No More Rockin' 50's Fest?????

Hey all,
I don't know how many of you might be familiar with the Rockin' 50's Fest that has been held at the Oneida Casino here in WI....but, I've heard an unsettling rumor. Apparently, Oneida has decided not to host the festival again. Disappointing, to say the least. I've often thought that our little 50's Fest was our version of Viva Las Vegas, and I'd hate to see it go. Does anyone know about this?

I hope they continue to host some great rockabilly acts in their casino. I know that Hillbilly Casino will be up there in January for the Tattoo Convention. Yippee! (yeah, I'll be the only girl there without ink...easy to spot. )

Feeling kinda sad this morning,
hrg

HRG,

I know a guy who knows the guy who coordinates all the shows at Oneida - his name is Phil...umm, last name escapes me now. Anyway, after the second one, he said there wouldn't be a third one, because they're a logistical nightmare. But then there was a third one anyway!

I heard the "No more Rockin' 50s Fest" from the Yahoo Midwest Rockabilly group. There's a young lady in the Twin Cities area who's interested in getting a form of the event moved over there, since there's a larger population base. She stated in her post that attendance at Oneida went down every time, and that they were being discontinued. Hopefully that's not true.

How much time did you spend at the last one? Who'd you see?

Bear85

Bear85 wrote:

HRG,

I know a guy who knows the guy who coordinates all the shows at Oneida - his name is Phil...umm, last name escapes me now. Anyway, after the second one, he said there wouldn't be a third one, because they're a logistical nightmare. But then there was a third one anyway!



Bear85

Lol, Bear. This sounds so typical Wisconsin....I know someone who knows someone who knows someone. I think we all know everyone like this. It makes small town living that much more fun. Maybe you could keep putting in the good word for more rockabilly acts.

Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to attend a 50's fest. Between kids in school and hubby working, it was a little difficult to get up there. I just lived vicariously through a couple of friends who attended and sent pictures. I was hoping to go to the next one, if there's one to go to.

Take care,
hrg

HRG,

I thought of the guy's name: it's Phil Doran. I think I've seen him at each of the shows (big room or lounge act) that I've been at. I've been introduced, but not so I would have made any kind of dent in his memory. It was just sort of in passing. I'd kind of like to get over there to see Junior Brown in late July - if I see Phil at the show, I'll be sure to put in a plug for 50's Fest.

Bear85

Kim Lenz is currently in the lounge, and we wanted to get up there to see her. She puts on a great show, and I've heard that she's released a long awaited new album. She's there tonight and tomorrow, but due to little league games and soccer matches, this is another act we're missing.

We're on vacation for Junior Brown as well....bummer. Probably the next show we'll catch up there will be Deke Dickerson in late August. Saw him last time he came through, and it was a good show.

I really wish they could have the casino acts on Fridays and Saturdays, too, but I suppose they already have enough draw for those nights at the tables and such. Oh well...

As long as they keep having great acts in the lounge, I guess I'll survive.

Take care,
hrg

To HRG, and other Midwest US forum members:

I just saw an email from the Yahoo Midwest Rockabilly Group. There's an online petition effort going on to try to save the Green Bay Oneida Casino Rockin' 50s Fest. Here's the link:

http://www.petitiononline.com/rockin50/petition.html

I have no idea how effective online petitions really are, but I signed it anyway. Nothing to lose, right?

Rock on,
Bear85