Here's one more sign that summer is coming ...
An email landed in my inbox this morning with a video trailer announcing the headliners for this year's Summerfest.
Watching on my iPhone, I tapped the play button with high anticipation.
There's a lot of recognizable names -- some pretty big, including Sheryl Crow, who we saw there in 2010 -- during the first minute-in-a-half. But I was underwhelmed.
Then The New Pornographers popped up. Whoah.
Toad the Wet Sprocket, too! Yes!
And Mates of State. Boom!
I screamed out loud when that last one flashed on the screen. With some luck I've been fortunate to see all of them once -- The New Pornographers last fall in Omaha, Mates of State in 2011 in Kansas City, and Toad the Wet Sprocket in 1997 in Kansas City on the heels of their Coil album. But the prospect of seeing just one of those three bands -- all of whom are among my all-time favorites -- at Summerfest is enough to make my musical brain explode.
Now I'll be eagerly anticipating the dates of their performances and strategizing about how I can fit them into our summer vacation schedule.
Here's the epic video ...
Showing posts with label Milwaukee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Milwaukee. Show all posts
3.24.2015
7.10.2011
Summer vacation: The leftovers
Tonight we are back home in The ‘Ville and reflecting on what was a most glorious summer vacation.
We trudged out of bed at 6 this morning. Phoebe and I took one more walk through the Third Ward to a parking garage to find our car. A couple business owners, who were already at work, watering their outdoor gardens and setting up for the day, smiled and greeted us along the way. “Well, you’re up early,” one woman said to Phoebe as she walked happily beside me, dangling one of her teddy bears.
We had the car packed by 7, said our goodbyes and then headed for the interstate. As we merged onto the overpass, I took one last look at the skyline to my right. I sighed a happy sigh and said to Kates, “That was a great vacation.” She smiled and answered, “Yes, it was.”
Our journey back to The ’Ville was flawless. Phoebe is a pro now when it comes to long car rides, and we only stopped three times today for what probably amounted to about 20 or 30 minutes. We walked into the house at about 4:15 this afternoon.
It was an interesting and yet weird feeling driving back into town. “It feels so natural now, and yet in other ways it still doesn’t seem right,” I said.
“If only our families were closer,” Kates said.
When we leave places with which we‘ve established a connection, at least for me, it seems there’s always a burning desire to capture all of what makes the place so special. Or return to them to experience some of the things you might not have seen or done the first time around.
We certainly did that the last few days.
With a second floor apartment in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, thanks to Orrin and Kelli, serving as our home base from Wednesday until this morning, we got to feel for five days and four nights as though we were part of the Third Ward community. From our multiple stops for lunch or takeout at the charming public markets, Bella Café or The Irish Pub to the fact that after a couple days we began to recognize familiar faces as we walked the neighborhood.
The sights and sounds of the city life were pure bliss. Not to mention the sounds of Milwaukee city life and the roar of Harleys passing on the streets below. During the evenings as crowds descended on the Third Ward for Summerfest, the neighborhood really came alive.
Here’s some shots from our visits to the public market …
I spent Friday morning soaking it up by myself. I walked the entire Third Ward, marveling at the old architecture and snapping photos at almost every street corner. I also made a point to stop inside the Art Museum to admire its breath-taking architecture and interior one more time. I ended up with a walk along the Lakeshore State Park before circling back past the Summerfest grounds, picking up some Starbucks goodies for Kates and I, and returning to the apartment.
Here are some of my favorites scenes ... For more, check out my Flickr album.
As for Summerfest, I shall call this year “a cleanup year.” I saw artists I'd been wanting to see for a long time, and I'll be OK if I don't see them again.
It’s worth noting that while I was watching America last night, Britney Spears was performing at the adjacent Marcus Amphitheater. Occasionally, we could hear the roar of that crowd. … This video appeared today. Kind of cool.
I’ve also been reminded tonight that next year is the 45th anniversary. And it starts in 352 days.
Here's a full review of Summer Vacation 2011:
aSummer vacation: Day 1
aSummer vacation: Day 3
aSummer vacation: Day 7
aSummer vacation: Day 7; Summerfest: Night 1
aSummer vacation: Day 8
aSummer vacation: Day 9; Summerfest: Night 2
aSummer vacation: Day 10; Summerfest: Night 3
We trudged out of bed at 6 this morning. Phoebe and I took one more walk through the Third Ward to a parking garage to find our car. A couple business owners, who were already at work, watering their outdoor gardens and setting up for the day, smiled and greeted us along the way. “Well, you’re up early,” one woman said to Phoebe as she walked happily beside me, dangling one of her teddy bears.
We had the car packed by 7, said our goodbyes and then headed for the interstate. As we merged onto the overpass, I took one last look at the skyline to my right. I sighed a happy sigh and said to Kates, “That was a great vacation.” She smiled and answered, “Yes, it was.”
Our journey back to The ’Ville was flawless. Phoebe is a pro now when it comes to long car rides, and we only stopped three times today for what probably amounted to about 20 or 30 minutes. We walked into the house at about 4:15 this afternoon.
It was an interesting and yet weird feeling driving back into town. “It feels so natural now, and yet in other ways it still doesn’t seem right,” I said.
“If only our families were closer,” Kates said.
* * *
When we leave places with which we‘ve established a connection, at least for me, it seems there’s always a burning desire to capture all of what makes the place so special. Or return to them to experience some of the things you might not have seen or done the first time around.
 |
| Our view |
With a second floor apartment in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, thanks to Orrin and Kelli, serving as our home base from Wednesday until this morning, we got to feel for five days and four nights as though we were part of the Third Ward community. From our multiple stops for lunch or takeout at the charming public markets, Bella Café or The Irish Pub to the fact that after a couple days we began to recognize familiar faces as we walked the neighborhood.
The sights and sounds of the city life were pure bliss. Not to mention the sounds of Milwaukee city life and the roar of Harleys passing on the streets below. During the evenings as crowds descended on the Third Ward for Summerfest, the neighborhood really came alive.
Here’s some shots from our visits to the public market …
* * *
I spent Friday morning soaking it up by myself. I walked the entire Third Ward, marveling at the old architecture and snapping photos at almost every street corner. I also made a point to stop inside the Art Museum to admire its breath-taking architecture and interior one more time. I ended up with a walk along the Lakeshore State Park before circling back past the Summerfest grounds, picking up some Starbucks goodies for Kates and I, and returning to the apartment.
Here are some of my favorites scenes ... For more, check out my Flickr album.
* * *
As for Summerfest, I shall call this year “a cleanup year.” I saw artists I'd been wanting to see for a long time, and I'll be OK if I don't see them again.
It’s worth noting that while I was watching America last night, Britney Spears was performing at the adjacent Marcus Amphitheater. Occasionally, we could hear the roar of that crowd. … This video appeared today. Kind of cool.
I’ve also been reminded tonight that next year is the 45th anniversary. And it starts in 352 days.
Here's a full review of Summer Vacation 2011:
aSummer vacation: Day 1
aSummer vacation: Day 3
aSummer vacation: Day 7
aSummer vacation: Day 7; Summerfest: Night 1
aSummer vacation: Day 8
aSummer vacation: Day 9; Summerfest: Night 2
aSummer vacation: Day 10; Summerfest: Night 3
Summer vacation: Day 10; Summerfest: Night 3
I’ve said it a lot over the years upon crossing a band or musician from my concert bucket list. And I’m going to say it again: Dreams came true tonight.
After years of trying to catch one of their shows, tonight I saw one of my favorite classic rock bands. None other than America.
After a low-key relaxing day at the apartment with Phoebe, while Kates visited with some friends in suburban Chicago, we ordered another round of takeout from The Irish Pub for dinner. Then at around 8, I walked down to the Summerfest grounds for one more night.
I headed first to the Miller Lite Oasis to see some old friends. But not just any old friends. I went to see the Get Up Kids. I ran high school cross country with two of them and played drums in the high school marching band with another. ... The bottom line is, even though I don't identify well with their music, I've had a good time following them over the years and greatly admire the success they've had. Heck, I remember them handing out their first CD during breaks from classes. When I saw them on the lineup, I decided I had to check them out.
I stuck around for two or three songs and then I headed straight for the classic rock stage to see America and claimed a good spot about 20 rows off the stage.
Playing when I arrived was a cover band called Bad Medicine. Their name would lead you to believe they were a Bon Jovi cover band -- which they mostly were -- but they performed some crowd-pleasers from other rockers of the ‘70s and ‘80s. They gave the crowd a healthy dose of “Rock and Roll” -- sung by a female lead -- and finished off their set with “Play That Funky Music.”
Still, the Bon Jovi stuff easily drew the loudest singing and wildest dancing from the crowd of mostly baby boomers. “Wanted Dead or Alive.” “It's My Life.” “Runaway.” And of course, best of all, “Living On A Prayer.” At times, watching the crowd was more entertaining than watching the band perform.
But for me, the real fun started when America arrived on the stage.
They spun off hit after hit, and filled the middle of their set with a collection of songs from their upcoming “Back Pages
” album of covers. Or “songs they wish they had written.”
Age has hardly slowed these guys down. And if it has, I didn’t see it. Every song sounded better and rocked harder than the one before it. At one point, Gerry Beckley roared into the mic, “These aren't oldies. This is classic rock!”
Capping their main set before returning for a two-song encore, the band ran off three of their biggest hits.
“Lonely People.” With a slightly faster and punchier take that was arguably my favorite song on this night, especially with the harmonica and keyboard jam in the middle.
“Sandman.” With a raucous flare while images of the 1960s flashed on the screen behind them.
And finally, my favorite America song, hands-down, “Sister Golden Hair,” which needed little help to get the crowd singing along.
As a side note, it always amuses me how the crowds at the classic rock stage contrast with those that fill the rest of the Summerfest stage areas. Often, the classic rock crowds are either just unfamiliar with or have no desire to follow the traditions and virtues of the Big Gig. The crowds at other stages are diverse and carefree; the crowds at the classic rock stage can be repressed and unfriendly. They also get cranky if you dare stand for the show, and that was the case again tonight. … It starts a couple songs in with the name-calling and yelling, “Sit down!” Then, if you don’t oblige, you get bottles thrown at you, which happened to me and my buddies at a Steve Winwood show (Has it really been six years!? Reading that post makes me feel aged). … Thankfully, there were no bottles thrown tonight, but we did get yelled at for trying to watch the show standing.
Here’s America’s set list, with a few of my videos linked up.
“Tinman”
“You Can Do Magic”
“Don’t Cross The River”
“Daisy Jane”
“I Need You”
“Ventura Highway”
“Woodstock (Joni Mitchell cover)
“A Road Song” (Fountains of Wayne cover)
(Unknown)
“‘Til I Hear It From You” (Gin Blossoms cover)
“If I could make it to the border”
“Woman Tonight”
“Only In Your Heart”
“California Dreamin’” (Mamas & Papas cover)
“Lonely People”
“Sandman”
“Sister Golden Hair”
Encore
“On the Way Home” (Buffalo Springfield cover)
“Horse With No Name”
As the crowd dispersed after the show, I finally connected with my good friends Laura and Kevin who had come to the show, too. We had tried arranging to watch the show together and had been looking out for each other more than an hour before the show began. But cell phone signals were so overloaded that texting was useless. It wasn't until just before the show began that we spotted each other over the crowd. And they were a lot closer to the stage than I. Like four rows off the stage. Doh.
We strolled through the grounds as we caught up on each other's lives. Eventually, we came to a spot with a direct view of the Harley-Davidson stage, where the Flaming Lips were reaching the coda of their show. And it. was. spectacular. ... I've always sort of wanted to see one of their shows, if only to experience the spectacle, which I had only seen on televised performances prior to tonight ...
I stuck around for several minutes before deciding to call it a night. I tried to take it all in once more as I left the grounds, and I stretched my arms above my head as I exited through the gates, waving a symbolic goodbye.
As I've left Summerfest each year, I've gone never knowing if and when I'd be back. This year, that was especially true.
After years of trying to catch one of their shows, tonight I saw one of my favorite classic rock bands. None other than America.
After a low-key relaxing day at the apartment with Phoebe, while Kates visited with some friends in suburban Chicago, we ordered another round of takeout from The Irish Pub for dinner. Then at around 8, I walked down to the Summerfest grounds for one more night.
I headed first to the Miller Lite Oasis to see some old friends. But not just any old friends. I went to see the Get Up Kids. I ran high school cross country with two of them and played drums in the high school marching band with another. ... The bottom line is, even though I don't identify well with their music, I've had a good time following them over the years and greatly admire the success they've had. Heck, I remember them handing out their first CD during breaks from classes. When I saw them on the lineup, I decided I had to check them out.
* * *
I stuck around for two or three songs and then I headed straight for the classic rock stage to see America and claimed a good spot about 20 rows off the stage.
Playing when I arrived was a cover band called Bad Medicine. Their name would lead you to believe they were a Bon Jovi cover band -- which they mostly were -- but they performed some crowd-pleasers from other rockers of the ‘70s and ‘80s. They gave the crowd a healthy dose of “Rock and Roll” -- sung by a female lead -- and finished off their set with “Play That Funky Music.”
Still, the Bon Jovi stuff easily drew the loudest singing and wildest dancing from the crowd of mostly baby boomers. “Wanted Dead or Alive.” “It's My Life.” “Runaway.” And of course, best of all, “Living On A Prayer.” At times, watching the crowd was more entertaining than watching the band perform.
But for me, the real fun started when America arrived on the stage.
They spun off hit after hit, and filled the middle of their set with a collection of songs from their upcoming “Back Pages
” album of covers. Or “songs they wish they had written.” Age has hardly slowed these guys down. And if it has, I didn’t see it. Every song sounded better and rocked harder than the one before it. At one point, Gerry Beckley roared into the mic, “These aren't oldies. This is classic rock!”
Capping their main set before returning for a two-song encore, the band ran off three of their biggest hits.
“Lonely People.” With a slightly faster and punchier take that was arguably my favorite song on this night, especially with the harmonica and keyboard jam in the middle.
“Sandman.” With a raucous flare while images of the 1960s flashed on the screen behind them.
And finally, my favorite America song, hands-down, “Sister Golden Hair,” which needed little help to get the crowd singing along.
As a side note, it always amuses me how the crowds at the classic rock stage contrast with those that fill the rest of the Summerfest stage areas. Often, the classic rock crowds are either just unfamiliar with or have no desire to follow the traditions and virtues of the Big Gig. The crowds at other stages are diverse and carefree; the crowds at the classic rock stage can be repressed and unfriendly. They also get cranky if you dare stand for the show, and that was the case again tonight. … It starts a couple songs in with the name-calling and yelling, “Sit down!” Then, if you don’t oblige, you get bottles thrown at you, which happened to me and my buddies at a Steve Winwood show (Has it really been six years!? Reading that post makes me feel aged). … Thankfully, there were no bottles thrown tonight, but we did get yelled at for trying to watch the show standing.
Here’s America’s set list, with a few of my videos linked up.
“Tinman”
“You Can Do Magic”
“Don’t Cross The River”
“Daisy Jane”
“I Need You”
“Ventura Highway”
“Woodstock (Joni Mitchell cover)
“A Road Song” (Fountains of Wayne cover)
(Unknown)
“‘Til I Hear It From You” (Gin Blossoms cover)
“If I could make it to the border”
“Woman Tonight”
“Only In Your Heart”
“California Dreamin’” (Mamas & Papas cover)
“Lonely People”
“Sandman”
“Sister Golden Hair”
Encore
“On the Way Home” (Buffalo Springfield cover)
“Horse With No Name”
* * *
As the crowd dispersed after the show, I finally connected with my good friends Laura and Kevin who had come to the show, too. We had tried arranging to watch the show together and had been looking out for each other more than an hour before the show began. But cell phone signals were so overloaded that texting was useless. It wasn't until just before the show began that we spotted each other over the crowd. And they were a lot closer to the stage than I. Like four rows off the stage. Doh.
We strolled through the grounds as we caught up on each other's lives. Eventually, we came to a spot with a direct view of the Harley-Davidson stage, where the Flaming Lips were reaching the coda of their show. And it. was. spectacular. ... I've always sort of wanted to see one of their shows, if only to experience the spectacle, which I had only seen on televised performances prior to tonight ...
I stuck around for several minutes before deciding to call it a night. I tried to take it all in once more as I left the grounds, and I stretched my arms above my head as I exited through the gates, waving a symbolic goodbye.
As I've left Summerfest each year, I've gone never knowing if and when I'd be back. This year, that was especially true.
7.07.2011
Summer vacation: Day 8
No Summerfest tonight. Instead just a low-key, relaxing night at the apartment. ... And this vacation just keeps getting better.
Kates and I just finished watching “Julie & Julia.” ... I went into it with lowered expectations, knowing some reviewers and friends who weren't exactly overwhelmed by it. However, I -- as an obsessed and ambitious blogger myself -- really enjoyed it. The dedication and commitment Julie Powell gave to her cooking and blogging is an inspiration. And yet I totally relate to the angst that comes with it. Kates loves cooking, so there was something in the movie for both of us.
I've admired Amy Adams in everything she's done. And Meryl Streep aced her portrayal of Julia Child.
We started with a short breakfast at one of the public markets and then ventured to the Discovery World Museum, which opened on the banks of Lake Michigan in 2006 -- all of it within a short walk. I’d visited the museum a couple times during my newspaper days and thought it would be fun for Kates and Phoebe, especially, to explore it as well.
Then there's the museum's recreation of the schooner, Challenge. Phoebe climbed around every inch of it again and again, and even served a pretend tea-party in the ship's dining area ...
Kates and I just finished watching “Julie & Julia.” ... I went into it with lowered expectations, knowing some reviewers and friends who weren't exactly overwhelmed by it. However, I -- as an obsessed and ambitious blogger myself -- really enjoyed it. The dedication and commitment Julie Powell gave to her cooking and blogging is an inspiration. And yet I totally relate to the angst that comes with it. Kates loves cooking, so there was something in the movie for both of us.
I've admired Amy Adams in everything she's done. And Meryl Streep aced her portrayal of Julia Child.
* * *
As for the rest of the day ...We started with a short breakfast at one of the public markets and then ventured to the Discovery World Museum, which opened on the banks of Lake Michigan in 2006 -- all of it within a short walk. I’d visited the museum a couple times during my newspaper days and thought it would be fun for Kates and Phoebe, especially, to explore it as well.
It worked out better than I thought. A visit that I hoped might last a couple hours turned into nearly the entire day. The museum is loaded with hands-on exhibits. Phoebe made sure she pressed every button and turned every crank in the maze that makes up the science and technology wing.
I believe, however, a family really gets their money’s worth in the maritime wing, which includes a large scale model of the Great Lakes and surrounding lands. Plus, there are breath-taking aquariums that you can walk over and under. Even better, there’s a pool where visitors are allowed to touch the sting rays and sturgeon that swim by.
Then there's the museum's recreation of the schooner, Challenge. Phoebe climbed around every inch of it again and again, and even served a pretend tea-party in the ship's dining area ...
Summer vacation: Day 7; Summerfest: Night 1
And we walked and we talked
We don't have no time to stop that day
That day was a wonderful day
From the Brewers game this afternoon, we arrived in downtown Milwaukee this evening and settled into our Third Ward digs, compliments of Orrin and Kelli, who are letting us stay at their place through the weekend while they’re away on a vacation of their own.
And that means we are just blocks from the one, the only, the glorious music-lover’s paradise known as Summerfest.
Now, truth be told, I was on the fence about going tonight. We’d had our share of fun at the ballgame, and I would have been content to stay in for the night. The only band on the docket that I was truly interested in seeing was O.A.R., who I’d seen three times already. I had my sights set on taking in the Friday and Saturday shows.
But Kelli and Orrin left behind some extra tickets for us. The opportunity proved too good to pass up. The pull was too strong, and Kates actually ended up encouraging me to go for it.
So after some delicious takeout from The Irish Pub for dinner, I was out the door and walking down the city blocks toward Lake Michigan and the festival park. To say hello to an old friend.
Once through the gates, I was like a dog returning to his home. I nearly cried tears of utter joy and happiness. The sights of bands playing passionately on stages, surrounded by the Milwaukee cityscape on one side and Lake Michigan on the other, and crowds of people, young and old, fully enjoying themselves, soaking up the summer. The smells of grilled food, beer and other illegal substances. And the sounds of music, causing a vibration to run through your body like electricity. The atmosphere cannot be measured against anything else I’ve experienced, and it’s why I love going back year after year.
I began walking through the grounds and heard a spot-on cover of Bob Seger‘s “Night Moves” as I scouted out the new setup and stage at the Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard. And I checked out the new south entrance outside the Marcus Amphitheater, which doesn’t look a shade like it used to. The iconic giant instruments have been moved to the new entrance, and the string of lights combined with the painted fences give off a cool vibe.
Eventually I stopped at the classic rock stage to hear some of Peter Frampton’s set. I wouldn’t call myself a Frampton fan, and the way a certain Chicago station played “Show Me The Way” over and over used to drive me crazy. But I was intrigued by the fact that he’s playing his “Frampton Comes Alive
” album from beginning to end during his tour this summer, so I decided to take in a little up his show. … As photos of his heyday flashed on a screen behind him, I was pleasantly surprised by the music, but it wasn’t enough to keep me around for more than two or three songs. 
A little after 9, I headed over to the Miller Lite Oasis to find a spot for the O.A.R. show. Arriving so late, I knew I didn’t have a chance of getting as close to the stage as I usually might. Again, I’d been there, done that, and I had made up my mind that tonight I was purely enjoying the atmosphere. I eventually found a spot on the second to last bench in the front section between the stage and the sound booth. Still not a bad spot.
Every stage seems to have its own playlist blaring on the sound system between bands, and tonight the Miller Lite stage was playing The Monkees. I got chills as the young crowd belted out the chorus of “I’m a Believer.”
At 10, O.A.R. took the stage. And the ride didn’t let up until they stepped off for good.
The guys played a lot of new songs and stuff I wasn’t familiar with. But it didn’t matter. They were kicking off their summer tour in Milwaukee tonight, and it showed. Every song sounded fresh and full of energy. Jerry Depizzo delivered some absolutely fantastic saxophone solos, and Richard On reaffirmed my suspicion that he may be one of the most entertaining lead guitarists playing today. Depizzo also was joined tonight by a trumpeter and a trombonist.
“This Town” was upbeat and it rocked the crowd the way I thought it should have when I last saw O.A.R. and the “All Sides” album
was just out. “Delicate Few” proved to be an early crowd favorite as well.“Lay Down,” one of my personal favorites, opened with the twinkling guitar solo featuring On and a sweet brass jam at the front and center of the stage. They followed it with a new song, “Heaven,” that featured a hip-hop heavy beat -- but I really liked it.
And then “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.” The excitement crowds show for this song never ceases to amaze me. I think lead singer Marc Roberge barely sang because the crowd carried the vocals so well. … I just don't get what makes the song so likable. Then again, I’m not a poker player.
The boys started to wind down -- actually wind up seems to be the more appropriate phrase -- with another one of my personal faves, “52-50,” featuring Depizzo on another grand sax solo. They followed it with “Night Shift” and then the rocking “About An Hour Ago,” with their splendid piano and sax solos.
That send them off the stage, around 11:45, for the standard break between the main set and the encore. … After a couple minutes, the band returned to play “Shattered,” which the crowd really dug into.
And finally, saving their best for last, “Hey Girl.” It was a knock-your-ears-out finale.
To the point, I’d been disappointed with my previous OAR-at-Summerfest experiences, but this one was different. Maybe it was that I’d lowered my expectations. Maybe it was my totally relaxed, vacation state of mind. Maybe it was that I was just that happy to be back at Summerfest. … Tonight's was a great show, and I had a great time. But mark my words, this was probably my last concert rendezvous with OAR -- unless they appear on a ticket that I would not pass up in a million years, which I don’t forsee happening.
It sure was good to be back at Summerfest.
And my ankles are killing me from standing and rocking on the benches. Another reason to love Summerfest.
10.22.2010
Lady Antebellum makes amends with gas station concert
I caught this one about Lady Antebellum on my TweetDeck this morning.
My first thought was Dang. It would have been sweet to be a part of that.
My second thought was Only in Wisconsin.
Sounds like they put on a great show at the Riverside last night, too. ... Reading reviews like that have me kicking myself for passing on my opportunity to see them at Summerfest a couple years ago.
My first thought was Dang. It would have been sweet to be a part of that.
My second thought was Only in Wisconsin.
Sounds like they put on a great show at the Riverside last night, too. ... Reading reviews like that have me kicking myself for passing on my opportunity to see them at Summerfest a couple years ago.
6.25.2010
If it makes me happy
And you thought my Summerfest days were over!?
I’ve said it again and again about my concert experiences … And I’m saying it again again. Dreams came true last night …
We saw Sheryl Crow. Live. At Summerfest.
So worth it. The woman can rock.
A while back, in the midst of my summer concert mourning, I bargained with Kates for a Summerfest date as a last hurrah before we left K-Town for good. I conceded that I’d already seen Guster, OAR and Counting Crows multiple times -- as much as it pained me to give up a chance to see them again -- but reasoned, of all our options, if I had to pick one show, Sheryl Crow was the one I didn’t want to miss.
We stuck to the plan. Left Phoebe with the grandparents. And made the summer evening trek up I-94 once more to the World’s Largest Music Festival. … Walking on the grounds again felt like reuniting with an old friend. After these six long months and the chaotic weekend ahead of us, it was the ultimate escape.
With Ms. Crow scheduled for the Miller Lite Oasis, we headed there first and grabbed our food. Kates a white mocha and I a fresh made-to-order burger from Rupena’s, along with some chips and guacamole from La Perla, and -- of course -- my bucket of Mountain Dew from one of the manned barrels throughout the grounds.
By the time we began our search for seats around 7, Lynhurst was wrapping its set, and with three hours to go, there were surprisingly great spots available for Sheryl Crow. Kates and I slipped onto a bench in the seventh row, just right of center stage.
Around 8, the benches still weren’t filling, and I was itching to catch a glimpse of Colbie Caillat who had just begun performing two stages down at the Briggs & Stratton Backyard … “Go!” Kates said finally, and I was off before anyone could say “Bubbly.”
I sifted through the crowds and arrived at the packed Briggs & Stratton Backyard … I continued sifting and found an opening on a picnic table. I stepped onto the table and came up with a clear view of Colbie strutting across the stage in a sparkling silver dress.
She had just finished a song and told a story of her bout with stage fright early in her career. Then she went into “Fearless,” one of my favorites from her latest album
.
The song sounded even more lovely live, and it was all I needed to hear. Having heard one full song and feeling satisfied, I jumped off the table and walked back to the Oasis.
I soaked up the Summerfest scenes along the way … At the Harley-Davidson stage, The Tempters were revving up a crowd with “Get Ready” and twirling in white suits.
I strolled past the Milwaukee Bucks draft party at the SportsZone just as Cole Aldrich‘s name was being announced. I saw the kid who’s always doing tricks and juggling on a unicycle. And the grills were fired up with mouth-watering food.
Back at the Oasis, Kates and I still had plenty of breathing room around us, and Tyrone Wells had taken the stage … The guy was good, and Kates and I took a liking to his folk-pop sound. A highlight of his set was a covers medley of Train’s “Soul Sister,” Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved” and Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” (I'm not a fan of Leona's version, but Wells' toned-down version made it worth listening to.)
As the clock struck 9, Orrin and Kelli joined us for the show … Soon after that, the fireworks started popping over the lake behind us. A June night in Milwaukee at its finest …
Then, around 10, the stage went dark, and the silhouettes of her band members started appearing on the stage. And finally, Sheryl Crow appeared wearing a pink top, black pants and a gobs of huge rings on her fingers.
I’ve admired Sheryl Crow since she hit the radio waves and I was hitting high school in 1994. Her “Tuesday Night Music Club
” album was one of the first CDs I bought, and “Leaving Las Vegas” and “All I Wanna Do” still rank among my all-time favorite songs; the album is arguably the best of her long career … Then you start thinking of all the other things she’s done -- touring with Michael Jackson and accompanying a ton of other musical legends, acting, beating breast cancer, nearly becoming Mrs. Lance Armstrong. The woman is a pop music legend in her own right.
She opened her set with “Hole In My Pocket” and gave us a taste of what we were in for with a loud, rocking “Everyday Is A Winding Road.” … Another Crow song I always relish is the pounding “Can’t Cry Anymore,” and her live version delivered, which she weaved with a verse of “I Can See Clearly Now” (just like this). She also interjected a bit about flying into Milwaukee the night before, saying “That was a hell of a storm you guys had here.” I knew; I was flying to Milwaukee Wednesday night, too.
Here's a snippet of Crow doing "Everyday Is A Winding Road" ... As usual, the video does it no justice. The loud music is too overpowering for my little camera.
The band, which included a pair of background vocalists, was tight. The guitars were roaring. With Crow on the organ for a few songs, they went off for a jam on nearly every other song.
But the first half of the show also had a distinct mellow vibe to it, which, in a way suited the older crowd well. Several songs carried a slight country twang.
Crow really mellowed things midway through with a series of slower tracks, starting with “The First Cut Is the Deepest” -- even while two beach balls bobbed around the crowd. On “Strong Enough” she strummed her guitar and endeared the crowd, rambling “… I want a man who has a job … I don’t care if he makes more money than me …”
As she strummed the opening of “Picture,” Crow teased the crowd by saying, “I’d like to bring Kid Rock out …” She paused, and the crowd cheered, before she added, “I really would but he’s probably in a bar drinking somewhere.” … Instead we were treated to her bassist singing Kid Rock’s portion on the last half of the song, skillfully doing his part on the wailing lyric “I was off to drink you away!”
The band showed more life as Crow uncovered the Terrence Trent D’Arby song "Sign Your Name." Each of the band members went solo for a few bars, including the drummer who was sweating like a hog and drawing louder cheers as the night went on with a few terrific solos.
Then, the band amped the energy level way up … They belted out “All I Wanna Do” and a high-energy, crowd-singing “If It Makes You Happy” that was arguably my favorite song of the night … I recognized the opening whine of “Soak Up The Sun” immediately and shot my arms in the air, excited for another sing-along … Crow ended her opening set with “Steve McQueen,” a song I’ve never admired, but the band’s all-out energy on it, along with another extended jam, had me changing my mind. I can’t get the song out of my head this morning.
After the band did their customary leave-the-stage-let-the-crowd-cheer-and-return bit, Crow did a great-sounding take on “A Change Would Do You Good” -- an appropriate song for the weekend.
And then the stellar finale. Bolstered by the last few songs of Crow’s opening set, the energy level shot higher with every song … When the drummer started tapping out the opening beats of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock n’ Roll,” Orrin and I looked at each other and hollered. We knew exactly what was coming and so did most of the crowd. “It's been a long time since I rock and roooooooolled!” … The band delivered a screaming good version of the song, capped with a drum solo that would not end. (It’s been added to the list ... There's footage of a much earlier version here.)
The last note played out. The crowd cheered. The band gathered at center stage and took their bows.
This morning I’m dealing with a Summerfest hangover, though alcohol intake has nothing to do with it. The symptoms are ringing ears, the slight headache, the remnants of secondhand smoke in my throat, a hoarse voice and the memories of a fantastic night.
So worth it.
Here’s Sheryl Crow’s set list …
1. Hole in my Pocket
2. Everyday Is A Winding Road
3. Can’t Cry Anymore
4. 100 Miles to Memphis (new song)
5. My Favorite Mistake
6. The First Cut is the Deepest
7. Summer Day (new song)
8. Home
9. Strong Enough
10. Picture
11. Sign Your Name (Terrence Trent D’Arby cover)
12. All I Wanna Do
13. If It Makes You Happy
14. Soak Up the Sun
15. Steve McQueen
Encore
16. A Change Would Do You Good
17. Rock n’ Roll (Led Zeppelin cover)
Also see: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's comprehensive Summerfest guide.
I’ve said it again and again about my concert experiences … And I’m saying it again again. Dreams came true last night …
We saw Sheryl Crow. Live. At Summerfest.
So worth it. The woman can rock.
A while back, in the midst of my summer concert mourning, I bargained with Kates for a Summerfest date as a last hurrah before we left K-Town for good. I conceded that I’d already seen Guster, OAR and Counting Crows multiple times -- as much as it pained me to give up a chance to see them again -- but reasoned, of all our options, if I had to pick one show, Sheryl Crow was the one I didn’t want to miss.
We stuck to the plan. Left Phoebe with the grandparents. And made the summer evening trek up I-94 once more to the World’s Largest Music Festival. … Walking on the grounds again felt like reuniting with an old friend. After these six long months and the chaotic weekend ahead of us, it was the ultimate escape.
With Ms. Crow scheduled for the Miller Lite Oasis, we headed there first and grabbed our food. Kates a white mocha and I a fresh made-to-order burger from Rupena’s, along with some chips and guacamole from La Perla, and -- of course -- my bucket of Mountain Dew from one of the manned barrels throughout the grounds.
By the time we began our search for seats around 7, Lynhurst was wrapping its set, and with three hours to go, there were surprisingly great spots available for Sheryl Crow. Kates and I slipped onto a bench in the seventh row, just right of center stage.
Around 8, the benches still weren’t filling, and I was itching to catch a glimpse of Colbie Caillat who had just begun performing two stages down at the Briggs & Stratton Backyard … “Go!” Kates said finally, and I was off before anyone could say “Bubbly.”
I sifted through the crowds and arrived at the packed Briggs & Stratton Backyard … I continued sifting and found an opening on a picnic table. I stepped onto the table and came up with a clear view of Colbie strutting across the stage in a sparkling silver dress.
She had just finished a song and told a story of her bout with stage fright early in her career. Then she went into “Fearless,” one of my favorites from her latest album
. The song sounded even more lovely live, and it was all I needed to hear. Having heard one full song and feeling satisfied, I jumped off the table and walked back to the Oasis.
I soaked up the Summerfest scenes along the way … At the Harley-Davidson stage, The Tempters were revving up a crowd with “Get Ready” and twirling in white suits.
I strolled past the Milwaukee Bucks draft party at the SportsZone just as Cole Aldrich‘s name was being announced. I saw the kid who’s always doing tricks and juggling on a unicycle. And the grills were fired up with mouth-watering food.
Back at the Oasis, Kates and I still had plenty of breathing room around us, and Tyrone Wells had taken the stage … The guy was good, and Kates and I took a liking to his folk-pop sound. A highlight of his set was a covers medley of Train’s “Soul Sister,” Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved” and Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” (I'm not a fan of Leona's version, but Wells' toned-down version made it worth listening to.)
As the clock struck 9, Orrin and Kelli joined us for the show … Soon after that, the fireworks started popping over the lake behind us. A June night in Milwaukee at its finest …
Then, around 10, the stage went dark, and the silhouettes of her band members started appearing on the stage. And finally, Sheryl Crow appeared wearing a pink top, black pants and a gobs of huge rings on her fingers.
I’ve admired Sheryl Crow since she hit the radio waves and I was hitting high school in 1994. Her “Tuesday Night Music Club
” album was one of the first CDs I bought, and “Leaving Las Vegas” and “All I Wanna Do” still rank among my all-time favorite songs; the album is arguably the best of her long career … Then you start thinking of all the other things she’s done -- touring with Michael Jackson and accompanying a ton of other musical legends, acting, beating breast cancer, nearly becoming Mrs. Lance Armstrong. The woman is a pop music legend in her own right. She opened her set with “Hole In My Pocket” and gave us a taste of what we were in for with a loud, rocking “Everyday Is A Winding Road.” … Another Crow song I always relish is the pounding “Can’t Cry Anymore,” and her live version delivered, which she weaved with a verse of “I Can See Clearly Now” (just like this). She also interjected a bit about flying into Milwaukee the night before, saying “That was a hell of a storm you guys had here.” I knew; I was flying to Milwaukee Wednesday night, too.
Here's a snippet of Crow doing "Everyday Is A Winding Road" ... As usual, the video does it no justice. The loud music is too overpowering for my little camera.
The band, which included a pair of background vocalists, was tight. The guitars were roaring. With Crow on the organ for a few songs, they went off for a jam on nearly every other song.
But the first half of the show also had a distinct mellow vibe to it, which, in a way suited the older crowd well. Several songs carried a slight country twang.
Crow really mellowed things midway through with a series of slower tracks, starting with “The First Cut Is the Deepest” -- even while two beach balls bobbed around the crowd. On “Strong Enough” she strummed her guitar and endeared the crowd, rambling “… I want a man who has a job … I don’t care if he makes more money than me …”
As she strummed the opening of “Picture,” Crow teased the crowd by saying, “I’d like to bring Kid Rock out …” She paused, and the crowd cheered, before she added, “I really would but he’s probably in a bar drinking somewhere.” … Instead we were treated to her bassist singing Kid Rock’s portion on the last half of the song, skillfully doing his part on the wailing lyric “I was off to drink you away!”
The band showed more life as Crow uncovered the Terrence Trent D’Arby song "Sign Your Name." Each of the band members went solo for a few bars, including the drummer who was sweating like a hog and drawing louder cheers as the night went on with a few terrific solos.
Then, the band amped the energy level way up … They belted out “All I Wanna Do” and a high-energy, crowd-singing “If It Makes You Happy” that was arguably my favorite song of the night … I recognized the opening whine of “Soak Up The Sun” immediately and shot my arms in the air, excited for another sing-along … Crow ended her opening set with “Steve McQueen,” a song I’ve never admired, but the band’s all-out energy on it, along with another extended jam, had me changing my mind. I can’t get the song out of my head this morning.
After the band did their customary leave-the-stage-let-the-crowd-cheer-and-return bit, Crow did a great-sounding take on “A Change Would Do You Good” -- an appropriate song for the weekend.
And then the stellar finale. Bolstered by the last few songs of Crow’s opening set, the energy level shot higher with every song … When the drummer started tapping out the opening beats of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock n’ Roll,” Orrin and I looked at each other and hollered. We knew exactly what was coming and so did most of the crowd. “It's been a long time since I rock and roooooooolled!” … The band delivered a screaming good version of the song, capped with a drum solo that would not end. (It’s been added to the list ... There's footage of a much earlier version here.)
The last note played out. The crowd cheered. The band gathered at center stage and took their bows.
This morning I’m dealing with a Summerfest hangover, though alcohol intake has nothing to do with it. The symptoms are ringing ears, the slight headache, the remnants of secondhand smoke in my throat, a hoarse voice and the memories of a fantastic night.
So worth it.
Here’s Sheryl Crow’s set list …
1. Hole in my Pocket
2. Everyday Is A Winding Road
3. Can’t Cry Anymore
4. 100 Miles to Memphis (new song)
5. My Favorite Mistake
6. The First Cut is the Deepest
7. Summer Day (new song)
8. Home
9. Strong Enough
10. Picture
11. Sign Your Name (Terrence Trent D’Arby cover)
12. All I Wanna Do
13. If It Makes You Happy
14. Soak Up the Sun
15. Steve McQueen
Encore
16. A Change Would Do You Good
17. Rock n’ Roll (Led Zeppelin cover)
Also see: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's comprehensive Summerfest guide.
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