Oh, we're livin' on a prayer

I'm not sure what best describe the Bon Jovi show last night. Awesome comes to mind. The weather was near perfect. The amphitheater was sold out. People were swaying to the music.

Absolutely worth every penny.

Oh, did I mention how nicely Jon Bon Jovi has aged? Very!

It's here!

There's kind of a giddy feeling here in the office. Summerfest begins today!

Yeah, we get excited too. I mean, for weeks we talk about it, and when it arrives it's "showtime" for a radio station. We have ticket giveaways, promotional staff setting up our booth, and lots of information pouring in daily about this magical 11 day event! I hope you'll be going to to experience the same emotion. Perhaps I'll see you there.

It's a ritual

Maybe it's because we have long winters. Maybe it's because we need to use up those vacation days. Or maybe it's the best time you can have in one place in Milwaukee. Whatever it is, attending Summerfest is like a ritual for many.

We've been giving away Sumerfest tickets for the last couple weeks and it's always nice to hear personal stories of how the World's Largest Musical Festival becomes part of the fabric of our lives.

One man told me it's a family affair. The wife and kids attend together every year. Another woman explained that her friend from another state visits the entire run of Summerfest and they go everyday. And yes, I have heard of people planning their vacation days around Summerfest. Of course we know there will be lots of sick days used too!

It's different things to different people. But in the end, it is a good time for all.

Countdown!

Is is it just me or does it always seem like you're a kid when it comes to Summerfest? You know, you get all excited days ahead, keep thinking of the special day, and yammering about it to your friends and co-workers.

Let the yammering begin. Thursday is the start of Summerfest and I am totally geeked! My friend from book club got tickets and it's gonna be a very fun ladies night!

That is the thing about Summerfest. It just gets you in a good mood. It reminds you to live a little. And it reminds you that there just may be a kid in all of us!

Mmmm, Summerefest!

I was trying to recall the first time I went to Summerfest. I know it was in the mid 80's. I do recall going to see INXS. My brother drove and brought a friend of his. I invited one of my friends. I guess we were all too cool to hang out together so we parted ways before the show.

I remember the wooden "planks" as I call them at the old main stage. They were a bit worn and most people would stand on them anyway. Of course there was always someone behind you yelling, "Sit down, we can't see." But when the music started they were usually up dancing too!

Unless my memory is completely shot that, show was cut short as there was a major downpour. We're talking flooding. Sure wish we had come up with a contingency plan for bad weather. My friend and I waited outside the car for my brother for an hour. Apparently my brother and his buddy took shelter under a beer tent!

I haven't talked to my friend in a long time. But I hope she has the same fond memories of that day at Summerfest as me. The excitement of getting to the park. Seeing all those people waiting for the show. Just being silly and then singing in the rain!