Don Smiley

Does Summerfest Get Special Treatment?

Its bar license owned by private company never gets a thorough review by the city.

Why Does Summerfest Run a Private Company?

Its managers Ron San Felippo and Mike White can't explain it. And Summerfest won't say. Third story of investigative series.

Don Smiley Paid $3.3 Million in 2022

Summerfest boss has collected $9.9 million in 6 years for running tax-exempt charity.

Aurora Summerfest Deal Raises Questions

Why is a hospital chain paying for music? And where will money for sponsorship deal come from?

Aurora Becoming Stage Sponsor at Summerfest

Former Johnson Controls World Sound Stage will become The Aurora Pavilion, receive upgrades.

Let The Music Play Grant Program Application Now Open

Positively Impacting Hundreds of Local Music Education Students Annually

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Celebrates a Successful First Half of the Event Season Convening the Community at Henry Maier Festival Park

Summerfest Attendance Up 40%, 3-Weekend Format To Continue

But overall attendance was still well below pre-pandemic levels.

Summerfest Tech Finds Success with its Sixth Annual Conference for Tech Leaders

Milwaukee’s premier summer tech event grew to three days in 2023 and registered thousands of attendees from 29 states and 16 countries.

Don Smiley’s Latest Paycheck Was $991,154

Summerfest boss has collected $6.56 million in five years for running tax exempt charity.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces 2023 Details for Sunday Family Fun Days at Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Series to Feature Community Arts Groups, Activities, and Themed Events

2023 Concert Season at Henry Maier Festival Park Kicks Off May 28 with Janet Jackson

Summerfest 2023 Admission Promotions Announced

Nine Days, 14 Ways to Get in FREE

MCTS Will Provide Buses for Summerfest

MCTS returning to Summerfest with shuttles from two park-and-ride lots.

Summerfest Unveils 2023 Schedule

Here's an easy-to-read schedule, grouped by date and stage.

Milwaukee’s Summerfest Announces 2023 Headliners for 55th Anniversary

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces J. Jeffers & Co. as New Sponsor

Includes Naming Rights for Hospitality Area Featuring New Fan Concert Upgrade for All Shows at American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Summerfest Tech to Partner at the South by Southwest® Conference in Austin, TX

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces Mary Ellen Stanek as Board Chairwoman and adds Dr. Joan Prince and Charles Harvey to Board of Directors

Sixth Annual Summerfest Tech Celebrates Growth with Three Days of Expanded Programming

Most Popular Murphy’s Law Columns

Readers liked stories about Tims -- Michels and Ramthun. And Summerfest, its well paid leader and IRS complaint were hot stuff.

Biggest Concert Season in Over 15 Years Wraps Up at American Family Insurance Amphitheater and BMO Harris Pavilion

Summerfest Will Keep 3-Weekend Format

Festival says format will return in 2023 and survey shows attendee prefer it.

Republican Party Officially Selects Milwaukee for 2024 Convention

Milwaukee becomes first city to win back-to-back Democratic and Republican national conventions since 1972

Summerfest Tech Experiences Big Growth In 2022

The Sounds of Summerfest Channel Launches Today on Audacy App

Summerfest To Provide Shuttle Service

Private service will be twice as expensive and provide fewer stops than now cancelled public option.

Summerfest Leader Will Step Down At End of 2023

Don Smiley will return at the end of 2023. Sarah Smith Pancheri named president.

Summerfest Marketplace to Feature Nine Minority-Owned Businesses Through BMO EMpower Grant Program

Want To Visit Summerfest’s Children’s Park? Check The Schedule

Northwestern Mutual Community Park is free and popular, but availability is based on fest calendar.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces Sunday Family Fun Days at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Park opens to the community on April 19

IRS Complaint Filed Against Summerfest

Complaint challenges festival’s nonprofit status, claiming it now operates ‘as a commercial entity.’

Bob Babisch Announces 2022 Season will be Final Year Serving as Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Vice President of Entertainment

Summerfest Tech Celebrates 5th Year with Focus on Innovation

Grows to 2 Days, Adds Locations, Expands Reach, Doubles Pitch Competition Prize

Summerfest CEO Collects $2.49 Million

Don Smiley gets total compensation of 1.19 million in 2019 and $1.29 million in 2020.

Summerfest Lands One of the City of Milwaukee’s Top Attorneys

Mary Schanning will become general counsel, chief administrative officer at Milwaukee World Festival.

Indoor Concert Complex Planned Next To Summerfest

800 and 4,000 seat theaters would offer year-round entertainment.

Summerfest to Extend Fan Appreciation Day Hours Saturday

FREE Summerfest 2022 Tickets to first 30,000 Fans 2022 Dates Announced

Summerfest Will Offer Its Own Shuttles

Festival to offer scaled-down version of MCTS park-and-ride bus network.

Milwaukee World Festival to Provide Bus Shuttles to Summerfest

Gov. Evers Appoints Tim Sheehy as Chair of the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District Board

Summerfest Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test

Music festival is first major outdoor event in Milwaukee area to implement requirement.

Cousins Subs Announces Summerfest Ticket Promotion

Sub Shop Rewards Customers with Free Ticket Offer

Northwestern Mutual Builds New Park on Summerfest Grounds

New park replaces the Children's Theater and Playzone.

Milwaukee World Festival to Hold Job Fair on June 26 Hiring Over 2,000 Seasonal Workers

Invites Prospective Employees to Join for Historic Season

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces Return of Summerfest Tech

OnMilwaukee and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announce New Event – MKE Food Truck Fest – July 24, 2021

Drive-Thru Vaccination Clinic at Summerfest

Summerfest 2021 Headliners Announced

New Generac Power Stage Set for August Debut at Henry Maier Festival Park

Summerfest Moving to September for 2021

Another June festival announces delay.

Summerfest 2021 Moves to September

Festival will be held September 2 – 4, 9 – 11 and 16 – 18, 2021

Summerfest Trades Harley-Davidson for Generac

Generator manufacturer will sponsor stage on festival grounds.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and Generac Power Systems Announce Partnership

New Generac Power Stage Will Enrich the Festival Concert Experience

2020-2021 Let The Music Play Grant Application Open

Grants to support youth music programs including hybrid or virtual education

Northwestern Mutual Dedicates More Than $3 Million to Strengthen Milwaukee Cultural Attractions

Company supports seven destinations, including redevelopment project at Henry Maier Festival Park

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces Redevelopment of Northwestern Mutual Children’s Theater & Playzone as Community Park

Park to feature one of the most accessible playgrounds in Wisconsin

Summerfest Fans Invited to Give Back – Donation Drive-Up Benefiting Hunger Task Force and Next Door

Public Encouraged to Donate and Receive Summerfest 2021 Ticket

Summerfest Announces New Format and 2021 Dates

More Weekends – More National Talent June 24–26, July 1–3 and July 8–10

Summerfest Canceled

Due to the pandemic, for the first time in the festival's history it is canceled

Cousins Subs, Summerfest and Disrupt Idea Co. Launch Campaign to Feed Aurora Health Care Frontline Workers Public Encouraged to Pay It Forward

Don Smiley, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc and Christine Specht, CEO of Cousins Subs, along with her husband John Palmert, Director of Franchise Sales at Cousins Subs, Making Personal Donations to Kick Start the Campaign

Statement from Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee Announces Henry Maier Festival Park as Site of Official Convention Delegate Welcome Party

Event will introduce several thousand delegates to all Milwaukee has to offer and kick off convention week activities

Summerfest Tech to Expand

Two-Day Event to Showcase Tech Leaders and Industry-Led Programming

Summerfest Flush With Cash

Festival has $47 million net fund balance. Aldermen say it can afford to pay for police services.

Summerfest Marketplace Officially Opens at MKE

New store features Wisconsin apparel, accessories, décor, and Summerfest merchandise.

Summerfest Pays No Net Rent

Charges ethnic festivals more rent than it pays city, like “a greedy landlord,” alderman charges.

Summerfest Got $48 Million in Gifts

Total donations from 2010 to 2018 helped pay for CEO Don Smiley’s "caviar lifestyle"?

Should Summerfest Pay Higher Rent?

Harbor House pays at least 7 times more than Summerfest per acre of lakefront land.

Journal Sentinel’s Huge Mistake

Newspaper vastly inflates growth of Summerfest CEO Don Smiley’s compensation.

Summerfest CEO Awarded $2.33 Million

Don Smiley’s 2017 pay package includes $1.3 million deferred from prior years. City officials “shocked.”

Summerfest 2019 Makes Me Smile!

Festival hosts diverse and innovative line-up, grows Summerfest Tech, and provides world-class experience

Summerfest Thanks Community with BIG WIN Promotion

Featuring Chance to win $20,000 and Prizes from Festival Sponsors. Plus - 30,000 FREE Summerfest 2020 Tickets will be Distributed

Summerfest Tech 2019 Announces Marcus Lemonis, Star of CNBC’s The Profit, as 5 LAKES Pitch Final Guest Judge

Marcus Lemonis is one of the preeminent entrepreneurs of his generation.

Megadeth Concert on July 4th Canceled Due to Health Issues

Refunds are available from the original point of purchase.

Summerfest Unveils Foods, Beverages, and Merchandise Line for 2019 Festival

Summerfest is rolling out its lineup of new foods and beverages alongside returning favorites.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and Zurn Industries Announce New Multi-Year Sponsorship

Includes Designation as Official Water Solutions Partner

Summerfest Tech Opens Applications for Inaugural 5 LAKES PITCH COMPETITION

$10k + In-Kind Prizes for Early-Stage Companies

Summerfest Tech 2019 Event Details Released

Second Year Event Grows to Two Days

Summerfest 2019 Headliner Lineup Revealed

Over 100 Headlining Artists Announced

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Hiring Over 2,000 Seasonal Workers

There are a variety of positions available to match every skill set.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Adds Two Events to Festival Calendar

"We are thrilled that Swarmm Events has decided to present Milwaukee Taco Fest and Big BBQ Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park."

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Reaches New Heights

American Family Insurance Amphitheater roof raised 26 feet

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and Uline Reveal New Stage Details

The new stage will incorporate natural materials including locally-sourced lannon stone and cedar to integrate into the area’s lake-side setting.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Unveils Renderings and Amenities for New American Family Insurance Amphitheater

The $50 million project is poised to transform the venue for the next generation of music fans.

Let The Music Play Grant Program Accepting Online Applications

The Let The Music Play grant program is open to non-profit organizations and schools that serve Milwaukee County through music based programming for students aged 11 - 18.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at the Lakefront with Bikes, Music & 3rd Annual Big Gig BBQ

$5,000 Prize to be Given Away During Big Gig BBQ

Summerfest 2018 Results

Despite three days of excessive heat warnings over 100 degrees and two days with rain, attendance was reported at 766,192.

Summerfest Wraps Up with a BIG WIN for Fans

Featuring 30,000 FREE Summerfest 2019 Ticket Giveaway and Prize Drawing

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $150

Summerfest Kicks Off Opening Day by Giving Away 25,000 Tickets

Fans visiting Henry Maier Festival Park who approach a participating staff member will receive one weekday admission ticket, while supplies last.

VISIT Milwaukee Names 2018-2019 Officers and Board of Directors

Board Directors volunteer their time to assist in providing overall strategic direction to VISIT Milwaukee and by advocating its mission to the community.

Summerfest Continues Streaming Collaboration with ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

New program includes headlining performances as well as meet & greet opportunities

Milwaukee World Festival Inc. Officially Opens New North Gate and Community Plaza

Announcement of “Let The Music Play” Grant Program

Updated Security Policy in Effect for Summerfest 2018

NO BACKPACKS OF ANY SIZE are allowed inside Henry Maier Festival Park.

U.S. Cellular Launches New Stage with Free Concert Featuring Diplo on June 22

#StageWarming community concert is first event

Summerfest Reveals New Foods, Beverages, and Merchandise Line for 2018 Festival

Summerfest is rolling out its lineup of new foods and beverages alongside returning favorites.

Throwback Thursday Returns to Summerfest on June 28th

Presented by Pick ‘n Save

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $200

Summerfest 2018 Headliner Lineup Revealed

Over 100 Headlining Artists Announced

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and Klement’s Sausage Company Announce New Ten Year Sponsorship

Includes New Stage Area and Designation as Official Sausage of Summerfest

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Receives Donation of Generator from Briggs & Stratton

Update on North End Construction Projects

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces Renewal of PepsiCo Sponsorship

PepsiCo will continue to sponsor the Summerfest App

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Selects Architectural Firm

Eppstein Uhen Architects to Design new American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Summerfest Celebrates Labor Day Weekend with Bikes, Blockbuster Music, & Big Gig BBQ

Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker Co-Headlining SUMMER PLAYS ON TOUR at American Family Insurance Amphitheater September 1st

Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run Discontinued

Milwaukee World Festival to Focus on Alternative Charitable Efforts

Summerfest Named Festival of the Year At 2017 IEBA Conference

IEBA is a not-for-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals.

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $250

Milwaukee World Festival Inc. to Construct New North Entry Gate and Plaza

Project links Maier Festival Park to downtown Milwaukee, sponsored by American Family Insurance

Summerfest Releases 2017 Results

831,769 people attended Summerfest in 2017.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Summerfest Announces New “Level Up” Concert Viewing Deck at Miller Lite Oasis

Reserved tickets for Level Up will be available for each day of Summerfest, beginning on Monday, May 22, 2017.

The Bogus Studies of Miller Park

How we've been misled -- repeatedly -- about Brewers “economic impact.”

Summerfest Celebrates its 50th Edition with Throwback Thursday on June 29th

Presented by Pick ‘n Save

BMO Harris Bank and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Renew Long-term Partnership

Multi-Year Agreement Includes Additions to Festival Experience for BMO Customers

New Summerfest Name, New Amphitheater

American Family gets naming rights to Summerfest, helps pay for amphitheater.

American Family Insurance and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc Begin New 10-Year Partnership

Components include a Presenting Sponsorship of Summerfest, Construction of a new 23,000-seat Amphitheater, new North Gate and Plaza and Community Programming and Outreach

New Stage for Summerfest Coming

U.S. Cellular inks 10-year deal; will spend millions to replace its music facility by 2018.

U.S. Cellular and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Sign New 10-Year Deal that Includes Building a Redesigned U.S. Cellular Connection Stage in 2018

New stage area, with largest video screen yet, and new guest amenities

Summerfest’s V.P. of Entertainment, Bob Babisch, wins Festival Buyer of the Year Award at the 2016 IEBA Conference in Nashville, TN

IEBA is the leading not-for-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals who buy, book and sell talent.

Announcing New Miller Lite Oasis Stage Area for Summerfest’s 50th Edition

Improvements will be completed for 2017 Festival Season and 50th Edition of Summerfest

Summerfest Foundation, Inc. Announces Music Education Grants Recipients for 2016

Twelve Area Schools and Non-profit Organizations Will Receive Grants Totalling $25,000 for Music Education

Summerfest Releases 2016 Festival Results

In addition to this year’s party, a special effort was made to raise excitement for the huge celebration in 2017 – the 50th Summerfest.

Summerfest Announces “50,000 for Summerfest 50” Free Ticket Giveaway

Festival Kicks off Year of Celebration Offering FREE Tickets to 2017 Event

Summerfest Launches Into Opening Day by Giving Away $325,000 in Tickets to Attendees at 5:00 pm on June 29, 2016

As Part of Opening Ceremonies, Summerfest Hosts a Ticket Giveaway for Patrons

MCTS and Summerfest Team Up to Offer a New Way to Get to the Big Gig

Cash may be king, but the all-new MCTS Pre>Fare is a rock star at getting you to Summerfest!

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces East Summerfest Place

From now on, the home of the company that produces “The World’s Largest Music Festival” can be found by its name at 639 E. Summerfest Place.

County Executive Chris Abele Announces That Summerfest Will Join Milwaukee County’s Purple Heart Pass Program

Purple Heart Recipients to Receive Eight Free Admissions to Summerfest

Summerfest Announces 2016 Grounds Stage Headliners

Summerfest officials are excited to announce over 90 headlining acts that will perform at the 2016 festival.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $250

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Announces the Big Gig BBQ Presented by Meijer

The Inaugural BBQ Event will Debut on Sunday, September 4

Fromm Petfest to Cap Off Summer Festival Season with Third Annual Event

Free Pet-Themed Festival Returns to Henry Maier Festival Park in 2016

The Design Competition That Wasn’t

Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?

Summerfest names new VP of marketing

Lakefront Gateway Plaza National Design Competition Culminates with the Selection of the Graef Team

Water, Year-Round Activity Featured Among Ideas

Summerfest marketing chief Boler leaves for Aurora Health Care

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $200

New Penthouse for Old Third Ward Building

Eppstein Uhen short of space in Headquarters; Bauman rips Summerfest traffic woes; and his challenger kicks off campaign

Summerfest attendance takes hit from bus strike, cool weather, road work

Summerfest Releases Attendance and 2015 Festival Results

External factors during the event impacted attendance at this year’s music festival.

Contribution to Robert Bauman of $250

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

The Return of Flying Car

What will be featured at next month’s third annual showcase of technology and innovation.

The House of Hank the Dog

The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.

Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary

His salary rose by $114,000, to more than $886,000, and the explanations keep getting thinner.

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Mayor Barrett met with Summerfest board members, who agreed to share more information about its finances and director’s compensation.

County Board Violates Its Own Law

Lobbyists have worked without board approval, which could be a cause for “discharge” of board chair Dimitrivjevic.

Pabst Leader’s Salary Far Below Smiley’s

Pabst boss Gary Witt makes less than a third of what Smiley makes. Ald. Bauman questions this.

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Why the tax-exempt, city-supported non-profit should be transparent about its director’s salary.

Don Smiley’s Cool Condo

It cost him $646,000, but heck, that's less than a year's salary for the Summerfest CEO.

Common Council Expands BID Board

To begin the proceedings Don Smiley the CEO of Summerfest gave a presentation regarding this year’s Summerfest during which he pointed out two items of interest. First, they have demolished the Harley Davidson Roadhouse and constructed a new stage that will open on June 26th. They’ve opened up that stage to the lakeside and created a 3,000 square foot deck so the general public at large can enjoy the lake front while enjoying the music. Secondly, Smiley made it clear that part of Summerfest’s marketing would be to tie the marketing to the City of Milwaukee. These improvements should be applauded and hopefully Summerfest will continue to improve the grounds and connection with the City of Milwaukee. The first items taken up at the Common Council meeting were to complete unfinished business from the previous cycle. Although all five appointments had been held at the encouragement of Alderman Nik Kovac specifically included in this was the appointments of Boris Gokhman and Joel Lee to BID #41. The delay provided time to expand the board from five to seven members and with the history between New Land Enterprises and Alderman Kovac it at least gives the appearance that this board expansion was done to dilute the influence that New Land Enterprises may have on BID #41. The Common Council also approved resolution 080121 which would accept funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities 2008 grant. The City of Milwaukee is one of twelve cities selected for this grant which will be used to provide training for solar panel installation and funds for educational materials to help promote solar technologies. Alderman Tony Zielinski sponsored and encouraged these efforts and it is clear this is just the beggining of his attempts to “green” the City of Milwaukee.