06/06/2013
Some sad news to report: Due to an overwhelmingly busy winter, spring and summer for the organizers and crew, The Refugee Stage will be on a temporary hiatus this year from Summerfest. With such an incredible lack of time and planning, we feel as though we wouldn't be able do it the justice everyone deserves and has come to expect from The Refugee Stage.
The outpouring of support has been incredible over that past 9 years and we are SOOOO thankfully to everyone that has pitched in to help set up the 1500 pounds worth of stage, wrap cables, pitch tents, maintain, clean, manage, run sound, book bands, coordinate and schedule over 77 bands, sell merch, act as security, and just grace us with their presence. We love you and we'll be missing you all with heavy hearts this year.
Being that The Refugee Stage has a reputation of getting better and better every year, it was decided to hold off for better planning for 2014 so we can raise the bar once again. Summerfest will be holding our location for next year, with intentions of being back bigger and better than ever! For the 2013 festival, our good friends Coventry Jones and Bibi Adell will be hosting their own stage featuring local artists on The Refugee Stage footprint. Please stop by and show them your support. Any bands that are still interested in playing on their stage can contact them at: [email protected] or [email protected]
The Refugee Stage has grown every year since it's inception into something that goes beyond the stage crew. It has become it's own entity. It's always been about the love of music. It's always been about giving the bands getting a chance to play. It's always been about having a refuge under the shade trees by the lake where you get a chance to see some of the best up and coming, as well as established bands from all over the state in an intimate, picturesque setting.
Keep an eye out for many Refugee alumni who will be gracing the larger stages this year at the festival. Refugee favorites, Whiskey of the Damned will be opening for Dropkick Murphy's June 27th, at the Miller Lite Oasis.
Please don't hesitate to let us know how you feel about the stage. Any suggestions and feedback are welcome. You can email [email protected] to have your voice heard. It's great incentive for us to make next year better than ever!!!
Yours truly,
"The Smallest Stage at The World's Largest Music Festival"
