Rock and Roll Guru

So many people have asked how I build my personal Summerfest schedule, so here it is in a nutshell.

Everything starts with what I call my non-negotiables. These are the concerts that I will plant myself at for the entire show. No walking away from these artists to catch another act.

This year it all revolves around the July 1 Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson show at the Marcus Amphitheater. This is my top priority. Any time I get to see Dylan, the baby boomers’ poet laureate, I’m there.

My other non-negotiables are Robin Trower, Felix Cavaliere, Stevie Wonder, Jon Paris, The Yardbirds, Heart, Kiss and Elvis Costello. These are as good as it gets for the rock and roll guru!

Beyond those bands, it comes down to who is playing on which day and at what time. This often forces me to make difficult decisions. For example, on Tuesday there is Chicago w/Earth, Wind & Fire, The Wailers, Buddy Guy, Joan Jett and Billy Squier…and they’re all playing at the same time on different stages!! This one is gonna be a tough call that I won’t make until that day.

During the afternoons I typically stroll the grounds without an agenda and stop whenever a band really catches my attention.

This system has worked for me for 30+ years, so I think I’ll stick with it.