Happy Big Bang!

Today is the first day of Summerfest. For those of you unfamiliar with the "Big Gig", it is the largest music festival in the world. To top it all of, it happens right here in little old Milwaukee. As an avid live music patron, I have an unnatural desire to camp out on the lakefront for 11 straight days. However, most years I end up not going at all. I think it comes down these facts:
A) food and beverages are not cheap, B) Summerfest is UBER C-R-O-W-D-E-D and C) most of the bands I'd go to see at Summerfest also play at smaller local venues during other times of the year. Yeah, I prefer seeing my live music in a more intimate setting. Does that make me a music snob?

Anyway...
The first night of Summerfest is highlighted by a huge celebration of fireworks called "The Big Bang." Lo and I have made it a bit of a tradition to go down to one of the parks down on Lake Michigan early in the evening on the eve of the Bang. We plunk ourselves down, have dinner, drink, and make merry. Typically we bring our Weber Smokey Joe and grill up something fantastic. This year, we have opted to go the way of cheese and wine. Should be nice and relaxing. As an added bonus, the weather report suggests that this evening will be in the mid-60's! Having recently survived a mean streak of 90ºF weather, the mild temps will be a pleasant change.

With the fireworks tonight, and the 4th of July coming up, I'm feeling a bit patriotic. So, in honor of my mood -- here is probably the best remix of the Star Spangled Banner I have heard in awhile. Enjoy, and have a great 4th of July!