Photographer Rich Zimmermann shares memories of more than 50 Summerfests from behind the lens
Recent Work from Rich Zimmermann
January 12, 2026
Happy New Year to everyone and I wish you the best for 2026. Last year was tough for us here and we're ready to move on.
In 1972 I was working for the Bugle American newspaper and Columbia Records. I had just finished my senior year of high school.
I was also working with Summerfest for the first time and life was good.
I thought that I had already posted these few photos of Pete Seeger who was one of our founders of the folk music era with Woody Guthrie and others, but I guess I didn't.
He was playing at Summerfest on the same day as Arlo Guthrie and George Carlin, if I remember correctly.
Enjoy these photos of one of the founding fathers of folk music.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
Rock
Racing
Weddings
Scenics
About Rich Zimmermann
Rich Zimmermann is an internationally collected photographer based in Milwaukee,Wisconsin.
Since 1971, I have photographed the Milwaukee area music scene. In addition to that, I have photographed many weddings and done many portraits. Some of my favorite portraiture has been that of Indy car drivers in pit lane and on the grid at racetracks around Wisconsin. The excitement and adrenaline rush I get photographing on pit lane is equivalent to the fun and excitement of photographing musicians on stage or backstage!