MILWAUKEE — Although Friday at Summerfest was cloudy with a few showers, the day was about recognizing musicians now, as well as those who played at Summerfest in the past.
Ryan Rathgeber came out to Summerfest from Madison to see his daughter perform at Rockonsin.
He said he and his parents brought their umbrella and ponchos.
“We were definitely concerned about having a deluge of rain showers to deal with so we brought everything,” said Rathgeber.
He said this wasn’t a show they were going to miss.
“All the parents and the grandparents have been supporting this band for years,” said Rathgeber.
Summerfest also took the time to honor some of its past musicians with its Milwaukee Remembers event.
Brian Woolridge started in the Milwaukee music scene in the 90s.
He said he organized this event to honor his wife and other former Summerfest musicians who have recently passed away.
Woolridge also hopes others can see the city’s music scene is a community.
“It will give them a sense of community," said Woolridge. "Musicians aren’t just a bunch of individuals. They all hang out and raise their kids together and do other things together. Milwaukee has a great music scene.”
"A lot of the bands — once you get into that position — they are really happy to help nurture younger artists and I find myself doing that with some younger artists," said Stephen Ziel.
For Rathgeber and his parents it's been a joy to see how Summerfest in Milwaukee is playing a role in his daughter’s love for music.
“It was just great," said Rathgeber. "All of the support not only from the people here, but also the people online showing support. It was a really great show."
While Summerfest brings plenty of big names, the organizers said they believe its the local musicians who provide the foundation for the festival.
"We have always had a very vibrant music scene here in Milwaukee and I think Summerfest has been the perfect way to expose great local music to the general public who would never see them," said Scott Ziel, vice president of entertainment at Summerfest.