This story is part of our Summer Guide from the June Issue of Milwaukee Magazine. To read our full guide to summer fun, order your copy today!
1. Noga Erez
JUNE 25, 7:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
This Israeli singer, songwriter and producer got her big break in 2017 when one of the songs on her debut album was featured in an Apple commercial. She released a second album last spring, and it’s full of genre-defying dance tracks with hip-hop and EDM influences.
Standout Song: “Dance While You Shoot”
2. Nessa Barrett
JUNE 30, 7:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
Nineteen-year-old Nessa Barrett recorded her first song in May of 2020, and she’s been flying high ever since. Check her out if you’re a fan of singer-songwriters with emotive vocals and moody lyrics, like Lana Del Ray.
Standout Song: “Pain”
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3. Buffalo Nichols
JULY 2, 4 P.M. | BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD
Milwaukeean Buffalo Nichols began his career playing North Side bars. Now the folk-blues guitarist is touring the country – playing to packed houses and thrilling audiences with his expressive fingerstyle technique. He cites legends like Mississippi John Hurt and Lead Belly as influences.
Standout Song: “Lost & Lonesome”
4. Mt. Joy
JULY 2, 10 P.M. | BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD
Yes, the word joy is part of the name of their band. No, that’s not a coincidence. This California folk rock band – founded by two friends from Philadelphia who reunited on the West Coast – sounds like a blast of sleepy, sun-soaked happiness.
Standout Song: “Orange Blood”
5. Portugal. the Man
JULY 7, 10:15 P.M. | MILLER LITE OASIS
Over the last decade, this psychedelic rock band has played more than 1,600 shows and racked up a slew of accolades. They haven’t enjoyed the same mainstream success as contemporaries like Arcade Fire, but they’re well-known on the festival circuit for their stellar live shows.
Standout Song: “Feel It Still”
