I'm not writing this blog just because OnMilwaukee.com was a sponsor of yesterday's Bay View Bash. Or because OMC dining critic Amy Carlson was the mastermind behind the event. Or even because my friend Bill Rouleau, who co-owns Rush-Mor Records, was instrumental in bringing the amazing Brazzaville to the Bash.

I'm blogging because I had a really nice time at this growing neighborhood festival. For various reasons, I missed the last two years, and had only attended the first annual Bash before yesterday. And it's gotten really good since then.

I must've run into two dozen people I know, from friends to neighbors to colleagues. Without exception, everyone I saw had a smile on his or her face, taking in the music, soaking in the scene. The vibe felt great and reinforced to me why I live in the community. It's a real neighborhood, and has an energy that I don't remember from when I lived on the East Side.

Another thing I noticed is how the crowd appreciated the really good music at the north stage (coincidentally, The "Rush-Mor / OnMilwaukee.com Stage"). I don't say that in a self-serving way, either. I caught parts or all of the last four acts: Knit Delicate, The Championship, Decibully and Brazzaville, and the crowd was actually paying attention, enjoying each set. Having been to so many festivals in which the bands are just background noise, the music really was the focus yesterday. Quite a nice change. And seeing David Brown and Brazzaville play such an intimate venue was really outstanding.

The food we ate yesterday came from Classic Slice and Lulu, which isn't a big departure from my normal routine. But it was cool to see these emerging Bay View restaurants represented -- more proof that the neighborhood is living up to its claim as the other East Side (or "the better East Side," as one t-shirt proclaimed).

I only offer one piece of constructive criticism: the Bash could use a few more portable toilets spread around the grounds (they were centered by the M&I Bank). While using the facilities of the restaurants and bars on Kinnickinnic was passable for the most part, it didn't seem fair to invade these businesses without buying any of their products.

In all, I remain impressed by this ever increasingly tight-knit and diverse community. Kudos to everyone who participated. I'm already looking forward to next year.