The hotly anticipated Summerfest lineup just dropped yesterday, and our editors have already singled out their favorites. Here’s the handpicked list – find your favorites, discover new artists and add them to your schedule.
1. Trapper Schoepp
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I was first introduced to this local singer-songwriter in the pages of Milwaukee Magazine last fall, through Josh Miller’s great story about the struggles that led to Schoepp’s latest album, Osborne. Schoepp’s rootsy Americana, folk and hard-rocking tunes do our city proud. I’m looking forward to seeing him live for the first time.
June 20 at 5:30 p.m., Uline Warehouse Stage)
2. Flipturn + Father John Misty
AMRITA THAKKAR, DIGITAL EDITOR
Flipturn was floating around at the edge of my consciousness for most of last year. Once I heard “August“, however, I was hooked – it’s been competing on my playlists with “Swim Between Trees” and “Vanilla” since fall. Their indie rock vibes meld beautifully with meandering, poetic lyrics, and lead singer Dillon Basse’s voice is perfect for balmy summer nights.
Father John Misty, musician Josh Tillman’s solo project, works along the same lines, picking up indie rock and and blending it with a mix of satirical and heartfelt lyrics. In recent years, Tillman has expanded his music genres, and I’m looking forward to hearing his new work live.
flipturn (June 20 at 9:30 p.m., Generac Power Stage)
Father John Misty (June 19 at 9:30 p.m., Generac Power Stage)
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. Alejandro Escovedo + The Family Stone
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
So many great acts to choose from! I too want to see Father John Misty, and I’m very excited to see Alejandro Escovedo – I was first aware of him waaaay back as part of the legendary roots-Americana band, Rank and File. His solo work is awesome. Another band I plan to check out is The Family Stone – an offshoot of Sly and the Family Stone, led by Sly and trumpeter Cynthia Robinson’s daughter, Phunne Stone. Funk at its finest!
Alejandro Escovedo (June 18 at 7:00 p.m., Aurora Pavilion)
The Family Stone (June 19 at 7:00 p.m., Aurora Pavilion)
4. Amyl and the Sniffers + Deer Tick
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
If you like your rock raucous, sloppy and a little sleazy, June 19 is the Summerfest date you should be circling. Aussies Amyl and the Sniffers are the headliner, with vocalist Amy Taylor providing the chaotic, cheeky riot grrrl energy.
Hand-and-glove with the Sniffers (and a couple High Life tallboys) are Rhode Island rockers Deer Tick. They’ve been kicking out sweaty-barroom indie rock tinged with blues, folk and country for nearly two decades now.
Amyl and the Sniffers (June 19, 10:30 p.m., Miller Lite Oasis)
Deer Tick (June 19 at 5:30 p.m., Generac Power Stage)
5. Blondshell and The Beths + Spoon
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Blondshell and The Beths are a splendid back-to-back, and I have my girlfriend to thank for introducing me to both of these indie bands. The grunge-glazed songs of singer-songwriter Blondshell are sharp, sarcastic and cathartic. She imbues a singer-songwriter wistfulness with a ‘90s alt-rock edge. After holding out hope that’d she swing by our fair city last year, we’re glad she’s finally making a stop.
That The Beths follow right after is the cherry on top. Their sunny, ruminative 2022 album, Expert in a Dying Field, was a bright spot in a packed year for music. And the jangly gem “Metal” from their latest wouldn’t escape my brain last year. Just thinking about this show makes me crave summer nights. How many days, again?
Spoon is one of those rock bands that you would think they can’t possibly squeeze any more juice out of their sound. Instead, after more than 20 years, they still manage to sound exciting and inventive without losing any steam. I saw them put on a hell of a show in 2018, and I have no doubts they’ll kill here, too.
Blondshell (July 2 at 8 p.m., Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard)
The Beths (July 2 at 10 p.m., Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard)
Spoon (July 3 at 9:30 p.m., Generac Power Stage)
