RonFaiola, the leading documentarian of Wisconsin’s idiosyncrasies, has producedfilms and books on such endearing subjects of local interest as supper clubsand fish frys. For his latest project, Tilt-a-Whirls, Cowbells and Beer, Faiolabrings his camera to Milwaukee’s Roman Catholic church festivals—a summerphenomenon that predated the onset of Summerfest and the other tenants of theHenry Maier Festival Grounds by decades.
Withhis usual lively unpretentiousness, Faiola interviews organizers, festivalgoersand the musicians who entertain the throngs. Polk and big band are commonlyheard in the afternoon while rock cover bands fill the evening slot.Occasionally an unusual act gets a gig. Faiola includes footage of a Paul Cebarshow. The bigger festivals also boast small midways with carnival rides.
Byall accounts, the festivals are hard work, powered by large volunteer crews.They are also big money makers, selling enough beer, brats and deep-fried fishto feed the citizens of a small country.
Tilt-a-Whirl,Cowbells and Beer will be shown on MPTV Channels 10.1 and 36.2 at 9 p.m., JMuly27.
