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For Wauwatosa man playing Summerfest, music is key to living with Asperger Syndrome

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There’s nothing like the first day of Summerfest. And if day one is any indication, it’s going to be an amazing 11 days of music. 

It’s one of the only places in the world, you can hear every genre of music playing at the same time, within steps of each other.

The good vibes are contagious, as everyone is caught dancing.

Some kids were waiting outside the gates two hours before they opened, to get front row seats to see hip-hop headliner Lil Uzi Vert. They waited 12 hours by the time he took the stage at 10pm. 

“It’s worth it,” said Eli Jahrobinson. “We're going to enjoy the music. Enjoy our friends, smile, laugh, and have a good time while we wait.”

That’s what it’s all about, especially for experienced Summerfest-goers. 

“I've only missed 2 out of 51 years of Summerfest,” said Mary Neuberger. “And I don’t intend to miss anymore. It gets better every year.  Some of the new buildings and features are amazing. Very different than when it started with one stage and a hill.”

Neuberger was especially proud to cheer on her son, Jon, an incredible singer and guitarist.  Jon’s band, Jonny T-Bird and the MP’s, played the Harley Davidson stage on opening day. What many don’t know, is that Jon - a Wauwatosa native – has Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. 

“He's come such a long way,” Mary said. “He didn't speak until he was 4. But music saved his life, and this is where it brought him, the World’s Biggest Music Festival!”