Robert Allen Jr. Trio to open for Springsteen at Harley-Davidson 105th anniversary festivities

By Dan Waubud
Posted: Aug. 17, 2008

Wisconsin blues man, local Milwaukee guitar player  Robert Allen Jr. and his band will open for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Saturday night concert that tops off the Harley-Davidson 105th anniversary celebration Aug. 27 to 31.

The show is at 6p.m. at the Roadhouse stage at Veterans Park.

Robert Allen Jr. is a powerhouse of blues guitar, His booming pipes and stage presence will draw you in and never let go. He presents a dynamic show full of good time blues with a tight rhythm section, Lightning fast stinging guitar, energy that actually rockets from the stage! This is blues that is played as hard as it gets. Robert Allen Jr. takes over the stage and he always leaves his audience with an unforgettable show!

Robert says, “I can't believe I'm playing for the Harley-Davidson 105th on the bill with Springsteen. It feels great, It feels like I’m representing for all of Milwaukee, and Wisconsin. I’m very proud to be from here, this is my home town, sweet home Milwaukee.” Robert's official website is www.robertallenjr.com

Matt Miller on bass plays a funk based blues. Matt toured the world with the legendary 1960’s group, The Flock and American Standard. He has also performed with members of groups like Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea,  and Kenny Wayne Shepard. Now performing with Robert Allen Jr. he is a musician with a distinct style and tone. Matt's instructional web site is www.millermusicmethod.com

Dave Braun on drums has toured Europe with Scott Finch and the Blues O’ Delics.  He recorded five albums with the Mosleys. He recorded on Rounder Records with The Spanic Boys, and was nominated for a Grammy Award. He's made appearances on MTV, VH1, and Saturday Night Live.

On this show Robert Allen Jr. Trio will be featuring Paul Martin on the blues harmonica, Paul plays in the likeness of greats such as Sonny Boy Williamson II, James Cotton, and he took a lesson with blues master Junior  Wells. Paul and Robert are known to trade blues riffs, or cut heads. Then they jump off the bandstand to walk through the crowd, bringing the blues down close to the fans. "...that's what it's all about." says Martin, who is also a Milwaukee Harley-Davidson employee, He works as a designer in the styling department.

The show is at 6p.m. at the Roadhouse stage at Veterans Park.

The 105th celebration includes a weekend of music shows on the Summerfest grounds. Starting at noon Friday are Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, War, ZZ Top, Los Lonely Boys, Black Crowes, John Paris and Foghat.

The music kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Look for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Puddle of Mudd, Daughtry, Dierks Bentley and the legendary Buddy Guy.

Tickets are available to 105th anniversary ticket holders. There are limited tickets available for $65, and include two-day entry to the Summerfest grounds.

Tickets for the Springsteen show are an additional $42.50 including tax, shipping and handling. For tickets, see www.harley-davidson.com/105th.

They didn't forget about the rest of Milwaukee. Harley recently announced a series of free street parties throughout the city beginning Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. on W. Highland Ave. between N. 35th and 38th streets. Foghat headlines that party.

Also on tap:

• On Aug. 28, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club headlines the party from 7 to 9 p.m. on N. Milwaukee St. between E. Mason St. and E. Wisconsin Ave.

• On Aug. 29, Blind Melon headlines a party from 5 to 9 p.m. on E. North Ave. between N. Prospect and N. Oakland avenues.

• On Saturday, Everlast headlines the party from 7 to 9 p.m. on N. Old World 3rd St. between W. Juneau Ave. and W. State St.

• And on Aug. 31, Blue Oyster Cult opens the party from 4 to 7 p.m. on N. Water St. between E. Knapp St. and E. Highland Ave.

• Street parties are scheduled at Cutler Park in Waukesha on Aug. 28 through 31, Brady St. on Aug. 29, King Drive on Aug. 30 and Locust St. on Aug. 31.