July 3, 5:00 PM - Potawatomi Bingo Casino Rock Stage

Every band job we do is fun.  But once a year, that “fun” gets multiplied, or more accurately, amplified, by a power of 10 (or should I say 11?).  Summerfest is simply and irrefutably the ultimate gig.  For music lovers it’s a sonic Disneyland, the chance to wander from stage to stage to hear one cool band after another; a real time, real life iPod where you make your selections with your feet instead of the push of a button.  

For us musicians it is Mecca, the one event throughout Milwaukeeland, south east Wisconsin and even the Midwest that every musician appreciates as something special; playing the Big Gig is definitely a privilege. 

But the coolest thing about playing Summerfest is seeing you there.  As we play, it’s so much fun to scan the audience and spot our friends.  We can’t begin to tell you how much it means to us to see you having a great time enjoying the music, sunshine and perhaps a delicious golden beverage that also happens to put Milwaukee on the map.  We are nothing without our friends and supporters - and because of that, the biggest emotion we feel when playing Summerfest is gratitude.  

Thanks to all of you for your support at Summerfest and all year long!!!!

The above statement might hold true for the weather, but it certainly was NOT true for the fun and energy during the St. John Vianney Festival on June 5 and 6.  We had a huge turnout for the Cabana on Friday, with an absolutely gorgeous night.  The acoustic setup worked beautifully (thanks for the sound, Tommy) and the crowd got a gas out of the range of acoustically-delivered tunes, from Johnny Cash to AC/DC.  Our good friend and loyal fan Tally was whirling on the dance floor after a long, tough illness.  Fantastic to see her again!  We hope Senator Ted Kanavas didn't mind being called Ted Kennedy during a lighter moment.  His hair and politics are definitely not the same color as that other guy. And a special thanks to our hosts in the Cabana, Kevin and Dave Sandstrom for always making us feel so welcome.

Saturday brought a chill to the air, but the music and crowd got hot under the big top as we played alternate sets with Eddie Butts.  Kim and Linda from Broadway Productions helped us serve up a hard-driving, punchy sound and we had the tunes to match.  Eddie was in fine form as always, accompanied by the "original Hot Sauce horns", so the energy stayed strong throughout the night.  Let it never be said that you can't dance in a parka -- Wisconsinites proved that one wrong yet again!  But we'll admit -- we're hoping for about 30 degrees warmer when we play at Summerfest on July 3rd.  See you then, and don't forget about the Ale House on June 19th -- we'll be rocking the micro-brew right out of the tanks.