By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jun 26, 2007 at 8:42 AM

No, the rest of the city does not cease operations during the 11-day reign of Summerfest. As I'm sure you're aware, the "world's largest music festival" commences this Thursday, June 28, but there are plenty of local bands that aren't on the Big Gig bill that could sure use your support this weekend.

Quinn Scharber and Clementine are playing a free show at the Jackalope Lounj this Saturday, June 30. What's better than free stuff?

Bear Proof Suit stopped in at WMSE a few weeks ago to play a Local Live show and we've got a track from that set for your listening pleasure. Adding to the options of Saturday night, Bear Proof Suit is teaming up with Jail, the Assh*le Two and China Pig for a Stonefly show.

A couple years ago we wrote an article about Deadman's Shoes' new album, "Another Fool." If you've been enjoying that record, here's your chance to see the band live at Circle A. They are playing the Live at Eight set this Saturday during Circle A's binge party weekend.

Last, but never least, Milwaukee's beloved Mistreaters are playing a Cactus Club show on Friday, June 29 with Chicago's White Savage, Megas and Aluminum Knoteye. And, for the first time ever, Brent and I present to you, the Two for Tuesday: Mistreaters. Enjoy.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”