While writing this I’m reminded of that classic S’Express dance hit ‘Hey Music Lover’, a song that still makes me want to get up and boogie. Is it possible I’m showing my age by saying “boogie”? Still, no matter what kind of sound gets you moving summer is the season for music and a time when great concerts and festivals can be found around the nation. From big cities and small towns to places off the beaten track you’ll be sure to find your favourite bands performing somewhere.
World’s largest music festival – Summerfest!
There is one festival in particular that should be on every music lovers list – Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This annual event on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan dates back to 1968 and has grown bigger and more popular every year. This year Summerfest is hosting over 800 acts across 11 stages and expects to welcome close to one million people during its eleven day run. It’s easy to see why this is now referred to as “the world’s largest music festival”.
Headline acts such as The Violent Femmes, Tom Petty, Pitbull, John Meyer, Tim McGraw and many others will be performing at the Marcus Ampitheater. With a capacity of 23,000, excellent sound and lighting as well as large video screens, this venue offers memorable performances.
BIG pavilions for BIG bands
One stage I’m looking forward to checking out this year is the BMO Harris Pavilion, which Summerfest completed in 2012. The wave-like roof provides cover for up to 5,000 people and includes permanent seats and bleachers with back rests. Standing room for a further 5,000 fans is also available. Offering excellent views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan this modern facility has everything needed to put on a first-class show. And when it’s time for a drink the pavilion features a permanent lakeside bar. Sounds perfect!
Both the Marcus Ampitheater and BMO Harris Pavilion along with the nine other Summerfest stages will play host to a wide range of acts, but that’s not all – you can’t miss the Big Bang! This huge and impressive fireworks display takes place every year on Summerfest opening night and announces to the world in typical bright lights, big city fashion that the party has started.
No reason to wait for Big Bang to go off either because on opening day over forty food vendors will be open for business. So grab a drink, sample some great food and enjoy the music (and of course the gorgeous Lake Michigan views). It’s eleven days of music, food, fun and friends and Summer is just beginning music lovers. Enjoy!
Summerfest dates: June 26-30 and July 2-7.
Big Bang Fireworks: start at 9:30pm on June 26.
Do you have a favourite festival in the USA? Let us know in the comments below.
