Brat Fest: World’s largest brat fest announces bands for Lifest stage

FMI:
Jeff Schroeter
jeff.s@shopmetcalfes.com
608.235.3051

Amanda Metcalfe
amanda.m@shopmetcalfes.com
262.391.1782

MADISON, Wis. (May 15, 2015) – For the second year, over Memorial Day Weekend at Madison’s Alliant Energy Center, the World’s Largest Brat Fest will partner with Lifest – Midwest’s largest Christian music festival in Oshkosh, WI. The Lifest stage at Brat Fest 2015 will feature Christian music artists including headliners Hawk Nelson, Rapture Ruckus, Family Force 5 and Sidewalk Prophets, as well as family acts from AJ the Animated Illusionist to Josh Jordan.

“The Lifest stage was by far the most visited stage at Brat Fest last year, second only to the Grand stage. It was a very successful debut,” said Tim Metcalfe, Co-Owner of Metcalfe’s Market and Producer of the World’s Largest Brat Fest.

Metcalfe continues, “In July of 2013, I had the opportunity to visit Lifest. After experiencing that event we started working on bringing a real family friendly stage to Brat Fest with Christian artists in 2014. We’re proud to partner with them again in 2015 and hope people from the area will get a taste of what happens each July in Oshkosh and visit their event as well.”

The Lifest stage will host the “Community Wide Worship Service” on Sunday morning, May 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Pastor Troy Murphy of Green Bay Community Church will be speaking, with The Neverclaim providing the music. “Last year we had over 1,000 attendees, from all demoninations,” said Tim Metcalfe.

Brat Fest brings the community together and raises money for a variety of charities. Last year, with the help of 3,000+ volunteers, Brat Fest raised more than $138,000 for area non-profits. Since its humble beginning back in 1983, the Fest has raised and donated almost $1.5 million for more than 100 local 501(c)(3)’s.

“Besides the Lifest stage we also have a couple of legends this year at Brat Fest with rocker Bret Michaels, The Charlie Daniels Band, Aaron Lewis and over 70 other bands,” said Metcalfe. “We have a little bit of everything for everybody; Classic Rock, Jazz, Folk, Country, Christian, the singing of the Blues, and Latin music. We have it all, great family fun, something for everybody.”

Along with brats, bands and a carnival, Brat Fest is offering more attractions, activities and events including more events for kids:

-Four stages and 150 hours of free live music and entertainment
-5K and 10K run, and Kids MUDstard run
-Bratteyball Volleyball Tournament
-Fireworks (Saturday, May 23, 9:05 p.m.)
-Kids Sports Zone and Kids Art Zone with Wisconsin Historical Museum and Henry Vilas Zoo
-Paddle Sports through Brittingham Boats
-Take Your Brat to Work Day (Friday, May 22, 6-9 a.m.)
-Community Wide Worship Service (Sunday, May 24, 8:30 a.m.)
-Military Heroes Day in tribute to our Armed Forces (Monday, May 25)

About The World’s Largest Brat Fest
Brat Fest has been held every Memorial Day weekend since 1983 as a fundraiser for more than 100 charities and 501c3’s that help staff the event. Tom and Margaret Metcalfe held the very first Brat Fest in front of their Madison, Wis. family-owned grocery store, Metcalfe’s Market, with a 22” Weber Grill, a table and three chairs. It was a way for them to say “thank you” to their customers. In 2001, Johnsonville came on board as the “official brat” for the Festival. In 2005, Brat Fest outgrew Metcalfe’s parking lot and moved to Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center. Now more than 30 years later, the family-friendly Brat Fest features 100 free musical acts, free parking, free admission, fireworks, a carnival and of course, brats – with almost $1.5 million donated to local charities since 1983. For a complete list of Brat Fest programming, events, and highlights, visit www.bratfest.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@bratfest).

About Lifest
Lifest, deemed “A Party with a Purpose,” is a Christian music festival put together annually by Life Promotions, a non-profit organization reaching more than 400,000 youth each year. Ever since its start in 1999, Lifest has brought music lovers from all over the state to one place. In addition to the many musical performances, Lifest features a 5K Fun Run, sports tournaments, Kids Zone, Prayer Journey, Artist Meet and Greet and more. Visit www.lifest.com for more information.

Produced by Metcalfe’s Market
Metcalfe’s Market is a local, family-owned grocery store with two locations in Madison (Hilldale and West Towne), and one in the heart of downtown Wauwatosa. In its 98-year history, Metcalfe’s has led the way in environmental practices. From creating a local food miles program featuring 3,000 local foods to 100 percent green power and composting, Metcalfe’s Market is committed to a more sustainable Wisconsin. For more information on Metcalfe’s Market, call 608.238.7612 or visit www.shopmetcalfes.com.

Presented by Johnsonville Sausage
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of bratwurst, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,400 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and “Big Flavor” of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today. www.johnsonville.com