1. Horsegirl
JULY 6 | ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE
If you missed out on catching Horsegirl’s set at Cactus Club the last time the Chicago-based trio played Milwaukee, you’re in luck – Horsegirl returns to Milwaukee to play an afternoon set at The Big Gig. Horsegirl wears its love for bands like Sonic Youth on its sleeve, creating unconventional, drony sounds with their instruments yet still somehow managing to write catchy and captivating tunes.
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2. Mayyadda
JULY 8 | ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE
Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Mayyadda is bringing her unique blend of R&B and soul – what she calls BlackGirlMagic – to Milwaukee. Mayyadda’s songs flow seamlessly from trap-style beats to poppy piano leads, overlaid with her massive, soulful vocals. Those looking for a Summerfest set to vibe out to should look no further than catching Mayyadda on the Uline Warehouse Stage.
3. Disq
JULY 7 | GENERAC POWER STAGE
Madison-based indie-rock outfit Disq did the unthinkable – released a debut album at the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, stayed relevant in Wisconsin’s music scene despite being unable to play those songs out live, and then continuing to release a killer 2022 sophomore album. So, it’s safe to say that Disq’s spot on the Summerfest lineup this year is well deserved. Fans of noisy ‘90s indie ala The Pixies or Slowdive will find solace in Disq’s ability to navigate raucous guitar parts and catchy choruses.
4. Jenny Lewis
JULY 6 | ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE
Known for her acting career and roles in Rilo Kiley and The Postal Service, Jenny Lewis is taking on the Summerfest stage solo this year. Her latest release, On the Line, dropped in 2019 and featured the lead single “Red Bull & Hennessy,” a driving indie-rock anthem about heartache. Get excited for Lewis’ set by checking out the video for that single – which features guest appearances by Beck, Jeff Goldblum, Mac DeMarco and more.
5. Party Shirt
JUNE 23 | MILLER LITE OASIS STAGE
Maybe you go to Summerfest to just let loose and dance? While there are plenty of opportunities for that, it would be a mistake to miss out on a performance by a group literally called Party Shirt. The Australia-based EDM duo made their name on TikTok with their “Fact or Cap” videos, but don’t let that detract from the fact that they’re also capable of making extremely danceable electronic music.
6. Destroy Lonely
JUNE 24 | GENERAC POWER STAGE
Atlanta rapper Destroy Lonely draws influence from bands like Deftones and The Cure as well as hip-hop peers like Lil Wayne and Drake to create a unique blend of atmospheric hip-hop. Destroy Lonely crafts his beats utilizing synthesizers and video game samples, resulting in a soundscape that can only be described as trap music with chip-tune influences. Destroy Lonely will be hitting the Summerfest stage shortly after releasing his new album If Looks Could Kill in April.
7. Here Come the Mummies
JULY 7 | MILLER LITE OASIS STAGE
It is the year 2023, and Milwaukeeans will have the chance to see a group of mummies perform comedic funky tunes with names like “Freak Flag” and “Booty” at Summerfest. Legend has it that the members are all under contract to various record labels, so Here Come the Mummies never reveal their true identities. Despite the goofy subject matter, the band is extremely talented and the live shows are a must see. Think Steel Panther but instead of ‘80s hair metal, it’s a group of mummies cursed with the power of jazz.
8. The Gufs
JULY 6 | US CELLULAR CONNECTION STAGE
Milwaukee legends The Gufs have been kicking around the scene since the ‘80s, managing to keep a lineup of all the original members. The band has scarcely reunited in person in recent years, so a Summerfest performance from the Wisconsin-Music-Hall-of-Fame inductees is a Midwest treat. If you dig early 2000’s melancholic pop-rock like The Promise Ring or Sunny Day Real Estate, The Gufs will certainly scratch that nostalgic itch.
