There’s no event on earth quite like Summerfest, where for three consecutive weekends (June 20-22, June 27-29 and July 4-6), music lovers of all ages can experience an astounding 600 artists representing literally every genre, in addition to Milwaukee’s finest culinary creations and a multitude of activities for the entire family.

On opening night, the American Family Insurance Amphitheater could feel Kane Brown coming “In The Air” thanks to his fascinating fusion of country, pop, hip-hop and electronics, especially when it came to the blockbusters “Bury Me In Georgia” and “One Thing Right.”

“Dogs Of War” Mötley Crüe, currently consisting of original front man Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, plus newly appointed guitarist John 5, brought nothing but hard rock and heavy metal, kickstarting Summerfest’s heart with a “Primal Scream” and quickly proved they were still “Too Fast For Love.”

R&B icon Jeffrey Osborne could’ve easily passed for half of his 76 years, both vocally and visually, entering from the audience to the old school soul of L.T.D.’s “We Party Hearty,” then moving to the main stage for super smooth solo ballads “We’re Going All The Way” and “Only Human,” ultimately flying high up “On The Wings Of Love.”

Latin Music Day was always a blast, but it reached legendary proportions when freestyle turned salsa singer Brenda K. Starr and a massive amount of extraordinary musicians sped up her ballad “I Still Believe,” which reached a whole other generation when it was covered by one of her backing vocalists, the one and only Mariah Carey.

Milwaukee’s own Trapper Schoepp is a troubadour of the tallest order and brought a retro-leaning brand of roots rock and Americana to “Siren Songs” and beyond, accompanied by a rollicking assortment of players.

Veteran vocalist/bassist and Illinois native Wayne Nelson led the latter day incarnation of the Little River Band, who wished everyone a “Happy Anniversary” and proceeded to “Take It Easy On Me,” barreling through so many soft rock staples on the way to “Lonesome Loser,” it was easy to lose count.

England’s EMF finally broke a more than three decade absence of coming to America, not only revisiting the global chart-topper “Unbelievable,” but also unveiling a fresh and comparable collection of stomping dance/rock delights, “The Beauty And The Chaos.”

Alternative mainstays Better Than Ezra may be best known for a streak of singles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but proved to be just as punchy and powerful today thanks to selections from “Super Magick,” ending a ten-year recording hiatus.

Saxophonist/singer Mindi Abair was a force to be reckoned with in contemporary jazz contexts, who alongside funky backers, seamlessly switched between breezy instrumentals and breathtaking vocal compositions.

Even golden oldies Three Dog Night appeared, led by 81-year-old co-founder and Vocal Group Hall of Famer Danny Hutton, who alongside the latest legacy honoring line-up, got a post-fireworks crowd going with “The Family Of Man,” “Never Been To Spain” and “Shambala.” “Joy To The World” indeed!

Deanna Glatczak contributed to this review.

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

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