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| Photo courtesy of Pezzettino.net. |
The Big Gig is finally upon us, but now what? With more than 700 bands playing on 11 stages, it can be overwhelming to figure out what is worth seeing and what should be walked past briskly. That’s why you keep us around. Over the next two weeks, Music Notes will be providing you with a daily itinerary of can’t-miss shows and tips on how to make the most out of the world’s largest music festival!
Thursday, June 30
12:30 p.m.: Radio Radio at U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Thursday is a slow starter, but Radio Radio is a decent enough table setter for the great bands awaiting attendees as the day progresses. Cover bands get a bad rap in many music circles, but the band—which has been active since the late ’70s—has found a way to maintain a steady following and gig regularly behind the work of others for decades.
3 p.m.: Pezzettino at U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Brooklyn by way of Milwaukee songstress Pezzettino returns home along with her trusty accordion and building buzz carefully fashioned one unique muti-instrumental composition at a time. The show serves as a precursor for the Daytrotter session she’s to record Friday, a significant moment in any indie artist’s career.
6:30 p.m.: The Delta Routine at Summerfest Rock Stage
If you can resist the allure of fellow 6:30 performer, “Comic Juggler” Steve Russell, in favor of Milwaukee’s own The Delta Routine, the ballsy blues-tinged rock band won’t make you regret your decision. Behind boisterous tunes like “Blame It On Me” and “Nothing You Can Do,” don’t be surprised to find your toes steadily tapping amid a growing pile of empties beside the stage.
8 p.m.: George Clinton at Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
Assuming you didn’t spring for tickets to the Kanye West show at the Marcus Amphitheater and you—like everyone else on earth who’s not in the Neon Trees—only know that one song by Neon Trees, funk rock monarch George Clinton seems like the only logical choice during this time slot. Even at 69 years old, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee wears his years (and multi-colored braids) well and promises to be a performance you’ll later kick yourself for missing, should you venture elsewhere.
9 p.m.: REO Speedwagon at M&I Classic Rock Stage
Not only is the timeless hit-machine that is REO Speedwagon the best non-local band playing during the lofty 9 p.m. slot, it’s the only non-local band playing it.
10 p.m.: Panic! At The Disco at U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
What better way to conclude the festival’s second day than a direct battle of bands that seem to be influenced by other popular bands? But when the dust settles, it’s Panic! At the Disco (Fall Out Boy), that will narrowly edge out fellow indie darlings Owl City (The Postal Service) to be the most appealing closer. Of course, if you hate imitation and love chainsaw solos, forget this first part and head over to see Jackyl instead. Then re-evaluate your taste in music first thing in the morning.
