The 40th anniversary edition of Milwaukee's biggest party has come and gone, but memories of Summerfest 2007 will linger on. Here are 40 random observations, quick thoughts, suggestions and insane ramblings about the 40th Big Gig:

1) Its funny how every year, nobody in town seems to think that there's anybody good coming to Summerfest. Leading into the fest, all you hear about is how many people plan on not going this year because the lineup was so weak. Yet, every night I was on the Maier Festival Park Grounds, there seemed to be pretty large crowds checking out the headliners at nearly every stage. Shows by Phil Vassar, the Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul and the CMT Big & Rich Show were among the largest ground stage shows I have seen. Not too bad for a crummy lineup.

2) Speaking of CMT (Country Music Television), here's to hoping they will be back again next year. Having spent a day with the production crew, it's safe to say that they are among the nicest folks in the entertainment business. No matter what your opinion on country music may be, you'll be hard-pressed to find a friendlier group of people than the folks at CMT. Aside from showcasing some of the best musical acts around, they made a point to showcase the unique nature of Summerfest and bent over backwards to show the nation what the festival -- and more importantly, Milwaukee -- is all about. (Be sure to tune into the CMT at Summerfest concert series next month).

3) It's always interesting (and often mildly entertaining) to take some time out of the eating/drinking/table dancing to sit along the lake and do some people-watching. Summerfest really brings out everyone that makes this city unique. Every clique, every group, every type of person can be found passing by in one 10-minute stint on The Rocks (yup … proper noun).

4) Much has been made of Don Smiley's efforts to expand Summerfest's brand to a national audience. Again, the New York Times opted to leave mention of the Big Gig out of its summer music festival lineup, and while it probably causes some head-scratching amongst the Summerfest brain trust, it's really not a problem. Seriously, to hell with the New York Times. One of the great things about this city is that when we actually let our inferiority complex subside for a moment and come together, we know how do things the right way. The festival was created as a celebration for the city, and has prospered thanks to the support of the local business community. Smiley's efforts are noble and appreciated, especially given the current economic realities, but at the same time let's not forget that the World's Largest Music Festival is also a party for us. Feel free to come and visit us, but we'll do just fine without you, too.

5) Honestly, I didn't mind the cooler temperatures. It was comfortable, it kept a majority of the … hmm, inappropriately-clad persuasion … down to a minimum and it's also much easier to walk around with beer on your jeans as opposed to caking your legs.

6) I'm anxious to see how Summerfest finds a way to incorporate Lakeshore State Park into its future plans. The concept of an urban green space is great, but there has to be something more than just walking around the lake to do during the festival's 11-day run. Perhaps something along the lines of Jazz in the Park would be appropriate; or consider an early-dusk performance by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Hmmm, come to think of it …

7) Someday, it would be nice to see Summerfest get the local performing arts community more involved. The Milwaukee Ballet, the Rep, Florentine Opera, and many more wonderful groups have so much to offer and could introduce themselves to would-be fans.

8) Freeway … he's EVERYWHERE.

9) Maybe I'm just getting older, but I can't help but notice more and more families staying later and later in the evening. Personally, I think it's cool … I remember being young and dancing on a table during a Jan & Dean show in the 1980s, and during the day, it's a great way to spend some time together as a family.

10) Kudos to Summerfest on paying honor to Bo Black. Admittedly, the plaque is somewhat eerie, knowing how hard things are for the always-vibrant and smiling Black is right now, but it is still a very appropriate gesture from a group that owes an awful lot of its current success to her work. Here's to hoping she makes a full recovery and can come back and visit us again soon.

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Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by sybrkttn on July 12, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. (report)

This is an absolutely perfect list of pros and cons of Summerfest. With each number, I said, "Absolutely!" As for the John Mayer sitting in with Buddy Guy?? I actually PREDICTED that would happen, but still didn't go! What am I - stupid?? Brilliant article!

Posted by Baklava on July 11, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (report)

I love the New York Times and I don't blame them for not including Summerfest in a summer music guide. It's not about the music at Summerfest. It's about the beer, the food and the scene. The music is just a part of it, not the entire focus of it. It's hardly the Newport Jazz Festival or something.

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