Airventure Concert

[Dave Stadt]

I rather like country, but my vote would still go to Jimmy Buffet.

Believe his contract with Alpine Valley precludes him doing any concerts within X number of miles of Alpine valley. OSH is within X miles. Cost is another factor. Jimmy does not come cheap. Polka is pretty big in Wisconsin. Too bad John Candy is gone or we could have the Schmenge Brothers.

[CarlOrton]

PLEEEEZE no country!

And, while I know they're not a big draw like the ones we've had so far, but Da Blooze Brothers that Ford has had the past two years have done a very very good job. It's all about having fun and enjoying the mood, right!

[Floatsflyer]

....And now with the most appropriate music, "Learning to Fly"

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (this is called lobbying folks--the good kind)

http://www.tompetty.com/video/learning-fly-104616

[Kyle Boatright]

My wife's employer hires "Talents" for customer events from time to time. Even mid tier acts - Pat Benatar, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, etc. are ~$100k. Jimmy Buffet would probably be a lot more, and I can't see EAA springing for $250k or whatever to hire the opening night act - there simply wouldn't be a return on the expense.

But I'd love for it to happen anyway - maybe they could give him free admission, $50k, and let him park his Goose on the square.

[Floatsflyer]

I can't see EAA springing for $250k or whatever to hire the opening night act.

Not to worry...EAA doesn't spring, Ford pays the shot. The Beach Boys, Chicago(twice), Steve Miller Band, REO Speedwagon cost a lot more than the artists you mentioned, much more than $100K I'm sure.

[rv8bldr]

I'd love to see ZZ Top....

[Adam Smith]

Jimmy Buffett asked for $1.5 million to play opening day, which included a $500,000 discount on his regular price of $2 million...

[Zack Baughman]

My vote (if I had one!) would be Huey Lewis & the News or John Fogerty. If it didn't have to be a family-friendly show, the Dos Gringos band would be a hoot! Hilarious (and totally crude) fighter pilot songs are their specialty.

[PaulDow]

I'd like to put Mumford & Sons into the suggestion pile. You don't have to answer right now; I will wait for you.
While not the traditional classic rock, I think their music would appeal to much of the audience.
Like most everyone here, I have no idea what the cost is.

$1.5M for JB would buy a tanker load of pina coladas.

Edit: Never mind. It looks like they're taking an extended vacation. Reference

[Infidel]

I'd love to see ZZ Top....

I was thinking the same thing and the Huey Lewis & the News and Mumford & Son suggestion is another good one. I'm sure of one thing; picking the right genre is no easy task. Maybe a tribute band, like "Brit Floyd." If a person wasn't wiser, they'd think they were listening to Pink Floyd.