Summerfest Day 5: George Strait

More than ever before, the line separating country and pop music isn't nearly as well-defined as it used to be.

For example, people planning to attend separate concerts by, say, Bon Jovi and Tim McGraw might leave the shows a little confused, if they were going strictly by reputation.

The sounds emanating from Nashville these days still have the twang and drawl that defined the genere for decades, but most of it now includes a lot more of the sound you'd hear from boy bands and hard rockers.

George Strait, however, is an exception to the trend.

At 57, tonight's Marcus Amphitheater headliner, is the definition of traditional country music. He's a singer. He plays the guitar. He wears jeans and a hat. But while his fellow performers have more flash and production, Strait -- recently named the Artist of the Decade by the Country Music Association -- just makes music.

"He still is so well respected … everybody still pays homage to George," says Lance Smith, host of Country Music Television's "Top 20 Countdown. "It goes beyond his music and more about what he represents. He's more than just a purist. It's about what he's done and how he's done it.

"He's kept it simple."

That simplicity has helped him earn the moniker as "The King of Country" and a "living legend." It's also led to a 30-plus year career that's included 32 platinum and 35 gold albums. He's sold 73 million recordings and still plays to sold-out audiences all across the country.

So, how, then, in the age of glitz, glamor and cross-promotion does a 57-year old stay relevant? Part of it, Smith says, is due in large part to Strait's Texas roots.

"Country music stars do real well by staying in Texas," he says. "It's big enough market to make a living. He's really a great example of not compromising."

Smith thinks that fans -- even the non-die hards -- will be in for a treat when Strait takes the stage tonight, calling him a "legend still at the top of his game."

"I cant even put it into words," Smith says. "He keeps it simple. It's so absolutely pure. People are going to see what Country is supposed to be with out a lot of fluff. He's got great songs and he's an incredible crooner.

"Prepare to be blown away."

As a Country Music Hall of Famer, Strait also helps younger acts. This time around, he'll have Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough as his openers. Hough is best known as a professional ballroom dancer and two-time winner of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

Here are the OnMilwaukee.com staff picks for Monday:

After seeing The Decemberists knock out an electrifying version of Heart's "Crazy On You" during their recent performance at the Riverside, I'm primed to see the real deal. Heart takes the M&I Classic Rock Stage at 9 p.m. This is good timing because I might ditch the sisters Wilson at 10 and check out the Austin-based, indie band Spoon on the Harley Stage. --Molly Snyder Edler

This will be a crowded evening, as Lupe Fiasco headlines the Miller Lite Oasis at the same time (10 p.m.) as Spoon takes the stage at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse. Kudos to Summerfest on tonight's lineup. --Julie Lawrence

I might need a Summerfest break on this night. If you see me on the grounds, I'll be watching Spoon at the Harley stage, gristle-master Greg Koch at Potawatomi or Robert Randolph & The Family Band at the Rock Stage. --Drew Olson

You can go one of four ways on Monday. As my co-workers suggest, you can see Lupe Fiasco (10 p.m. at Miller Lite Oasis) or Spoon at the Harley Stage at 10 p.m. Alternatively, and I'm not kidding, you could see Heart at 9 p.m. at the M&I Classic Rock Stage -- I have a soft spot for '70s classic rock. Or, you could just take a night off, like I plan to do. --Andy Tarnoff

See Spoon -- which, thankfully, has become a Summerfest repeat -- at 10 on the Harley stage. --Bobby Tanzilo

Here is the full Summerfest schedule for Monday:

Marcus Amphitheater: George Strait with Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough, 7 p.m.

Miller Lite Oasis: CPO5, noon; Hot Sauce, 2:30 p.m.; Immortal, 6:30 p.m.; Malik Yusef, 8 p.m.; Lupe Fiasco, 10 p.m.

Harley-Davidson Roadhouse with Miller Genuine Draft: All Day 4K, noon; Velveetatones, 2 p.m.; Perry Weber & the DeVilles, 4 p.m.; Ken Saydak, 6 p.m.; Spoon, 10 p.m.

U.S. Cellular Connection Stage with Leinenkugel's and FM 102/1: Paul Green's School of Rock All-Stars, 12:30 p.m.; Par Avion, 3 p.m.; Miss Derringer, 4:15 p.m.; Mean Tambourines, 5:30 p.m.; Girl in a Coma, 6:45 p.m.; Lynhurst, 8 p.m.; The Gufs, 10 p.m.

M&I Classic Rock Stage with Fiduciary Management, Miller Lite, 97.3 The Brew & My 95.7: Brass Bell Battle of the Bands Winner, noon; Little Mel & TKO's, 2 p.m.; H2-OH, 4:30 p.m.; Animation, 6:15 p.m.; Heart, 9 p.m.

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Featuring The Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame With Miller High Life: The Tallan Noble Letz Band, 2:30 p.m.; Erin McCarley, 5 p.m.; Needtobreathe, 6:30 p.m.; Brett Dennen, 8 p.m.; Mat Kearney, 10 p.m.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino Rock Stage with Miller Lite and 94.1 WJJO and 95 WIIL ROCK: 5 Man, 1 p.m.; Conrad Plymouth, 3 p.m.; Mike Mangione and his Band, 5 p.m.; Ha Ha Tonka, 6:30 p.m.; The Lovell Sisters, 8 p.m.; Robert Randolph & The Family Band, 10 p.m.

Mid-Gate Stage at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Pavilion with Miller High Life and 88Nine RadioMilwaukee: Launchpad Battle of the Bands Milwaukee Regional Finalists, noon; American Indian Center Dance Troupe, 4:30 p.m.; Hounds Tooth, 5 p.m.; American Indian Center Dance Troupe, 7:30 p.m.; Wade Fernandez, 8 p.m. Greg Koch and Malford Milligan, 10 p.m.

JoJo's Martini Lounge with Miller Lite: Pre-Recorded Music, noon; Tim Castle & Young Southern, 4 p.m.; Eddie Butts, 8 p.m.

Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage with WMSE and the Shepherd Express: Macyn Taylor, 2:30 p.m.; Carrie Melton, 3:30 p.m.; Longacre, 4:30 p.m.; The Vega Star, 5:30 p.m.; Time Since Western, 6:30 p.m.; IfIHadAHiFi, 7:30 p.m.; Testa Rosa, 8:30 p.m.; The Wildbirds, 9:30 p.m.

Sentry SportsZone With Newsradio 620 WTMJ: Energee! Experience, noon; The Milwaukee Bucks Experience, 1 p.m.; Diamond Dancers, 2 p.m.; Children's Fest Day Awards Ceremony, 3:15 p.m.; B'Dazzle, 3:30 p.m.; Milwaukee Admirals Hockey, 4 p.m.; Milwaukee Wave Soccer, 5 p.m.; Wheelchair Sports, 6 p.m.; Milwaukee Panthers Men's Basketball, 7 p.m.; Division BMX Stunt Team, 8 p.m.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Northwestern Mutual Children's Theater & Playzone: Latino Arts Mariachi Juvenil, noon; Steve Russell: Comedy with a Catch!, 1 p.m.; African American Children's Theatre, 1:45 p.m.; Julie Sobanski: Princess of Magic, 2:30 p.m.; Steve Russell: Comedy with a Catch!, 3:15 p.m.; Discovery World: Kitchen of Chemistry, 4 p.m.; Tosa World Music Ensemble, 4:45 p.m.; Sean Emery: Funny Guy Juggling, 5:45 p.m.; Kristoffer Olson: Comedy and Magic, 6:45 p.m.