Summerfest

Summerfest is clearly the king of the Milwaukee fests. Much like refusing to place the University of Wisconsin into the rankings of party schools, as professionals ought not be compared to amateurs, the Big Gig is in a class of its own. Including the side stages and lake front walk mini-venues, there are 10-15 acts going on at any given time. Add the many dozens of vendors, performers and first rate people watching; Summerfest is the clear can't miss fest every year.

It occurred to me to consider William's festing experiences after his fifth fest in four weeks. William must believe that every seven days or so, people go to a wonderful place filled with intriguing sounds, smells and walk around for hours. He has attended more fests than people hundreds of times his age and size. He is the true fest quester and could potentially attend hundreds of fests before he can legally have his first fest brew.

We enjoyed several laps through the side stages checking out a song or two from a dozen bands from high school talent show winners to Wang Chung. Wang Chung's synthesizer sound check alone was worth the price of admission, which is a $15 for everyone over 10 years old.

Summerfest is not a cheap event, for our family of four (really three, as William drank no beer) we spent over $100 for an afternoon. We wanted to see Tom Petty at the Marcus, but the extra $300 plus getting a babysitter seemed like a bit too much. However, $15 to see the side stagers such as the Counting Crows, Joan Jett, Yes, 311, Public Enemy, Peter Frampton, the Wailers, B.O.C. and BB King is pretty amazing.

Perhaps, a future quest will be to attend every day of Summerfest.

Ratings:

Entertainment is a clear John. The Big Gig is the largest music festival in the world, and the 3 O'clock side stage is generally a better band than headliners of other festivals.
Drink is Lakefront Local Acre. Actually we enjoyed Lakefront's IPA, which was $5 a glass, compared to a same-sized $4.50 Miller product.
Food is Italian Combo with sweet and hot peppers. The shear quantity of options is mind-blowing. You can have food and drink including local favorites, ethnic stands and fair fare.
Cost is $15 for general admission for everyone 10 and up. General admission gets you into the dozen side stages, but shows at the Marcus Amphitheater are extra. Marcus show tickets are anywhere from free lawn seats, available for some shows, to hundreds of dollars for good seats for big acts.
Bathrooms are a strange variety of State Street BW3 (near Briggs and Stratton), McGillicuddy's (near Miller Lite Oasis), and Trinity (near the Potawatomi Stage).
Adult vs. Family Fun spectrum is Vegas. While there is a ton for kids to do and see during the day, by 7PM, it is clearly a concert atmosphere with all that goes along with it.

Ratings

Entertainment is on the Beatles Scale from Ringo to John. Ringo is fun, however not terribly engaging and cannot stand alone as single act. George shows glimpses of brilliance, however is relegated as a supporting feature. Paul is excellent, great for singing along and definitely worth the price of admission. John is the greatest ever.

Drink is based on the Beer Scale from Miller Lite to Guinness. Miller Lite is okay in a pinch, but almost anything else would be better. Bud Light is good, ordinary and passable. Lakefront Local Acre is excellent, intriguing, and an excellent surprise. Guinness is classic greatness that stands the test of time.

Food is based on the Sandwich Scale from Bologna on white bread, boring; Ham and Swiss on rye, ordinary; Jimmy Johns delivered, amazing; to Italian combo with sweet and hot peppers, stuff of legend.

Cost will report the costs of admission, beer, and access to discounts.

Bathrooms will be on the Public Bathroom Comparison Scale from State Street BW3, strangely disgusting; McGillicuddy’s, long lines; Trinity, clean and available; and finally, Das Old German Beer Hall, strangely entertaining.

The Family Friendly vs. Adult Fun Spectrum will go from Fantasea Dolphin Show at the Shedd Aquarium, to Disney World, to Vegas, to Stanley Kubrick Movie.