Summerfest keeps on heating up thanks to Cody Johnson, Jessie Murph, Common and Subtronics

Photos by Andy Argyrakis and Deanna Glatczak

Memories of Summerfest’s kickoff weekend were surely still lingering in the minds of the masses, but there was much more to come when round two of the 58th annual event took place throughout a dozen stages from June 25-27 at Henry Maier Festival Park, all for a mere $30 or so a day for general admission.

For a little extra, the American Family Amphitheater was packed to the brim with the promise of country A-lister Cody Johnson on the exact release date of a brand new album, “Banks Of The Trinity,” which expanded upon his contagious merger of the genre’s contemporary and neo-traditionalist styles.

Offering direct support was “Blue Strips” superstar-in-the-making Jessie Murph, whose “Sex Hysteria” season built upon a rootsy pop foundation to incorporate hip-hop and smoky soul angles, accompanied by retro inspirations and an all-around hypnotic presence.

Chicago’s own rapper, actor and activist Common remained one of the most relevant and thought-provoking voices in the game as he combed through a socially conscious catalogue filled with A-list collaborations, including a 20th anniversary slice of the breakthrough project “Be.”

The monstrous dubstep beats and larger than life light show of Subtronics already seemed tailor made for festivals and the global headliner from Philly definitely didn’t disappoint, mixing and mashing up bangers dating back a decade to his latest “FIBONACCI: Oblivion/Infinity” series.

Former One Direction member turned indie rock/Britpop troubadour Louis Tomlinson was another major attraction, bringing the bulk of the reflective “How Did I Get Here?” and a bit of the beloved boy band, while tapping into the fashion sensibility of old school Oasis.

The iconic keyboard/organ player and sometimes singer Booker T. Jones, 81, flawlessly revisited his days in the Stax Records house band and fronting Booker T. & The M.G.’s, who were not only responsible for such immortal instrumentals as “Green Onions” and “Time Is Tight,” but became one of the world’s first-ever interracial acts, a tradition that continues in solo contexts.

Stepping out of the screen and into the flesh was voice actor Hank Azaria (“The Simpsons”) and The EZ Street Band paying authentic tribute to Bruce Springsteen, the harmony group Soulidified from Netflix’s “Building The Band” and Audrey Nuna, one of the “Golden” vocalists behind the animated Huntrix of “KPop Demon Hunters” fame.

Other leading ladies included future “Cherry Valley” country queen Carter Faith, “Stay (I Missed You)” singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb and fellow alternative troubadour Tracy Bonham, both of whom celebrated the 30th anniversaries of their gold-certified debuts, “Tails” and “The Burdens Of Being Upright.”

The fellas were also out in full force, such as the southern smorgasbord known as Marcus King Band, alt-country groundbreakers Old 97’s, gospel-infused jammers Robert Randolph & The Family Band and neo-psychedelic rockers Wolfmother, each boldly helping pave the way to the July 2-4 finale and fireworks spectacular.

Deanna Glatczak contributed to this review.

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