In years past the Miller Oasis been one of the most crowded, over-flowing and sweaty stages on the Summefest grounds, due to its central location and its lineup, which usually among the best at the Big Gig.
A renovation with a price tag, "just north of $3 million," has rendered the new Miller Lite Oasis bigger, brighter and bolder. The new stage was launched with a concert by the Violent Femmes and Ben Folds last weekend.
"It's easier to get a beer, food, to get to the restrooms and easier to get around," said Summerfest CEO Don Smiley.
The 72-ft. wide, and 5.5-ft. tall stage now faces east instead of north and promises improved sightlines and acoustics. A pair of backlit 9x12 video screens will allow distant fans to see the action. That's important as the seating capacity has doubled and the area -- now wired for wi-fi -- can now accommodate 6,400 more people.
A 45-ft. tall pylon sign will draw Summerfest goers and there are five bar location, a newly outfitted Miller Tour Center featuring a long bar and new VIP areas. "Stage Right," is a 16x30-ft. long area perched above the stage what can accommodate 35.
A new VIP building can hold 54 people on the front of its upper deck -- which can handle 200 people total -- and 132 people maximum on a lower back outdoor patio.
The old Saz's location has been replaced with Joey Buona's. Saz's has moved into the new VIP building, although the nearly 1,800-sq. ft. eatery is open to all festival patrons.
The stage will be utilized by Miller -- which as a sponsor ponied up the renovation funding -- when there are no festivals running on the grounds.
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.
