,†said Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. “The Block Party marks the beginning of a new era for the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard at Summerfest.â€Â
Tickets for the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Block Party are not available for sale, however Summerfest and TapMilwaukee.com will be giving away thousands over the upcoming weeks. Fans will have many chances to win tickets as well as VIP viewing experiences by staying connected to Summerfest.com, “Liking†Summerfest on facebook and following Summerfest on Twitter. FREE tickets will also be available exclusively at TapMilwaukee.com beginning at Noon on Tuesday, May 24.
Gates for the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Block Party will open at 6:00 pm and everyone in attendance will receive a FREE Summerfest Commemorative Opening Day Ticket. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase from vendors.
“We couldn’t be more pleased about our partnership with Briggs & Stratton and launching this new stage as part of our redevelopment project,†said Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Festival producer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., is currently renovating approximately 22-acres of the 75-acre site, Henry Maier Festival Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a 2-phased $25 million construction project. Phase One of the redevelopment project will feature a new 6,000 – 8,000 capacity outdoor stage/venue, the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, a new South Gate and Box Office, as well as new food and beverage buildings and restrooms; all set to be completed for Summerfest 2011. Phase Two of the project will commence in fall of 2011, after the festival season, and include another new venue/stage as well as food and beverage buildings, restrooms and unique lakeshore amenities for festival-goers.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. 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
The Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage with Onion/A.V. Club Milwaukee will return in 2011 with eleven days of live, local and original music, with many bands originating from the Milwaukee/Wisconsin area.
New this year, the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage with Onion/A.V. Club Milwaukee will be improved with a new location, featuring a larger stage and audience area. The stage will now be located near the lake walk on the north end of the festival between the Summerfest Rock Stage and U.S. Cellular® Connection Stage.
The 2011 lineup is more than impressive, spanning many diverse genres from indie and alternative to hard rock, funk and acoustic sets. The stage will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 8:30 pm | The Right Now
June 30 | 9:00 pm | The Jeanna Salzer Band
July 1 | 9:00 pm | I’m Not A Pilot
July 2 | 9:00 pm | The Invaders
July 3 | 9:00 pm | The Uptown Savages
July 5 | 9:00 pm | The Fatty Acids
July 6 | 9:00 pm | Brighton, MA
July 7 | 9:00 pm | Mark Mallman
July 8 | 9:00 pm | John The Savage
July 9 | 9:00 pm | Into Arcadia
July 10 | 9:00 pm | Surgeons In Heat
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are excited to announce the tenth headliner slated for Summerfest 2011.
 Britney Spears will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Saturday, July 9 at 7:00PM along with special guest, Nicki Minaj.
The show will be part of the highly anticipated “Femme Fatale†tour that comes in support of her most recent release Femme Fatale which includes the hit singles “Till the World Ends†and “Hold It Against Meâ€Â. Femme Fatale debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200, making Spears the only female artist ever to have six number one debut albums, and have seven albums debut in the top two spots. Britney Spears has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists in the history of contemporary music. Her hit list is extensive and includes singles like “…Baby One More Timeâ€Â, “Oops!...I Did It Againâ€Â, “Toxicâ€Â, “Gimme More†and “Womanizerâ€Â. She is also recognized as the best-selling female artist of the first decade of the 21st century, as well as the fifth overall. In June 2010, Britney was ranked sixth on Forbes list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential celebrities in the world.
Joining Spears on tour is hip hop recording artist, Nicki Minaj, who’s debut studio album, Pink Friday became a commercial success and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month after its release. Her single “Your Love†reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, making Minaj the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.
The ladies will also be joined by Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo, on the all-female lineup.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 21 at 11:00AM and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“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.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. 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 fourth list of stage headlining entertainment for Summerfest 2011 at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion Headliner Release Party tonight. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion with Miller High Life and will once again bring an eclectic lineup to this year’s festival.
The Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion with Miller High Life will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 10:00 pm | Max Weinberg Experience
June 30 | 10:00 pm | Wanda Jackson
July 1 | 10:00 pm | Taj Mahal
July 2 | 10:00 pm | Cowboy Mouth
July 3 | 10:00 pm | Don Felder
July 5 | 9:30 pm | Indigenous
July 6 | 10:00 pm | The Spinners
July 7 | 10:00 pm | Yonder Mountain String Band
July 8 | 10:00 pm | Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
July 9 | 10:00 pm | De La Soul
July 10 | 9:30 pm | Todd Rundgren
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. 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 http://www.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 – 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 – 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 Jo’s Martini Lounge
Thursday, May 5 Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage
In conjunction with its Big Backyard Stage at Summerfest, Briggs & Stratton is hosting a “Battle of the Bands†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 – 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 Al’s 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 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Summerfest officials are 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.ÂÂ
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 Summerfest’s 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 “Let’s Fest!†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.ÂÂ
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). ÂÂ
Considering new 2011 adjusted prices, Summerfest’s beer prices continue to remain among the lowest in Southeastern Wisconsin area sports and entertainment venues and attractions for bottled and draft beer.ÂÂ
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:ÂÂ
·        La Perla’s Salsa and Chips - $3.50
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Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. For the first time in the event’s history, Summerfest will open on a Wednesday and not operate on 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
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
Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, producer and multi-platinum selling artist Bruno Mars will sit down for an exclusive interview and to premiere his new music video “It Will Rain,” the first single from THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 soundtrack that features a never-before-seen clip from the film, on MTV on Wednesday, October 26th at 7:54pm ET / 6:54pm CT during “MTV First: Bruno Mars.”
Over the last few years, David Cook’s life has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. In short order, the 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician won the seventh season of America’s most popular television show, American Idol, rewrote chart history with a record-breaking 14 debuts on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, released his self-titled major-label debut album in November 2008, watched it debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, spawn two Top 20 singles (the platinum “Light On” and “Come Back To Me”), and sell more than a million copies, reaching platinum status.
Amy Lee from Evanescence calls in to chat w Van McNeil about their NEW self titled album which just debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, what fans can expect in concert and lots, LOTS more!
You've heard, maybe even read or saw something about Cirque Du Soleil before, right? 
Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Lo Green will join the star-studded musical line-up on THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW, airing Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10:00PM, ET/ 9:00pm CT) on the CBS. Cee Lo Green joins previously announced artists Kanye West and Maroon 5.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson graces the Unplugged stage in “VH1 Unplugged: Kelly Clarkson,” debuting online at Unplugged.VH1.com Thursday, November 17 at 8PM ET / 7PM CT. The on-air premiere follows on VH1 Friday, November 18 at 11PM* and on Palladia, MTV Networks’ high-definition music channel on Saturday, November 19 at 9PM*. Kelly’s extremely personal set will include performances from her forthcoming album Stronger as well as other past favorites.
V.V. Brown stops by The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about her forthcoming album, "Lollipops & Politics", how life is on the road and what's up with her mix tape, "The Underground"? Find out about that and lots more in the interview.
The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their North American tour last night right here in beautiful Milwaukee, WI and got a BIG surprise from one of lead singer Johnny Rzeznik's obsessions, The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages!
Game Two of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals was a rough one for the Crew!
Kenny Wormald calls in to chat w Van McNeil about starring the in the Footloose movie in theaters THIS FRIDAY, October 14th. Plus, what people are saying about the remake and has he talked to Kevin Bacon about it? All that and lots, lots more!
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls joins Van McNeil for a chat about...kicking off their US tour at The Pabst Theater here in Milwaukee, when will a new Goo Goo Dolls record be available, and what "Milwaukee" thing(s) is he obsessed with. Find out all of that and lots more in this interview.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins and punt returner-kick returner Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the 2011 season (October 2-3), the NFL announced today.
Whip out your cell phones and txt 2 WIN tickets and backstage passes to hang with Evanescence, Friday, October 21st at The Rave / Eagles Club.
In Novemeber of 2004, Tony Hale (Buster Bluth) called in to chat with Van McNeil about the second season of Arrested Development. In this interview Tony talks about the cast, what his plan were after the show and much more! ***Creator Mitch Hurwitz announced today that a mini-4th season of nine to ten episodes would air, leading up to a major motion picture. Dates on the return of Arrested Development episodes and the film have yet to be announced.
It's no wonder why it's the #1 Haunted House in the NATION!
Milwaukee's very own and pianist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w Wynton Marsalis, Dan Nimmer chats w Van McNeil about life on the road, the upcoming hometown show at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall Oct 4th, his first meeting w Wynton Marsails and lots, lots more.
The third season of Glee hits the airwaves Tuesday, September 20th, 8.7c on FOX.
Our good friend Gavin DeGraw's fourth studio ablum, "Sweeter"  is available on Tuesday, Spetember 20th.
Did you miss Rock The Green yesterday at Veteran's Park on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront?
At a meeting of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors, held earlier today, the Fair Park Board addressed the future of the amusement ride area at Wisconsin State Fair as part of contractual procedures. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will be held August 2 – 12 in West Allis.
The Milwaukee Health Department is reporting another laboratory-confirmed case of measles, bringing our total count to 2 confirmed cases. In its more severe form, measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death. It is a highly contagious disease that can spread via airborne droplets person to person.
The ladies ruled the kingdom at the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards,†broadcast live this evening from Nokia Theater L.A. Live, as Katy Perry and Adele each took home three VMA Moonmen and Lady Gaga two. Katy Perry won the biggest prize of the night, “Video of the Year,†with her pop anthem, “Fireworks,†as well as honors for “Best Collaboration†and “Best Special Effects†for “E.T.†featuring Kanye West. Adding to her reign atop the album charts, Adele won VMAs for “Best Art Direction,†“Best Cinematography,†and “Best Editing.†Genre and gender-defying Lady Gaga kicked off the night as her alter ego Joe Calderone with a show-stopping performance of “You and I,†and later walked away with two VMAs for “Best Female†and this year’s new category, “Best Video with a Message.â€Â
I had a great time hanging and chatting w Colbie Caillat (and her new puppy Mahti) before her show at The Pabst Theater.
I'm just getting up this fine Tuesday morning only to find out that our good friend Gavin DeGraw was assulted yesterday and hit by a taxi in New York City.
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.
Get to know Rock The Green artists Fitz & the Tantrums. I had the chance to chat w Michael Fitzpatrick & Noelle Scaggs backstage at Summerfest.
Get to know Rock The Green artist Michelle Branch. I had the chance to chat w her backstage at Summerfest.
May 3rd, 2011...I had the honor of taking over the nation w 
Matt Nathanson joins Van McNeil for a chat about his new record, "Modern Love" in stores and avail at MattNathanson.com.
Watertown, Wisconsin's very own Kevin Stangler joins me to chat about his role in the touring production of Fiddler On The Roof now on stage at Marcus Center for the Perfoming Arts. Get tickets at 
Elle Fanning chats w Van McNeil about 'Super 8' in theaters this weekend.
