There's no doubt, Summerfest is different from any show or music festival you'll find anywhere in the country. Jamming every possible genre onto a handful of stages over the course of 11 days, there are times Summerfest hits my personal choice and times it doesn't.
But, all in all, I head to Summerfest each year, expecting a smattering of bands, festival fare and a the usual Milwaukee good time. Melding the beauty of the outdoor venue with loads of activities and hundreds of vendors, Summerfest does its best to arrange a quality sound experience while entertaining with food, shopping and promotions.
Here are my picks for Summerfest 2009.
June 25 -- For opening day of the Fest, I'll be checking out Conor Oberst's Summerfest debut with his Mystic Valley Band at Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard.
June 26 -- I'll be headed to see Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek at the Miller Oasis. Kweli's latest album, Eardrum, features samples or collaborations with everyone from KRS-One to Kanye West to Norah Jones. Flagged as potentially a stagnant addition to 2002's "Quality," Kweli's live performance lives up to expectations regardless of studio production. If you're looking for local flavor, I'd check out Celebrated Workingman and the Trusty Knife on the Cascio Stage.
June 27 -- Um, the lineup is a little sparse this Saturday night. If you aren't too keen on any of the booked acts but want to check out the Fest, you've always got the incredible sounds of the Peruvian Flute band. Presumably located on the same small stage in between Harley Davidson and Briggs and Stratton, these guys are a welcomed small stage staple.
June 28 -- Stevie Wonder and John Legend are an enticing blend of old and new but I'm going to skip it in favor of De la Buena and Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Harley Davidson Roadhouse. De la Buena, who often infiltrate Milwaukee's Club Garibaldi, open for world sounds of the Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. Recently releasing "Live in Japan," Summerfest is your chance to hear the album brought to the stage.
June 29 -- I'll be headed to see Lupe Fiasco at the Miller Lite Oasis. I was a huge fan of his 2004 release "Food and Liquor" and 2008's "The Cool" was a strong follow up, more than worthy of a live show. I'd also recommend Robert Randolph and the Family Band, who take on the Potawatomi Bingo Rock Stage, for a soul packed, table top rock dance party.
June 30 -- I'll be reviewing the Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire show at the Marcus Amphitheater this night. Back for a second round of collaborative touring, these two legendary bands have a combined 60 years of touring under their belts. If the show ends early, I'll be headed to the Miller Lite Oasis for The Wailers or Buddy Guy at the Harley Davidson Roadhouse.
July 1 -- I know our entire staff has endorsed Bob Dylan with special guest Willie Nelson without fail but it's undeniably my top pick this night as well. I've seen Dylan in concert a few times before, and although his performances aren't as intense as they once were, his new album, "Together Through Life," proves his sound is evolving rather than dying off. Paired with Willie Nelson, this Marcus Amphitheatre show is sure to exhibit once-in-a-lifetime improvisational collaboration.
July 2 -- Femi Kuti is possibly the only show this year that I've been looking forward to for months. The son of Afro-beat pioneer, Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has spent a good deal of his career expanding his father's trails to recreate soul funk beats with a hip-hop influence. Collaborating with artists like Mos Def and D'Angelo, Femi Kuti's Potowatomi Stage show guarantees soul and funk at its best.
July 3 -- The Roots are set to return to the Miller Oasis on the same day, just one year later. Preceded by Milwaukee's own Rusty P's, anticipate an electrically charged show followed by the powerful July 4 fireworks display. If you want to keep it solely local, Father Phoenix takes to the Cascio Stage with a new album and hardcore sound.
July 4 -- Jose Alberto and "El Canario" spice up the Harley Davidson Roadhouse with hot salsa moves and face paced Latin sounds.
July 5 -- Nostalgia leads me to G.Love and Special Sauce, who I'm pretty sure were one of my first shows back at Shank Hall or the Globe 15 years ago. But, I'll probably opt to see Elvis Costello and the Imposters at the M&I Classic Rock Stage.
