One major criticism of Summerfest in recent years is that it lacks originality. But if you know where to look, you can find things not to be seen elsewhere.
Just behind the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion is one of the Tiki Hut locations. A small tiki hut that hosts acoustic guitar music suited for a coffee house, this should be the perfect place to relax after a long day of walking and laughing at people with stupid t-shirts. Except that roughly 8 yards away is the V100.7 stand, which bumps today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B jams. What results is the musical equivalent of midget porn.
You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the acoustic stylings of Ari Herstand meshed with Dem Franchise Boyz. While Herstand was trying to thoughtfully explain the meaning behind his latest “Live At Starbucks” song, voices from afar were imploring the crowd to lean wit it, rock wit it. To Herstand’s credit, he never once mentioned the competing music from across the path. Maybe he thought if he didn’t bring it up, no one would notice the thumping beats and bass lines.
The highlight had to be a middle-aged white couple slow dancing to a song. I’m not sure which song, as they had their choice of Herstand’s “Rose Stained Red” or Chamillionaire & Lil Flip’s “Turn It Up.”
Perhaps Summerfest hasn’t taken this idea far enough. They should make this a regular feature and advertise it. A live hip-hop DJ and acoustic guitarist could battle, with the crowd choosing favorites. The loser could suffer some awful punishment, like having their instrument destroyed in front of them, while the winner could get a $25 gift certificate to Applebee’s or something nice like that. They could bring in other genres, too. Smooth jazz vs. death metal. Polka vs. house. Barbershop quartet vs. reggaeton. It’s at least more interesting than REO Speedwagon.
Just behind the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion is one of the Tiki Hut locations. A small tiki hut that hosts acoustic guitar music suited for a coffee house, this should be the perfect place to relax after a long day of walking and laughing at people with stupid t-shirts. Except that roughly 8 yards away is the V100.7 stand, which bumps today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B jams. What results is the musical equivalent of midget porn.
You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the acoustic stylings of Ari Herstand meshed with Dem Franchise Boyz. While Herstand was trying to thoughtfully explain the meaning behind his latest “Live At Starbucks” song, voices from afar were imploring the crowd to lean wit it, rock wit it. To Herstand’s credit, he never once mentioned the competing music from across the path. Maybe he thought if he didn’t bring it up, no one would notice the thumping beats and bass lines.
The highlight had to be a middle-aged white couple slow dancing to a song. I’m not sure which song, as they had their choice of Herstand’s “Rose Stained Red” or Chamillionaire & Lil Flip’s “Turn It Up.”
Perhaps Summerfest hasn’t taken this idea far enough. They should make this a regular feature and advertise it. A live hip-hop DJ and acoustic guitarist could battle, with the crowd choosing favorites. The loser could suffer some awful punishment, like having their instrument destroyed in front of them, while the winner could get a $25 gift certificate to Applebee’s or something nice like that. They could bring in other genres, too. Smooth jazz vs. death metal. Polka vs. house. Barbershop quartet vs. reggaeton. It’s at least more interesting than REO Speedwagon.
Tyler Casey was born and raised in the Twin Cities, but hes lived in Milwaukee for the last four years working and going to school. A senior at UWM with one semester left before he gets his print journalism degree, Tylers grown incredibly fond of his new city and hopes to stay here for good. Hes been with OnMilwaukee.com since June 2006.
Despite retaining certain customs of his fatherland (Tyler bleeds purple and gold), he considers Milwaukee his home. Spending most of his time on the East Side, Riverwest and Downtown (as well as wherever the nearest bus line can take him), Tylers always looking to experience what the city has to offer.
