***Official Summerfest 2014***

[SomeDo]

Will be interesting to see what all of the side stage acts are that day. ZBB is headlining the day after DMB, lots of potential of guests. RIP Alpine I am not a fan of signs but they need to know that Alpine is home and they will be missed. Looks like Summerfest is stepping up their game this year.

[kapmann]

So I've been out the loop for a while, was this expected to not have Alpine? While that's disappointing, I'm pretty excited about fest!

[BigEyedUofLFish]

Was making my first trip to Alpine this year. No chance in hell I'm coming to Summerfest. Chicago sounds tempting though

[rockdawg]

Still in shock. Cannot believe Alpine Valley is not getting any love this year. I realize Summerfest is a great festival, but the side acts are the most fun. The Marcus Amphitheatre is one of the worst sounding outdoor venues I've ever been to. This is disappointing. We're passing on Summerfest this year. DMB will still sell out because it's much cozier than Alpine with only 23,000 seats, but the vibe and experience at Summerfest is nowhere close to any Alpine show I've been to.

[kapmann]

Here's an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal... I'm gonna call "bullshit" that DMB opted for a more "intimate" venue. Perhaps they were saddened by the non sellouts last year at Alpine.



"For years now, conflicted Dave Matthews Band fans have had to choose between shows at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy or a night at Summerfest.

Not this time.

Summerfest officials have announced the Dave Matthews Band as the Big Gig headliner for July 2. The band — the highest grossing touring act in North America for the first decade of the 21st century, according to Pollstar — will play the Marcus Amphitheater, a more intimate venue at 23,000 seats compared with Alpine Valley's 37,000-person capacity.

The show will feature two sets, spanning from electric to acoustic, full band jams to intimate pairings. It will also include an acoustic duo set with Matthews and guitarist Tim Reynolds, plus the possibility of special guests.

Tickets are available for purchase beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Summerfest box office, Ticketmaster retail outlets, by calling (800) 745-3000 and visiting ticketmaster.com. Prices and showtime have yet to be announced.

Dave Matthews Band is the third confirmed headliner for Summerfest 2014, running June 25 to 29 and July 1 to 6. Lady Gaga performs at the Marcus Amphitheater June 26 and Zac Brown Band, another Alpine Valley headliner last year, headlines July 3."



Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/mainheadline...#ixzz2qOMsPtbd
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter

[SomeDo]

Bullshit x2. But at least summerfest is getting better acts than they have in recent years. Not that I'm fan but Lady Gaga is a big name and ZBB us a good band. So far the 3 headliners are looking promising for Summerfest. I'm holding into hope that Summerfest finally turns it around., DMB has almost done that themselves. But no Alpine overshadows everything.

[bbfcfm03]

I will be going to this show, as the 4th weekend in Chicago is out for me. Sad there is no Alpine, but oh well.

[bbfcfm03]

And my first show was here. Summerfest 1999

[Crush Me DMB]

My uncle has a very high position with Summerfest and runs all the stages at the grounds, he's told me that for years Alpine has been structurally declining and that DMB and Buffett have been putting in a lot of money to prep the venue for shows. As a result of this, both bands (and any others that do play there) take home essentially everything that gets sold. I'm guessing that perhaps there is more maintenance that needs to be done and the band didn't want to deal with it anymore. Summerfest is an easy in and easy out. I'll try to find out more specifics, but I'm super pumped because I'm (hopefully) getting backstage passes so I can finally meet this band!!

[widmbfan]

I am from WI but currently live in Chicago. I live pretty close the Northerly Island venue. I would suggest going to the Summerfest show instead of Chicago. The chance of getting chair seats will be very difficult. The Chicago scalpers will have most of the good seats locked up. The lawn seats are the worst ever. You might as well sit out on the beach and listen to the show. Hotels are going to be really high once families start booking their 4th of July weekend trips. Summerfest is the cheaper option for sure.

[bbfcfm03]

So are most people skipping this and doing chicago? I will definitely be here, as I have other commitments the weekend of the 4th.

[SomeDo]

Other way around

[wisclovesdmb]

I have a feeling this has to do with ticket sales the last few years at Alpine and Live Nation pushing them to do Summerfest/Chicago. I've seen many shows at Marcus and not a fan of the sound there. Personally, I would prefer a venue outside big cities. I've been to the Gorge, Red Rocks, Alpine, 10KLF, Rothbury, for great outdoor venues in the middle of no where. I've also been to city venues. Tinley Park, Toyota Park, Caravan in Chicago, Marcus. The destination non city venue has a different vibe. Everyone there is for the band and it makes it a whole weekend vacation rather than driving into the city, going to the show, and then leaving. For our friends, the Alpine weekend wasn't just the 7 hours of show time, it was about the whole weekend. I'm still happy they are playing in Wisconsin, but would take an Alpine weekend experience over summerfest and Chicago any year. Again, still happy to see them play, just would enjoy it more if it was at Alpine.

[jsimon8]

disappointed with no alpine this year (like everyone else), I'd like to assume its more of a management/livenation decision and not a band decision but I guess we don't know

can't hate the fact that they will be playing 2 minutes from my place though I guess

[barefeet222]

Does anyone know the warehouse ticket limits for this show? I can't find it on the Warehouse site.

[DMBFanWI418]

This is super disappointing. Although, the past few years at Alpine have been so-so. Summerfest, however, is a hot mess of a place. No offense to your uncle there -- but -- overpriced beer/soda, overpriced food, and Marcus sucks. Plus, the overcrowding is enough to make you want to vomit. And many people do. I'd much rather see DMB at Miller Park -- where Farm Aid was in 2010.

[barefeet222]

Originally Posted by DMBFanWI418

This is super disappointing. Although, the past few years at Alpine have been so-so. Summerfest, however, is a hot mess of a place. No offense to your uncle there -- but -- overpriced beer/soda, overpriced food, and Marcus sucks. Plus, the overcrowding is enough to make you want to vomit. And many people do. I'd much rather see DMB at Miller Park -- where Farm Aid was in 2010.

Major bathroom shortage at Marcus too. Worse than Alpine (which is hard to believe).

[DMBFanWI418]

Originally Posted by jsimon8

disappointed with no alpine this year (like everyone else), I'd like to assume its more of a management/livenation decision and not a band decision but I guess we don't know

can't hate the fact that they will be playing 2 minutes from my place though I guess

I worked at Alpine during the summer concerts. Everything was great before they turned over to Live Nation. Then the problems started -- like many of the departments of staff being cut, Budweiser came in and replaced Miller, and concerts were more difficult to book. Alpine really depends on big shows like DMB and Buffet -- in fact, the year between 2006 and 2007 concert series, management was nervous because DMB was confirming late. They were preparing to cut A LOT of staff, including management, because the bills were not going to get paid. This is going to hurt Alpine.

[DMBFanWI418]

Originally Posted by barefeet222

Major bathroom shortage at Marcus too. Worse than Alpine (which is hard to believe).

TRUTH!! And do not want a beer/drink during the show. The best bet is to just stay put for the entire set. And then be more than patient to leave -- out one exit.

[DMBFanWI418]

I kinda feel like DMB gave Wisconsin a big middle finger.

Also, because of the stupid Radius Clause -- DMB WILL NOT pick up any Alpine dates.

[richieu11]

Originally Posted by bbfcfm03

And my first show was here. Summerfest 1999

that was my 4th show ever....and it was a most excellent one!

[kapmann]

Well the beer should be cheaper at Summerfest at least... Alpine prices are stupid high for high for that.

Small consolation, but it's something.

[stuckinflorida]

I don't think Alpine was a DMB decision. Rumor is that Buffett is going to Summerfest as well which probably means there will be no shows at all at Alpine in 2014.

Hopefully they will spend the summer actually upgrading the venue. I feel like there would be an uproar if they were to close the venue permanently.

[flutterby]

Originally Posted by DMBFanWI418

This is super disappointing. Although, the past few years at Alpine have been so-so. Summerfest, however, is a hot mess of a place. No offense to your uncle there -- but -- overpriced beer/soda, overpriced food, and Marcus sucks. Plus, the overcrowding is enough to make you want to vomit. And many people do. I'd much rather see DMB at Miller Park -- where Farm Aid was in 2010.

I've never been to Marcus, so my frame of reference is skewed. But I was at farm aid 2010, and I thought miller park kinda sucked. I'm guessing the only good view/sound was in the pit cause it sure wasn't any where else. View was awful...sound was just ok. Just my 2 cents...

[Primetime41]

Originally Posted by DMBFanWI418

I kinda feel like DMB gave Wisconsin a big middle finger.

Also, because of the stupid Radius Clause -- DMB WILL NOT pick up any Alpine dates.

Raduis clauses can often be broken if the show is sell-out, which it will be. But I still wouldn't hold my breath for any Alpine shows.

[flutterby]

Originally Posted by stuckinflorida

I don't think Alpine was a DMB decision. Rumor is that Buffett is going to Summerfest as well which probably means there will be no shows at all at Alpine in 2014.

Hopefully they will spend the summer actually upgrading the venue. I feel like there would be an uproar if they were to close the venue permanently.

This exactly. It would be a shame to lose such a great (and historical) venue. I hope they take this opportunity and use it well.

[seesound]

I was at Marcus last summer for the eagles-Completely sucked!
People were almost getting trampled.We sat in the bleachers in front of lawn.
Sound quality was also horrible.
I left the show after 30 minutes and went to a smaller stage within the Summerfest grounds and watched Trampled by Turtles-much better!

[DMBFanWI418]

Originally Posted by seesound

I was at Marcus last summer for the eagles-Completely sucked!
People were almost getting trampled.We sat in the bleachers in front of lawn.
Sound quality was also horrible.
I left the show after 30 minutes and went to a smaller stage within the Summerfest grounds and watched Trampled by Turtles-much better!

My FIL was at the Eagles show and he left after 2 songs. Yet, he always goes back - every year there will be a band that he just HAS to see and then he remembers how awful Marcus is! My husband, BIL and FIL saw Dylan a few years back and they wandered off to a side stage because it was terrible.

Good to know about the Radius Clause -- but agreed, no Alpine shows. I wouldn't mind happening upon a little pick up show at Lapham Peak if they meandered out this way...I mean, Dave likes biking and hiking...so...it's not TOTALLY crazy

Agreed Miller Park wasn't great. BUT -- I honestly believe Marcus is worse.

[DMBFanWI418]

Originally Posted by flutterby

This exactly. It would be a shame to lose such a great (and historical) venue. I hope they take this opportunity and use it well.

No way they would kill Alpine for good. The ONLY way that would happen is if there was something political going on -- like that one MADD group that tried to shut it down about 10 years ago after that drunk driving accident. It went NO WHERE!

[SomeDo]

Would be great if they came and did a Caravan type show or something big one night. I saw Rage Against the Machine at Alpine, they only did like 3 shows that year. The Marcus does suck but it is just cool that Summerfest is getting DMB hopefully that opens up for good things to come. Like I said it will be interesting to see the side stage line up that day. I would think DMB will draw new people to Summerfest and no doubt if they love live music they will have a good time.
Side note wonder when the gates open for pit, this may be my one time trying to get railed.