READ MORE FROM OUR SUMMER GUIDE HERE.
Over 600 acts, 12 stages and three weekends. It’s impossible to hear everything at “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” We sourced some sound suggestions from Milwaukee musicians to help you curate your own concert schedule.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
*aya recommends SZA
JUNE 22, 7:30 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE AMPHITHEATER
“She’s one of my favorite artists, and I saw her in Chicago last year. I can’t wait to see her sing live again. She has a more indie R&B/soul spiritual sound.”
Favorite (non-music) thing about Summerfest?
“I enjoy sitting by the water on the rocks. I’m an introvert, so I love a peaceful spot to recharge my social battery for a quick second.”
Megan Henderson of Failure to Launch recommends Cherry Glazerr
JUNE 29, 4 P.M. | BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD
“[Our band] loves female empowerment, and Cherry Glazerr is an incredible female-led rock band.”
Favorite (non-music) thing about Summerfest?
“Our drummer, Ken, owns the two Hawaiian shave ice stands at the grounds, so naturally get a couple piña colada-flavored Hawaiian shave ices.”
Scam Likely recommends Ethel Cain
JUNE 29, 10 P.M. | BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD
“She is the exact kind of modern, experimenting-yet-palatable artist that I want to see more of at Summerfest.” – Cary Dean Elger, drummer
Favorite (non-music) thing about Summerfest?
“A Saz’s Sampler and an ice-cold beer.” – Charlee Grider, lead vocals
Victoriah Bañuelos of REYNA recommends Local Natives
JULY 5, 9:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
“They are one of my favorite bands. The guitar player has influenced some of my guitar playing, especially early on when I started songwriting.”
Favorite (non-music) thing about Summerfest?
“Every year I take a picture with my giant turkey leg – it’s a thing. … Yes, I eat it all in one sitting!
Amelinda Burich of Jinksie recommends Certified Trapper
JUNE 27, 7:15 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
“Raised on Milwaukee’s East Side, this rapper with quirky self-produced beats churns out music videos at an astonishing clip.”
Favorite (non-music) thing about Summerfest?
“I’m a sucker for a Skyglider at any festival. At Summerfest, you can sit in your sky-high chair and listen to a 15-second sampling of every stage.”
Catching Up with the New Boss
Summerfest’s new CEO, Sarah Smith Pancheri, has done it all – from ushering the amphitheater as a teenager to acting as the director of corporate sales. So we asked her the tough questions.
Favorite band or performance you’ve seen?
When I think about some of the artists that have really made an indelible impact on us, my mind goes to Tom Petty.
Favorite (non-music) thing about Summerfest?
For us, it’s all the people and all the fans.
Ferris wheel or Skyglider?
The Ferris wheel is really cool … but the Skyglider is pretty iconic for our grounds.
