• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

MILWAUKEE LAKEFRONT - Summerfest is basically the ultimate honor for any local musician. For Tony Memmel, the journey to the Summerfest stage has been an especially long one.

For Tony, music has always been a way of life.

"I love writing music, I love playing it, I love sharing it with people, everything."

Tony was born without a left forearm, but that hasn't stopped him from pursuing his dream of being a professional musician, and playing at Summerfest.

I've been coming to Summerfest since I was a little kid. So this is really fun to actually be playing this year.

The Tony Memmel Band played the Refugee Stage Thursday night. The stage showcases local bands. Tony's wife and band mate Lesleigh couldn't be more excited, or proud.

"I could not be more proud. We works so hard to do what he wants to do, exceptionally hard. I don't know anyone who has worked harder in life to do what they love, what they're born to do."

The band plays all over Milwaukee. They hope this exposure brings not only new fans, but new hope to those who watch them play.

"I think it can be seen as a hopeful thing. That people can do what they set their minds to, if they really focus. It didn't come easy. Like I said, I really had to work hard for this."

If you missed Tony's show at Summerfest, you can catch him at venues across town. He also just released his 3rd full length album.