Here at Historic Third Ward office, we at Milwaukee Magazine have a front row to all of the excitement that surrounds the Big Gig. So we thought we’d share some of what our staff is excited about each day for this year’s festival.
Matt Hrodey, senior editor: Summerfest’s battle of the bands tourney, Land the Big Gig, climaxes tonight at 5 p.m. One of the three finalists, the only one from Milwaukee, is L.E.X., a preschool teacher and hip-hop artist. Trampled by Turtles (10 p.m. at Uline Warehouse) from Minnesota is actually a very good band, a holdover from a time when playing folk didn’t mean dressing up like extras from Unforgiven.
Howie Magner, managing editor: The mini Italian bread loaf at the Sciortino’s bakery stand. Sure, it may not seem exciting, but it’s tasty enough and, more importantly, essential to soak up all that other grease and stuff you’re ingesting.
Claire Hanan, associate editor: I would stand in light rain to see Esperanza Spalding’s Emily’s D+ Revolution, a the Grammy-winner’s new performance that combines music and theater.
Dan Shafer, digital editor: While 2005 me would’ve leapt to see 2005 Kings of Leon headline the Marcus Amphitheater, the 2015 version of this equation isn’t nearly as enticing. Gary Clark Jr. is tonight’s best bet. Clark Jr., who opened for OutKast at Marcus last year, has some very solid songs, and blues is always better live. And if you’re looking to roam from stage to stage, Public Enemy and Trampled By Turtles (with Stevens Point band Horseshoes & Hand Grenades opening at 8 p.m.) are worth checking out.
Want more Summerfest? Check out our Day One recap and photo gallery, and our Summerfest Power Rankings.
