Brew City Sludge - July 2008
by Lane Klozier
Klozier here.
Ah, the festival season is upon us. Time for walking around barricaded streets packed with people who are wearing all the wrong things while enjoying a cold hot dog and a hot beer.
Actually; I jest. Milwaukee is probably the greatest summer festival scene on the planet. At the present time we have already enjoyed many great ones such as Locust Street, Riversplash and the grandaddy of ‘em all Summerfest. More to come.
Bastille Days: Held July, 10-13 this is a major deal. Clustered around downtown’s Cathedral Square, will be tent after tent of food, art and various fun vendors. Things start off with the annual Storm the Bastille Bike Race on Thursday evening. The feel is most definitely French with the bikes zooming amid the wafting aroma of crepes. Music will include performances by Random Maxx, Robin Pluer, Paul Cebar and a special reunion show by Those X-Cleavers.
Irish Fest: Held August 11- 15, this is one of the world’s largest celebrations of Celtic Culture. Plenty of stout and other shades of dark brown will help you enjoy many a jig. Most of the chicks will be wearing those funky, long traditional skirts, but, three’s nothing quite as appealing as a red headed lass with a twinkle in her eye and plenty of beer on her breath. Musical performances include Gaelic Storm, Bodega, Seven Nations, Jenna Reid, Monto and many others.
Festa Italiana: Held July 17-20. This may not be the most sought after destination for music fans, but it is a refreshing breather for a night of pure food based entertainment. Italian food has been bastardized in this country and nobody does it better than Milwaukee. Where else can you get everything from a canoli to a plate of lasagna served to you in a paper cup through the window of a converted camper by Huber Law inmates for four straight nights.Music by Deana Martin, Danceworks and twelve year old singing sensation Julian Sage Miyata.
It’s back! The Bay View Bash has been brought back from the dead thanks to the keepers of the Bay view faith. The event will take place Saturday, September 13 on the infamous KK Ave. in downtown Bay View. The festival had been shelved but people from as far away as St Francis threatened a mass revolt if festivities would cease to exist. The acts have not as yet been listed, but I assure you that this is one of the best parties of the year.
So, if you are at these, or any of the other Summer festivals yet to come, look for me. I will be the guy in the Packer half-shirt, flip-flops and matching Bucky Badger sun visor.
Remember: All the world is a stage…and you are my fuk’n roadies.
