No matter what genre they play, from bluegrass to punk to hip-hop, there’s one rule for performers at Mile of Music: no cover songs.
“When artists come to the festival, they sign a pledge that they’ll only play their own music,” says Mile of Music founder Dave Willems. “What blows the artists away is that it can be their first time in Appleton, but there are 30 fans in front of them singing along because they’ve done their research. [Fans are] coming because they’re trying to find their next favorite artist or band.”
So named because its 33 outdoor and indoor stages span about a mile along College Avenue in downtown Appleton, the annual free music festival just transitioned into a nonprofit model, with Willems staying at the helm. Running July 30-Aug. 2, it’s in its 13th year, having launched in 2013 with his company Willems Marketing & Events.
By the Numbers
- 682 musicians
- 183 acts
- 33 stages
- 27 states represented by musicians
- 6 countries represented
“We knew early on we wanted to focus on indie musicians,” he says, adding that the fest never earned a profit. Now, with an easier ability to accept contributions and corporate sponsorships, “we’ll be in a position to evolve the original music scene even further,” Willems says. That includes programs like Adopt-An-Artist, which lets people financially support musicians of their choice. There will also be 10 “listening rooms” – seated indoor concerts at local businesses that offer a quieter, more intimate experience with fewer musicians for those who may feel overstimulated.
Each year, the three-day festival attracts around 80,000. Even at that scale, it doesn’t compromise the smallish-town vibe of Appleton, home to 76,000 people. “We call ourselves a ‘cosmopolitan Mayberry,’” says Willems. “When 650 musicians descend on our town, they have a nice influence on it.”
And while the goal is to highlight original music from around the world, it’s also about providing a venue for musicians already in the state. “About 45% of the artists are from Wisconsin or have Wisconsin ties,” Willems says. “That’s always been important to us.”
3 MKE Bands to Check Out
Ladybird
This alt-country band launched five years ago and has toured the country, but its members have a soft spot for their hometown of Milwaukee. If you like Drive-By Truckers and Lucero, this is your dream jam.
Donna Woodall
The jazz-blues vocalist may be a St. Louis native, but she’s called Milwaukee home since her teen years. She’s inspired by her mother, Jeanne Woodall, who once performed in the city’s jazz clubs. Donna was voted Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 2023.
The Crosses
Fresh off their April debut EP, Outlier, with local noise label Triple Eye Records, this hardcore band is anchored by former Die Kreuzen frontman Daniel Kubinski.
