Leach Amphitheater, Oshkosh
The Leach Amphitheater, which holds up to 8,000 fans standing, is one of the newest venues in the state. Located in downtown Oshkosh at the serene shores of the Fox River, the Leach Amphitheater is most noted for hosting Waterfest, a May through August concert series that launched in 1986 and relocated to Leach three years ago. Mike Dempsey, president of Waterfest, spoke highly of the Leach Amphitheater, saying it’s a “comfortable, intimate place, where people can experience top-notch quality while easily interacting socially.” Dempsey’s most memorable Waterfest moment: “Without a doubt, Tiny Tim with an electric blue violin and high-tops doing a forward roll while playing ‘Tip-toe Through the Tulips.’ It’s beyond explanation,” he said. Though still in its infancy, the Leach Amphitheater has hosted dozens of famous acts including Collective Soul, George Thorogood, Smashmouth, Joan Jett and the BoDeans, a band native to Wisconsin.

Photo courtesy of Country Fest
An aerial view of the annual Country Fest celebration in Cadott shows the massive crowds that will be on hand in 2008 to enjoy numerous acts including Brooks and Dunn and Kenny Chesney.

Chippewa Valley’s Amphitheater, Cadott
Chippewa Valley’s Amphitheater is one of the most well-known venues in Wisconsin as it hosts two of the largest annual music festivals in the state, Country Fest and Rock Fest. One of the best draws to the Chippewa Valley venue, according to co-owner Mike Asher, is the 8,000 campsites within walking distance of the amphitheater. What’s more, Asher said, “there’s not a bad seat in the house. It’s a natural amphitheater with its rising hill.” Asher helped launch Rock Fest in 1994, which has brought in famous names such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Megadeath and ZZ Top. Even earlier, in 1987, Asher and his partners started Country Fest, which has attracted famous country music acts such as Alan Jackson, Alabama and Randy Travis. But Asher’s most memorable moment of Country Fest didn’t involve a musical act. “In 1993 we had a ‘Mud Fest,’” Asher said. “It rained 10-and-a-half inches in only four days. It was a messy experience.”

Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee
This 23,000-seat amphitheater is situated within Milwaukee’s 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park. Constructed in 1987, the Marcus Amphitheater is famously known as the main stage for Summerfest, a festival that brings in 900,000 people a year, which the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999 called “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” Kristi Chuckel, marketing and PR manager for Summerfest, said of the venue, “It’s owned by the city and is a non-profit venture, so all the money made goes back into improving the grounds each year.” Chuckel also mentioned that the park’s 10 other stages allow for “a little bit for everyone. A nice eclectic mix of music with as many genres as possible.” The Marcus Amphitheater has been a regular stop for the country’s top-tier acts including Christina Aguilera, James Taylor, Bob Dylan and Nine Inch Nails.

Float-rite Amphitheatre, Somerset
The Float-rite Amphitheatre is the main stage within Float-rite Park, located along the gorgeous Apple River near the northwestern Wisconsin-Minnesota border. For many concert goers, the music at Float-rite is only part of the appeal as it offers tubing, camping and lodging in a secluded, natural environment. Linkin Park, Korn, Poison, Kiss, Snoop Dogg and The Black Crowes are just a few of the big acts that have played Float-rite in the past several years. Ozzfest also regularly includes Float-rite as part of its tour stop, due to the fact that the park can accommodate more 30,000 to 40,000 visitors per day. Scott Klimek, who grew up near Wausau, couldn’t speak highly enough of Float-rite. “It’s definitely the best outdoor venue I’ve ever been to,” Klimek said. “And I’ve been to a lot. I saw Ben Harper, Jack Johnson and Mason Jennings there. It was beautiful in so many ways.”