Summerfest continues starring Odesza, EWF, Ava Max and an Information Society surprise
The majority of music festivals may only last a single weekend, but Milwaukee’s Summerfest keeps on shattering the formula as it spreads out across three consecutive stretches in honor of its 55th birthday.
Round two may have even upped the ante compared its kickoff, thanks in part to American Family Insurance Amphitheater headliners Odesza, the electronic innovators who didn’t just bring atmospheric, otherworldly bangers from its latest long player, “The Last Goodbye,” but a mind-blowing production stacked with explosions, lasers and synchronized screens.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Earth, Wind & Fire got the overflowing BMO Pavilion grooving to the funky beats and horn blasts of “Shining Star,” tipping off a remarkable retrospective that constantly sparked the chance to “Sing A Song All Night Long.”
Pop goddess Ava Max also had the same venue moving the moment she dropped “Diamonds & Dancefloors” through the smash “Sweet But Psycho,” all the while coming across like the next generation of Lady Gaga meets Christina Aguilera.
In spite of some expecting to see Jesus Jones, visa issues prevented the British alternative rockers from crossing the pond, but Summerfest surprised with an equally rare appearance by Information Society, who brought nothing but “Pure Energy” to its pulsating synthpop in both 1980s and current “ODDfellows” contexts.
Country fans were given a double header of today’s top stars, beginning with Mitchell Tenpenny, clad in a John Mayer shirt and Milwaukee Bucks shorts, who was all smiles as he raised one “Drunk Me” toast after the next and came across genuinely appreciative.
Fellow singer/songwriter Brett Young and his band brought a stable of singles, such as the new “Dance With You” all the way back to “In Case You Didn’t Know,” accompanied by warm vocal delivery, frequent guitar playing and an all-around relatable presence.
Jamaica’s Sean Paul turned up the “Temperature” via tunes from the 2000s through his latest “Scorcha” season, seamlessly blending reggae, R&B and hip-hop, while the jazzy rappers Digable Planets supplemented a set surrounding the 30th anniversary of “Reachin’” with an exclusive interview and audience Q&A.
Chicago’s own pop/punk act Spitalfield, who recently reunited, were wholeheartedly embraced during “Remember Right Now” flashbacks, though University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate Yung Gravy’s almost hometown show really brought out the eager masses, who chanted his surname on multiple occasions in the half-hour preceding a comedy-infused hip-hop set.
It’s no wonder why he’s being brought back to launch the finale round of Summerfest at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on Thursday, July 6, which will be totally free to general admission ticket holders as a last minute substitute for the AJR brothers, whose father fell gravely ill.
Add in Zach Bryan (July 7) and Imagine Dragons (July 8) in the supreme slots, alongside side stages galore, and there’s still a bunch to come beyond what’s already transpired throughout an unbelievably varied array of something for absolutely anyone.
Deanna Glatczak contributed to this review.
Click here for more photos of Summerfest’s second weekend at Henry Maier Festival Park.
For a list of upcoming concerts at Summerfest, visit Summerfest.com.