For anyone who's dreamt of viewing Janis Joplin's beads, competing in a sumo-wrestling match and watching a performance by Wyclef Jean or America in a single day, head to Henry Maier Festival Park tonight. The Encore — a three-day event based on Summerfest — will give attendees a chance to catch an outdoor show and have a little fun before winter comes a-knockin'.
"It's the last big throw down before the snow comes," said Patrice Harris, marketing and public relations director for Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
From 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday, a number of national acts, along with several cover bands, will take five different stages, offering music from a variety of genres.
The Encore offers a diverse lineup, whether you simply want to relive your high school years — Sugar Ray, groove along to '60s soul — Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, or become part of a family — Robert Randolph and The Family Band or Los Lonely Boys.
Headlining tonight are Wyclef Jean, Sugarcult, Sam Moore, Gretchen Wilson and America. Friday night's headliners are Jimmy Eat World, The Gufs, The Temptations Review, Robert Randolph and The Family Band and Los Lonely Boys, while Saturday night's headliners are Sugar Ray, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Cheap Trick, Blue County and Local H.
"It will be more party music during the day and then at night it really runs the gamut," Harris said. "You've got rock, a little more alternative, jambands and funk and country. We wanted to keep it eclectic, but provide bands that people like."
According to Harris, the idea for The Encore first surfaced at the beginning of the year when Summerfest organizers thought about doing more events in order to "maximize the facility."
An empty spot on the calendar surrounding Labor Day seemed like the perfect opportunity, and the details fell into place. The festival ends Saturday rather than Sunday so Laborfest has plenty of time to set up for the annual celebration Monday.
Along with the music, several special attractions will encompass The Encore. ESPN Radio 1510 is hosting the Lazy Olympics — an adult playzone with various inflatable games (such as sumo-wrestling) that attendees can participate in for free, with prizes going out to the winners. The Sports Bar Annex will provide air hockey, darts and pool for all, while the Sports Bar — a 21 and over zone — will house TVs broadcasting different sporting events taking place this weekend.
In the market — where vendors are traditionally located — the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will display a collection of memorabilia largely representing the 40th anniversary of the British Invasion.
"We wanted to provide a really good mix of entertainment on the grounds, but still have the (musical) acts at the Summerfest level," Harris said.
And while most college students are running on tight budgets, anyone can afford a ticket to The Encore.
"There's a lot of students coming back," Harris said. "This is their first or second weekend back. We wanted to price it in a way that was affordable."
A three-day pass is available for $12 and single day tickets are $6, available through Ticketmaster outlets. Fest Heads and anyone who purchased a Big Gig Value Card during Summerfest can gain free admission. And as part of Pick 'N Save Stop Hunger Days, the first 1,100 individuals tonight and the first 1,500 individuals Friday and Saturday to bring three Roundy's brand non-perishable food items to the Mid Gate promotions tent will receive free admission. All food will be donated to the Hunger Task Force.
Whether or not The Encore will continue in years to come depends upon public response. Harris said if enough people turn out this weekend, it's an event that could become a Milwaukee tradition.
At any rate, it's a chance to break it down before the snow piles up.
For more information on The Encore visit www.summerfest.com.