May 1, 2017
Here I am again looking through Summerfest files from 1977!
This time we are looking at the food vendors during Summerfest's tenth anniversary year. I know it's the tenth anniversary because we have what looks like the Easter bunny handing out tenth anniversary balloons!
Check out the prices of food. Wine coolers were $1.00 and pretzels and pickles were $.35!!!!
I like the one that says, buy one brandy Ice and get one free!
The Magic Pan, Zorba's and Gimbels Wurst Haus were there!
Those were the good old days, right?
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
November 28, 2016
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Today's blog is a look back at Leo Kottke playing a show at Summerfest in 1973.
Never pictured Leo as a big festival player but here he is in 1973 at Summerfest!!
Enjoy a look at the master of the 12 string guitar.
Don't forget that my 2017 Rich Zimmermann Photography calendars are now available for $30 plus $6 for shipping!! Great holiday gifts for any rocker in your life or for yourself! Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I can ship one or two today for you!
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
November 9, 2015
At Summerfest in 1974, I had the opportunity tp photograph Harry Chapin. He was a shining star who left us way too early in a car accident in July of 1981.
In 1968, Harry, who at the time wanted to be a documentary film director, directed "Legendary Champions" but music was to become his career.
Harry had such a great voice and his song writing was excellent. He started by playing trumpet and wasn't very good according to a friend who told him that a guitar would be a better instrument for him. At the time, Greenwich Village and New York City where Harry lived, was hot with folk music and guitar players.
In the early 1970's, Harry signed the largest recording contract in history that included free studio time for his nine album contract. That saved Harry a lot of money and that was unheard of to get free studio time.
Benefit concerts and donating money to help fight world hunger were on the top of Harry's interests. The Harry Chapin Foundation was the result of his efforts.
Here are a few photos from a nice summer night at Summerfest in 1974.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
August 3, 2015
This past week on July 30th, Buddy Guy celebrated his 79th birthday!
He is still playing, touring and having fun!
At Summerfest in 2008, I was fortunate to photograph Buddy and those photos are attached here.
This year at Summerfest, Buddy Guy opened up the show for The Rolling Stones!! A few days later, my good friend and musician Jon Paris, opened up the show for Buddy Guy!
So, enjoy a look at man who loves polka dots and loves playing! I did watch his show after photographing the Jon Paris show. Buddy was having fun that night and walked out into the crowd and then backstage and then back onto the stage, playing the whole time!
Have a great week and join me on Facebook at Rich Zimmermann Photography if you haven't already.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
June 15, 2015
It's almost Summerfest time here in Milwaukee! Let's look at Summerfest in 2008.
Today's blog is about Cameo, initially a thirteen member group known as The New York City Players.
They were opening for Buddy Guy on this particular evening at Summerfest.
Cameo is best know for their song "Word Up", but they have done a lot since they formed in 1974.
The list of people in the band through the years, is incredibly long! It is the longest list of band members I have ever seen!
Jonathan Moffett, the drummer in the photos attached here is a legend, like a lot of the people that have been in the band. I first met Jonathan, when he was on Madonna's 1987 tour at Alpine Valley. He has also worked with Michael Jackson.
This is a very colorful band as you will see from my images.
Enjoy the photos and start getting ready for Summerfest!
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann