Update: 9:22 p.m.
Summerfest posting on their Facebook page a response to the death of Bo Black.
“Today our Summerfest family is mourning the loss of Elizabeth “Bo” Black…She was a force. We are all grateful for her efforts, creativity and flair, which help make Summerfest the incredible experience it is today. On behalf of everyone at Summerfest past and present, we send our heartfelt condolences to Bo’s friends and family.”
Update: 8:59 p.m.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has shared a statement on the loss of Bo Black:
“Bo Black was a huge part of Milwaukee for many years. In the entire history of Summerfest, no one name is more associated with the annual event than Bo Black.”
“She brought enthusiasm and glamour to her position as the head of Milwaukee World Festivals, and she was also a demanding leader who set Summerfest and ethnic festivals on a course for ongoing success.”
“Bo Black was truly a Milwaukee celebrity. She will be long-remembered for her impact on our city.”
Original story
A woman who helped lead Summerfest into becoming the world’s largest music festival has passed away, according to a report.
Bo Black, who took over the helm of Summerfest in 1983 and ran it until 2002, died Friday at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona after being in hospice care, according to the Journal Sentinel. She was 74 years old.
“She was a pistol, pal, she was a pistol,” husband Tom Trebelhorn, the former Milwaukee Brewers manager, told the Journal Sentinel.
Under her leadership, attendance increased more than 40 percent at the annual festival, regularly attracting world-renowned artists to the venue.
Black also helped in the development of what is now the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, which opened in 1987.