Street performer assaulted outside Summerfest

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A saxophone player was assaulted outside the Summerfest grounds near Chicago St. on Wednesday, June 26th around 11 p.m.

26-year-old street performer Cassandra Struve became a target on opening night while she was playing an old jazz song.

"I was playing Minnie the Moocher, classic Blues Brothers song," said Struve. "A lady with a child in her hand came up to me, smacked me in my face and said 'don't play that.'"

Struve says three African American women confronted her and shouted that a white girl could not play the song.

After being hit, Struve says she was shocked and pushed the woman away, but was hit again.

"Her daughter came out of nowhere and punched me twice in the side of the face," said Struve. "After she did that I was instantly upset. You know, I mean, I cried."

A group of workers at a nearby hot dog stand witnessed the attack.

"It was chaotic, you know, it was really chaotic," said Lee Johnson.

Johnson says he tried to confront the women but they continued walking away. Then he decided to check on Struve.

"I went down to her aid and assisted her the best I could and called 911 for her," said Johnson.

Struve says she has a bruise on her temple, but will continue to play outside Summerfest.

"Saxophone is an innocent instrument. It's supposed to spread the love and joy with people, not to bring hatred," said Struve.

Two women, 14- and 24-years-old, were cited for disorderly conduct. A 41-year-old woman was cited for assault and battery and disorderly conduct.