Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Press Release

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

By - Feb 9th, 2018 05:00 am

MILWAUKEE, WI (February 9, 2018) –  Henry Maier Festival Park will be hosting two great events celebrating the Labor Day weekend. Seven-time GRAMMY award-winning trio Lady Antebellum and multi-platinum recording artist Darius Rucker bring their co-headlining SUMMER PLAYS ON TOUR with special guest Russell Dickerson to the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on Saturday, September 1, 2018. And, on Sunday, September 2, 2018 it’s the  3rd annual Big Gig BBQ featuring big fun, music and the best barbeque in town from local and regional cookers.  Once again this year, the Big Gig BBQ will offer FREE admission and FREE parking for all attendees.  This Labor Day weekend, the lakefront will definitely be the destination for music lovers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and foodies!

“This Labor Day represents another historic celebration for one of our hometown companies. We are excited to host an exciting weekend of activities at Henry Maier Festival Park, including Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on September 1, followed by the FREE Big Gig BBQ on Sunday, September 2.  It is going to be a great party at the lakefront!” said Don Smiley, President & CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker:

Lady Antebellum recently released the title track from their No. One selling album HEART BREAK (Capitol Records Nashville). The new single from the multi-PLATINUM trio provides “a bedrock for the entire record” (Paste) as “Scott takes satisfaction in feminine independence” (NPR) with “a touch of darkness and a clever play on words” (Rolling Stone). HEART BREAK follows more than 18 million album units, nine No. 1 hits, ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including seven GRAMMYs, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. For more information visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

Darius Rucker first attained multi-platinum status in the music industry as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of GRAMMY award-winning Hootie & The Blowfish.  Since re-introducing himself to the world as a country artist, he has released five consecutive chart-topping albums and earned a whole new legion of fans.  In 2012, he achieved a lifelong dream when he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and won his third career GRAMMY award in 2014 for his 4x Platinum-selling cover of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” off his True Believers album. His latest album on Capitol Nashville, When Was The Last Time features Rucker’s eighth No. 1 on country radio, “If I Told You.” The album’s second single, “For The First Time,” is currently Top 20 and climbing the country charts. For more information about new music, appearances, and tour dates, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.

Tickets for Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker go on sale Friday, February 16, 2018 at 10:00 am at Ticketmaster.com, Summerfest.com, at the Summerfest Box Office in person, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, select Walmart stores, and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express” automated phone line).  Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast” at Ticketmaster.com to print barcoded concert tickets from home.  Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.

Big Gig BBQ: 

The 3rd Annual Big Gig BBQ on Sunday, September 2, 2018 will take place from noon – 7 p.m. with FREE admission and parking, at Henry Maier Festival Park’s South End.  The event brings back many fest favorite activities including BBQ education presentations, additional picnic games and attractions, not to mention the best BBQ in the region form over a dozen vendors.  In addition, the “Big Gig Pig Award” (best BBQ) will be back and fans will have the opportunity to vote once again for their favorite cooker. New this year – an amateur rib competition will be held in conjunction with the event.  For a complete schedule and details visit biggigbbq.com

About Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is an independent, private 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1965 that produces Summerfest, presented by American Family Insurance, an 11-day festival that generates approximately $181.3 million in direct and indirect economic impact for the community each year.  Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. also maintains Henry Maier Festival Park, located on 75 acres on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI.  In addition to Summerfest, Henry Maier Festival Park hosts a variety of ethnic and cultural festivals, concerts, walks, runs, and other special events, attracting nearly 1.5 million people.

The mission of the organization is to promote an understanding of different ethnic cultures, the histories and traditions of various nationalities, harmony in the community, civic pride and provide a showcase for performing arts, activities and recreation for the public and employment opportunities for the youth of the community.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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