APPLETON, Wis. — After a lost 2020, a couple of Mile of Music veterans couldn’t wait to play for the festival crowds again this year. 

Right before their set on the Wooden Nickel/Jim’s Place outdoor stage, the duo greeted the crowd.

“We’re back in the saddle. I’m Marty Paschke and this is Eric Krueger. We’re in a band called Leading the Blind,” Paschke said.

Playing the Thursday to Sunday festival is something they look forward to each year.

“It’s such a beautiful weekend and the talent is awesome,” said Paschke. “When Sunday comes, it’s such a letdown. I think I’ve had tears on my way home from this.”

Mile of Music began in 2013 as a way to showcase original musicians from across the country in downtown Appleton venues. Paschke and Krueger are in a small group of musicians that have played each Mile of Music festival.

“It’s something that we wear with a badge of pride,” said Krueger. “We’ve done a lot of shows over the years through ‘Mile’. We’ve been musicians for 25 even 30 years and to have that invitation and have a platform for our original music is something we don’t take for granted.”

It’s a busy time for performers. Throughout the festival, artists stay busy moving to different downtown venues.

“We do a lot of planning. My wife is a saint,” said Krueger. “My kids have grown up with the festival. They’ve grown up kind of shuttled around every year and they know that this week is where dad goes to work.”

It can be a hectic pace but the Appleton-based musicians wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Just put me wherever you need to fill a slot,” said Paschke. 

Paschke tips his hat to festival organizers who handle a multitude of artist and venue bookings.

“They’re trying to get music in all of these locations,” said Paschke, who calls himself a ‘local filler’ for the festival. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

“It’s a lot of running around,” said Krueger. “A lot of hydration. Not a lot of sleep. I have some pain relievers in my pocket in case I need them.”

With 8 ‘Miles’ under their belt, the bandmates share their wisdom to musicians visiting and playing in Appleton for the first time.

“We can trade stories and give them some tips on how they should feel, what they should look for,” said Krueger.

The two locals have other insights the out-of-town musicians may appreciate the most.

“We can give them a good idea of where to catch a beer and get a bite to eat,” said Krueger.

The homegrown artists, doing what they can to support the festival they love.