For 55 years, Summerfest has singlehandedly set the record for the most extensive and diverse line-up of any event of its kind, all while keeping ticket prices astoundingly affordable in an era when everything seems to be skyrocketing.

Even in 2023, general admission grounds tickets start at $26 per day, offering a chance to catch over 100 acts spread throughout three weekends: June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8.

And of course, there are many additional opportunities to see premium headliners inside the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, who as far as the opening stretch was concerned, started with bluesy rock and alternative country singer/songwriter Elle King, fresh off her feisty “Come Get Your Wife” collection.

From there, the stature of superstars only increased, including 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow, who appeared carefree, effortless and unstoppable across countless hits such as “A Change Would Do You Good,” “If It Makes You Happy” and “All I Wanna Do.”

Shortly thereafter, a video montage of vintage clips introduced iconic troubadour James Taylor, who despite this being his first show back following laryngitis, nonetheless sounded strong while revisiting decades of warm and witty memories (“Something In The Way She Moves,” “Rainy Day Man,” “Copperline”).

England’s pub rockers Elvis Costello & The Imposters, plus guest guitarist Charlie Sexton, also packed the BMO Harris Pavilion with several “Radio Radio” regulars, alongside their latest rollicking long player “The Boy Named If.”

Rising blues guitarist Marcus King rose up to the challenge of a double header, not only supporting Zac Brown Band, but ably subbing for the absent Cheap Trick thanks to a series of “Young Blood” barnburners and fiery jam sessions.

However, the party really got going when Gryffin brought his laser and smoke-stacked EDM energy, split between the “Alive” album and a rundown of endorphin-inducing spins by similarly massive electronic artists.

Positive vibrations and sunny sounds further resonated during Third World’s 50th anniversary run down, featuring the reggae ambassadors’ crossover classic “Now That We Found Love” through the current “More Work To Be Done.”

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have been going even longer in country and bluegrass contexts, always retaining a fervent fan base who showed up early and remained steadfast, even after the staple “Fishin’ In The Dark” was performed mid-set.

In fact, the list from the first few days alone was almost endless, including the red hot hip-hop of NLE Choppa, rapidly emerging indie/folk tunesmith Noah Kahan, psychedelic rockers Vanilla Fudge, country/rap/pop newcomer Kidd G and the rockabilly rumblings of Reverend Horton Heat, though luckily, there’s tons of time left for literally any genre appreciator or age group to get in on the action.

Deanna Glatczak contributed to this review.

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Click here more photos of Summerfest’s first weekend at Henry Maier Festival Park.

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