An outdoor concert with room for 12,000 people tops Middleton's Big Event, a new extravaganza set for June 14 that joins the Madison-area's extensive lineup of summer festivals.

Rock band the BoDeans will headline a four-act show, also featuring blues legend Koko Taylor, on an open grassy field at Nursery Drive and Deming Way, less than a half-mile from the Airport Road turnoff on Highway 12. To assure big crowds at the concert, the ticket price is $10.

That low-cost ticket for the popular Midwest performers has organizers hoping for a sellout.

"We think that's something we can achieve," said Val Steel, director of Middleton Tourism Commission, which will run the festival with support from the city and area businesses. "The only reason we thought to charge is it gives us control over entrances and exits."

Middleton's Big Event extends beyond the ample concert grounds. Activities throughout Middleton during the day will include a "restaurant crawl," urging people to sample items at various eateries, a citywide garage sale and several sports events.

From 3 to about 9:30 p.m., Middleton's Big Event will shift toward the concert site, where a fireworks display will cap the day after the BoDeans' set. Trollies will operate throughout Middleton to help ease congestion. Also, beer, wine and food will be sold at the concert grounds.

Steel said Middleton's Big Event will draw from throughout the Madison area and hopes some concertgoers will stay overnight in hotels.

"The idea is to draw people in for the day and let them have money in their pockets," said Steel, who said the Big Event aims "to showcase restaurants and retail."

The concert will occur rain or shine. About 400 $40 VIP tickets will be sold, giving access to a tent near the stage. Clyde Stubblefield's Big Band and the Stellanovas also will perform at the concert.

As big as it is, Middleton's Big Event will not replace the city's annual Good Neighbor Festival in August, Steel said.