The stage is in place. The vendors are setting up. Metro Market is soon to be buzzing with shoppers. Friends and neighbors are preparing to skip out of work a little early, run home grab the chairs, a bottle of something, and head to Cathedral Square. Yes, it’s opening night at Jazz in the Park, kinda. Because that is how it use to work.

1. Jazz in the Park, it’s back June 4th and despite the drama, will be just like it has been in years past. River Rhythms starts across the river on June 10th, and Chill on the Hill kicks off June 2nd.

It was just a few years ago when Milwaukee was named the #2 Party City in America, and although that might seem like a funny or insignificant title it was actually a well deserved and beneficial honor. I believe this title meant more than the number of beers sold at Summerfest or bar stools per capita. I believe it considered that because of Milwaukee’s great events “party goers” of all backgrounds can come together to enjoy music, art, the outdoors and a good drink. This ranking didn’t just show that we Milwaukeean’s like to knock back a few but more importantly it showed young professionals, baby boomers, and outsiders that Milwaukee was a vibrant, fun city to live in. This ranking reflected what those of us who live in the city already knew, summer in Milwaukee is about as good as it gets.

We had originally speculated about the origins of the ban on carry-ins at Jazz in the Park. Our speculation was that it was really a money issue, but that we thought the East Town Association had the right to and should attempt to generate money from the event.

Today we received just about all we needed to confirm our suspicions, a couple of great quotes from the Milwaukee Chief of Police Edward Flynn courtesy of the Journal Sentinel article Jazz in the Park fans have a whine and cheese party.

The East Town Association has posted a question and answer response to their recent policy change banning carry-ins. Check it out, and let us know what you think.

In a stunning announcement today, OMC reports that Jazz in the Park will no longer allow carry-ins of alcohol. The event which is run by the East Town Association at Cathedral Square is a popular event for a large number of Milwaukeeans every Thursday night from June until the end of September. The article states that the Milwaukee Police Department and a Wisconsin law are the reasons for the shut down. We’re wondering if the changes are related to finances and not the law.