Some may already be tired of hearing about it but you can't ignore the fact that Musikfest is only one week away.

Let's hope these thunderstorms let up before then so we don't have a repeat of the Steve Miller Band walk-off  - or worse, soggy funnel cake.

As I investigate the list of music scheduled for this year, I am finding more and more really cool bands  and getting more and more excited for things to get started. The winner of the best band name this year has got to be Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. And they sound good, too.

Other bands I'm just discovering and getting pumped to see include: Dakini, Philadelphia Funk Authority, Particle Zoo, The Holy Underground, Mystic Rebel, Christine Havrilla, Jalapeno Brothers, Brother, PBM and Pipeline. Look them up... or wait for them to show up in our daily Fest maps. Either way, don't do the same old music this year - try something new. I am.

- Judianne

Sorry this isn't a direct comment on your post. We are going to the Thursday night Styx/Kansas show and need some suggestions. What's the best way to handle beer before the show? Get the mug?? Where do you fill it up??? Also, we're staying on the South Side and looking for a place to go after the show.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

John -

The mug is most convenient on Musikfest ground. You can fill it up all over. Take a look at our maps for general locations. I know there is a beer booth inside the RiverPlace arena so you can get beer before and during the concert if you like. If you're looking to fill up cheap before the show, try any one of the bars on Broad Street. Joe's, Rippers, Rosanna's all fill up the mugs at a little bit of a discount.

As for post-fest stops. J.P. MacGrady's is always a good time (it's on Third Street). Other good bars over that way include The Tally Ho and Starters Riverport. They're all guaranteed to have party going on every night.

Have fun! And check out our coverage for more updates on places to go and cheap ways to get around the Fest. Look for this week's Merge for a list of after parties in the area. It hits the streets on Wednesday (8/2) and it's free to pick up.

Wonderful! Thanks for the great info.