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Lucky for music lovers, Summerfest has enough pull to reunite local acts of yore that helped put Milwaukee on the music map. This year, Milwaukee’s biggest claim to auditory fame, the Violent Femmes, will reunite. Since hitting pay dirt with catchy, clap-happy hit “Blister In The Sun” in the early ’80s, the trio has endured a handful of hiatuses, less-successful solo attempts and even a lawsuit between band members. But if this ultra-rare opportunity to see Milwaukee’s best isn’t enough to get you to the amphitheater, the co-headlining  Avett Brothers as well as openers Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros,…

Although Yeasayer hails from the indie rock cradle that is Brooklyn, N.Y., birthplace is where comparisons to its contemporaries end. Since its 2006 formation, the band has forged atmospheric soundscapes that hinge on sleek, layered production and an ability to successfully integrate George Michael-esque vocals, indie rock sensibility and worldbeat influences. The result is something that’s simultaneously poppy, intricate and deep. And this year, Yeasayer makes the jump from standout opener to headliner.  June 29. Harley-Davidson Roadhouse.

Every so often, a band comes along that makes an indelible mark on music and changes it forever. This band isn’t fun., but they’ll keep the world entertained as we wait for that band. Originally from semi-successful indie rock outfit the Format, frontman Nate Ruess took a pop-minded approach in his latest venture. The result is fun., a music factory responsible for criminally catchy songs. Since bringing the Miller Lite Oasis stage to its knees last year, the band took home two Grammy awards and has now been promoted to full-blown headliner. June 27. Marcus Amphitheater.

Summerfest boasts a wealth of world-class performers playing each night, but there seems to be a shortage of lady energy. Of the handful of acts featuring female members, Yeah Yeah Yeahs carry the most cachet. (Sorry, Pat Benatar.) Fronted by the incomparable Karen O, this New York-based indie rock trio burst onto the scene a decade ago with the full-length debut Fear To Tell, which included “Maps,” the band’s biggest hit to date. After three Grammy nominations, two more albums and one short hiatus – mainly so O could compose the soundtrack for 2010’s Where The Wild Things Are –…

Lewis Black loves Wisconsin. So much so that in 2006, he promised he’d get the biggest stand-up acts together for a special Summerfest show. That didn’t come to fruition, and comedy acts at the Big Gig tapered off. But this year promises to be different. On the heels of his 2012 special “In God We Rust,” the funnyman highlights comedy’s welcomed return to Henry Maier Festival Park. Black, the longtime “Daily Show” correspondent, has ranted his way to a fruitful 30-plus-year career by pointing his sharp wit at modern society’s shortcomings. Targets range from politicians to religious groups to Wisconsinites…