At long last, Summerfest is finally here. It’s the Big Gig, the jewel in summer’s crown, the one Milwaukee festival to rule them all.
So much about the festival, now in its 58th year, has earned it high stature in the Milwaukee canon: the Skyglider, the deep-fried foods, the people-watching and the lakeside views. But you don’t need us to tell you what truly brings hundreds of thousands of fans to Henry Maier Festival Park each year. It’s the music – mountains and mountains of music.
Thus, the eternal question: Who should I see? With over 600 acts across 12 stages in nine days, there’s all sorts of answers. We at Milwaukee Magazine have a few suggestions to get you started as we enter the first weekend of musical mayhem.
MUSIC PICKS, FREE TICKETS AND MORE: MORE SUMMERFEST COVERAGE HERE.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
Evan Musil, Arts and Culture Editor
Thursday, June 18:
Maximiano
4:15 P.M. | T-MOBILE STAGE
This Milwaukee singer-songwriter is a star rising. Upon first listen, it might seem like their delicate folk sound could get washed out by the festival noise, but they’re dynamic. Like in their song “Countryside,” they wrench powerful emotions out of cathartic rises that’ll surely captivate on any stage.
Charlie Wilson
10 P.M. | BMO PAVILION
How can you say no to the R&B legend? From his time in The Gap Band to his 2000s career revival to his current title as hip-hop’s go-to featured vocalist, he’s got the hits and, from what YouTube tells me, he’s still got the voice.
Friday, June 19:
Sleepy Gaucho
3:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
When I started this role at MilMag and began dugging into the city’s music scene, one of the first bands I tuned into was the gauzy psych rock band Sleepy Gaucho. His latest single, “San Miguel,” sounds like a more ethereal Mild High Club that’s been stuck on the road.
Saturday, June 20:
Christopher Cross
9:30 P.M. | ULINE WAREHOUSE
Look. It’s so easy to poke fun at the softest of soft rock that Christopher Cross made his name in. But are you telling me that swaying along to “Sailing” – a yacht rock staple – while feeling the cool lake breeze doesn’t sound like bliss? I didn’t think so.
Chelsea Mamerow, Creative Director
Thursday, June 18:
Passion Pit
10:15 P.M. | T-MOBILE STAGE
This indie pop band’s 2010 Summerfest appearance is the only performance I remember from that year’s fest. If they can deliver half of the bench dancing that happened 16 years ago, this gal will be happy.
Friday, June 19:
5:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
Not a band I would expect to see so early; this veteran alternative/folk rock band will kick of my night with their crooning vocals and guitar picking. They’ll be a hard act to follow.
Saturday June 20:
Penelope Road
7:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
I admit, I have had a secret love of funk. A heavy bass and groovy vocals make me want to dance. five-piece soul/funk/pop group delivers. Think Hall & Oates.
Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief
Thursday, June 18:
Alejandro Escovido
7 P.M. | AURORA PAVILION
I’ve loved him since the Rank & File days.
Friday, June 19:
The Family Stone
7 P.M. | AURORA PAVILION
If funk runs in the family, then this second generation of Sly and the Family Stone will be great.
Saturday, June 20:
David Lee Roth
9 P.M. | BMO HARRIS STAGE
I’m curious how a geriatric David Lee Roth will show up. Once a showman, always a showman – I hope!
Chris Drosner, Executive Editor
Thursday, June 18:
Tigernite
4 P.M., BRIGGS & STRATTON
This Milwaukee glam rock band, well, rocks. If you want a high-energy show to get your Summerfest started, this is it.
Friday, June 19:
Deer Tick
5:30 P.M., GENERAC POWER STAGE
This genre-crossing band from Rhode Island has been kicking out indie rock mashed up with blues, folk and country for more than 20 years. I hope they play one of my favorite songs, the barroom anthem “Let’s All Go to the Bar.”
Amyl and the Sniffers
10:30 P.M., MILLER LITE OASIS
These raucous Aussies sound a little sloppy, a bit chaotic and lot of fun in their three studio albums, and their live shows turn that up to 11. Riot girrrly front woman Amy Taylor is magnetic.
Sophie Yufa, Editorial Designer
Thursday, June 18:
Passion Pit
10:15 P.M., T-MOBILE STAGE
Did you know “Sleepyhead” was originally a Valentine’s Day gift? If your birth year starts with 1, this band should be high on your list.
Friday, June 19:
Don Toliver
6:30 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE AMPHITHEATER
Don Toliver is having a major moment this year and generating buzz—this show will undoubtably be one to remember.
Father John Misty
9:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
Do you appreciate songs examining complex themes through a poetic and cynical lens? This one’s for you!
