Oak Ridge Boys and Billy Dean review

A small but intelligent crowd attended the last music show at the 2011 Wisconsin State fair. Opener Billy Dean has the looks, the talent, the songs, but I guess is not a contestant on American Idol, so people don't give a crap.  I challenge you to have young children and listen to the song, "Let them be Little" and not tear up.  Tonight was a show of good ol' country music. Music that had a message and sounded good.  Even today's country music is bubble gum pop.  I stopped listening to country once that happened.  I liked the story, the meaning to songs.  That is gone now, and that is why you have in the music industry a flavor of the month.  None of them will ever be big because they have no talent and no substance. 

There was threat of a storm so Billy Dean only sang 25 minutes and the "Boys" did a little under 1:30.  The Oak Ridge Boys have been around for 30 years yet still sound great, have songs that are pleasing to the ears, hooks that I remember from 1982, and a genuine love of music.  Even with a small crowd they played full speed, enjoyed themselves, and therefore the crowd enjoyed it all.  Of course you had the hits like "American Made" and "Bobbie Sue."  But when they sang "Elvira" there were hundreds of people lined up outside the stands trying to see in and take pictures.  It is a real problem in all forms of music.  No one will give a crap about anyone making music now in 30 years, who are we going to have coming to our State Fairs and music festivals?  The next person who won a contest on TV or the internet?  Give me good ol' fashion music any day.

Benno wins State Fair vendor of the Year...

In a very close race, Benno once again won State Fair vendor of the year. Benno changed it up this year and talked trash about the other contestants, but it was all in fun.  I love being at the fair so much. A thunderstorm rolled in, we listened to U2 Zoo play at the Bud, and drank inside the roof of the Micro.  

The night ended with a run at Bar Louie.  Very good time, fun to see good friends...xoxoxo

Whitesnake review

I was ready to call this show "The A-hole Circus" in preparation of what I thought would happen backstage Thursday night at the Wisconsin State Fair.  Instead I have to admit there were few problems.  There were a few crazed fans that managed to be backstage for a few minutes, but were quickly kicked out.  There was a big guy that had an old LA Guns laminate on who got back early in the day.  Since we did not have our meeting yet to tell us what was allowed a laminate of the band sounds good.  Problem is he is someone who was kicked out many times from backstage for their concerts.  I was puzzled why the lead singer allowed him in their dressing room to take a beer, but after the very big manager saw that, he took care of business.  Now, this could have been a time when the A-hole-ness started, but it didn't.  He said he realized why that would happen and who that guy was.  He didn't get back the rest of the night.  The lead singer of Whitesnake was very nice and thankful for all that we did.  The shows were not very good.  I do not know one song from LA Guns.  Skid Row has three songs I like, but they do not have Sebastian Bach anymore.  Funny thing is this singer looks a lot different from the last one, so I asked one of the band members why they have a new lead singer again.  He said this is the same one.  I said, "No, you used to have a skinny blond haired guy"  He responded, "Ya, that is the same guy, he just got fat."  Anyway,  David Coverdale has facial expressions that I didn't know where possible by a human face.  He really can't sing much anymore, but he can grab his junk and have simulated sex with the microphone stand.  I guess the 3000 people in the grandstand must have liked it, but I'm not sure why.  Throw in that Whitesnake played about an hour 20 with about 20 minutes of that being guitar and drum solo, and you have a perfect storm for me to want to get out of there....which I couldn't because they had a "meet and greet" after.  Not much of one when the lead singer is on a bus then minutes after the show.  I was forced to sit there while nothing happened for a good 30 minutes, then another 30 minutes of people just wandering around talking to the band members who were left. The low point (and the point where the production manager said we could leave) was when the meet and greet broke out into a game a hacky-sack.  Truly a new low.   No one was a jerk or out of control, just bla.  I guess that is the theme of the night, not bad,just bla.

The excitement of the day came when the Guinness Book of World Records certified that the State Fair made the Worlds Largest Cream Puff at 122 pounds.  I took a picture looking like I was eating it..it was funny.  

We finished the night at SafeHouse...stayed til close having a good time with good friends.  Only a few days left for those to continue.  

Blake Shelton review

The only modern country show of the fair took place Wednesday night.  I do not listen to country radio that much anymore, so I didn't know Blake had so many hell raising and drinking songs in his catalogue.  The last time he was at the fair I remember a good show, but not much showmanship. Maybe being a judge on "the voice" taught him a little bit about all that.  A few examples:  He had a part of the show where he talked about how messed up he was because his family used to lock themselves in their rooms and blast music.  He was just a toddler so he would sit in front of their doors and listen.  First he would go to his parents room and sit next to their locked door.  And yes he did insinuate why the door was locked.  Then he played a verse of "Play that funky music white boy."  Then he went to his brothers room where funny smelling smoke always came out and listened to his song (can't remember it).  Finally he got to his sisters door.  She was listening to the most God awful crap he had ever heard, so then he sang a verse of "My purgative."  He said he hated himself for singing that song, then said that moment changed his life forever because he knew that he wanted to be in music, and it was going to be the exact opposite to that "crap."  Later in the show he sat down to play some of his old slow songs.  He said he was worried that no one would remember them because to many people he is a "new artist" after seeing him on "the voice."  He said if the crowd didn't sing along once he started a song he would just start singing Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift songs.  During this segment he did play my favorite Blake Shelton song, "Austin."  In his set he played "Who are you when I'm not looking" "Hillbilly Bone" "Some Beach" "Playboys of the Southwestern World" and ended with "Ol Red."  Even Miranda Lambert came out and sang a song with Blake near the end.  Very entertaining show for the 7500 that came to the fair Wednesday night.  The aftershow was much different than the last time he played at the Wisconsin State Fair.  Last time he and James Otto went to Paulies and bought the whole bar round after round and got completely wasted.  Last night "Mr. Miranda Lambet" and the misses were gone less than 30 minutes after the show.  Well, he still pulled off the "party personna" on the stage even if it is becoming a little farther and farther away from reality.  

ZZ Top review

This always happens during the fair.  Right around the middle I get tired of writing these reviews.  All I want to say is, ZZ Top played for about 3600 people, they liked it, it sounded good, they have a handful of good songs.  Can I leave it at that?  Nothing interesting happened, they are not interesting on stage.  They didn't do a meet and greet.  They do sound good, they all sing without help, they all play their own instruments without additional musicians.  

After at Bennos Micro was a much more interesting event.  We went down to see the end of the Brewer game.  If you know the area there is the Micro on one side of the street and Budweiser on the other side.  There was some heavy metal death cover band in the Bud, and we were watching the Brewer game at Bennos.  There was a very good crowd out at the fair tonight, FYI.  I'm glad that people are not scared to come to the fair, but I have to say that I have been told that black kids are planning to come down to the fair sometime this weekend and try and rush the gates and just break in.  Who knows if it will happen, but what if it does?  What do we do then?  I say go buy a bunch of tear gas, tazers, and clubs.  Bring every cop in from the state and arrest every single one of these human puke buckets....Anyway...The funny thing was that when the death metal band finished their set the bottom of the 10th was just starting.  At Bennos we have a cable feed, Bud had a satalite feed.  So we saw everything 2-3 seconds before Bud.  It was so funny to be apart of.  We would see something and react, then the 150 or so people watching at Bud would react.  Great time at the Fair, Great time at Bennos again.

EAT at the fair...

Took the family to the fair again..we had baked potatoes, various flavors of milk, cheese nuggets, grilled cheese, other stuff...then the cream puff.  Drakes first time.  He loved it.  Dane ate half a one all by himself and wanted more.  A good end to the fair for the boys.  Still 5 more days of fun for me. 

NEW security lives up to the hype...

After Thursdays attack by human pukes, State Fair hired new security to check ID's.  They make the same we make, can get a raise (something I have not gotten in 16 years) and no doubt the Fair is paying $15 or more per hour for their services.  Here are a few thoughts.  How high is the qualiyt going to be for security that had nothing to do the day you call them (a Friday in Milwaukee) and can work for 10 days.  They literally bus these people in everyday, give them shirts to wear, and march them to a gate.  Today one of them was doing such a great job that the police department had to tazer him twice and arrest him.  I don't think I remember anyone from my crew getting arrested...yet we work for 16 plus years and get paid the same as someone working for 16 minutes.  Hope things go well to end the fair...

Jeff Dunham review

I never thought 7600 people would come and sit and listen to a ventriloquist, let alone in the rain.  But that is what happened at the Wisconsin State Fair Monday night.  Jeff's comedy is a bit corny and definitely racist, but I guess that is okay because Jeff is not saying it, "Achmed" or "Peanut" or "Walter" is.  Best joke of the night came when Walter asked Jeff if he was going to hell.  Jeff say yes, to which Walter replied something like, "Well, we have to go through Kenosha anyway." He also asked the people is Wisconsin why the hell they live here.  If your ass is just a little wet and you go outside in February your ass will be frozen shut.  There were a lot of funny jokes, some that were a bit tired and old, but the show lasted an hour and 40 minutes and it sure didn't seem like it....so it must have been okay.  He started off the show talking about how he got to this point.  He showed very embarrassing pictures of him growing up. Many of them had to do with the fact that he had started his career when he was only in 7th grade and needed "head shots" with the "dummies."  Since his parents would not pay for that, he used the school yearbook picture every year through high school to get new head shots.  He then proceeded to tell jokes about the pictures.  My favorite bit was Peanut making fun of how poorly the people who answer the phone at Chinese food establishments speak English.  "Can I have some chop sticks"  "No fok" Stuff like that...Racist...yes...okay because a puppet said it...I guess...funny...definitely.  

The Happy Together Tour review

The Turtles came on the stage to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"  They yelled "stop...what have they done to our music."  It's hard to refute that fact based on the impressive set list that even after 40 years is still pleasing to the ears.  I highly doubt that anyone who is making "music" today will be playing a concert for over 4300 fans in 40 years.  Most of them can not play for that many people today.  It seems like the music that came out of the 60's 70's and 80's was something that people could get behind, could be excited about, enjoy to the point that what they heard on the radio became the soundtrack of their lives.  Well, pretty much every song that was played at the Wisconsin State Fair Mainstage Sunday night was released 12 or more years before I was even born, but at any age someone who enjoys good melody, instruments, and beat can listen to hit after hit after hit and know it was a good time to be a music fan.  There is no way for me to list all the hits, go on youtube and search for The Turtles (three letters away from making a gazillion dollars), the Association, The Buckinghams, the grass roots, and Paul Revere and the Raiders.  The bands played for almost three hours and I didn't know two songs.  They ended the show with each act coming out one more time and singing the hook from one of their songs and as Flo and Eddie walked off the stage they turned to eachother and said, "It beats working"  "I beats washing dishes."  They personified the attitude of the 60's, and so did their meet and greet fans.  While the kids show had 250 people who walked in a single file line to meet the band, the 15 people that went backstage for this show couldn't do it.  When I told one guy to wait by a fence he asked me if he was in prison.  Different attitude for a different time. Okay, back to the show.   Each "group" was really just a front man or two and a house band that had a ton of skill on the instruments and could hit all those notes that might have been hit or miss from the legends.  Let's hope one day record companies decide they are going to make music that people can be passionate about, truely love, and will be remembered for a long time.  Now, back to Lady who?    

Big Time Rush review

There was a big time rush to the Wisconsin State Fair grandstand Saturday night complete with 9200 screaming girls and moms.  (That is more than at Mrs. Spears at Summerfest)  It was easily the biggest paid crowd at the grandstand since they tore down the old one.  These boys danced, sang, joked...they did whatever it took to entertain that crowd.  They did something that I have never seen done before and it was pretty cool.  They had every one take a picture of the stage at the same time...When all those cameras went off around the same time it made a really cool effect.  They were kids doing pop/rock songs from a TV show.  The music was fine, they even did a cover of "I want to hold your hand"  which exemplifies the type of music they played.  It was nice to see so many "young people" enjoy themselves to songs with a nice message.  The girls in the crowd were crazy but listed very well when asked to follow the rules.  I woudn't think that a used water bottle would be exciting but when I gave a girl one after the show she acted as if I gave her a check for $100,000.  The only trouble I had was a mom who refused to take her daughter off her shoulders  until I told her the next person who would tell her would be the police.  All in all a great show, and great for the fair.  Once again the groups manager told us that we were the best security crew they have seen anywhere in the United States.  This happens often because we are.  When they arived at the stage the manager was gonig off about how bad security was the night before, and that we better not ask for autographs or talk to them at all.  By the end of the night he was asking us if we wanted anything. Of course we said no, but it shows what a great job everyone does there.  The only downside to the night was that one of the band members slammed his motorcylce into a rental car.  He was fine but the car was @2500 unfine and I couldn't believe their manager le them do that type of stuff.  What if that guy, Carlos I think, broke his hand?  Not worth the "trill" of riding around on a ATV or motorcycle.  Other than the "new" security that gets paid more in 24 hours than I have been paid for working there 16  years and keeping them out of the grandstand things went great.  Well done Bruce for booking such a wildly successful and popular group.

Casting Crowns review

The Wisconsin State Fair house of worship had it's doors open wide tonight at the Mainstage as around 4100 of God's faithful raised their hands to the heavens.  The band was very gracious and nice, they thanked me and everyone they could for being there to assist them in their show, and the lead singer even listed to my father tell stories.  

The opener was from Beaver Damn and friends with my lil' sis.  She was sweet and had people from all over come to see her..including her second grade teacher.

The downside of the night, once again little turds that work at the fair try and ruin an operation that runs perfectly.  Maybe it is because they are jealous just as the kids from yesterday are jealous that others can have a fun, good time while they live in the squaller they have created for themselves.  Maybe it is because they are pukes the other 354 days of the year and need to try and make all that up during the fair.  IDK.  What I do know that for at least the past 16 years good had prevailed and the turds that try and disrupt at the grandsatnd have failed, and will continue to fail because they are failures.  

other stuff that happened at the Wisconsin State Fair

As is now the usual in American, black youth trying to destroy everything around them and atleast beat up as many white people as they can:

'Mob' beatings at WI state fair...

'Hundreds of young black people beating white people'...

Fairgoers 'pulled out of cars'...

'They were just going after white people'...

State Fair Day 1

2,500 people were busting a move tonight at the Wisconson State Fair Main Stage.  The show opened up with Young MC doing a 30 minute set.  He worked hard, was entertaining, and genuinely wanted the crowd to have a good time.  He was very nice backstage in almost a insecure type of way.  As if he had low self esteem and wanted people to tell him that his show was good.  He wore a Clay Matthews jersey for the show, looking for the cheap pop.

I don't think Tone Loc did a better job, but he got the higher billing.  Think he played about 30 minutes, but I wasn't really paying attention.  

Hammer went into the crowd for more than one song, he had 10 dancers, and worked his butt off.  I am sreiously shocked and disapointed that his crowd wasn't much bigger.  He had his 16 year old son come out and rap, I talked to him backstage and he seems like a geninly nice person.  We talked about his school, where they play next, and he told me he would like to live in Wisconsin because he likes to wear jackets. I quickly convinced him that liking jackets was not worth 12 inches of snow and negative windchills.  

All-in-all a very nice group of people who came to the Fair to put on a great show and went above and beyond to entertain.  They gave out roses in the crowd, one of the dancers even did a backflip off the track wall toward the grandstand.  At the end of the night what was supposed to be 25 people ended up being about 75 people on the stage.  Somehow very uncoordinated white guys like Dan Maren were on the stage donig the same dance moves they did 15 years ago in college. But even with all those people it was completely under control and that was the other thing that was nice.  Whith Hammer going into the crowd and the manager telling people to go on stage, things could have gotten way out of control.  However, the crowd was very well well behaved.  Even the one super drunk guy who did make it onto the ramp where Hammer did two or three songs quickly left when asked.  It is a deep contract over what happened at the end of the night in the rest of the park.  

After the show

We were unaware of anything that was happening with the large group of animals that got lose in the midway and on the street.  We went to the best place to have a drink, Bennos.  Listened to the rest of the Toys and had a few drinks.  It was interesting how large groups of people could gather, even drink alcohol, and not beat the crap out of just white poeple.  After that is was another great time at the SafeHouse and a wonderful meal at Johnny V's....and repeat..

Fair breaks last year's attendance total

Perfect weather brought last-day crowds to the Wisconsin State Fair in force Sunday, pushing attendance past last year's total and topping out at 876,020, a 5% increase over 2009, according to fair spokeswoman Patrice Harris.

The numbers were as of 2 p.m. Sunday.

Aside from a problem with the Sky Glider opening night, she said there were no other major glitches with rides or facilities and no major crowd troubles.

Among new attractions, the Days of the Dinosaur was the big winner, Harris said, drawing more than 55,000 visitors.

She also thanked the community for again supporting Hunger Task Force Day, when about 40,000 fair patrons donated 158 thousand pounds of food

wisconsin state fair Saturday August 14the review and end of fair comments

Bret Michaels/Warrant/Firehouse review:

Bret Michaels dragged 6550 into the Wisconsin State Fair grandstand Saturday night. It was as good a show as could be put on by just Michaels and some fill-ins. Michaels played many Poison hits including: something to believe in, talk dirty to me, I want action, every rose has its thorn, fallin' angel, unskinny bop, and nothin' but a good time to name a few. I think he only played two or three solo songs and a few covers. It was awesome to see him on stage, considering he just had heart and brain surgery in the past 6 or so months. I was surprised that such a big crowd was so quiet. I guess there are two reasons. The older people at the show must have felt a little empty that the rest of Poison was not there, and the young girls that only know him from current TV shows didn't really care about Poison songs. Bret worked hard and even ran to his dressing room twice to take diabetes meds so he could make it through the set. After the show I told him that I have waited 15 years for him to come to the Fair, and he then went into this long story about how he has been at summerfest, waukesha, washington county, etc, but this summer was finally the time to play at the Wisconsin State Fair. Bret might be the nicest, most pesonable person that has ever been at the fair (at least in the last 15 years). He talked to security, told us stories, said he was sorry he could not jump as much tonight, but after those two surgeries he is still tired and that he will jump around more next year. He had a meet and greet where he spent quality time with each person, and it seemed he knew a majority of them personally. Multiple times he sent people to talk to his manager so they could be signed up to come to one of his kid camps for free. Usually these kids have major problems with their diabetes. He talked to fans til after 1am, I had to stand there the whole time and really didn't care. In fact, it was a pleasure watching him interact with everyone. Also, he had great management that were also a pleasure to work with. Way different than a few nights ago with a-hole Train.

Warrant and Firehouse were okay, same as always for old time 80's rockers.

Post party still happened at SafeHouse and Johnny V's: Last time seeing great friends, nice people, great drinks and a 3am fish fry.

Friday Night parade down grandstand Ave. was not as fun as the last few years, but was fun nonetheless.

Final Fair thoughts:

Despite once again having worthless morons who wish they were important try and ruin our time at the fair, we beat them once again by doing a great job, having every act say we are one of the best security crews in the entire United States, enjoyed each other's company and partied like rock stars. In some years past I was tired and happy the fair came to a close, not this year. I am sad to see it end. I will miss not having 5000 calorie dinners, but will not miss how I feel right now after eating all that stuff. I love working the shows and meeting the challenges each night brings...I love just being in the fair park, seeing all the stuff I loved as a kid and still love. I love taking my family to the fair and giving my son the same experiences I had as a child. I love seeing the sheep and laugh at how funny they are. I love cheese curds, cream puffs, drinks at Benno's with Ernie, turkey legs, milk, sports sticks, PB&J on a stick, Safe House til 2am and all the rest. I love seeing people I only get to see 11 or so days a year, and even though he gets grumpy, I love spending lots of time with my Dad. So here is to another great year at the Wisconsin State Fair!

wisconsin state fair friday august 14th review and August 15 preview

Three Dog Night and Grass Roots review: Well, we got our stormy night at the grandstand tonight. It was not too bad, felt good for most of it actually. The Grass Roots were quite good actually. Sang a lot of hits and the lead singer sounded pretty good. To be honest they should have been the headliner..Sang lots of good songs like "Where were you when I needed you" "Midnight Confessions" "Let's Live for Today" "Sooner or Later" "Where were you when I needed you" "Wait a million years" They went out and signed autographs for about 20 minutes after the show too. Three Dog night did not sound too good in my opinion. They have some big time hits like "one" "Celebrate" "Just an old fashion love song" and the huge it "joy to the world" They did a rap thing in the concert that was terrible. Overall they were okay, had hits and sang decent, but I wouldn't say I would have been overly excited if I was one one of the nearly 5000 that paid and sat in the rain to see that.

After party sponsored by Bennos Micro Brew:

Had a fun time telling stories, listening to the Toys and enjoying the scenery outside Bennos. Thanks to Wyatt for the awesome fries.

Only a few more days left to eat and drink all there is too enjoy.

Comment on fair supervisors: Why do they have no clue? Why do they care about the things they care about? If you have answers let me know.

Saturday, August 14 preview:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 - 7:30PM Presented by Northern Lights Theater BRET MICHAELS ROSES & THORNS WORLD TOUR 2010/ WARRANT AND FIREHOUSE

PICK `N SAVE DAY - SATURDAY , AUGUST 14 Pick ‘n Save invites you and your family to join them in Central Mall! Kids activities include Pizza Eating Contest, Ice Cream licking, bracelet making and more! And adults, don’t miss your chance to play the Price is Always Right game!

Cousins: DARYL STUERMER - GENESIS REWIRED 8pm

Brew City: Boo The Band 8-12

Bud: Cherry Pie 8-12

Miller Lite: The Now 8-12

see everything going on at the fair by visiting www.wistatefair.com

Wisconsin State Fair Thursday August 12 review and August 13 preview

Train/Kris Allen review (now with new and improved effort):

Kris Allen was last years American Idol winner, and since that show has always been and will always be complete crap Allen's performance met expectations. It was low skill, cheesy, and less than memorable. He acted like an ass on stage for his sound check and must not realize how little talent he has. You will be able to see him at Jim's Brat Shop opening for the Brat Shop house band by next year.

Train has the hits and the talent. I expected them to be snobs and I'm not sure if they fit that bill or not. They are SanFransisco rockers, so you have to expect some liberal smugness to them. They did the meet and greets, they talked to the fans. Lead singer Pat did go out into the crowd, had people come on stage, his voice sounded pretty good. They sang the hits, "Hey, Soul Sister" "Calling all Angels" "If its love" "Drops of Jupiter" to name a few. They did a basic 75 minute set. It seemed like it was just another day in the office for them..and I guess for Pat he must take ballet classes during work hours since everyone seemed to think he danced like a gay ballerina during the show.

I'm going to guess it was just another day working in the "dickhead manger" office for their manager. Complete with a over-estimated sense of importance and value. This guy needed to know who everyone was at every second. He thought everyone around him wanted to meet Train. It was true, many did. There were two meet and greets. Before the show was the radio station contest winners or something. By manager request they set it up like shit and it took longer than it should have. They had 3X5 pics that instead of passing down the line they just passed all around while talking to each person. Then, after the meet and greet was over I tried to give the manager his pics back and he started yelling at me about how I shouldn't be doing that and its not appropriate to ask for autographs. I interrupted him and told him I was trying to give him his pictures back. He just said, "Oh" took them and walked away. After the show there was another meet and greet with friends. Now, usually the guy who books the acts at the fair and the guy who pays for the acts lets a few people in to meet the band. Today that would have been a total of 8. "super manager" made that out to be as if 100,000 illegal immigrants just jumped the chain linked fence on the border. I explained to him the one guy booked the act and the other guy signs the check. He went into a speech about how if I let them in then all of a sudden there are 100 people. He did say he was "trying to be nice" and did let the 8 people in. He climbed into the ranks of biggest ass managers of all time, but I think he only ended up between 3-5.

After show co-sponsored by Bennos MicroBrew and Safe House.

Had a good time with friends at both Bennos in the Fair and then at Safe House after. I highly recommend both establishments for your next family or friend get together.

Preview for Friday August 13th

Mainstage: Three Dog Night and the grass roots 8pm

PATRICK CUDAHY BACON LOVER’S DAY - FRIDAY, AUGUST 13
Calling all bacon lovers! Sample the Genuine Goodness™ of Patrick Cudahy Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked Bacon and delicious Patrick Cudahy Lunchmeats throughout the day. Enjoy sizzling entertainment from the Patrick Cudahy Barbershop Quartet and have a blast at the Radio Disney Street Jam. Spin the prize wheel for your chance to win fun prizes

the whole family will enjoy.

Cousins: Cowboy Mouth 8pm

Bud: Toys 8-midnight

WaterStreet: Boo the Band 7-11

full line-up at www.wistatefair.com

wisconsin state fair Wednesday August 11th review and August 12 review

Montgomery Gentry review:

It finally felt like a state fair tonight at the grandstand complete with a country act and all the fixin's. Meet and greets with tons of people, an actual stage set, a good show and good stories. The opening act was Josh Thompson who is apparently from Wisconsin. During his meet and greet there were three sisters and and mother. Josh congratulated the mother on doing such a good job raising such good looking daughters and said he would be very happy to be invited over for a family dinner. The funny part was after the show the girls told security in front that Josh said they could come back stage and said hi..his response was a "hell no" due to the fact the girls age was in question (for being legal). It turns out two of the three were of age, but I do not think he wanted anything to do with it. Also, his preshow prep included drinking quite a bit of Jim Beam, and for good reason. Montgomery Gentry is sponsored by Jim Beam, and if you were not sure all you had to do was look at the stage, their buses, their truck, the huge inflatable Jim Beam bottles back stage and on the sides of the stage, or the huge limobus of corporate folks who showed up. Show was good, looked like a good old fashioned 80's rock show, which makes sense since most country does sound like 80's rock. Good show with lots of songs that the 5200 in attendance sang to for 90 minutes. Then after the show the band was quickly out into their party area at the exact same moment the Jim Beam execs were walking back stage back to their bus. Well, that turned into another party full of Jim Beam. Back stage was a sharp contrast with one of the guys out drinking hard while the other guy was with his wife and very cute daughter. Its always funny to see how one person changes after having a family when before that both guys were professional drinkers.

After show: Went out into the fair to see the best vendor in the park, Bennos, and something was different. There were lots of people there. Maybe that is because the show was done before the park was closed for once...something the fair should look into if they want the thousands of people who attend the concerts to spend just a little more money at the end of the night.

Eating at the fair: included mac and cheese on a stick, a duck fajita, herb kohl milk, a corn dog and samples of a other items.

Preview of Thursday, August 12th

Mainstage: Train with Kris Allen

GOLDEN GUERNSEY DAIRY DAY - THURSDAY , AUGUST 12 Golden Guernsey Dairy invites you and your family to join them in Central Mall on Thursday, August 12 from 9am-4pm for delicious dairy samples, fun family activities and great raffle prizes including FREE MILK for a year! Don’t miss out on the Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Contest at 11:45am!

Cousins: Molly Hatchet 7pm

all fair events can be seen at www.wistatefair.com

weather: Sunny and 88

Wisconsin State Fair Teusday August 10th review and August 11 preview

Steve Miller review:

Not too much to say. Miller still sounds pretty good and his band has a lot of talent. A simple stage set up and he played lots of good songs that the just under 6000 people enjoyed a great deal. Abracadabra, The Joker, Take the Money and Run, Fly Like an Eagle, and Jungle Love to name a few. It's fun to have an act at the fair that can play for about two hours and a majority of them are recognizable hits. He also had a 14 year old come on stage for the last 5 songs and play guitar with him. He was apart of some music school in California that helps promote learning music. It also is not a bad thing that even at the age these guys are at, they still have tons of attractive women following them around. I'll take the whole experience.

Last night after party was sponsored by Safe House. Wow was that a great night at Safe House, located in downtown Milwaukee. The drinks kept on coming, fun talking to everyone, and the staff is top of the line. If you are ever in Milwaukee you must look them up.

Preview for Wednesday, August 11

Mainstage: Montgomery Gentry/Josh Thompson 730pm

ALUTE TO WISCONSIN SCOUTS DAY (guess Obama will not be there)
PRESENTED BY CEDAR CREST ICE CREAM & BADGER METER - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11
Join Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts throughout the State of Wisconsin in celebrating 100 years of Boy Scouting in America, presented by Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Join the fun in Central Mall for a Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta and Solar Powered Robots! Get your ice cream fix with Cedar Crest
Ice Cream and enjoy fun and games all day.

Cousins stage: Loverboy 7pm

Bud: Toys 7-11

Charcoal grill: Pat McCurdy 6-10

other acts at www.wistatefair.com

Weather: 84 degrees, 30% chance of t-storms (they have been wrong the whole fair)

Wisconsin State Fair Monday August 9th review and August 10th preview

Third Day/Chad James Review

The Wisconsin State Fair Monday night service was attended by around 5000 looking for some good old rock 'n roll...wait...it was a Christian band. Per usual, this years instalement of Christian music sounded like a rock band, but actually the singer sounded a lot like Travis Tritt if anyone knows who that is anymore. Band sounded good, people had a good time. That is all you can ask for at the Wisconsin State Fair..less bugs and more bug spray would be much appreciated.

Preview for Tuesday, August 10th

Main Stage: Steve Miller Band/Dave Mason 730pm

JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANY DAY - TUESDAY, AUGUST 10 Join Jelly Belly Candy Company in Central Mall for plenty of sampling and fun with America’s favorite gourmet jelly beans! Visit with Mr. Jelly Belly, see the Jelly Belly Tour Bus, get your own Jelly Belly temporary tattoo and so much more! Sample Jelly Belly jelly beans throughout the day!

Complete State fair line-up can be seen at www.wistatefair.com

Weather: 83 and a 60% chance of rain

Wisconsin State Fair, Sunday August 8th review and August 9th preview

Jordin Sparks review

Once again, an American Idol winner comes to the Fair and is a delight to be around. Jordin Sparks is a very sweet girl, who just happened to stand 6 foot 3 inches with her high heels. It was a shame there were only about 1800 at the show. She worked hard, danced, jumped, sang. The crowd liked it. The only thing I didn't like was that "Tattoo" lasted about 10 minutes. Honestly, I think the crowd might have been into Honor Society more. The girls went nuts for them, and even as I was leaving the park over an hour after the show ended there were a good 40-50 girls waiting for them to leave. The guys seemed nice and they actually stopped their car and talked to the girls. I would have to say my favorite concert so far. I actually knew four songs including Battlefield and No Air, got to talk to a really sweet girl, and am home before ten pm so I can recharge for the week. Also, the weather was once again great and the fair was packed to the brim

Monday, August 9th Preview

Main Stage: Third Day with Chad James

SPRECHER BREWING COMPANY DAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 9 Join in all the fun and games with “Rooty” the Sprecher mascot and see the Sprecher Race Car. Go to sprecherbrewery.com/fair for more information and details regarding the $6 before 6pm admission promotion.

Charcoal Grill stage: Pat McCurdy 5-730pm

Saz ribs stage: Mt. Olive

all fair info at www.wistatefair.com

Weather: 84 degrees 40% of scatter t-storms

Wisconsin State Fair Saturday, August 7th review and August 8th preview

Family day at the Fair:

I'll just make a running list of the things we all did/eat(you figure out which things we ate and which we saw)...cream puff, dinosaurs, PB&J, mini-donuts, corn, baked potato, bacon wrapped shrimp tempura, herb kohl milk, pork chop sandwich, huge corn dog, free milk, pigs, pig slide, cows, horses, and lemonade

MMA review:

Well, it seemed like 1000 or so people really admired guys who role around on the ground with other guys" (breakfast club reference). It was what it was. In 2 plus hours I do not know if I saw ten direct hits to anyone. Lots of rolling around on the ground and weak punches. The good thing there were no problems and no stress. Happy about that.

Fair goings on:

guy with a knife, a guy beating the crap out of his fiancée, and a bunch of Hispanics "protesting" by the midway chanting "Yes We Can" in Spanish.

After hours fun:

The Safe House came up big with the first night of actual fun after the fair. Can't wait to celebrate Amanda's bday Tuesday night with a much missed friend, Rob.

Preview for Sunday, August 8th

Main Stage: Jordan Sparks with Honor Society 6pm

TIME WARNER CABLE DAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 Connect with Time Warner Cable and community partners in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) introduces youth to opportunities and resources that inspire them to develop the important STEM skills they need to become the problem solvers of tomorrow.

Bunch of side stages that can be seen at www.wistatefair.com

weather: 87 degrees, 3o% chance of t-storms

Wisconsin State Fair Friday, August 6th review and August 7th preview

The Spirit of Michael Jackson show review:

I'm not sure if the 2350 that were at the grandstand Friday night will agree, but "Michael" was telling the truth when he said, "I'm bad" I have to be honest, I love Michael Jackson songs, but this show had a guy lip sinking with four dancers and very low budget production. The best part was that the show was under 75 minutes. The best part of the show was actually just as the show was starting, I was walking out to the end gate and the security guard out there told me a family had just walked past and one brother said, "Look at that crowd, if that was the real Michael Jackson it would be sold out" The other brother said, "He's dead"...It was funny to the guard and me. The show was only good in that I liked listening to the songs. The production was very little, the guy was not that good and over all the show sucked. What didn't suck was the sports sticks I bought from Silly Dilly Pickle booth today.

Reporting about the fair in general: The people who have been working for state fair security for over 15 years have just about had it with the way they are treated and how poorly things are done. The whole idea of working at the fair was to see old friends, have a good time, do your job and have more of a good time. I don't know if this is just the way life in America is now, but the fun days are gone. The fair is still great, but working there really isn't worth it anymore. The idea of how it used to be good seems to be the only reason people keep coming back for barely over minimum wage. But like most govt run agencies, they do not care about quality, and when the best people you have quit, you will have little quality left.

Saturday preview:

NORTH AMERICAN FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP “RELENTLESS” 8pm

Cousins: Think Floyd 8pm

Bud: Boogie Men 8-12

MIller Lite park 76 JUliet 8-12

Saz Ribs: Bad Medicine 330-730 mt. Olive 8-12

My family eating everything at the fair 9am-noon