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TMJ4 Staff
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You
 WHAT YOU THINKTell us your favorite Summerfest stories from past years. Email us at whatyouthink@todaystmj4.com and we'll read them on air throughout the Big Gig.
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 SEND US YOUR YOUNEWS FROM SUMMERFEST 2007
Submit photos and videos from this year's Summerfest to YouNewsTV and they could end up on air. (Remember, no copyrighted music, sorry)
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 BO BLACKFormer Summerfest director Bo Black is still on many minds this 40th anniversary. She's in Scottsdale, Ariz., recovering from a stroke earlier this year.
We've made it possible for you to send Bo a message. Stop by The Journal Communications booth and sign our huge get well card.
We'll make sure she gets it.
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DAY 8: THURSDAY, JULY 5
Fans might be surprised to find "Speech," the lead singer for Arrested Development, serving up corn on the Summerfest grounds. But they shouldn't be.
His father operates Robbie's Corn roast. Speech worked at the stand Thursday, the day after Arrested Development performed at the World's Largest Music Festival.
His father operates Robbie's Corn roast. Speech worked at the stand Thursday, the day after Arrested Development performed at the World's Largest Music Festival.
"It's literally since I've been 8 years old I've been coming down to Summerfest and watching my dad roast corn," he told TODAY'S TMJ4.
Musical headliners:
Marcus Amphitheater – Bon Jovi
Miller Lite Oasis – Rusted Root
U.S. Cellular Connection Stage – Spoon
M&I Bank Classic Rock Stage – B.B. King
Brigg & Stratton Big Backyard – Bob Weir & RatDog
Marcus Amphitheater – Bon Jovi
Miller Lite Oasis – Rusted Root
U.S. Cellular Connection Stage – Spoon
M&I Bank Classic Rock Stage – B.B. King
Brigg & Stratton Big Backyard – Bob Weir & RatDog
Willy Porter is a Mequon native who has performed at Summerfest 15 times, but says each show is unique.
"Every year is a different performance for me, and it presents some unique situations, so it’s fun to get to come back,” Porter said.
He describes his music as a mixture of folk, jazz and rock 'n' roll, but also added that much of the show is improvised.
Porter has very loyal fans. Jamie Jorgensen drove all the way from Iowa City to see the show.
Jorgensen said he loves Porter's "great song writing, unbelievable musician-ship. Very sincere and very funny.”
Matt and Deb Peplinski haven't seen Porter perform before. "Our boys like to listen to him and that’s why I wanted to come see it. It’s awesome so far,” Deb Peplinski said.
Watch Heather Shannon report on Willie Porter
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Thursday, July 5, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 7
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 51
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 4
Disorderly Conduct: 2
Resisting/Obstructing: 9
Other charges: 1
Warrants: 1
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 66
Of those arrested:
Milwaukee County Residents: 5
Non-residents arrested: 61
Last year there were 46 people arrested in total on day eight.
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 51
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 4
Disorderly Conduct: 2
Resisting/Obstructing: 9
Other charges: 1
Warrants: 1
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 66
Of those arrested:
Milwaukee County Residents: 5
Non-residents arrested: 61
Last year there were 46 people arrested in total on day eight.
TOTAL CHARGES: 75
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
Fresh off the success of this summer's hit single "Hey There Delilah," the Plain White T's took the stage at Summerfest.
They spoke with TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Lauren Leamanczyk about the show and Milwaukee.
The five band members grew up in suburban Chicago. They say Milwaukee fans always turn out to support them, and it's close enough for hometown fans to catch their shows.
"We've always played the Eagles Ballroom and we've come to Milwaukee to see other shows. It's like our back yard," said band member Mike Retondo.
"We've always played the Eagles Ballroom and we've come to Milwaukee to see other shows. It's like our back yard," said band member Mike Retondo.
As for their hit single, no one believed after 10 years together, "Hey There Delilah" would be their big hit.
Lead singer Tom Higginson wrote the song four years ago for a girl he met. "A friend introduced us, and I thought she was just beautiful," he said. The two never dated.
Now the band wonders how the real Delilah feels about the song. "She's loving and hating it probably," adds band member Dave Tirio.
Lead singer Tom Higginson wrote the song four years ago for a girl he met. "A friend introduced us, and I thought she was just beautiful," he said. The two never dated.
Now the band wonders how the real Delilah feels about the song. "She's loving and hating it probably," adds band member Dave Tirio.
While the T's never get tired of hearing their big hit, they hope the Summerfest gig opens fans' eyes to some of their other music.
Musical headliners:
Tool – Marcus Amphitheater
Black Crowes – Miller Lite Oasis
Los Lonely Boys – Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Asia (or as they say “All Four Original Members of Asia”) – M & I Bank Classic Rock Stage
Arrested Development – Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
A recent study shows July is the worst month for underage drinking, especially in Wisconsin. Some teens say it's not that hard to get their hands on alcohol.
"I can tell you from being in high school, there's a lot of parties that go on, there's a lot of kids that will have parties," 17-year-old Niko Kaebisch said.
"How do teenagers even get alcohol?" TODAYS TMJ4 reporter Melissa McCrady asked.
"How do teenagers even get alcohol?" TODAYS TMJ4 reporter Melissa McCrady asked.
"A lot of kids know older kids, or parents will actually supply it," he replied.
Kaebisch claims teens can even get beer at Summerfest, but beer vendors strongly disagree. "Bingo" from Major Goolsby's claims kids have many tricks they use to try getting alcohol, but rarely do they actually get their hands on a beer.
Kaebisch claims teens can even get beer at Summerfest, but beer vendors strongly disagree. "Bingo" from Major Goolsby's claims kids have many tricks they use to try getting alcohol, but rarely do they actually get their hands on a beer.
"We definitely have our work cut out," Bingo said.
Vendors use booklets to help them determine a fake ID. They tell all teens planning to drink underage at Summerfest, "don't try it"
Vendors use booklets to help them determine a fake ID. They tell all teens planning to drink underage at Summerfest, "don't try it"
Summerfest security also works hard making sure teens don't drink. Staff members walk around the Summerfest grounds looking for underage drinkers.
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Wednesday, July 4, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 10
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 29
Battery: 1
Disorderly Conduct: 7
Resisting/Obstructing: 3
Other charges: 1
Warrants: 2
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 48
Of that total:
Milwaukee County Residents Arrested: 18
Non-residents Arrested: 30
Last year there were 47 people arrested in total on day seven.
TOTAL CHARGES: 53
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 6: TUESDAY, JULY 3
Rain was the rule Tuesday night at Summerfest, but that didn't keep music fans from flocking to the Big Gig. Some fans got soaked, but people going to see Randy Travis got to stay dry under the covered stage.
Musical headliners:
Marcus Amphitheater – John Mayer (with Ben Folds & Brett Dannen)
Miller Lite Oasis – Buddy Guy
Potawatomi Bingo Casino – Randy Travis
M&I Bank Classic Rock Stage – Weird Al Yankovic
Harley Davidson Roadhouse – Lewis Black
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Tuesday, July 3, 2007:
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Tuesday, July 3, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 10
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 14
Disorderly Conduct: 8
Resisting/Obstructing: 2
Other charges: 1
Warrants: 2
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 30
Last year there were 40 people arrested in total on day six.
Last year there were 40 people arrested in total on day six.
TOTAL CHARGES: 37
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 5: MONDAY, JULY 2
It was a family-fun day at Summerfest as the TODAY’S TMJ4 sponsored Children’s Fest.
The gates opened a little early and there was plenty for families to enjoy with music and performances geared toward a younger crowd.
And free admission until 3 p.m. also helped.
TODAY’S TMJ4 reporters and anchors met with fans young and old, signing autographs and sharing a few laughs.
"Nice to get in free,” said one mom. “Nice to have stuff for kids. Otherwise you don't always want to bring them down."
From tattoos to stamps, kids had a chance to get all kinds of TMJ4 body art. Many people took the chance to meet their favorite TMJ4 personalities.
Raanna Cobbs, 11, just wanted to meet anchor Shelley Walcott.
"This is a great time, the kids are cute, weather is great,” said TODAY’S TMJ4 anchor Carle Meekins. “I don't wanna go back to work."
Anchor Mike Jacobs said it was a good chance to meet people, say hi and sign a few autographs.
Kids also got a map for a scavenger hunt across the grounds. Raanna takes the hunt very seriously.
"We get free prizes at the end of the scavenger hunt," she said.
Everyone who completed the scavenger hunt got entered into a raffle for the grand prize. Michael Norwood of Milwaukee won that prize, a family ticket package to Milwaukee events like Summerfest, Brewers games and Bucks games.
The focus on families at Summerfest Monday included bicycle safety
Workers from the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin were one hand to help families fit their children’s' helmets. Parents could also buy helmets ranging from toddlers to youth for only 10 bucks.
Summerfest is known for a variety of musical acts. In fact, one group that played Monday isn't even an actual band. Tthey just like to jam together.
To hear the group Battle of Jammers play on the Harley Davidson stage, you'd think they've been together for years. The truth is, some of them just met that day.
"The concept is to get a group of musicians together and bring in the concept of music on the spot," said Jammin’ Jimmy, lead guitarist.
They all have regular day jobs here in Milwaukee but like to sing the blues by night.
"This is the time to all get together and show ourselves off to the public here and have a good time," said Penny Dunne, singer.
And fans like little Ella were loving it! "She's a dancer!” said Amy Woida, Ella's mom. “At Polish Fest she had a polka!"
"I just came by. I heard the music and stopped,” said Sharon Reinelt. “Something new, something local."
And by the sounds of things, these jammers will likely meet up again.
"Milwaukee is great, and Summerfest is the best exposure you can get," said Charlie Edwards, saxophonist.
To hear the group Battle of Jammers play on the Harley Davidson stage, you'd think they've been together for years. The truth is, some of them just met that day.
"The concept is to get a group of musicians together and bring in the concept of music on the spot," said Jammin’ Jimmy, lead guitarist.
They all have regular day jobs here in Milwaukee but like to sing the blues by night.
"This is the time to all get together and show ourselves off to the public here and have a good time," said Penny Dunne, singer.
And fans like little Ella were loving it! "She's a dancer!” said Amy Woida, Ella's mom. “At Polish Fest she had a polka!"
"I just came by. I heard the music and stopped,” said Sharon Reinelt. “Something new, something local."
And by the sounds of things, these jammers will likely meet up again.
"Milwaukee is great, and Summerfest is the best exposure you can get," said Charlie Edwards, saxophonist.
Musical headliners:
Marcus Amphitheater – Roger Waters
Miller Lite Oasis – Heart
Harley-Davidson Roadhouse – Ne-Yo
Potawatomi Bingo Casino – Clay Walker
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Monday, July 2, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 27
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 16
Disorderly Conduct: 3
Battery: 2
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 1
Other charges: 3
Warrants: 1
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 42
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 16
Non residents arrested: 26
Last year there were 36 people arrested in total on day five.
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 16
Disorderly Conduct: 3
Battery: 2
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 1
Other charges: 3
Warrants: 1
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 42
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 16
Non residents arrested: 26
Last year there were 36 people arrested in total on day five.
TOTAL CHARGES: 54
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 4: SUNDAY, JULY 1
Rapper Ludacris took the stage late Sunday night.
Some people were worried his explicit lyrics would cause trouble, but they didn't. Ludacris put on a G-rated show and even talked about stopping the violence in Milwaukee.
Sonia Conipal was one of many parents who brought her kids to the concert. She said she doesn't think Ludacris' words are violent and sexist. "I think you just take it the way it is. It's just fun entertainment," Conipal explained.
She said her daughters listen to Ludacris, but they don't emulate him. "It's for me to tell them what's appropriate and what's not appropriate and how they should view life, not a rapper."
Ludacris' younger fans, like Brendan Winters, agree. "He does have some aggressive lyrics, but if you don't really take them to the head, then you're not going to do what he says to do."
Ludacris has sold millions of records and has three Grammys.
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Sunday, July 1, 2007:
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Saturday, June 30, 2007:
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Sunday, July 1, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 1
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 14
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 2
Disorderly Conduct: 6
Battery: 2
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 3
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 30
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 18
Non residents arrested: 12
Last year there were 28 people arrested in total on day six.-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 3: SATURDAY, JUNE 30
More music filled the air Saturday night. Thousands showed up to see the Goo Goo Dolls perform at the Miller Oasis.
Some fans got a real treat when the band Mae - who opened for The Fray - held an impromptu autograph session before their show.
Music fans were excited for the unexpected surprise. "I'm a big fan of music and musicians, and just to meet them, say hi, tell them I really enjoy their music and really enjoy their work," Kristof Katzbeck explained. "I know that bands don't get enough of that sometimes."
Meanwhile some youngsters got the chance to attend Grammy University. It's a way for kids who are interested in the music business to talk with those actually in the biz.
The meet-and-greet was put on by the Grammy Foundation. The panel of experts talked with a few dozen kids who just graduated high school.
Peter Strand of the Grammy Foundation said the students got to meet people who are actually working in the business. "They can talk to them, find out what it's like, how we got into it, what do you do, what's your day like."
"There's a lot of experts, so any advice or anything that any of those people on that panel could give me would definitely help me out in my future," said Dominique Bellamy, who hopes to manage artists someday.
Grammy University is run by the same people who put on the Grammys every year.
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Saturday, June 30, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 1
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 14
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 2
Disorderly Conduct: 6
Battery: 2
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 3
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 28
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 12
Non residents arrested: 16
Last year there were 33 people arrested in total on day three.
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 14
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 2
Disorderly Conduct: 6
Battery: 2
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 3
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 28
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 12
Non residents arrested: 16
Last year there were 33 people arrested in total on day three.
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 2: FRIDAY, JUNE 29
Headliner Def Leppard rocked the crowd on day two of Summerfest. It's the show thousands were waiting for.
"Def Leppard, you can't get any better than that!" fan Jenny Daniels shouted.
TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Melissa McCrady talked one-on-one with band members Joe Elliott and Phil Collen. They thought back to the last time they performed at Summerfest 11 years ago.
"Do you even remember it that much?" McCrady asked.
"I remember it because there were so many people," Elliott, the lead vocalist, replied.
Def Leppard showed a bit of their serious side and a lot of their not-so-serious side.
"Do you like when women throw lingerie at you?" McCrady asked.
"Of course. I give it to my wife," Elliott joked.
"It's pretty funky actually, and you kind of have to step around it," guitarist Phil Collen said.
Def Leppard say they love performing in Milwaukee. All the years they've been on tour, they have always made a stop in our city. They're even talking about returning to Summerfest for its 41st anniversary.
TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Ty Milburn talked to some diehard fans waiting to see their favorite bands perform.
One woman waited at the Harley Davidson Roadhouse for over 10 hours to see Sugarland. The woman arrived as soon as the Summerfest gates opened and brought duct tape and blankets to secure her third row seats.
"It's free, and I think financially I could never afford to buy front row seats to see people on a major stage. So all I had to do was camp out for 10 hours, so I think it's worth it," the woman said.
Two other women arrived early to get front-row seats to see the band.
"We brought sweatshirts and bags, and we saw people who brought duct tape and stuff, but we aren't that crazy," one of the women said.
TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Shelley Walcott searched for food bargains on the Summerfest grounds.
Walcott found a combo platter from the Greek Village for only $7.
Summerfest goers looking for a quick snack can pick up a garlic bread stick from Edwardos for only $1.
Walcott said that the best bargain she found was a pork loin sandwich with fries from Schwabenhof for only $5.
For dessert, Summerfest goers can pick up a $2 churro from Gus' Mexican Cantina.
When it comes to food, many Summerfest attendees simply like to sample the many different food items offered.
"We make our rounds just about everywhere. We come all of the 11 days of Summerfest," one woman said.
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Friday, June 29, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 10
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 30
Disorderly Conduct: 7
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 2
Other charges: 2
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 45
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 18
Non residents arrested: 34
TOTAL CHARGES: 52
Possession of Controlled Substance: 10
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 30
Disorderly Conduct: 7
Theft: 1
Resisting/Obstructing: 2
Other charges: 2
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 45
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 18
Non residents arrested: 34
TOTAL CHARGES: 52
Last year there were 45 people arrested in total on day two.
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
DAY 1: THURSDAY, JUNE 28
TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Heather Shannon asked festival goers about their favorite Summerfest traditions. Food, music and beer were the top three answers.
But people also noticed several surprising things. Summerfest fans told TODAY'S TMJ4 that they were surprised by the increased number of kids at the festival, fewer ATMs and, because of the cooler weather, fewer people buying beer.
It was a cool start to Summerfest. People came to the Big Gig Thursday night dressed in sweatshirts.
"It's kind of chilly out here," said one festivalgoer.
Barbara Decorah, a longtime Summerfest fan, said she was glad she brought a sweater.
But most people weren't worried about the weather. It was all about the food, the fun and the music. “Every year, opening day, it’s a yearly thing, it’s like a holiday,” said Gavin Walwork.
The crowds were light in the early afternoon but picked up around 7 p.m.
People packed into the Summerfest grounds to hear music from REO Speedwagon and Steeley Dan, among others.
The Big Gig's big crowd was also treated to a fireworks display.
Country music star Phil Vassar also took the stage. This is his sixth year at Summerfest, and he told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Courtny Gerrish there is "no place like Summerfest." In fact, he said that on his day off Friday he will come back to Summerfest just to hang out.
Summerfest number of arrests for Milwaukee police for Thursday, June 28, 2007:
Possession of Controlled Substance: 12
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 28
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 1
Disorderly Conduct: 5
Warrants: 1
Other charges: 3
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 40
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 18
Non residents arrested: 22
TOTAL CHARGES: 50
Possession of Controlled Substance: 12
Possession of Alcohol by Underage Person: 28
Furnish Alcohol to Underage Person: 1
Disorderly Conduct: 5
Warrants: 1
Other charges: 3
TOTAL PERSONS ARRESTED: 40
Of that total, Milwaukee County persons: 18
Non residents arrested: 22
TOTAL CHARGES: 50
Last year there were 23 people arrested in total on day one.
-Numbers courtesy Anne E. Schwartz, Milwaukee police
TODAY'S TMJ4 coverage of this year's Summerfest
Park-and-Ride Safety During Summerfest - Jun. 27
Big Celebs Have Big Memories of Big Gig - Jun. 27
Countdown to Summerfest - Jun. 26
Bo Black Gets a Plaque - Jun. 26
The Big Gig Turns 40! - Jun. 25
Children's Fest Day at Summerfest - Jun. 20
Major Summerfest Act Announced - Mar. 26
John Mayer Playing Summerfest - Mar. 13
Summerfest Plans Anniversary Bash - Mar. 6
40th Annual Summerfest Plans - Mar. 5 (studio interview)
Second Summerfest Headliner Announced - Feb. 15
First Summerfest Headliner Announced - Jan. 22
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