Cover story: The Big Gig, hometown-style
It's time to salute the hometown crew: the local bands and DJs who keep the Summerfest stages humming for 11 days while the guys with the big shiny tour buses come and go. Check out our guide to the local acts and get ready to stake out a seat. Also: schedules, essential info, and our own Summerfest Bingo.

On the cover: Milwaukee's own DJ Nu-Stylez, tour deejay for Digital Underground, will perform July 6 at Summerfest.

Photo illustration by C. Taylor.

downtime
Threeview: Sabor
Threeview: 'An Inconvenient Truth'
In your ear: The Batten Revue
Bartender of the week: Brian Loeser of Carleton Grange
Weekly food and drink specials
Fourth of July fireworks schedule 2006
Festival watch What's happening June 29 to July 2

how we live
New store on the scene InStep Running and Walking Center
A taste of freedom Declare your kitchen independence with an easy menu

in the know
Ryan Ipsa: Owning a pizzeria is a big slice of his life
When I was 30 of Andre Lee Ellis Bringing life's lessons home
American history Q's 13 sample questions from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

online features
Ask Mom: Should germs take the wheel?
MKE Exposure Photos, photos, photos. And photo archives.
MKE blogs Staff ramblings, as well as those of a few contributing bloggers
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices A directory of the local blogging community