OnMilwaukee.com loves the Big Gig, but let's face it, everything has room for improvement. So last week via Facebook and Twitter, we asked people to weigh in with constructive criticism for Summerfest.

Several people got back to us with suggestions ranging from lower ticket prices to completely smoke-free festival grounds. We compiled these suggestions and submitted them to John Boler, vice president of sales and marketing for Summerfest and he responded to the requests.

Lori Ahrenhoerster: "No smoking on the grounds, and actually have it enforced."

John Boler: Lori – Though I understand your point, it would be very difficult to implement and enforce a universal No Smoking policy on the entire grounds at Henry Maier Festival Park. However, this year we are changing the operating policy in the Marcus Amphitheater to adhere to the new state statutes, so this year the Marcus Amphitheater will be a No Smoking venue. Should ticket holders want to smoke before or during a performance at the Marcus Amphitheater, they can go outside of the immediate venue to one of the designated smoking areas located on select concourses adjacent to the amphitheater.

Kevin Frank: "It's great and all to be the 'biggest' music festival, but when a large amount is filler bands is it worth the length and time? I think it could easily be less days and open later so every band on every stage is worth seeing, not a band I can see any weekend at some other festival in Milwaukee. Give local bands a stage but the rest should be national acts."

JB: Kevin – Summerfest is about offering a massive melting pot of diverse bands from all geographic proximities and musical genres. Just as you gravitate to the bigger headliners, some patrons enjoy coming early for the general festival vibe on the lakefront and to catch local, regional or emerging artists. We continually try to create an eclectic mix of musical gems that are local, regional, national or international.

Each day at Summerfest we work to provide something for everyone and those offerings come in all shapes and sizes. As much as we love scoring national greats like Peter Gabriel, Kanye West, Toby Keith and Britney Spears in the Marcus Amphitheater, and The Flaming Lips, O.A.R , 311, Goo Goo Dolls and Rise Against on the grounds stages, we always work to celebrate local and emerging talent on the grounds. By the way – there is a very cool stage that is dedicated to featuring all local and original music. The Cascio Groove Stage will be stellar this year and located in a new spot on the north part of the grounds between the Summerfest Rock Stage and the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage. Hope you enjoy Summerfest this year.

Thomas J. Keeley: "I think they should sell VIP passes for the free shows that would get you a good view without having to wait all day. Could be another sponsorship opportunity, too. I know they have the VIP areas, but they are usually for groups."

JB: Interesting thought, Thomas. We will give this some consideration for future events.

Adam Levin: "I can think of a few petty things but Milwaukee is fortunate to have Summerfest. Most cities in the country would give anything for one."

JB: Adam – You speak the truth! I couldn't agree with you more. When we speak with other festival operators from around the world about creating a compelling value proposition for festival fans .... and share our programming model at Summerfest, featuring a world-class permanent infrastructure, lakeside setting and massive collection of the best touring talent on the planet all coupled with the extremely low admission price and variety of admission promotions, you can literally hear their jaws hit the desk. Yes – Milwaukee has a great and unique asset in Summerfest and Henry Maier Festival Park that makes living, working and playing in Milwaukee truly amazing.

Nate Norfolk: "The festival itself is too insular, and lacks creative beverage and dining experiences. I wish there was more cross promotion so out-of-towners could get a broader experience of the city."

JB: Nate - We always want to celebrate and feature the great restaurateurs of our city at Henry Maier Festival Park. They are a major part of the festival experience and do a great job operating at Summerfest and other events.

This year, we are taking further steps with Sazama's Lakeside Grille presented by Fiduciary Management, Inc. to add to the seating and update the menu. If you are looking for something other than the standard fare check out their assortment of delicious appetizers, steak, poultry and seafood entrees, late night small plates and desserts, a variety of wines and gorgeous lakeshore views.

Additionally here are some others that may help perk up your palette. Trinity, a new vendor in the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard area, will feature traditional Irish fare including Reuben rolls, Irish nachos, shepherd's pie and a corned beef sandwich. Zaffiro's Pizza Company, a new vendor in the Ethnic Village, located on the north end of the grounds, will serve a variety of thin crust pizzas along with salads. Page 1 of 2 (view all on one page)

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