The gates to the iconic Summerfest grounds officially swung open from June 19-21, though it was only the beginning of Milwaukee’s annual mega festival that truly attracts a global audience.

In fact, it’s slated to happen again June 26-28 and July 3-5 when music fans can catch 12 stages worth of entertainment representing any style under the sun, endless family-friendly activities, food galore and barrels of brews for a mere $30 general admission entry fee per day, making it hands down the most affordable event of its kind.

It all began on Juneteenth and there was certainly a celebratory spirit in the air, especially as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Isley Brothers brought a series of iconic soul jams to the BMO Pavilion dating back to the 1950s.

They included “That Lady,” “Between The Sheets,” “Footsteps In The Dark,” “Fight The Power” featuring a snippet Sly & The Family Stone’s “I Want To Take You Higher” and “Shout,” led by silky singer/original member Ronald Isley and his younger sibling/guitar shredder Ernie.

Fellow guitar slinger/blues rocker Gary Clark Jr., folksy singer/songwriter Joy Oladokun, R&B crooner Eric Benét and life of the party Ginuwine represented multiple generations, while further demonstrating the diversity and excellence of Black artistry.

As far the American Family Insurance Amphitheater was concerned, where additional tickets are required, the “Smiling Face” of “Walking Man” James Taylor triumphed in spite of extreme heat, defying his 77 years to sound exactly like the super smooth studio recordings, backed by his longtime All-Star Band, who really let loose throughout Jr. Walker & the All Stars’ “(I’m A) Road Runner.”

Right beforehand, troubadour Jason Mraz offered the ideal “Remedy” to anyone’s stresses by spreading nothing but sunny vibes, plus opener Tiny Habits had no trouble translating their indie folk pop to the mammoth stage, nor did “Sailor Song” viral sensation Gigi Perez and her heartfelt acoustic intimacy the prior night.

The 1980s were also alive and well thanks to the totally tubular likes of Rick Springfield (“Affair Of The Heart,” “Jessie’s Girl”), Paul Young (“Come Back And Stay,” “Everytime You Go Away”) and Wang Chung (“Dance Hall Days,” “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”).

Fresh off the 50th anniversary of “Slow Ride,” the latest configuration of Foghat cranked out no nonsense classic rock meets blues, classical crossover leader Lindsey Stirling stunned on the violin, Dispatch displayed rootsy improvisations, Iann Dior dialed into an emerging trend of emo rap and Cooper Ramsey held the key to a promising future in country.

The dance floor regularly filled up as well, particularly when it came to “Cooler Than Me” artist/songwriter/producer Mike Posner and guest DJ/reality show regular Brody Jenner, which on top of at least 100 others, made sure Summerfest started on the ultimate high.

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.