Summerfest 2011 will open with a Wednesday, June 29 Marcus Amphitheater performance by Peter Gabriel, who is on the road in advance of the release of his new record, "New Blood," due out later in the year.

Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m.at the Marcus Amphitheater box office, Ticketmaster and Walmart and include Summerfest admission.

Prices are $30 and $50, or $53.60 and $74.10 via Ticketmaster, including fees.

The tour was announced -- prematurely, according to Summerfest officials, who said the contract wasn't even signed when word leaked out -- on Gabriel's Web site last week:

"Following the success of last year's sell-out concerts Peter Gabriel returns to the USA and Canada for a 12-date tour with the New Blood orchestra. On the last outing Gabriel redrew the works of Lou Reed, David Bowie, Radiohead ... this time out he applies the orchestral makeover to his own back catalogue.

"The stunning musical backdrop leaves Gabriel's vocals center-stage and bare, stripped of the usual rock'n'roll clothing, no loud guitars or booming drums to hide behind. Raw and soul-baring yet passionate and often joyous, Gabriel's classic songs here take new shape and extra meaning.

"This tour is an opportunity to experience the reinvention of an iconic song selection -- from 'Red Rain' to 'San Jacinto,' 'Digging in the Dirt' to 'Don't Give Up' -- before the album release of 'New Blood' later this year."

The Milwaukee date is the final stop on Gabriel's U.S. tour.

Summerfest has yet to announce headliners for July 2-3 and July 9.

There's a special OnMilwaukee.com promotion and presale for the Peter Gabriel show. It runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, April 1 at Ticketmaster. There's a four ticket per household limit and you must enter the password "OMNEWBLD" in the "Promotions and Special Offers" area.