The Summerfest lineup is really strong this year, and there are multiple shows I can't wait to check out. Here are my top picks for the Big Gig 2011.

June 29 – The last time I saw Peter Gabriel, "Sledgehammer" was a MTV hit video, so I'm looking forward to catching up with the now 61-year-old singer who's touring with the New Blood Orchestra in support of his latest album, "Scratch My Back." Reviews of his summer North American tour are pretty good and it sounds like he's striking a nice balance between moving forward and looking back. I admit, I'm hoping for "Solsbury Hill." Peter Gabriel takes the Marcus Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m.

June 30 – I'd like to make it to the festival grounds early today and catch Pezzettino's 3 p.m. set on the U.S. Cellular stage. The former Milwaukeean is a self-proclaimed "multi-instrumentalist and video freak" and the two times I've seen her perform have always been very entertaining. Plus, she brought cupcakes to the OnMilwaukee.com offices once. If I can pull an extended Summerfest shift, I'd like to stick around for Wanda "The First Lady of Rockabilly" Jackson on the Potawatomi Bingo Casino stage at 10 p.m.

July 1 – There isn't much I'm interested in seeing tonight, but local band I'm Not A Pilot, on the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage at 10 p.m., puts on a rockin' show and would be worth the trek down to the fest.

July 2 – I probably wouldn't see Maroon 5 at an indoor venue, but as an outdoor backdrop-to-beer-drinking rock band, this could work for me. They headline the Miller Oasis at 10 p.m.

July 3 – I've seen The Jayhawks many times before at Summerfest and I'd be tickled to see 'em again. The alt-country band from the Twin Cities reunited after a four-year hiatus and they will play the Briggs & Stratton stage at 10 p.m. They have a new album coming out later this year, so expect a few new cuts. Unfortunately, Ben Harper plays at the same time -- 10 p.m. on the Harley Stage -- and I always like to "Burn One Down" with Ben.

July 5 – Heart opens for Def Leppard at 7:30 p.m. at the Marcus Amphitheater. I'm a lifelong fan of the sisters Wilson and happy they were able to get back in the game last summer with the release of "Red Velvet Car." It's no "Dreamboat Annie," but their voices continue to resonate with me.

July 6 – Fresh from the Bonaroo Music Festival, The Black Keys come to Summerfest to rock the Marcus Amphitheater. They have a new album in the works, so hopefully they'll give us a taste of what's to come.

July 7 – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are one of the Summerfest gems this year. "Up From Below" has been in regular MP3 rotation for me since its 2009 release, so the chance to see them live would be quite the treat. They headline the U.S. Cellular stage at 10 p.m.

July 8 – I didn't think I could love the Dropkick Murphys more than I already did, and then the American Celtic punk band released a single in support of Wisconsin union workers, "Take 'Em Down." Consequently, this show is not only going to be the high-energy experience of most Dropkick shows, but laced with Wisconsin pride and solidarity. They rage the Harley stage at 10 p.m.

July 9 – I don't care if I have to be "one of those parents" and drag my kidlets with me to a late-night Summerfest show, but I am seeing De La Soul at the Potawatomi Stage at 10 p.m. ("Anybody in the audience ever get hit by a car?") It's too bad this show is at the same time as the Flaming Lips – they play the Harley Stage at 10 p.m. – because that would have been grand, too.

July 10 – Closing out Summerfest with a dash of Amos Lee, who plays the Briggs & Stratton stage at 9:30 p.m. I have his first three albums, but never picked up his latest, "Mission Bell." Maybe this show will inspire me to do so.