 |
| Photo courtesy of TheBlackKeys.com. |
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!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
3 p.m.: Honor By August at U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Pop out of work a little early today and ease into an impressive night of Festing with some inoffensive pop rock courtesy of D.C.-based Honor By August. Nothing overly impressive about this foursome of sensitive looking dudes, but hey, it got you out of work early, didn’t it?
5:30 p.m.: Sean Emery – Funny Guy Juggling Stuff at Northwestern Mutual Children’s Theater
In light of the distinct anti-Sean-Emery-Funny-Guy-Juggling-Stuff policy that seems to pervade the Music Notes culture of late, I think your next stop should be to see this obviously talented, hilarious savant. That is, unless, this cruel, heartless world has left you without the ability to appreciate the magic that is comedic juggling.
7:30 p.m.: The Black Keys with Florence + the Machine and Cage the Elephant at Marcus Ampitheater
Probably the most unexpected (and most refreshing) Marcus headliner announcement of this year’s Fest was the inclusion of Ohio-based alternative blues-rock duo The Black Keys. Dirty, loud and about as hot of a band as you will find with several recent Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live performances and Spin Magazine Band of the Year honors, the Keys will undoubtedly put on one of the best main stage performances of the Fest. Possibly only to be outdone by The Louis Vuitton Don.
9 p.m.: Brighton, MA at Cascio Interstate Music Stage
If you are not fortunate enough to be rocking out to The Black Keys right now, fear not. Chicago-based alt-rockers Brighton, MA, should serve as a worthy, albeit more low-key, fill in. Plus you’ll be far enough away from the Marcus Ampitheater that you won’t be interrupted by all those super happy and spiritually fulfilled people filing out of the Keys show.
9:30 p.m.: Morris Day and the Time at Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Cover your ears as you run past the buzz-killing sounds of Milwaukee’s own Danny Gokey on your way to catch the tail end of the Morris Day and the Time set. Maybe Morris and the gang weren’t up for the challenge of facing off with Prince in the Purple Rain battle of the bands, but they will certainly be able to funkishly top off your night.
