Because Bon Iver is a top-selling musician who chose to build a great recording studio in Wisconsin and serves as an international ambassador for the state, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (Democrat, Wisconsin politician since 1984) has proclaimed today, July 22nd, Bon Iver Day. Bon Iver will celebrate by performing two sold out shows at the Riverside Theater. They're the first dates on an international tour that will run through November.
How to celebrate? Outside, near water, with a lot of people and food. Traditionally, the people of Milwaukee spend their summers getting wasted outside at Henry Majer Festival Park, bka Summerfest Grounds. The large tract of land buts up to the Lake Michigan shoreline and hosts festivals (Polish Fest, PrideFest, Irish Fest, African World Festival) from June till September. Milwaukee folks without Bon Iver tickets can spend tonight toasting Pabsts at Italian Fest. We hear the giant mozzarella sticks—a log of mozzarella cradled in an egg roll wrapper and deep fried—are delicious.
