Mile of Music 10 - Day Two

Sam Ness Band at Fox River House

South Rail at Fox River House

Wonky Tonk featuring Wiggly Shadows at McFleshman's Brewing

Now it's Mile of Music when I see these two!

Volk at The Bent Keg

Horace Greene at Chadwick's

The Thing at Chadwick's - Highly Recommended

Claire Kelly at The Lawrence Chapel

Newski at Lawrence Lawn

Sway Wild at Gibson

Beth Bombara at Gibson

Day Three starts now. Let's go!

Opes! I Did It Again!

We watch Discover Wisconsin regularly, and, in quarantine, we've even been watching past episodes on YouTube. Numerous times, the show's hosts have been wearing t-shirts that say 'OPE'. The word confused us, so we looked it up. And this is how ope is defined according to the always reliable Urban Dictionary: it's a Midwest thing. When someone cuts in front of you rudely, when you are surprised, when you bump into someone, or when something is offensively funny, you use the word ope.

"Huh?" I thought. I never heard of that. I am a Midwesterner for life and I don't recall ever hearing, or uttering, ope.

The next day, walking our dog Neala, she wanted to veer left when I yearned to go right. The leash went taut and I said, "Ope!"

Nah. Not ope, right? Couldn't have been ope. It probably was just "Oh!" with wetted lips from the cool Spring breeze.

Later, I encountered another walker at an intersection. We weren't sure who had the right-of-way, and we kind of did one of those little you-go/no-I-go dances and out of my mouth came another oh that sounded like ope.

Darn wet lips. It's gotta be the weather. Again, denial.

A day or two later, Neala, at leash's end, starting doing her business, but I didn't notice. Just as I was about give the tether a come-along tug, I noticed her arched back.

Ope.

There it was. Unmistakably uttered just as our pup was about to drop a deuce. A poop ope, if you will. I could no longer deny it. A clean and crisp ope with a P popped as pronounceably, precisely, and perfectly as the P's in pup or poop.

It's time to admit it. I am an ope'er. Admission is the first step.

In the days since I realized that I possessed this unmistakable Midwestern charm, I have caught myself ope'ing countless times. It comes from deeply within. I don't even have time to stop it. It's like my lips are connected to an optic nerve. The moment my eyes sense a surprise, an ope pops from my lips faster than you can say, well, ope.

Ope. Enough yarn-spinning. It's time to get back to work. You, too, ya ope'ers.

Jim, a Real American Hero

While barehandedly hooking up a battery charger to our car this morning, my rapidly-numbing fingertips reminded me of my friend's super-human brother, Jim. Jim was not only a role model to me, but he was also a great friend to my family (shown here with my mother celebrating a New Year's Eve circa 1980). On numerous occasions, Jim helped my mother out. I recall one time our car not starting on one of the coldest days of an up-north Winter. Mom called him and asked for his assistance. I bundled up in my snowmobile suit, face mask, hat, chopper mitts, and lined boots. I went out to help. Jim, wearing only a crooked knit cap and a jean jacket clasped by only two buttons, painstakingly fumbled with bare wires for nearly an hour. Bundled as I was, I could not take it. I had to retreat to the indoors periodically for a quick warm-up. I felt bad doing it -- leaving Jim alone like that -- but, no kidding, Jim was super-human. Perhaps it was because Jim was one of the last adults living in the U.S. with polio and was used to adversity and overcoming it, but his ability to put his mind past pain will always awe me in memory. We'd go fishing on calm Summer nights when the mosquitoes were positively unbearable. I'd be one more swat away from insanity and jumping into the lake to escape their torment and I'd look over at Jim and there he'd be, intently reeling and pausing and reeling and pausing while the buggers rested on his face and hands. Like they were not even there. I honestly think it made me a little bit tougher because I'd think, "If he can do it, so can I." But only a little bit tougher, because I'd finally say, "Jim, I can't take it anymore. We have GOT to get off this lake," and he'd relent. Leaving the trophy bass to be caught another day.

This post is getting longer than I intended, but I cannot close without telling one last, epic Jim story, especially since it happened on this day, January 2nd, nearly 40 years ago.

Jim graciously let me use his four-wheeled ATV as though it were my own. Anytime I wished, I could walk to his house, hop on, startup, and take off. And I did this a lot. On a frightfully frigid January 2nd, my cousin, Andy, was visiting and we paired up on Jim's ATV. Two miles from home, we disrupted the tranquility of Porcupine Lake and spun around on its frozen, glass-like surface. After doing this for a while, we headed for the lake's outlet, which becomes the northern branch of Little River, the river that Kay lived next to only 10 miles downstream (we wouldn’t meet for years yet). As we zipped across the frozen river, I, driving, spied open water ahead. The rapids prevented the river from freezing. I slammed on both the front and rear brakes with all my might causing the ATV to pull a 180. We were now gliding backward towards the open water. I released the brakes and accelerated, but to little avail. We continued our backward skid. Then, just as we were approaching the zenith of our direction change, we heard a crack. And then another. And then crack, crack, crack and the next thing you know, we were underwater. Positively terrified, Andy and I scrambled frantically to get ourselves on solid ice. Fortunately (or not, depending on how you look at it), the depth was only about three-and-a-half feet, but the bad part was the bottom was muck. In trying to get out, one of my boots got sucked off my feet and stayed submerged at the bottom. I can’t remember, but I think this happened to Andy too. Anyway, we were finally able to get ourselves on solid ice and, even though panic was setting in, we commanded ourselves: do not stop moving and progress as quickly as possible to the ice fishermen on the other side of the lake and ask for help. And that we did. We hastily sloshed our soaked-to-the-bone selves to the first fisherman we could find. I stuttered, “Sir, can you please help us? Our 4-wheeler went through the ice. We are freezing and we need your help. Can you please give us a ride to my mother’s?” He replied by querying where was my mother’s, and I replied by telling him, “Goatsville Tavern.” To my disbelief, he said, “I’ll give you a ride, but only if you agree that your mother gives me a 12-pack of beer.” Deal! I said, in a complete non-position to negotiate. (When my mom found this out later she wanted to strangle him.)

Finally warmed and in dry clothes, my attention turned to the fear of letting Jim know what I did to his ATV. It remained submerged, wheels up, in the frozen river. There was no beating around the bush: I had to tell Jim exactly what happened and accept the consequences.

So what did Jim do? He laughed boisterously. “Oh you crazy kid, you’re lucky you didn’t kill yourself! Don’t worry about the ATV. We’ll get it out and I’ll take it to my shop and dry it out.”

Whew. You have got to be kidding me. What a guy. I thought he was going to string me up like he would a slain buck, but he did exactly the opposite.

Every day I think of him. He was as an important of an influence on young me as nearly anybody else.

RIP, Jim. And thanks for not sending me to heaven first the day I put your ATV through the ice.

P.S. - A shout-out and thank you, too, to my Uncle Lynn for helping and directing us how to get that ATV out of the ice!

Oh What a Mile It Was!!

Oh my gosh, Mile of Music. Where do I even begin to describe how special your 5th edition was? I can’t. It was overwhelming. In four days, in this order, I caught the following performances:

Levi Parham at the Chapel

August 3, 2017
The Kelson Twins at Rookie’s
Beth Bombara at Rookie’s
Morning House at Cleo’s
Ron Gallo at Radisson’s Grand Ballroom
Diane Coffee at Radisson’s Grand Ballroom
Brother O’ Brother at XTRA 920
Sun Parade at The Bar on the Avenue

August 4, 2017
Smooth Hound Smith at Fox River House
J.E. Sunde at McGuinness Irish Pub
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers at McGuinness Irish Pub
Terra Lightfoot at Outer Edge
Erika Wennerstrom (Heartless Bastards) at Outer Edge
Levi Parham at Lawrence Memorial Chapel
Molly Bush at Dr. Jekyll’s
Swear and Shake at Washington Square

The Noise FM rock Mill Creek

Motherfolk at Houdini Plaza
Boom Forest at Radisson Courtyard
The Artisanals at Appleton Beer Factory
Fast Romantics at Spat’s
The Kernal at Appleton Beer Factory
Dusk at Appleton Beer Factory
Trapper Schoepp at XTRA 920

August 5, 2017
Morning at the incredible Appleton Farmers' Market
Strange Americans at Fox River House
The Harpooners at Fox River House
Terra Lightfoot at Spat’s
The Ghost Wolves at Chadwick’s
Arts Fishing Club at Riverside Bar & Grill
PONCÉ at Riverside Bar & Grill
Motherfolk at Washington Square
Fast Romantics at D2 Sports Pub Patio

The AMAZING Calliope Musicals

Bishop Gunn at Radisson’s Grand Ballroom
The Noise FM at Mill Creek

August 6, 2017
Megan Slankard, Jamie Kent, Bascom Hill & SZLACHETKA at the Chapel
Warbly Jets at Houdini Plaza
Desert Noises at Washington Square
Smooth Hound Smith at Outer Edge
The Kernal at Radisson Courtyard
The Hawkeyes at Chadwick’s
Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts at Spat’s
Me Like Bees at Emmett’s
Calliope Musicals at Spat’s

Most of these 41 were full performances too; only in a few cases were they not (Sunday we had to make some compromises). And the range of music is extensive: from heart-felt singer/songwriter acoustic ballads to full-on frontal assault sonic rock and roll. Mile 5 had it all. I’ll likely follow up later with further ruminations about this year, but for now, let me just say… WELL DONE and SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!

Atop a Bluff and In the Buff

Today seems like a good day to tell the story of our overnight camping trip at a clothing-optional campground. Why today? Well I was born 51 years ago today, and on that day I came out just as naked as some of those campers we met.

A few days before reserving a campsite at this location, I was driving back along Hwy 14 from La Crosse. Hwy 14 between Madison and La Crosse is one of my favorite roads in Wisconsin. It takes more time than the interstate, but if you can afford the extra hour's drive, it's worth it. At Mazomanie -- about 25 miles west of Madison -- I left Hwy. 14 to avoid rush-hour around Madison. I shot up north along Hwy. 78 to Roxbury and thought, "What a cool area. I need to come back here and explore." (This area is considered the Lower Wisconsin River Valley. The valley and views between its expansive bluffs are beautiful.)

A few days later we decided to pack up our gear and camp for a night or two in this region. I navigated Google maps to the area and then searched for campgrounds. One appeared in the exact place where I was most interested in exploring. I'm not going to say the name in this post, but it's a few miles north of Mazo on Hwy. 78. I visited the campground's website and saw nothing unusual. It sounded like a nice place. I called to make a reservation and was asked, "This is a clothing optional campground. Are you okay with that?" I was left momentarily speechless as that was not a question I was prepared to be asked, but I finally stuttered, "No problem."

I hollered upstairs to my wife, "I'm not sure what I just committed us to, but the campground I just reserved is clothing optional. Are you okay with that?" She was as surprised as me. "I dunno. I guess so."

So the entire drive there we wondered what we were in for. My expectation was that it was just like any other campground, but occasionally you'd see someone's bare butt. The instructions to get into the campground should have been my first indication that my expectations were incorrect. To enter the campground I was told to drive up the gravel road to the gate and then call the number posted on the gate. When doing so I would be instructed to punch in a code and the gate would open. We did just that and drove up a washed out gravel road to the top of a bluff. Along the path were lots of camping trailers that looked like they hadn’t been moved in years.

At the top a man pulled up to us riding a 4-wheeler ATV. He asked us again, “This is a clothing optional campground. Are you sure you're okay with that?” Again we nodded in the affirmative, still clinging to the thought that this was like other campgrounds, and that occasionally we’d catch a glimpse of a naked ass.

“Find a spot anywhere and pop up your tent,” we were instructed and so we did. As we were putting up our tent, my wife says to me, “Now don’t freak out, but that guy sunning himself over there is totally naked.” I caught a glimpse. Yep. This wasn’t just a butt, but the whole front part too. After the tent was up we took a drive around the grounds. There were lots of dudes sunning themselves naked. Well, naked except for Crocs or flip-flops, but the most surprising part was those not sunning themselves but those just walking around doing normal stuff completely in the buff. I’ve seen a lot of dudes naked in showers in high school and college, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen a fully de-clothed man in the presence of my wife!

Anyway, we left the campgrounds and explored the area. It’s a cool place and after your done hiking up Ferry Bluff, I strongly suggest you slake your thirst at Roxbury Tavern or Woodshed Ale House. I loved ‘em both. While we enjoyed our drinks we coined a name for our overnight home: (are you ready for this?) Schlong Island.

Back to the campground we went. It’s now nighttime, so we shouldn’t expect any more unexpected views, right? No, not so. As we got our campfire going, a dog-walker approaches us and says hello. I glance up from the blaze and sure enough, naked as a jaybird. We exchanged small talk like nothing was unusual at all. Me in a t-shirt and shorts and him naked as the day he was born.

Other than that, the only other interesting thing that happened that evening was a torrential storm that raged overhead and put out our campfire. Our tent, too, became flooded with water. Good thing we had an air mattress because otherwise we would have been sleeping in a puddle.

The next morning we broke camp and laid out our gear in a sunny spot to dry it out before rolling it up. A gentleman approached me (clothed -- both me and him) and introduced himself. He says both he and his wife love it up here and he’d be glad to show us around. We agreed. “Just let us pack up our stuff and we’ll come over to your camper.” (Sometimes, honestly, the stuff that comes out of my mouth. I mean really, “Just let us pack up our stuff and we’ll come over to your camper” is not something a straight couple should ever say at a nudists’ campground.)

So we did. This fellow and his wife were truly a joy. Super friendly and “normal” considering they always kept their clothes on but enjoyed hanging with others who preferred to party naked. They took us to numerous residents’ weekend homes. (You’ll notice here I used the term “residents” for the first time in this blog. See, this isn’t so much a campground as much as it is a commune. Most of the recreational vehicles here were moved once: one time to the campground where they were parked and left in place for years as their owners created their own little piece of naked heaven around them. Many people stay the whole summer or every possible weekend here -- it’s their home away from home.)

Wisconsin River Valley from the campground; this is the campground owner's deck

Some of these spots have to-die-for views of the Wisconsin River Valley down below. One couple with this amazing view built their own mini golf course. These two were a trip. The dude opens the gate to allow us to enter. He’s got a Pabst in his hand, flip-flops on his feet, and seven teeth in his mouth. Other than that, he's all skin. This was the moment I wondered, “What the heck am I doing with my life?” Six of us, three women and three men, all standing in a circle talking about the beautiful view but only one of us has his wee-wee out. I felt like reminding him, “You know you are not wearing any clothes, right?” but I think he already knows that.

We continued on our campground tour. Another fellow was doing yard work. Shovel in hand, he was turning up soil to plant flowers, His attire? Boots. Yep. Just boots, because not wearing boots while shoveling would be just silly. I cannot remember his name, but this is one of these other so bizarre moments. For a while he just kept on working while two strangers passed right on by and offered him a cheerful good morning. Again, odd.

We visited so many campsites that I lost count, but two fellows with the most fantastic view and decorated space (all cowboy themed) at least wrapped themselves or put on shorts when we were introduced to them.

We finally said our goodbyes but only after visiting our host’s camper. I can see some parts of why they like coming up there. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I’m told their parties are insane, (“Straight guys just bring a bag of chips, but gay guys go all out and spend a week preparing their dish!”) but I was done with Schlong Island and ready to return to the valley of the clothing adorned.

Oh, and you may be wondering, did we ever spy female nudity? Only once, and from far away. All I could tell was that she was topless, but not Full Monty like many dudes.

And that’s the story of our night at a nudists’ campground (commune, actually). Welcoming and open -- very open -- folks up in these bluffs, but it’s not really our thing. The next time I return to this region, I’m going to stay at a campground named after a cartoon character or a Motel 6. I had enough male nudity to last me for the rest of my life.

An Open Reply to My Friend, Bruce (Updated for Mile 6)

This is Bruce. Bruce is unique. 

Last year, my friend, Bruce, posted the following to Facebook:

“I'm considering trying to convince my wife that we should try Mile of Music in a few weeks. Anyone who has been, would you recommend and if so, any tips you wish you had been given?"

My head nearly exploded with responses and ideas. To me, the four days of Mile of Music is the most wonderful time of the year. This will be our fourth consecutive year of attending this unique and incredible festival. After our first (Mile 3), we instantly booked the following year’s accommodations and we did the same following Mile 4. I see no reason why we won’t do so again after Mile 6. This festival is an explosion of fantastic aural art and musical camaraderie. It’s the finest four days of the year.

So with that introduction and only 10 days to go until the festival starts, I give you -- in no particular order -- 30 things (tips) you should do, Bruce, at Mile of Music 6...

1. Download the app, start listening and discovering new artists now. I cannot emphasize this one enough. It’s hard to see a bad performer at Mile of Music, it really is. The artists performing here are pros. The only thing separating them and many bands you hear on the radio is that they either haven’t written that one mega-hit or, more likely, they’ve just haven’t caught a break from a radio station executive. My money's on the latter.
2. Buy something. A CD, bumper sticker, t-shirt, anything. Most of these artists are dedicated professionals, but that doesn’t mean they’re rolling in greenbacks. It cost them a lot to get here, so reward your favorites by buying some of their sounds or wares. I've even helped musicians move their gear in the few short minutes they've got to get on or off a stage. They've always been appreciative.
3. Discover your band. With 900 performances by 250-ish musicians in four days, there’s bound to be a band that you discover. That means none of your music-head buddies have ever heard of them (yet), but you'll become convinced that you’ve just seen the next big thing and you can’t wait to tell others. This may happen multiple times a day, but by festival’s end, there’s certain to be one band that you remain obsessed with. 
4. Do not yell Freebird. This is an original music festival. Freebird yellers will be removed from the festival and forced to spend the remainder of the weekend in Kaukauna. 
5. Compliment an artist when you see them on the street. This is one of my favorite pastimes at the mile. One hour you’ll see an amazing musician blowing your mind on stage and the next hour you’ll notice him/her next to you enjoying a beer. This is always so cool. I’ve met Lex Allen, Anna Vogelzang, Parker Gispert, my pals 1913 (Victor DeLorenzo and Janet Schiff) and Brother O’ Brother (Warner Swopes and Chris Banta), one of the guitarists from Sun Parade (Jeff Lewis, I think), Kate Tucker of Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden, Jay Matthes, and many, many more this way. One time we were admiring a huge poster of Milwaukee band GGOOLLDD at the exact same moment GGOOLDD passed by. Lots of guffawing and horsing around ensued. Take advantage of this unique opportunity. 
6. Arrange accommodations or transportation. Mile of Music isn’t the most kid-friendly event -- though there are plenty of performances in civic areas -- you’re going to enjoy a few adult beverages. Just make sure your accommodations are walking distance or arrange a ride. I’m not certain of the availability of Lyft or Uber in Appleton, but it’s a pretty progressive town. I’m sure they’re here. 
7. Do not let the fact that a band that hails from Oshkosh, Green Bay, or Neenah deter you. Seriously. Even though there are performers there from around the globe at Mile of Music, bands from the triangle of the Fox Valley to Madison to Milwaukee should not be disregarded. This region is proving to be fertile soil for amazing talent. Be sure to check them out. (The Traveling Suitcase immediately comes to mind.) 
8. Spot Graham Washatka. You can’t miss him. He’s a deft photographer who seems to be in more

   

   Play Mile of Music Bingo...
   Spot Graham. This is him!

    places than is possible for a single person. Nice guy and a friend of mine too. 
9. See Terra Lightfoot. This Canadian rocker blows me away with her powerful voice and chops on her Gibson SG. She toured the world since her last visit to the Mile. Her return is definitely a Mile 6 highlight for me. (See her
10. Have a beer from Appleton Beer Factory. They’re an official venue, so that makes it easy. Drink local. 
11. See a performance at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel; get goosebumps. This may or not be possible, many performances are restricted to Music Maker badge holders, but if you get the chance, see someone play here. It is awesome. 
12. Fly solo. Yep. You’ve got smartphones and your own interests. Don’t hesitate to split from your beloved for a bit and then reconnect elsewhere. We did this last year when my wife went to see Lily Winwood (Steve’s daughter) while I found something more suitable for my head-banging self. (I did catch Lily’s act another day at a different venue.) 
13. Contemplate living in Appleton. Whether you want to or not, this thought will likely pop into your head. It’s a vibrant city with lots of art and culture. During these four days, Appleton really comes alive! 
14. See Smooth Hound Smith. A husband and wife combo that blows minds with (what looks like) effortless playing and singing. 

    

    Smooth Hound Smith

15. Plan your day. The Mile’s app and website make it very possible to make a detailed plan to hear the maximum amount of music on a given day. The app lets you favorite (heart) artists you enjoy and then when you’re at the festival, it’s easy to see where and when those artists are to perform. 
16. Let the festival come to you. In other words, screw the previous tip and just find a comfortable place to enjoy the day. The schedule is tight and bands play one after another with only a short break in between. Appleton’s got a lot of comfortable bars to relax in to watch the more sedate bands, but Mill Creek is where you’re most likely to get the maximum power. Of course, Houdini Plaza or Washington Square will be good places to hang out like at any good Wisconsin festival. (Also The Alley Project) 
17. Look for cameos. Two years ago, Tommy Stinson (The Replacements, Bash & Pop, Guns 'n' Roses) showed up and jammed in a store. Who knows who’ll show up this year? The Mile’s on stars’ radars. 
18. The festival doesn’t end on Saturday. Interesting things happen on Sunday too. In fact, if you stick around until Sunday evening, you could find yourself invited to something unique like an artists-only party. It could happen. 
19. See Cory Chisel on the street. Not only is he a Grammy-nominated performer, excellent songwriter and singer, he’s an Appleton native and founder of this festival to channel money to music education programs. He is a fine Wisconsinite and seemly ubiquitous during the festival.
20. See Corey Chisel perform. He may be by himself or he may be with others. Keep your eyes open. 
21. See a band on the Mile of Music Bus. This is another must and a blast. The Mile of Music Bus is an

    

    Jay Matthes rocking the Mile of Music bus

     easy way to cover the great distance that may exist between some venues. Bonus: the Bus is a party. They, too, are a venue -- a rock and rolling (literally) venue! 
22. Make friends. It’s easy here. The people of the Fox Valley are friendly and interested in having a good time as much as you are. 
23. Have a Stone Arch Brewery beer. Another venue that’s off the College Avenue strip. It’s a short hike (or grab the bus), but it’s a cool business and fun to visit. 
24. Don’t worry about me. I hope to see you there, shake hands and have a beer together, but this is a festival of personal musical exploration. Spend it finding your thing. If we’re in sync, great, but otherwise, have a great time and we’ll discuss our experiences when the festival is over.
25. Catch a performance at Houdini Plaza. This can be the most vigorous and crowd-packed venue.

    

    Motherfolk at Houdini Plaza. Catch them first
    at Tosa Tonight, July 25th!

    With great weather on tap for early August, it can be a fun place to hang.
26. Sing in a shower. This is fun. Sponsored by Tundraland, there’s a shower in Paper Valley lobby that you can perform a song in. They’ve even got a guitar to use! 
27. Porky’s Groove Machine. Just go. Sofa King entertaining. 
28. Be a Music-Maker. This is the major individual sponsorship program. It gets you stuff that the ordinary fan doesn’t get. We did it last year and it was fun, but you don’t have to do it have a good time. (I think this is one of the big misunderstandings newbies have at the Mile I’ve heard more than one person exclaim that they thought they need this pass to enjoy the festival. You don’t need it, but it does get you into a few exclusive shows, but not enough to make it a must. I’d consider it, too, if I lived near Appleton, as one of its benefits is off-season access to shows.) 
29. Visit Appleton’s amazing farmers market on Saturday morning. This one’s a doozy, filled with produce, bakery, performing artists, and more. It’s worth the drive to Appleton even when the festival is not occurring! 
30. Ask the right questions. The right questions to ask regarding Mile of Music are “Who are you looking forward to seeing?” or “What band or artist do you recommend?” In the months leading up to Mile of Music the unfamiliar ask, “Who’s there this year?” like it’s Summerfest, Country Thunder, Eaux Claires, or Lollapalooza. This is not those fests and perhaps that’s why I like it so much. It’s personable, accessible, open, and an absolute blast. 

That’s my shot-from-the-hip list of my 30 things (tips) you should do at Mile of Music. I cannot recommend it enough. It’s well organized and the most four fun days of Wisconsin summer.

I hope to see you there, Bruce!

Your pal,

Mike

+++++++++

The following lists are not complete; they are fluid and will be edited, but only by addition, not by subtraction.
  

Artists I'm definitely seeing: Terra Lightfoot (a rising star), Strange Americans (fun dudes), Sarah Potenzo, Lilly Hiatt (daughter of my songwriting idol, John Hiatt), Me Like Bees (huge fan), Abby Jeanne (Cosmic Beings is a HUGE Milwaukee hit), Motherfolk (always), Bishop Gunn (get ready to sweat), C2 & The Brothers Reed (a new fave), Lemon Sky (super talented prog rockers), Zach Pietrini, Ponce (had fun with these brothers last year), The Hawkeyes (we caught the last two songs of their smoldering set last year -- need to see a whole show this time), REYNA (we know them!), Al Scorch, The Priggs (I love their debut album -- so Sgt. Pepper-esque), Horace Green, Good Night Gold Dust, Calliope Musicals (OMG! OMG! OMG!), Listening Party,