Daily Updates!!!

Tuesday July 3, Day 6.

We have reached the half way point of the ‘Fest. This is the day where you are starting to realize that it will all be over in a few days and you will have another long boring year in front of you till next year’s opening day! Well, it’s still here and we are in the middle of a pretty good ‘Fest so far!

This is the night of the big fireworks! As usual, it is a huge pain in the ass to get to the fest grounds on this night. On top of the usual ‘Fest crowd, there are all the outside onlookers trying to get down to the lakefront to view the fireworks. And, of course, to help the much increased traffic, what do they do? Yes, you guessed it, they close a bunch of streets, including 794 in the east going direction! Great job, guys! The freeway was backed up all the way to the Zoo, so I got off at some point to try Wisconsin Ave., which I would have to get on anyway. That helped some, I think.

Parked a couple of blocks from where I usually park, but that’s the usual routine on the 3rd every year.

Well, got in, got a Point, and started wandering south. I think it’s time for something from Wong’s Wok.Didn’t get beer from Sprecher this time, the nice thing about the Wok is, it’s close to Water St Brew. Boy, the selection process is tough, but finally decided on Sesame Chicken, the #6 Empress Plate. And a Weiss with that, thank you very much. Took time to enjoy the meal, there wasn’t much going on before 10 pm, at that point there was almost too much going on, if you know what I mean? After all, you can only be in a couple of places at once!

After the leisurely dinner, had to swing by WSB again, no, not for another Weiss, this time for an Octoberfest. Good stuff! This is my first at the ‘Fest, ever. I think this is the first year it’s there.

Well, started walking north past the stages, it was pretty forgettable stuff going on in most places. Even so, it was getting pretty packed now. Got to the Pig stage, where a new band was getting ready. It was not just any band, it was Michelle Malone’s band that I have mentioned in other years’ daily reports. I make a point at seeing them every time they are at the ‘Fest.

 But they were not ready yet, so there  was time for a Sprecher now. On stage in that area was some kind of Elvis impersonator. It was so bad, I had to take a picture of it! It is sad that something as beautiful as music is treated so disrespectful some times! To make it even worse, this guy threw in a couple of Springsteen songs! Like I said, it was so bad, I had to see it.

Soon, however, I went back to Michelle (now, she is good!) and rocked out until the fireworks started! At that time, she took a break and it was on to the Miller stage. Yes, the Abby Road thing was my choice for tonight’s entertainment. At least to start with, we’ll see! That place, as expected, was already packed, but there are ways of getting a good spot! Started hanging out by the beer stand to the right of the stage, while watching the rest of the fireworks.

What is this Abbey Road thing, you may ask? Well, apparently musical heavy weights like Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, John Entwistle and Ann Wilson decided to put together this band and go on the road and play mostly Beatles tunes. I must say, they did a pretty damn good job. It was not all Beatles, they started out with some of their own stuff, including (yeah, you guessed it) Todd’s Bang on the Drum. That always gets people moving. Great show, people were singing along to the Beatles tunes and it looked like everyone was having a great ol’ time!

I would have liked to check out some of the other shows, but I guess if you make a choice, and that show rocks, then you stay. I would have liked to catch the Monster Magnet show, but too late. Or was it? I still ended up with a regular Summerfest plastic beer  cup AUTOGRAPHED by Monster Magnet! No shit, there is a picture of somewhere! Now, how in the hell did I end up with an autographed cup? How do you think I got it? I shall reveal it in a few days!

Never the less, I still got me a CS Hot Dog. Nice day at the ‘Fest, including the weather. It was back to shorts and T shirt. Super! See you tomorrow.