Summerfest closes with solids from Polo G, Run The Jewels, Charlie Wilson, Bleachers, Struts

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The feeling is always bittersweet whenever festival winds down, but it nonetheless went out with a bang as far as the Midwest was concerned during Summerfest’s finale weekend in Milwaukee.

It all began with an American Family Insurance Amphitheater slot from Chicago’s very own Polo G, the “Hall Of Fame” rapper who’s roaring into the national spotlight with his arms-in-the-air blend of hip-hop, trap and conscious rhymes.

Likewise, Run The Jewels brought a politically-charged dose of hip-hop to the proceedings, including compelling cuts from “RTJ4,” with El-P and Killer Mike volleying intense verses over booming bass and beats.

Longtime leader of The Gap Band turned “In It To Win It” solo superstar Charlie Wilson really showed the kids how it’s done with his classic meets current cocktail of funk, R&B and pop, leading the “Party Train” with glitzy showmanship and a golden voice.

The new wave of indie pop/alternative rock continues to be carried by Bleachers, whose leader Jack Antonoff (also of Fun and Taylor Swift production fame) continues crafting magnetic material throughout “Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night,” all of which came to further life with his bouncing between piano, guitar and mic.

England’s rock & roll revivalists The Struts were explosive, engaging and entertaining while presenting glam-infused tunes from “Strange Days,” bringing stadium-level grandeur to the relatively intimate by comparison grounds stage setting.

The retro-fueled Future Islands were also equally ahead of the curve while locally debuting some otherworldly synth pop off “As Long As You Are,” along with past entrancements from the alternative side of the dial.

Another significant bridge between yesteryear and today came from sizzling funk band Turkuaz, bolstered by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) and Adrian Belew (King Crimson), who along with the rest of the prodigious players, joyously wrapped the marathon.

It was also just announced that Summerfest will return to its traditional time frame, but with the new three weekend format from June 23-25, June 30-July 2 and July 7-9, ensuring the best of both worlds for what’s already shaping up to be a top soirée of next season.

Click here for more photos of Polo G and more from Summerfest at Henry Maier Festival Park.

For additional information on Polo G, visit PoloCapalot.com.

For a list of upcoming concerts at Summerfest, visit Summerfest.com.