Not so fast, Milwaukee.
Despite new legislation that's awaiting the governor's signature, you won't be able to carry in booze, beer or wine at Jazz in the Park this summer.
Here's the official word from East Town Association (the organizers of Jazz in the Park) executive director, Kate Borders:
"After a successful 2009 season of Jazz in the Park without guests bringing their own alcoholic beverages, we believe this is the best direction for our event. The change in the law allows event organizers to make their own decisions regarding their events, and we will maintain the no carry-in policy in 2010. The transition to a no carry-in policy in 2009 made Jazz in the Park more accessible for the public, less of a burden on the community and surrounding businesses, more palatable for the local residents, and much easier for event organizers to control.
"Based on this success and positive feedback, we are even more convinced now that this is the right path for Jazz in the Park to ensure its long-term viability. Join us in 2010 as we celebrate Jazz in the Park's 20th anniversary and present the best selection of entertainment in the history of the event."
Yesterday, the State Senate approved legislation that would make it legal to carry in alcohol to select outdoor venues in "first class cities" in Wisconsin. The legislation, as first reported on OnMilwaukee.com, was spearheaded by representatives Leon Young, Jon Richards and Josh Zepnick. It was co-sponsored by Senator Coggs.
Over at the Westown Association, executive director Stacie Callies says that River Rhythms will allow carry ins.
"(The new legislation) would allow each group to determine their own policy on alcoholic beverage carry-ins. So East Town would be able to prohibit carry-ins and we would be able to allow them at River Rhythms. As we see it, a win-win for both groups as it allows everyone to determine the best policy for their individual event."
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
