So it's official, the CelebrateErie lineup, and it's nothing to get excited about.
Headliners include the Bacon Brothers, the Romantics, 1964 -- a Beatles tribute -- and Emerson Drive, a country band. We also have an Elton John tribute, and Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac tribute.

What a comedown from the past few years, when CelebrateErie secured bands such as Los Lobos, the Wailers, Beausoleil, the Smithereens, Dickey Betts, Donna the Buffalo, Derek Trucks Band, and more. These were big-time, festival-proven bands that drew out-of-town tourists. This one lacks comparable star power.

I don't want to hear anyone blame poor city finances. In the past, CE performers were paid by sponsorship dollars, not the city, except the Beach Boys, who were generously paid for by Gov. Rendell (though that was still state money)..Apparently, the city didn't raise enough to hire top acts. If you ask me, it should have simply hired Tammy Roche, the former CelebrateErie leader, and let her run the show. She would have raised 10 times what they paid her, and we'd have an exciting festival to look forward to, not this lackluster lineup.

Yes, I used to work on the CE music committee. But this isn't sour grapes. Last year's event came off rather well. I figured the city could pull it off again. Guess not.

This is the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love, which produced some stellar tunes, including the Beatles "Sgt. Pepper" and "All You Need Is Love." Look for an extensive look back at that time in Sunday's Times-News.

Thursday's Block Party was the biggest of the season, by far. Coconut Joe's -- the new outdoor patio that's part of Boardwalk -- wisely put up video screens, so crowds within the venue and outside it on North Park Row could catch the bands. People spilled out everywhere for Jani Lane and Hammerd. Nights like this make summer in Erie a blast.

Where to hang this weekend? Well, you really should catch Big Bad Voodoo Daddy tonight (Friday) at Summer Festival of the Arts. That's a given.