WISN, “Milwaukee’s Biggest Gig’ exhibit celebrates Summerfest, Bob Babisch”
Summerfest kicks off this week, and this year, there’s a new memorabilia exhibit dedicated to the Big Gig.
The Milwaukee Artist Resource Network, in the Third Ward, has memorabilia from different artists from over years, and a special tribute to Bob Babisch, who is stepping down as vice president of Milwaukee World
“Oh, it’s great. It’s fantastic. It is fantastic. Can I take those mics home when we’re done with them?” Babisch said.
Babisch has booked some legendary Summerfest acts.
“What we try to do here is highlight the local, the southeast Wisconsin artists, and so really, we are highlighting a different instance of art. It’s the culture that Summerfest brings to our neighborhood,” gallery director Riley Niemack said.
There are walls of photos from iconic performances including the Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish and the Jonas Brothers.
“It’s all people that I’ve worked with through the years. I mean, look how young the Jonas Brothers were the first time we did them. That’s just crazy. There’s a picture of Bieber. How old was he when we did one?” Babisch said.
As Babisch moves on, he’ll never forget the memories.
“My hope is that people of southeastern Wisconsin and Milwaukee continue to take this festival in their hearts,” Babisch said.
The exhibit is open now to the public for free and will run through July 16.
Jason Aldean kicks off the festivities Thursday night at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on opening night.
Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa and the Wu-Tang Clan round out opening weekend headliners.
Summerfest runs June 23-25, June 30-July 2 and July 7-9.
Read the article written by Gabriella Garza for WISN here.
