Another installment of the Big Gig has come and gone and all that's left to do now is count the beans and take out the trash.

But no doubt, Don Smiley and his trusty lieutenants are already casting an eye towards the 2010 event and, being a good citizen, I have one simple suggestion: tap the arts.

Yes, Summerfest through the years has gained a reputation as a hard-rocking beer-drinking music festival and that's perfectly cool. But at the same time, its roots lie in a celebration of civic livelihood. The early fests were scattered all around town and included a wide range of various events.

So why not reach into the past and manipulate an idea to work in the 21st century.

Again, I say, tap them arts.

Milwaukee has an exuberant performing arts scene. Ballet. Opera. Theatre … you name it. And, of course, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Why aren't these groups represented at the city's largest public event?

I'm not foolish enough to suggest that a live performance of Mahler's Fifth Symphony (my personal favorite) would be a better draw than, say, Judas Priest. But I have to believe that, at least as an occasional day part, a brief show from one of the many performing arts groups here would be a welcome alternative than a local cover band that has multiple slots on the schedule.

Better yet, why not an "Arts Day?" Take one day, maybe during midweek when attendance is traditionally low, and use the stages to showcase the local arts community during the daytime hours. Get the Skylight or Florentine people on the Briggs stage; maybe the Milwaukee Ballet over at the Harley Roadhouse or have the MSO put on a pops show at the Miller Oasis.

These groups could benefit from the exposure and it would be a wonderful way to introduce people that would otherwise never think to take in a show to the opera or to classical music. Plus, imagine the possibilities for doing outreach to children.

Again, I'm not suggesting these groups should be headlining. That would never fly. Nor am I knocking cover bands -- I like sitting with a plastic cup of beer and hearing my favorite songs -- I just think it's a shame that the "World's Largest Music" festival does such a great job giving local bands exposure, but doesn't really have a connection to the performing arts community.

Despite the annual complaints about Summerfest's lineup, the organizers have a tough job and do it well. People will come no matter who's playing, but why not find a way to try something a little different.

What do you think? Use the Talkback feature below to share your thoughts.