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

MILWAUKEE, (May 21, 2018) – U.S. Cellular announced today that Grammy-nominated DJ/Producer Diplo will play a FREE concert on Friday, June 22 at the new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage at Henry Maier Festival Park. The concert is open to the public with FREE admission compliments of U.S. Cellular. The new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage will feature a 25’ digital screen, a VIP backstage loft and mobile charging stations throughout the stage area.

“We are thrilled to host Diplo as the first artist to perform on the new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage. Our longstanding commitment to Summerfest is a source of pride for all of U.S. Cellular, including our customers, and we have and will continue to invest in enhancing the experience for all festival-goers. As a dedicated member of the Milwaukee community, we hope everyone will join us for this #StageWarming concert,” said John Heimsch U.S. Cellular Director of Sales for Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

“It is a special occasion to launch a new stage area at Henry Maier Festival Park. The new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage will upgrade the Summerfest experience and hosting a free show with Diplo is just another example of U.S. Cellular’s commitment to our festival,” said Don Smiley, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Diplo, also known as Thomas Wesley Pentz, is considered one of the most dynamic forces in music today. In 2004, Pentz cemented himself as a full-fledged artist through his debut album, “Florida.” Diplo worked with M.I.A. on her mixtape, first and second albums, eventually creating the Grammy nominated track “Paper Planes” in 2007, which hit No. 4 on the U.S. Hot 100 Chart and has sold more than 3 million copies. In 2005, Diplo founded label/culture lab Mad Decent to serve as a platform for showcasing the myriad of fascinating sounds Pentz encounters while touring the world. After multiple Grammy nominations, including Producer of the Year, and being crowned the #1 most streamed artist on Soundcloud for 2013, Beyoncé‘s “Run the World” sampled Major Lazer‘s “Pon De Floor” and sold over a million copies, cementing Diplo’s place in the pop world.

In 2016, Pentz received several Grammy Nominations including Producer of the Year, Best Dance Recording, and Best Dance/Electronic Album. “Lean On” the global smash hit from Major Lazer’s June 2015 release Peace Is the Mission has garnered a host of accolades including reaching #1 at Top 40 Radio, a first for any independent label, being named Spotify’s Global Song of the Summer as well as earning the crown title of most streamed track of all time, currently with 573 million plays, making it the most successful independent song of all time.

Concert goers may access the new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage via the mid-gate of Henry Maier Festival Park at 7 p.m. on June 22.  No tickets will be required, event entry will be permitted on a first-come, first serve basis. Admission is not guaranteed and entry gates will be closed when capacity is reached. Food, beverage and parking will be available for purchase.

Please keep the following security policies in mind as you plan your visit. All visitors should be prepared to comply with metal detection and other security screening requirements before entering the Summerfest grounds. No bags larger than 9”x10”x12” or backpacks of ANY size, will be permitted on the grounds and they, along with any other prohibited items, will not be checked at guest services. All bags that adhere to the bag policy will be searched upon entering.

As well as providing FREE entry to the show for the community, U.S. Cellular will host a sweepstakes for VIP passes. The passes will provide Diplo concert goers with access to the U.S. Cellular Backstage Loft—including private restrooms—and the upfront VIP viewing area. Interested fans can visit any participating U.S. Cellular store in Wisconsin and Northwestern Illinois, June 1-15, to enter the sweepstakes.*Additionally, in appreciation of its loyal customers, U.S. Cellular will provide the first 1,000 customers attending the concert with a free ticket to Summerfest, which begins the following week.**

*No Purchase is necessary to enter.  Participants must be WI or IL resident 18 years or older. Void elsewhere & where prohibited. For complete details, see Official Rules posted in-store, or ask an Associate for assistance.

** No purchase is necessary. Must be 18 years or older and a customer of U.S. Cellular as of 6/21/18.  Offer is limited to first 1,000 eligible, verified customers to visit Sponsor’s booth inside the gate. Ticket is good for 1 day’s free general admission for 1 person. Limit 1 per person. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules at booth for full details.

About the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage

In late 2016, U.S. Cellular and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials announced a new ten-year agreement that included demolishing the existing U.S. Cellular Connection Stage and replacing it with a new, larger stage with an enhanced guest experience. The new stage now provides a view of Lake Michigan; a 25-foot LED screen – the largest screen on the grounds; benches with charging amenities along the lakefront; a new bar area; and improved walkway access for patrons. When it was announced, the new stage concept was previewed via a special Virtual Reality experience. (Click here to view)

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. For the fourth time in a row, U.S. Cellular has the Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance, according to J.D. Power’s twice-annual U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, and 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

About Summerfest

Following its 1968 debut, Summerfest has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, hosting the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites along with approximately 850,000 people from Milwaukee and around the world each year for an unforgettable live music experience. During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 11 stages, delectable food and beverages and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest.

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.