And just like that, the end of Summerfest is nigh. Where did the time go?
Thankfully, the last weekend’s lineup is still pretty packed, and the crowds likely will be, too. But that’s what it’s all about, right? Standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers, all together taking in the magic of music – that’s the communal power of concerts. Doesn’t it make you wish it didn’t have to end?
All right, I’m done with the rhetorical questions. Let’s cut to the chase. Here are the acts playing the last three days of the Big Gig who have piqued my interest.
Know an outstanding female leader? Nominate her for The Betty Awards.
*aya/Klassik
THURSDAY, JULY 3 AT 12:45 AND 2:30 P.M. | USCELLULAR CONNECTION STAGE
I’m a big fan of this local back-to-back. *aya makes cosmic, laidback R&B that feels youthful and yearning, and Klassik is a soulful stalwart of the local hip-hop scene who seems like he’s gearing up for another big release. These sets should be later in the day, in my opinion, but at least there’s little other reason to check them out.
Benson Boone
THURSDAY, JULY 3 AT 7:30 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY AMPHITHEATER
I’m not a Benson Boone fan, but I’m fascinated by the amount of vitriol this man inspires. He has a big fanbase, but it’s rivaled by an equally big mountain of mean-spirited jabs about his backflips, his lyrics and his persona. No matter what, people are talking about him, so this show feels worth mentioning.
MJ Lenderman
THURSDAY, JULY 3 AT 10 P.M. | BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKGROUND
This twangy indie rock comet is still burning bright. I became a big fan last year, even before he released Manning Fireworks, one of my favorite albums of 2024. Since he played a killer concert at Turner Hall Ballroom last October, he’s been touring nonstop. This could be his last Milwaukee show for a while before he takes a needed break. I can’t recommend enough checking him out.
Bully
FRIDAY, JULY 4 AT 8:30 P.M. | MILLER LITE OASIS
My partner introduced me to Bully, and I’m grateful she did. Bully’s raw, impassioned vocals give her songs such an infectious intensity. Her songwriting is tight and powerful, and her guitars are ample with fuzz. Check out her 2023 album, Lucky for You, if you haven’t already.
Chicago
FRIDAY, JULY 4 AT 9:30 P.M. | BMO PAVILION
For a straight-up crowd-pleasing act, Chicago feels like a foolproof option. Even if you shy away from soft rock, I guarantee you there’s a hit from this band you’ll probably enjoy. I’m partial to “25 or 6 to 4,” if only because it was a lot of fun to play on trombone during middle school jazz band.
Porter Robinson
FRIDAY, JULY 4 AT 9:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
Porter Robinson is kind of a love-it-or-hate-it artist. His electropop sound is more tempered than the extremely online, off-the-wall hyperpop genre, but it’s still full of big emotions, anthemic melodies and winking jokes. It works for me, and it’s worth seeing if it’ll work for you. If nothing else, expect a fun crowd.
Alex Warren
FRIDAY, JULY 4 AT 9:30 P.M. | USCELLULAR CONNECTION STAGE
Honestly, I don’t know anything about Alex Warren, but when I spoke with Scott Ziel, Summerfest’s vice president of entertainment, he was convinced Warren’s the next big thing. A few months later, Warren topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, so I guess Ziel might be right. See for yourself.
SteveDaStoner/414BigFrank/Certified Trapper
SATURDAY, JULY 5 FROM 5-8:15 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
What a triple threat of Milwaukee rap. If you haven’t been following the local rap scene that’s been capturing the nation’s attention for years now, this is a fantastic crash course. SteveDaStoner will likely bust out his viral hit “RWS” to a reciting audience, and 414BigFrank will bring the punchlines. The fun, wide-ranging, unpredictable Certified Trapper is a great way to close it all out.
The Lumineers
SATURDAY, JULY 5 AT 7:30 | AMERICAN FAMILY AMPHITHEATER
Stomp Clap Hey music is making a comeback. That’s not a bold prediction this time, many people are saying it. I’m here to say it’s a good thing, that the genre has been unfairly maligned. Cynics may say it’s inauthentic folk, but what’s authentic, anyway? Not all of it was great, but it’s a fun, positive, down-to-earth sound, and that’s why its popularity is rebounding. The Lumineers are one of the forbearers of Stamp Clap Hey who haven’t taken their foot off the gas, and they’re better for it.
