Play in the City

South Shore Frolics

Milwaukee has been dubbed the “City of Festivals.” However, I’ve noticed that even though we have such a celebrated nickname, many of Milwaukee’s festivals have become homogenous.

Formerly known as the “South Shore Water Frolics,” this three-day festival is one of the oldest festivals in the city of Milwaukee and, unlike many, it still embraces the same simplicity, charm and character as it did years ago.

On Sunday afternoon Eric and I spent a little over an hour perusing the South Shore Frolics festival offerings that spanned several blocks in the quaint neighborhood of Bay View.

Located in the picturesque South Shore Park, the 59th annual South Shore Frolics boasts typical Milwaukee festival entertainment – food, beer, live music, fireworks, people watching – paired with classic, hometown charisma that’s expressed through the yearly Friday Fish Fry, movie on the beach, kid’s games, and one of the city’s best parades.

The afternoon was beautiful as we drove the 15 minutes from my place on the East Side to Bay View with the windows down in my new car. We easily found street parking and made our way toward the blaring live music and droves of people.

I was surprised at first by the crowd that afternoon, but then it donned on me that perhaps attendance didn’t suffer here like at Summerfest – which they blame on the tough economy – because this family-friendly festival is FREE!

Eric and I strolled along the beautiful tree-lined paths that were scatter with food vendors and children’s games. I caught myself laughing at the kids beaming each other square in the head with enormous water balloons. They reminded me of when my older brother used to ambush my sister and me while we played outside as kids.

I digress.

Our first stop was the 10th Annual Classic Car Show where we inspected the Novas and Chevelles with glossy paint jobs and their hoods popped. Many of the car owners were spending the late afternoon tailgating, grilling up brats and cracking cans of beer as locals peered through the windows of their four-wheeled babies and gushed over their hefty engines.

Strawberries Mean Summer in Cedarburg

I love the smells of summer. From freshly cut grass and warm rain to sunscreen and mosquito repellent, there’s nothing like a familiar scent to make you realize that summer is indeed here.

Perhaps this is why over 100,000 people make it a point to visit Cedarburg for its extremely popular Strawberry Festival each year – they long for the refreshing summertime fragrance and flavor of home-grown strawberries. After all, strawberries mean summertime here in Wisconsin.

This charming, free festival has been running for 23 consecutive years, providing not only succulent strawberries, but also a multiplicity of arts and crafts, music, food, and family entertainment that’s found in the heart of Cedarburg’s historic downtown district.

Cedarburg has always been one of my favorite getaways. The city’s downtown is beautifully preserved and the 100 or more buildings offer a wonderful array of specialty stores, restaurants, spas, museums and historic inns, not to mention, a packed calendar of festivals and events. It’s no wonder why this destination beckons me back at least a few times each year.

Last autumn, Eric and I went to Cedarburg’s Wine and Harvest Festival and as you can tell we had a blast! That’s why we both were enthusiastic about spending the day at the Strawberry Festival despite still being a little jet-lagged from our flight home the day before.

After zigzagging through the residential streets surrounding the festival area, we finally found parking on one of the side streets only a few blocks away from the barricaded main stretch. As we walked along the sidewalk, we noticed an ominous blanket of clouds rolling in our direction and over all of the tents and stands and stages making up the festival grounds.

“No, Mother Nature. You will NOT spoil another event!” I shouted as I pointed toward the sky.

No Summerfest

I didn’t go to Summerfest.

Truth be told, this is the first year I haven’t attended and for some reason I feel badly about it.

I mean, not going to Summerfest is sacrilegious in the minds of some locals, and since I consider myself to be a "Milwaukee blogger", well, I probably should have made more of an effort to get to one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest. Now I have nothing interesting to write about (I kid, I kid).

Anyway, Scott kindly gave me two free Summerfest tickets, so I intended on going Wednesday night and then again on Sunday afternoon. Well, Wednesday night summoned torrential rain and, really, it wasn’t worth getting soaked, so I chalked that night up to a rainout and planned to make it up on Sunday. Then, Sunday rolled around and it was so gorgeous outside that I was forced to spend the entire afternoon poolside. I swam and got some sun...Man, it was terrible.

Naturally, I feel really, really awful about missing the "Big Gig" this year.

Did you have a chance to go? If so, feel free to share your adventures with all of us wayward readers in the comments section. I’d love to hear what you faithful Summerfest-goers did.

As for me, there’s always next year.

Summerfest Stuff to Know & Do

For many locals Summerfest kick-starts summer in Milwaukee.

Have you been to Summerfest yet?

I still haven't had the chance to make it to the "Big Gig" this year, but I'm hoping to get there on Wednesday night.

Until then, I figured I would compile a list of things to do in case you haven't gone yet or are planning to go more than once.

Summerfest continues until July 6, so you still have time to experience the "World's Largest Music Festival" once, twice or eleven times!

1. Learn how to get in for free by clicking here
2. Print your Summerfest tickets from home with NO fees. Just click here.
3. Listen to the Emerging Artists Series every day from 3 to 8 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Connections Stage, and then vote for your favorite band
4. Take a shuttle from any of the park and ride locations
5. Two words: Fried. Cheese.
6. Get in for FREE on July 6 from noon until 3 p.m. for We Energies Free Day
7. People watch – Summerfest brings out EVERYONE
8. Listen to The Roots groove on the 4th
9. Be a VIP on the Captain’s Deck
10. Score a wristband for free lawn seats at the Marcus Amphitheater
11. Ride the Skyglider
12. Know what bands you want to see and where they are performing. Go from point A to Point B with a purpose.
13. Support local music every day at the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage
14. Watch a live newscast
15. If you live less than five miles away, walk to the gates
16. Bring ear plugs
17. Learn how Summerfest has gone green
18. Check out these emerging artists – Stunkenberg, People in Planes, American Taxi and Ra Ra Riot – sponsored by FM 102.1
19. Watch the BMX Stunt Team at the Sentry SportsZone 
20. Try gator on a stick at Crawdaddy’s
21. When it's über crowded, stroll the lake path
22. Find good parking in greater Downtown by heading over here
23. Have a martini at Jo Jo's Martini Lounge
24. Sample everything from Thai beef jerky to shish-ke-bob and sauerbraten sandwiches to tamales at the Ethnic Village
25. Wear really comfortable shoes that aren't open toe
26. Text a friend so that everyone can see your message on the Text-2-Screen at the U.S. Cellular Connections Stage
27. Buy a Summerfest T-shirt
28. Please, leave your babies at home, oh, and the enormous strollers. Thank you.
29. Chuckle at Comedy Sportz
30. See your favorite radio DJ broadcast live
31. Relax in the larger-than-life Legendary Leinenkugel’s Lounger
32. Be responsible
33. Tip the street performers
34. Braid a mullet
35. Ride your Hog and park for FREE
36. For a sugar high or head freeze eat a giant Hawaiian Shave Ice
37. Play hooky from work and get in for only $8 before 4 p.m.
38. Tee up three balls for $6 at the Hole-In-One sponsored by Grand Geneva Resort and Spa and win great prizes
39. Watch the water ski show
40. Dance on a picnic table
41. Pedal to the grounds, but remember to lock up your bicycle
42. Chase the kiddies on the jungle gyms and slides at the Children’s PlayZone
43. Learn about your favorite exotic animals at the Wild World of Animals
44. Gobble up Saz’s mozzarella marinara
45. Dress in layers. It might be hot during the day, but the lakefront gets quite chilly at night
46. Wear deodorant. For everybody’s sake!
47. Get away from the crowd and cool off at the same time in the Columbia St. Mary’s Cool Down Lounge
48. Kick back in a real leather seat found on one of Midwest Airlines Boeing 717s
49. Get lucky by playing free bingo at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage and Pavilion
50. Wear a big red smile – you know what I'm talkin' about.

Feel free to share your suggestions below and perhaps I'll add them to my list. Let's try to come up with 100 things!

Denis Sullivan Homecoming Gala

Under a sunny sky filled with fluffy, regal clouds, they sailed along the Gulf Stream near Florida. It was the same course as last year so the scent of fresh salt water and the warm tropical breeze evoked a familiarity among most of the crew. As the schooner cut through the rough Gulf waters, waves hammered against the gangway of the ship and rolled over the deck, tossing mist into the humid air, which generally acted as a better air conditioner than the ones the crew left back home in Milwaukee.

It was a glorious day, one that reminded them of why they truly love the open sea and sailing upon it. By midnight, though, the weather turned ferocious, kicking up eight-foot waves that engulfed the schooner and began to submerge its wooden deck. It’s hard to believe that only a few hours before, the deck provided a place for students to relax or study the ocean, or learn how to help set the sails, coil the lines and steer the ship.

At that moment, however, no one was relaxing – the ship was sinking! Without hesitation, the schooner’s brave crew worked with conviction, hand pumping the six feet of water on deck as other shipmates successfully rescued three men whose boat had been swallowed by waves and dark waters. Later, this night went down in history as the vessel’s most exciting journey.

This was an actual account from Captain Hugh Covert of the S/V Denis Sullivan that I read at ExpressMilwaukee.com. Sure, I dramatized it a bit, but clearly sailing the open sea isn’t a walk in the park – it definitely is an adventure! That’s why after hearing a thrilling story like that, I was even more eager to see the Great Lakes schooner up close and in person at Discovery World.

A few Saturdays ago, on a day reminiscent of that winter voyage along the Gulf Stream, I joined thousands of excited people at Discovery World to celebrate the Denis Sullivan’s official arrival at its summer port at Pier Wisconsin. The homecoming had the prospect of being a grandiose gala; unfortunately, it was forced to end abruptly due to inclement weather.

Eric and I arrived exactly at 3 p.m., parked in Discovery World’s underground garage and signed in at a long table centered on the lengthy promenade. Here we were given a wrist band for access to all of Discovery World, along with a food voucher, and then we aimlessly wandered around not really knowing what was in store for us.

Fun Riversplash Turns Chaotic

Riversplash is a three-day event that is the official opening of the long-awaited summer season.

At its core, Riversplash is simply a beer fest, period. It helps provide Water Street bars with the needed revenue as they head into the slower months of summer. Frankly, I have no problem with this. There’s no need to sugarcoat this aspect of Riversplash because, all in all, Riversplash indeed offers more than just Miller Lite. What I have an issue with is that during the three-day festival the Water Street and Old World Third Street areas have become mini-Bourbon Street parties, at least after dark.

According to the website, Riversplash was originally launched in Pere Marquette Park as a development tool to bring people downtown. Since then, it has grown in size and popularity, which was, perhaps, the festival’s downfall last Saturday night.

The unofficial launch of Milwaukee’s summer festival season was spoiled over the weekend by what was said to be the first-ever shooting at Riversplash. In fact, this incident was the first in all of Riversplash’s 19 years, says news sources.

I normally feel safe at Riversplash, which is why I had no qualms about heading there last Saturday night. But because of the high volume of people combined with flowing alcohol and the lack of security on hand, a drastically overblown melee ensued.

Now, I might reconsider attending the downtown festival next year.

My sister Terry and I decided to meet up with a couple of friends at Riversplash to eat and drink and to listen to music and to people watch. Around 7 p.m. we made our way to the festival’s primo location along a 10-block district that features popular restaurants and bars, in addition to the picturesque Milwaukee River front and Pere Marquette Park.

Despite Riversplash primarily being an extension of Water Street bars – a scene I normally try to avoid – I’ve always enjoyed myself. Perhaps this is due to the free admission or that Riversplash is the first festival of the summer, but what I think I like most is that Riversplash is central to downtown Milwaukee. It’s a real city festival that’s steeped in Milwaukee’s culture. Plus, it’s always amusing to parade around the normally traffic-filled urban streets, ducking in and out of bars and restaurants with food and drink in hand, and just taking in the cityscape and the people who live there.

Celebrity Sightings

That’s right! Even here in Milwaukee you can spot some of the most well-known and respected celebrities.

Today eyewitnesses caught a glimpse of Willem Dafoe parading around the east side all afternoon. I’ve also heard that Dafoe was spotted having a late lunch at Beans & Barley!

You may remember Dafoe from one or two of his 60 films – Spider-man, The English Patient, Finding Nemo, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Clear and Present Danger, The Boondock Saints, American Psycho and Platoon to name a few.

So what brings a movie star to our neck of the woods?

Dafoe is in town for the weekend to premiere several of his new indie films and to participate in the Milwaukee International Film Festival’s Willem Dafoe Tribute where Dafoe himself will introduce and lead several discussions before and after each film.

Check out the following flicks at the MIFF and you might have a chance to meet one of today's best Hollywood actors!

Shadow of the Vampire
Friday, Sept. 21, 7:15pm Oriental Theatre
UK/USA
2000 / 92 min.
Director: E. Elias Merhige
E. Elias Merhige’s acclaimed film Shadow of the Vampire, based on the idea that the lead actor from the famous F.W. Murnau film Nosferatu is actually a vampire, features Willem Dafoe’s shattering performance as the actor-vampire Max Schreck.
***Join Willem Dafoe for an extended discussion of his career in film at 7:15pm.

Anamorph
WORLD PREMIERE: Friday, Sept. 21, 9:30PM Oriental Theatre
USA
English
2007 / 100 Min.
Director: Henry Miller
Detective Stan Aubray (Willem Dafoe) becomes the pawn of a serial killer in this startling and complex crime thriller obsessed with the aesthetics and artistry of a serial murderer.
***Join director Henry Miller and Willem Dafoe before and after the film for a Q & A session.

The Last Temptation of Christ
Friday, Sept. 21, 3:30pm Oriental Theatre
USA
1988 / 164 min.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Willem Dafoe received worldwide accolades from the press and public for his utterly compelling portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth in Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed fictionalization of eternal spiritual conflict. 
***Join Willem Dafoe for an introduction before the film.

Stray Dog
(Nora Inu)
Saturday, Sept. 22, Noon Oriental Theatre
Japan
1949 / 122 min.
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cited by Willem Dafoe as particularly inspirational to his acting craft, this Akira Kurosawa masterpiece features the charismatic and frenzied Toshiro Mifune as a young detective who searches for the pickpocket who stole his gun.
________________________

Milwaukee International Film Festival
Willem Dafoe Tribute
At the Oriental Theatre
(Times vary)
$9 admission
For more information go here.

The Perfect Start to Autumn

Last weekend summer began to give way to what I hope will be another luscious Wisconsin autumn.

The change in season also brings thousands to the quaint town of Cedarburg (20 miles north of Milwaukee) for the annual Wine and Harvest Festival. Eric and I were among the many that couldn't have picked a better afternoon to go.

Cedarburg’s festivals are a celebration of arts and crafts, music, food and family fun all in the center of its charming historic downtown district – and the Wine and Harvest Festival certainly boasts the same flair.

The 34th year of this festival features local award-winning wines and foods such as brats and burgers as well as seasonal favorites like apple cider (which was fantastic), kettle corn and caramel apples covered in peanuts, cookie crumbs or candy bits. In addition, kids’ activities are offered during the day and the streets pulse with live music in the evenings; and of course there are numerous arts and crafts on display throughout the afternoon.

Upon entering into Cedarburg’s historic district, I was awe-struck by the surprising number of festival-goers flooding the entire stretch of Washington Avenue. We had expected this to be a rather quiet venue, but it was more reminiscent of the crowds at Summerfest (but more tolerable).

          

          

Party Like it's 1599

Bristol Renaissance Faire performer and Municipal Jester to the city of Milwaukee, Ann-Elizabeth Shapera a.k.a. “Jane the Phoole,” said, “In today’s culture we don’t know our neighbors and we don’t want to because if they knew us they might want our stuff. In general, we’re isolated and miserable. We live in boxes, work in boxes, transport ourselves from place to place in boxes, and even get most of our entertainment from boxes. Sixteenth-century people didn’t know boxes or self-consciousness; they simply didn’t have filters. They lived right out loud. And at the Renaissance Faire, our audience can finally join us and live that way too.”

I don’t think I’d go that far making the generalization that people today lead isolated and miserable lives (I think this as I type from the confinement of my office cubical). However, the idea of living in the Renaissance Period is pretty intriguing.

If you travel approximately 40 miles south from Milwaukee to Kenosha, you will find yourself in a time warp. Over the past 20 years, the Bristol Renaissance Faire has transported nearly three million guests back to a time when fencing was a popular sport, knights wooed maiden’s hearts, and politeness was actually a desired quality.

The Ren Faire was one of those things I talked about doing but never did. Since there has been nothing but rave reviews, this year I finally made it a point to go.

I met Eric at his place by 10 a.m. – that’s too early for a Sunday. Eric’s mom, dad and sister came shuffling in from their hotel shortly after (the Danielsons were in town for the weekend to visit Eric and to meet my parents for the first time). Once we gathered our necessities – including the tickets printed from our computer that saved us $5 per person – we were out the door and on the road.

The sun was finally shinning after eight-straight days of rain, yet the air wasn’t even humid like it typically would be; it was comfortable. The sky was the perfect shade of blue with white clouds that took the shape of dinosaurs and ships as we drove with the windows down.

After being stuck in a stream of slow moving traffic, we inched our way to the grassy parking lot. We were finally there.

Wholesome State Fair Fun

Early this summer, I passed many big purple “Grand Champion of Summer” ribbons on billboards along I-94. These ads were a constant reminder of the approaching Wisconsin State Fair that rouses the guilt I contained for not being compelled to go.

While I’ve never been big on state fairs, there are many locals who look forward to the opening day of the Wisconsin State Fair like a child brimming over with anticipation for Christmas Day. In contrast, I usually have to force myself to attend, just to say that I went since it’s the Wisconsin thing to do.

It isn’t that I hate the Fair; when I do go I have a good time, it’s just another world to me. I rarely went as a child; consequently, I’m awkward around farm animals. To clarify, 1) most horses hate me; I’ve been bitten and trampled twice (so much for being gentle giants). 2) Pigs are kind of gross (except for racing piglets). 3) Cows are cute, but foreign to me.

I realized I was a city girl when I went to college in a rural town in southeastern Minnesota. There wasn’t much to do when it turned cold outside since I could no longer bike, rollerblade or hike around the lakes. For the first couple of years I was miserable until I found a niche of great friends (and the local bars). For four years I longed for the city lights, bustling streets, daunting architectures, and 24-hour diners in Milwaukee.

My lack of devotion to the State Fair could also be due to my upbringing. I wasn’t raised around farm animals nor did I grow up waking at dawn, sheering sheep, plowing fields or bailing hay. Had I, maybe I’d be more like my college roommate, Sarah, who lived with her family in Iowa for nearly 20 years. Living in a place where she was routinely subjected to the farming community, she fell in love with horseback riding, farming, and among other things, corn (go figure).

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that (let me make myself clear), it’s just something unfamiliar to me. I’ll even admit to being a little ignorant. On the other hand, I know enough to admire those who live to raise animals or produce goods that I use daily and take for granted as I buy them for a couple bucks at the grocery store. Seldom do I think of the harvesting done to make the whole wheat toast I eat every morning, or how many cows were milked to get the half gallon of 1% I drink every week; or even the number of chickens raised to sell for food so I have a decent meal each night.

Clearly, there’s a lot that goes into this industry annually, hence the amount that also goes into the State Fair. This year I decided to see what was involved and to hopefully learn more about an industry I know little about.

Nearly a million fairgoers enjoy the annual, fun-filled State Fair each year. Last Saturday I finally visited the 156th annual State Fair and this time I went with an open mind.