Summerfest picks: Andy Tarnoff

Each year, Summerfest provides me with an opportunity to see some great bands against a backdrop of the great Milwaukee summer. Other shows, though, fulfill a personal one-hit wonder wish list. This season, it's a mix of both. Here are my personal picks:

June 24 -- If it was 1994, I'd be all over seeing Sheryl Crow at the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 p.m. While "Tuesday Night Music Club" doesn't really hold up anymore, it still brings back fond memories of college. I have a soft spot for Crow, who, at this point, I like more in theory than in practice. Night Ranger at 8 p.m. at the Classic Rock stage should be good for a screaming rendition (from the crowd, anyway) of "Sister Christian." Try it at karaoke some day, it'll bring down the house.

June 25 -- Tom Petty is on my bucket list of shows to see, and this year you can see him twice. ZZ Top is a guilty pleasure, but I know they are great live. If only they'd play "Que Lastima." Check them out at the Amp at 7:30 p.m.

June 26 -- If you didn't get tickets to yesterday's Petty show, you can try again on Saturday. Or you could see Wang Chung at 4 p.m. at the Potawatomi stage. Really.

June 27 -- Sunday is probably a nice night to stay home and recover, but if you're on the grounds, you'd better see B.B. King at 9 p.m. at the Classic Rock stage. This legend isn't getting any younger.

June 28 -- Even though I'm not a fan of his work past, say, 1980, Eric Clapton is still an icon I'd like to see play live. He headlines the Amp at 7:30 p.m. I'd recommend Blue Oyster Cult at the Classic Rock stage at 9:30 p.m., but I'm not sure how many chants of "more cowbell" I could handle before I'd have to leave.

June 29 -- I'm sort of amazed that Cypress Hill is playing Summerfest at 10 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Stage. I expect it to be, ahem, a fragrant experience. Your inner child will want to see Weird Al at 9 p.m. the Classic Rock stage, while Fever Marlene won't disappoint at the Potawatomi stage at 10 p.m. I'll also be at the Some Hear Explosions show at the Cool TV Rock Stage at 6:30 p.m., supporting my old friend, Bay Dariz, as he returns home for Summerfest.

June 30 -- I'll see Dark Star Orchestra and their spot-on tribute to the Dead any time they are in Milwaukee. This year, they play the Briggs stage at 8 p.m. Before that is Door County's Pat McDonald at 6 p.m. Start your day with my friend, Sigmund Snopek, at the Classic Rock stage at 4:30 p.m.

July 1 -- The Roots, The Offspring, The B-52s and Santana? All should be just fine, but none are enough to bring me down the fest on July 1.

July 2 -- I'm not incredibly familiar with The Bravery's entire playlist, but what I hear, I like. Check 'em out at 10 p.m. at The U.S. Cell stage. Alternatively, seeing YES at the Classic Rock stage at 10 p.m. might be quite an experience.

July 3 -- Saturday is pretty strong lineup, with Modest Mouse (10 p.m. at Miller Lite Oasis), John Hiatt (10 p.m. at Briggs), Counting Crows (10 p.m. at Harley) or Peter Framtpon (10 p.m. at M&I). Any of these would be a solid choice.

July 4 -- The final night of Summerfest is the one I'm waiting for, with DEVO at 10 p.m. at the Miller Lite Oasis. I've been a big fan for years, but never expected to see them live. If they're selling red, energy domes, I'm buying. Also, Silversun Pickups at the U.S. Cell at 10 p.m. is a solid choice I can personally vouch for.