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By Andy Tarnoff Publisher E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Andy Tarnoff

Published Aug. 13, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.

Tags: chill on the hill, bay view, live music, humboldt park

I didn't start going to Chill on the Hill in Humboldt Park this summer just because OnMilwaukee.com is a sponsor of the free, weekly, Tuesday night event. I started going because so many of my friends who live in the neighborhood -- and most them do, actually -- started going and invited us along.

A few years ago, you probably wouldn't have seen me at this family-friendly event. I would've opted for Jazz in the Park or a series a little more adult-oriented. But with Baby Tarnoff 1.0 coming soon, Chill on the Hill is a great way to catch up with my busy friends -- as well as their kids -- who seem to be doubling in size every week.

Take my godson, Eli, for example. This little dude lights up every time Uncle Andy and Auntie Velia show up at Humboldt Park. That is, when he's not being distracted by his peers: Owen, Ben, Izzy, Daisy and about a dozen of his closest friends running laps around their parents.

For my wife and me, we just plop down on our camping chairs and soak in a glimpse of our future lives. The music is pretty good, too, but it's usually just a background score for the conversations I wondered about having someday. (You'd be surprised how much you can learn about epidurals and strollers in one night.)

Fortunately, our childless and non-pregnant friends come out, too, which strikes a nice balance for the event and means that if the previous few paragraphs sound terrifying, there's some adult-themed conversation, too. And unlike some other series around town, it's not one of the "see and be seen" nights -- in my experience, that's not how our neighborhood rolls.

Unfortunately, summer is once again flying by, which means there are just two Chills on the Hill left. The Urbanites play a reggae set on Aug. 19, and Swing Nouveau does its big band thing on Aug. 26. The music starts around 6:30 p.m., and yes, you can bring wine and beer.

If you're looking for a nice, relaxing Tuesday, give it a whirl. Again, we're sponsors of the event -- but even if we weren't, you find me at the park more often than not.

8 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by a_noid on Aug. 14, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (report)

We go just about every week and thoroughly enjoy it. We had a blast trying to teach my daughter and our nephews to dance during the Figureheads show. The shows and atmosphere have gotten better each year. When I lived on the Eastside I enjoyed Jazz in the Park, but it eventually became really lame. I don't see Chill on the Hill declining anytime soon.

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Posted by CarolV on Aug. 14, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (report)

As the Chair of this concert series for the past 4 years, I'm happy to get the positive feedback and finally see the fruits of our labor. The BVNA committee working on this with me, specifically Dana Jones and Patty Thompson have worked hard to make an eclectic, quality music series for all ages which features local neighborhood acts as openers PRIOR to our headliners for the night (hence the marching band talkback earlier). Milwaukee County Parks is the Bay View Neighborhood Association's fabulous partner in the series. This series is for anyone in Metro Milwaukee ("potential BV-ers" we like to say!), but per our mission, we will always have the neighbors first and foremost in mind. "Chill on the Hill" is just that--come as you are, all ages, bring your baskets, blankets, chairs, find ample free parking, enjoy our beautiful park, a permanent bandshell with diverse musical acts in the fantastic BV neighborhood. We have lots of room to chill on the hill in Humboldt Park. Our sponsors have been VERY happy this year with crowds over 1000 each week. For more info see www.bayviewneighborhood.org and check out the Flickr photo page that is linked there to see what Chill looks like! If you like "Chill on the Hill" and live in Bay View--please join the Bay View Neighborhood Association or make a contribution--we're a neighborhood, volunteer-run nonprofit organization and we can use your support! Thanks again Andy for blogging on us :)

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Posted by CoolerKing on Aug. 14, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (report)

I'll take Chill On The Hill over Jazz in the Park hands down. The variety of music (including the music last night, Daniel Nathan) and mostly people from the neighborhood getting together to hang out is great versus the "be seen" crowd of strangers at JITP and the extremely mediocre music that has been lined up at Cathedral Square the last couple years.

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Posted by Downtowner on Aug. 13, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (report)

The number of quality, free music series in Milwaukee is a bit stunning. They are all good and the newer ones are gaining some great traction. River Rhythms has a similar vibe, great family and neighborhood setting with the city and river as a back drop. Chill on the Hill and River Rhythms might be two of the city's better weekly events. Easy access, friendly people, good music and cold beer.

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Posted by ppritchard on Aug. 13, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (report)

Last night was The Shamrock Club Pipes, Drums, and Color Guard, Glencastle Irish Dance, and our headline act, Reilly. The Bay View Neigbhorhood Association works hard to have a wide variety of music for each week so there is something for everyone!

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