Welcome back. And, for all the newbies, welcome here. I’m sure all of you love music, right? If not, you need to. Anyways, my intent for this column is to help you expand and broaden your horizons with venues and bands you might not have stumbled upon otherwise.

I’m just another music lover who, thankfully, has parents who happen to have careers in the music industry.

Shameless plug
Check out Broadjam.com. For any musicians looking to get their music out there, this is a must.
Every Sunday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Stephanie Elkins hosts “Simply Folk” on Wisconsin Public Radio.

Last June, Badgerland joined over 450 communities celebrating the summer solstice throughout the world.

Make Music Madison is a citywide celebration of music. Anyone willing to sign up could perform. All ages and levels of talent were welcome, no matter the genre. Venues included everything between libraries to bus transfer points.

Coming up
Finally! The Taste of Madison draws near! This Labor Day weekend will mark the 31st show, Aug. 31 (2 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)-Sept. 1 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) It will be held on Capitol Square; thesurrounding 100 blocks and the 200 block of MLK and Wisconsin Ave are closed to traffic.

Three different stages dedicated to three different genres will be setup: 93.1 Jamz’s R&B and variety stage, WJJO’s rock stage and Q106Country’s stage.

Remember to bring cash for drinks, parking, and food stands, and your ID! Don’t be dumb, drink responsibly. Unfortunately, you cannot bring pets unless it is a service animal, or coolers.

The Taste of Madison is put on by Madison Festivals, Inc. MFI is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing overall life for the Madison area and benefiting local charities.

I hope you’re excited as I am.  With over 15 hours of free live entertainment and cheap food packed into two days, it’s hard to beat. Hope you’re comfortable with crowds, an expected 250,000 people will be in attendance.
Enjoy yourself out there.