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| Photo courtesy of C.J. Foeckler. |
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, JULY 7
1 p.m.: The Air on Everest at Summerfest Rock Stage
The theme for today is Wisconsin talent. The best bands at almost every time slot are bands from right here in the heart of Dairyland. Kicking off the afternoon is Waukesha-based The Air on Everest. Though these guys are young (and their sound certainly reflects that), the band is tight, talented, energetic and girl-pantsed. It’s all the flash of a national pop-punk outfit without having to wash your soul afterward.
4:30 p.m.: Sunday Flood at Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage
There are few bands that I more thoroughly enjoy watching play live than Appleton-based Sunday Flood. These guys are pure energy, passion and metal chops. The band can switch from kicking in your skull with chunky riffs to gently caressing your eardrums with soaring melody in an instant. Do yourself a favor and watch these guys play.
5 p.m.: Mike Mangione & The Union at Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage
Alright, here’s where your night gets interesting. Time to either channel your inner Chicagoan by aggressively pushing your way through the crowd and stage surfing for the next two hours or pick your favorite option and stick with it. If you’re looking for a chill, soulful experience, plop yourself right down in front of the stage for Mike Mangione & The Union.
6 p.m.: Revision Text at Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage
If you’re more in the mood for an eclectic mix that ranges from psychadelic jam sessions to upbeat danceable anthems, then maybe you should just stay put after Sunday Flood for local alt-rockers Revision Text. Tight musicianship and irresistibly catchy melodies make these guys an easy choice for me.
6:45 p.m.: The Wildbirds at U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
And if you feel like slamming a bunch of beers, yelling and fist pumping wildly at the early evening sky, then there’s only one stop for you. Let Milwaukee’s own The Wildbirds offer you a little old-school rock ’n’ roll transcendence with their brand of loud and dirty jams.
8 p.m.: Kings Go Forth at Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
Whatever your choice, be sure to top off your evening of area acts with a rousing set of soul-infused funk compliments of the Brew City’s finest funksters Kings Go Forth. And with all of those beers that you just slammed, you should be oiled up and ready to get nuts.
9 p.m.: Kansas at M&I Classic Rock Stage
“How long… da da da da da da… how long… da da da da da da… how long to the point of know return?!” Sorry, just getting pumped up for the show. This is going to be epic!
