Should you be able to bring your own box of wine to Jazz in the Park?

Published June 7, 2009 at 8:03 a.m.

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

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Posted by A_Barfly on June 8, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. (report)

How awesome - "free" just got expensive again. Well it was a good run while it lasted. I won't be back. I'll see you all at "Chill on the Hill" or Alterra on the Lake where Milwaukeeans can still enjoy a basket full of choice, and not be forced to purchase mediocre wares from East-Town's exclusive vendor list...

Posted by megster37 on June 8, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. (report)

Here's a compromise: What if they sold a "jazz pass" for the entire summer that allowed you to bring carry-ins? I would pay $100 to bring my own wine/beer for the summer.

Posted by Downtownlife on June 7, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. (report)

I've been around for jazz in the park for years. I remember when the crowds weren't so BIG, and people just had fun. Now it seems that the awesomeness of BYOB and having a cheap night out on the town is gone. The special thing about the fest was the BYOB part, I might live downtown, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to spend 40 bucks for 2 bottles of very selective wine. The whole reason it has gotten so big was the fact it didn't cost anything to attend. My friends and business partners wont' be making the event like years in the past. It's a shame that it is now run like a business and a burden on the weekly funds. They say it's as close to retail as possible yet bottles of wine are selling for 18 and glasses for 6. We all know they will raise the prices next year and the year after until they are no longer affordable for the average person. It was good being part of the original fun, but there's money to be made...

Posted by terrabrown on June 7, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. (report)

Common sense says that the public should be allowed to bring their own concessions into a venue (such as a county park) thats paid for by the public. I don't buy the lame excuse that the money brought in by enforcing these rules assures that Jazz In The Park will continue. Jazz In The Park would always be around as long as musicians loved their art and Milwaukeeans loved live music. Its appeal came from the fact that it was truly a grass-roots atmosphere. Now the whitebred, bean-counting suits have turned it into another sub-par profit venture while wondering why Milwaukee can't evolve past being a snarky pop-culture reference.

Posted by college_dave on June 7, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. (report)

It's not that big of an deal except it was unique and sooo comfortable to bring my girlfriend & a bottle of wine to a free outdoor music venue while you set up your own little picnic area. Now, it's just not as unique. BYOB was fun & added to the whole experience and now thats gone and we just can't relax the same way. Thats all. Oh yea, now it's more expensive and not as cool too.