The Lumineers, Benson Boone and Chicago bring Summerfest to climatic, firecracker conclusion

Photos by Andy Argyrakis and Deanna Glatczak

There were figurative and droned-powered fireworks surrounding the final weekend of Summerfest from July 3-5, not only in honor of Independence Day, but because organizers may very well have saved the strongest stretch of the expansive line-up until last.

The American Family Insurance Amphitheater was once again bursting at its seams when folk rock favorites The Lumineers brought the enthralling and energetic “Automatic” World Tour to the area, joined by established indie rockers Hippo Campus and its fabulously introspective “Flood” season.

And speaking of superstars, pop/rock powerhouse Benson Boone sparked an even brisker ticket-buying frenzy on the heels of the brand new “American Heart” album, charismatically entertaining and backflipping his way into the hearts of an all-ages audience, alongside support by the indie pop/alternative rock pairing of Bishop Briggs and The Aces.

Hometown heroes Chicago seem to be “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” and certainly sounded that way as well when Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted co-founders Lee Loughnane (trumpet) and James Pankow (trombone) led the current cast through the “Old Days,” chronicling no less than 58 years a few hours before a superb “Saturday In The Park” when the line “I think it was the fourth of July” couldn’t have been more ideal for the occasion.

In the right here and now, A-lister Alex Warren appeared fresh off his chart-topping “Ordinary” and proved he is anything but that description, especially given a larger than life voice within an epic folk pop framework.

The peak of the alternative era earned several shout-outs, including Third Eye Blind (“Semi-Charmed Life”), Everclear (“Santa Monica”), Phantom Planet (“California”), a newly reformed Fountains Of Wayne (“Stacey’s Mom”) in memory of the late Adam Schlesinger and the fellow reunion of Tripping Daisy (“I Got A Girl”) after a nearly three-decade absence.

Hard rock and heavy metal had mighty representation from sky high ex-Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, the ferocious females of Vixen and Chicagoland’s own Enuff Z’Nuff, who brought out Journey’s pre-Steve Perry singer/co-songwriter Robert Fleischman during “Fly High Michelle.”

To further illustrate the extremely vast array of categories, there was We Came As Romans’ metal core mania, Ayra Starr’s Afrobeats, Dirty Heads’ hip-hop/reggae/ska concoction, Tee Grizzley’s trap, Social Distortion’s pioneering punk, and perhaps most surprisingly, Gary Lewis & The Playboys’ golden oldies.

Though that’s a wrap for 2025, Summerfest is already slated to be back next year, and while the exact dates have yet to be announced, count on another triple play packed with at least a little something for absolutely everyone.

Deanna Glatczak contributed to this review.