What's On Tap

Festivals, Guitars & a Surprising Summerfest Guest

On this episode of What's On Tap with Sandy Maxx, Sandy previews one of the biggest festival weekends of the summer, including Polish Fest, Tosa Greek Fest, the Appleton Flag Day Parade, Turtle Fest, and the Lakefront Festival of Art, and the first-ever Guitar Town Music Festival honoring Les Paul in Waukesha. Plus, hear Sandy's conversation with Brad Smith and Ian Ash about the first ever Guitar Town Music Festival, get a preview of Summerfest 2026 just one week before opening day, including the surprising Summerfest guest from The Simpsons, Hank Azaria.

The Weekend Trend: A Red Hot Chili Weekend

The Weekend Trend with Sandy Maxx. And hope you’re not out of town this weekend! Polish Fest. Greek Fest in Tosa, and the Flag Day Parade! We also discuss a really cool event for the Chad Smith foundation – and Sandy spoke with the drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on What’s on Tap!

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith Talks Music Education in Milwaukee, Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney + Turtle Fest & Tosa Greek Fest Previews

Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers joins Sandy Maxx to discuss launching the Chad Smith Foundation in Milwaukee, creating free after-school music programs for kids, and his recent experiences recording on the The Rolling Stones new album and working with Paul McCartney and Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live. Plus, a preview of GuitarTown Music Festival in Waukesha, Discovery World’s Turtle Fest, and the delicious traditions, music, and culture of the 57th Annual Tosa Greek Fest.

Polish Fest, Les Paul's Lasting Impact, & George & Gracie's Love Story

On this episode of What's on Tap with Sandy Maxx, we celebrate Wisconsin's rich culture, music, theater, and tourism. Polish Center of Wisconsin Executive Director Jeff Kuderski previews Polish Fest 2025, highlighting authentic Polish food, live music, folk dancing, cultural traditions, family activities, and the volunteers who help make one of Milwaukee's most beloved festivals possible. Then, Sandy explores the legacy of Les Paul, the Wisconsin-born guitar pioneer and recording innovator, with a look at Waukesha's new Guitar Town Music Festival. Learn about the free event, live Wisconsin bands, instrument experiences for kids, a Gibson Les Paul guitar giveaway, and the mission of the Chad Smith Foundation to expand access to music education. In Hour 2, acclaimed Milwaukee performers Tami Workentin and James Pickering discuss George & Gracie: A Love Story, the Milwaukee Rep world-premiere play that brings the romance, comedy, and entertainment legacy of George Burns and Gracie Allen to the stage. Hear the real-life inspiration behind the production, the extensive research that shaped the script, and the remarkable story of one of entertainment's most enduring partnerships. Plus, Sandy breaks down Wisconsin's record-setting tourism numbers, the impact of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and how the Door County holiday film A Cherry Pie Christmas helped drive visitors to one of Wisconsin's most popular destinations.

Gary Sinise, Buddy Guy & Brewed Awakening Begins Filming

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy joins Sandy Maxx to share stories from his legendary career, his role in Sinners, and his upcoming concert July 26 at Milwaukee's Riverside Theater. Plus, Skylight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Unger announces a special world-premiere event featuring Gary Sinise and the music of his late son, Mac Sinise. Sandy also catches up with the creator and cast members of Brewed Awakening, a new Wisconsin-made TV pilot beginning production this month, and shares local arts, music, and cultural highlights from around Milwaukee.