Intents Festival 2018- Liveset Pat B Live Track List

Green Day

Performances

September 1 - 5:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Five-time Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Green Day unleash their brand new song "Pollyanna" out today. Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, CA, Green Day is one of the world's best-selling bands of all time, with more than 70 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams. Their 1994 breakout album Dookie, which sold over 10 million and achieved diamond status, is widely credited with popularizing and reviving mainstream interest in punk rock, catapulting a career-long run of #1 hit singles. Entertainment Weekly calls Green Day, "The most influential band of their generation," while Rolling Stone attests, "Green Day have inspired more young bands to start than any act this side of KISS, and that doesn't seem to be changing." In 2004, Green Day released the rock opera American Idiot which captured the nation's attention, selling more than 7 million copies in the U.S. alone and taking home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Mojo declared "It's exhilarating stuff, the kind of record that sets new parameters as to what is possible from a punk rock'n'roll band in the 21st century." In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway to critical and commercial acclaim. Released last year, Green Day's thirteenth studio album Father Of All... (Reprise/Warner Records) debuted at #1 on Billboard's Album Sales Chart and #1 in both the U.K. and Australia. Pitchfork declared, "Green Day's most fetching and youthful songs in ages. The trio sounds reinvigorated, more like hungry newcomers staking their claim." claim." On June 24th, 2021 Green Day will embark on a global stadium tour, The Hella Mega Tour, with Fall Out Boy and Weezer.

Fall Out Boy

Performances

September 1 - 5:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Fall Out Boy have cemented their position as one of rock music's biggest-selling bands. Their seventh studio album M A N I A debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2018 and garnered a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album. The record, released on Island Records/DCD2 Records, marks the band's third consecutive and fourth overall #1 album respectively, and features the hit tracks "The Last of the Real Ones," "Champion" and "HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON'T." Their worldwide M A N I A tour in support of the record included a hometown show at Wrigley Field. Next summer, Fall Out Boy will embark on THE HELLA MEGA TOUR alongside Green Day & Weezer. The global tour, which marks the first time these three bands have head out on the road together, kicks off June 13, 2020 in Paris and will visit cities across Europe and the UK throughout the month including Glasgow, London, and Dublin. All three UK dates on the tour are sold out. Presented by Harley-Davidson and produced by Live Nation, the 20-city North American outing beginning July 17 will bring the bands to some of the most renowned stadiums including sold out dates at Chicago's Wrigley Field & Boston's Fenway Park. Other stadiums will include Dodger Stadium, Citi Field, and more. In 2015, Fall Out Boy released their platinum, sixth studio album AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at #1 on iTunes in more than 22 countries upon its January 2015 release. The album's first two singles "Centuries" and "Uma Thurman" have been RIAA-certified 4x and 2x platinum, respectively. AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO followed the GRAMMY-nominated band's gold-certified album SAVE ROCK AND ROLL, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on iTunes in 27 countries upon its April 2012 release and features the multiplatinum hit "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" and hit "Alone Together." SAVE ROCK AND ROLL was the band's second #1 debut; Platinum selling "Infinity On High" topped the chart in 2007 which followed multi-platinum breakthrough album "From Under The Cork Tree" released in 2005. They were most recently nominated for a 2019 MTV Video Music Award for BEST ROCK VIDEO ("Bishops Knife Trick") and have won FAVORITE ARTIST: ALTERNATIVE ROCK at the 2015 American Music Awards, BEST ROCK VIDEO at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards and BEST ALTERNATIVE BAND at the 2014 People's Choice Awards. Fall Out Boy has also written the song "Immortals," featured in the Oscar®-nominated Disney hit movie Big Hero 6, which topped the box office upon its November 2014 release and has already surpassed $222 million at the domestic U.S. box office and topped $650 million globally. Hailing from Chicago, Fall Out Boy—Patrick Stump (vocals/guitar), Pete Wentz (bass), Joe Trohman (guitar) and Andy Hurley (drums)—has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone and other prestigious publications. They have performed on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, America's Got Talent, The Voice, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Good Morning America and many more. More information can be found at www.falloutboy.com

Weezer

Performances

September 1 - 5:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, CA in 1992, currently consisting of Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, lead guitar), Patrick Wilson (drums), Brian Bell (rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), and Scott Shriner (bass, backing vocals). Weezer has sold 10 million albums in the U.S., and over 35 million records worldwide. Their catalogue has included such megahits as "Buddy Holly," "Undone (The Sweater Song)," "Say It Ain't So," "El Scorcho," "Hash Pipe," "Island In The Sun," "Beverly Hills," "Pork and Beans," and more. Weezer has won Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, and more throughout their career. Following massively acclaimed album releases in 2016 and 2017 (Weezer [The White Album] and Pacific Daydream, respectively), and two sold out amphitheatre tours with Panic! At the Disco (in 2016) and Pixies (in 2018), Weezer released a fan-inspired cover of Toto's "Africa." The cover propelled the band back into the charts across the board, giving Weezer their FIFTH #1, TENTH Top 5, and SIXTEENTH Top 10 at Alternative Radio, in addition to landing Top 5 on the Hot AC chart. It has since gone Platinum. They then surprise dropped a covers album at the start of 2019 -- Weezer (The Teal Album) -- which has been streamed over a hundred million times since its release. In 2021, Weezer will release two very different but equally Weezer albums – OK Human, an orchestral pop album meditating on technology and disconnectedness, and Van Weezer, an homage to the band's shared metal roots growing up. They will also celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Weezer (The Green Album) and the 25^th anniversary of Pinkerton.

Luke Bryan

Performances

September 2 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Luke Bryan's music has always reflected life in all its complexities, both the challenges and the unbridled joy. The award-winning superstar does that yet again on his seventh studio album Born Here Live Here Die Here and its deluxe version with six new songs, Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe Edition) released April 9, 2021. Just after the announcement of the deluxe music and its immediate pre-order availability, it claimed the #1 spot on the Apple Music Pre-Add Chart.

"With all my albums I want to have a diverse group of songs and Born Here Live Here Die Here does that," says Bryan. "We have songs that you could fall in love to. We have some songs that are pretty emotional, and then we have some big, fun party songs. It just checks all the boxes for me. There are songs I've co-written with other writers and there are outside songs that when I heard them, I knew they had to be on this album. I'm proud of each one."

Born Here Live Here Die Here was originally set to release in April 2020 but due to the pandemic it was moved to August 2020. "We all know 2020 was hard on all levels for many," shared Luke. "Things were put on hold in the entertainment business, but it did allow more time to make music and I'm excited to share the new songs on the Deluxe album. They represent the core of what I am. The core of me that just wants to go drive around my farm and put my boat in and do some fishing — do a lot of the same things that I grew up doing in Georgia. I think a lot of these songs tell that story of a rural, small upbringing. I want music that really, really speaks to who I am as someone that loves being out in the country and singing music about it and telling the story of that."

Great songs have always been the foundation of Bryan's career. From his early days in Nashville as a songwriter, penning such notable hits as Billy Currington's chart-topping "Good Directions," to his status as one of country music's reigning superstars, Bryan's career has been populated by songs that have had lasting impact. Country Aircheck declared him the "Most Heard Artist of the Last Decade," an honor he earned with such No. 1 hits as "Rain is a Good Thing," "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye," "Crash My Party," "That's My Kind of Night," "Strip it Down," "Most People Are Good" and "Fast."

Since his debut, Bryan has amassed 26 No. 1 hits and more RIAA certified digital singles than any other country artist with 54.5 million. Bryan has sold 12.5 million albums and scored 14.6 billion streams. He's earned four platinum albums, two 4X-Platinum albums, seven RIAA certified albums, 22 Platinum singles and 12 Multi-Platinum singles. At the close of 2019, Luke became the first-ever recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for his 2013 Crash My Party album and was also named the " Most Heard Artist of the Decade" by Country Aircheck . Luke was most recently named Billboard's Top Country Artist of the 2010s. Based on their charts, he ranks at the top by placing 11 #1s on the weekly Hot Country Songs chart and nine #1s on the Top Country Albums chart during the last decade.

This February, the Country Radio Broadcasters honored Luke as the 2021 Artist Humanitarian Award recipient for his ongoing philanthropic endeavors.

Bryan debuted Born Here Live Here Die Here at No. 1, making it his sixth consecutive #1 debut on Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart. The album was certified Gold in February 2021. Since its release, the album has placed four consecutive #1 singles on the top of the charts, "Knockin' Boots," "What She Wants Tonight," "One Margarita," and "Down To One."

The Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe Edition) released on April 9, 2021 contains six new songs, three co-written by Luke- "Drink A Little Whiskey Down," "Bill Dance," "Floatin' This Creek," as well as "Country Does," "Waves"- his new single, and "Up."

The Leesburg, Georgia native and "American Idol" judge has been named Entertainer of the Year five times- most recently this April by the Academy of Country Music, his third win in that category overall, and also twice by the Country Music Association. He was honored as a CMT Artist of the Year six consecutive times. He's won over 40 major music awards and has performed for nearly 12 million fans in the last decade while headlining seven major tours, including 36 stadium concerts, 11 Farm Tours, six years of Spring Breaks shows and six sold-out Crash My Playa events.

That's not bad for the son of a Georgia peanut farmer and fertilizer salesman who grew up singing at the First Baptist Church and majored in business administration at Georgia Southern University. The work ethic he learned from his daddy and the small-town values he grew up with still inform every aspect of his life today, and helped shape Born Here Live Here Die Here . "The reason why we chose to name the album 'Born Here Live Here Die Here' is that song talks about an important part of my life and where I grew up in Leesburg, Georgia," he says in that familiar warm Southern drawl. "The song paints such a beautiful picture of rural life and a rural mindset. Every line in that song really talks to that person who is proud of that small-town life. They know they don't need to go look anywhere else. They're happy. They're content. They've got everything they want right there. There's something really, really special about those types of people. The song just feels so real for me. It told a big story in my life because there were many, many years I was that guy that was going to be born there, live there and never leave. Somehow, I left and became a country music singer, but I still love to sing about those topics."

Fans got their first taste of Born Here Live Here Die Here with the chart-topping hit "Knockin' Boots." "It's just a fun song," he says of the single that became his 23^rd No. 1 hit. "It's not this huge intricate story song. It's just about dancing, having fun, swinging your loved one around and having a great time."

The new album has also produced the sultry No. 1 "What She Wants Tonight." "I co-wrote this with Ross Copperman, Jon Nite and Hillary Lindsey. Ross had a track going and he and Jon worked on some melodic stuff. With Hillary in the room sharing the girls' perspective it made the song come together. In the moment, I felt like it was going to be a big, big song for me, and I was excited that we had written something that I was really proud of."

Fans quickly embraced the raucous anthem "One Margarita," which became the party hit of the summer of 2020 with a double week reign at No. 1, banking his 25^th career No. 1 single. Bryan had the opportunity to shoot the video that January during his Crash My Playa event in Mexico, prior to the pandemic that gripped the world. "From the first time I heard it, I knew it was the catchiest, most fun party song I'd heard in a long time! We knew we had something special," recalls Bryan. "And what better place to do the video than Crash My Playa. The video just feels fun and it came together amazing and it gives fans a little glimpse of what Crash My Playa is if they've never been. And hey, it makes you want to have a margarita."

Bryan can easily be the life of every party with his upbeat personality and seemingly perpetual smile, but as an artist he's never afraid to shift gears and record a song that tugs at the heartstrings. "Sometimes you just have to record an unbelievably written beautiful, emotional song and 'Build Me a Daddy' is just that," he says of this poignant song from the album. "It speaks about a child that has lost their dad, and the way he explains how he wants to get his dad back for he and his mom is one of the coolest ways I've ever heard a song written. Country music has always been so important to really dive in and talk about tough subjects, talk about loss."

Bryan explores lost love in "A Little Less Broken." "What drew me to the song is just the classic sound of it," he shares. "It's about a guy ducking out into the shadows of a bar after seeing his ex and realizing she's doing a little better than him at moving on. I just love the classic feel. I've never really had a song with this throwback sound, and it feels like a straight up, slow dancing, honky-tonk song."

Bryan penned "Where Are We Going" with fellow Georgia native Brent Cobb and Chancie Neal contributes the sublime female vocal. "Brent and I grew up pretty close to one another and I've followed his career for years before he moved to Nashville. Oddly enough, Brent and I had never gotten to write and that one particular day we wrote two songs. I've got a lot of high hopes for this song. The production is really, unique for me and I just love what it says. Chancie sang on the demo and just felt right to keep her voice on this song as it really paints an even prettier picture."

One of the album's many highlights is the poignant "For a Boat." "I grew up sitting on a bank fishing with my grandfather, my papa and my dad," he says. "This song really touches on the simplicities of a father and son sitting there, looking out at the boats on the water and this kid dreaming of them but also being really content that the fish are biting right there from the bank. It's a beautiful story about humility and contentment."

Bryan says of the closing track and his current radio single, "Down to One," it's "quintessential me, about a guy and a girl out there in the woods," he grins. "It's written by Dallas Davidson, who I've had a lot of success with as a co-writer through the years. It sounds like something girls want to hear; a couple in the middle of nowhere enjoying a romantic night together. I always feel like you've got to have those on an album."

It's that understanding of how his audience lives and how his music can provide a soundtrack to their best moments that has made Luke Bryan a superstar. And the reason Bryan's music resonates so strongly with millions can be summed up in one word—authenticity. Despite his success, he has remained that same small-town guy at heart. He's someone who respects his parents, adores his wife and is always looking to be the kind of man his kids can look up to and count on. Chances are if you talk to any of Luke's fans, they feel like he's their best friend, even if they've never met the man because he's one of them. Whether it's in search of the biggest buck in the woods or the tastiest margarita on the beach, he's been there, done that and there's a song or two that echoes the moment. It's that ability to capture life—to shed a tear or celebrate big that continues to make Luke Bryan the voice of the common man, and in an unsettling time, few things feel more reassuring than being understood.

Great songs have always been the foundation of Bryan's career. From his early days in Nashville as a songwriter, penning such notable hits as Billy…

Dylan Scott

Performances

September 2 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is the total package – a powerful singer with a deep, resonating drawl; an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit; a heartthrob with an easy smile; and a dreamer who followed in his father's footsteps to Nashville. The Double Platinum-certified "My Girl" became his first #1 at radio, followed by Platinum-Top 5 single, "Hooked." His Nothing To Do Town EP hit #1 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart, and the project's title-track was recently certified RIAA Gold, as was his self-titled debut album. With career on-demand streams at 1 billion, the Louisiana-native has headlined shows and opened for Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan and Chris Young. Scott garnered his first career nomination for Best New Country Artist at the all-genre 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards and was named among Country Radio Seminar's coveted New Faces of Country Music® Class of 2019. Additionally, he released a seven-song EP honoring legendary singer/songwriter Keith Whitley with An Old Memory (A Keith Whitley Tribute). His current, Top 10 radio single, "Nobody," which debuted on NBC's TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, can be found climbing the Country radio charts.

Chance The Rapper

Performances

September 3 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

24kGoldn

Performances

September 3 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Every decade, music fans are gifted a prodigy with a talent and vision transcendent of their age, from Pharrell Williams to Tyler the Creator. The next generation arrives courtesy of RECORDS LLC. San Francisco native, 24kGoldn is an 18-year-old rapper, singer and arranger who already possesses the adventurous delivery of a Young Thug and song craftsmanship of Future. Add on the fact that he is also a freshman at the University of Southern California and his special begins to crystallize.

Teezo Touchdown

Performances

September 3 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Even amidst the ever-changing world of hip-hop, Teezo Touchdown is pushing things forward. The Beaumont, Texas-raised musician has whipped up a viral frenzy by way of his genre-blending music, infusing the trippy emotiveness of modern rap with R&B's airiness and the propulsion of pop-punk. He emerged with viral tracks "100 Drums" and "Slice," and with more new music to come in 2020, you'll be hearing and seeing a lot more of Teezo in the future.

While growing up in Beaumont, Teezo was drawn into music immediately due to his father's DJ career, as he inhaled the sounds of R&B from an early age. He decided to pursue music as a career in 2016, after his then-girlfriend who was an early supporter of his musical endeavors passed away from being a victim of gun violence—a formative moment that inspired him to take his craft more seriously. "Once that happened, I clicked on to life," he remembers. "The week that she passed, I couldn't tell you what I was doing from hour to hour. That was the worst pain that I'd ever felt, and after that, I knew I couldn't feel any worse. Once I experienced that, I could look at things different and feel more fearless."

He's since established a unique and appealing style that blends melodic soul-searching and the brightness of emo and pop-punk. But ultimately, Teezo claims no greater influence than the world around him: "Life inspires me," he states. "My music is about what happens day-to-day. What I do is journalistic. I'm writing from my experiences and writing from within, because that's where the best influence comes from."

Equally important to Teezo's artform is his inventive visual style showcased in his music videos, which he's had a hand in constructing since his days of filming music videos on his phone for him and his friends. "I'd be shooting music videos on my phone, and my friends were like, 'You really gotta start doing real music videos,'" he recalls; eventually, Teezo became friends with a videographer named Denzel Seale, and learned tools of the trade. Before long, he was renting out cameras to help shoot his friends' music videos. "I gained an eye for visuals, and all the stuff I learned helps me to this day when it comes to the videos I shoot now."

Stylistically, Teezo's all about the current moment and being as direct as possible: "Less is more—what you see is simplistic as possible. We have the vision, shoot it, edit it, and give it to the world." And that approach is perfectly realized in his inventive performance video for the Panic!At The Disco-sampling "100 Drums." The single "Slice" soon followed, a mellow and darkly shaded tune that was put together at his dad's house in Beaumont. "It was the first thing I made there, and it was my birthday. My dad came upstairs and we got into it," he recalls on the track's creation.

Since then, Teezo's been co-signed by a variety of high-profile musical peers ranging from Brockhampton and Chance the Rapper to Chris Brown and Trippie Redd—and as he's hard at work on more music coming from him later this year, including the just-released single "Strong Friend," he's keeping his eyes on the prize. "It's about throwing paint on the wall, and learning from the last song I did," he explains while discussing his creative process. "I like going back and listening to my old music because I can go back and reflect."

"I'm working on evolving and taking this journey—seeing where my music is going to take me," he continues. "At the end of the day, I'm taking this to the next level." Above all else, Teezo Touchdown is continuing to strive for the engaging relativity that he's expressed in his music so far: "I'm a survivor. I've been motivated to keep going whatever happens, and I'm hoping to motivate too. I'm your friend who happens to be a musician—that's my perspective, and I'm so grateful for it."

DJ Oreo

Performances

September 3 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

DJ Oreo has been around the globe for playing music for your favorite rappers.

twenty one pilots

Performances

September 4 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

News of the tour dates follows the recent release of Twenty One Pilot's acclaimed new album, Scaled And Icy , which is available via all streaming platforms and in a variety of formats at store.twentyonepilots.com. Scaled And Icy debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top "Rock Albums" and "Alternative Albums" charts while landing at No. 3 on the "Billboard 200," marking the biggest opening week for a rock album in 2021. The new record is highlighted by standouts "Saturday," "Choker" and lead single "Shy Away," which is currently #1 at Alternative Radio for an eighth consecutive week. Having ascended to #1 at the format in just three weeks, "Shy Away" places the duo in an elite group of acts with multiple songs to rise to #1 at the format in three weeks or less including: U2, R.E.M., The Cure, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters.

Furthermore, Twenty One Pilots recently shared a performance of "Shy Away" from their first-ever global streaming event, "Twenty One Pilots - Livestream Experience." Originally broadcasted around the globe on May 21^st, "Twenty One Pilots - Livestream Experience"ushered in a new standard in the livestreaming space with Billboard declaring, "After seven months of meticulous planning and two weeks of marathon rehearsals, Twenty One Pilots pulled off a home-brewed Las Vegas-worthy spectacle."

Written and largely produced by Tyler Joseph in isolation over the course of the past year at his home studio, with Dun engineering the album's drums from across the country, Scaled And Icy is the product of long-distance virtual sessions and finds the duo processing their upended routines along with the prevailing emotions of 2020 - anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and doubt. The duo had to forgo their normal studio sessions but reached a new of level of introspection in the process, adopting a more imaginative and bold approach to their songwriting. The result is a collection of songs that push forward through setbacks and focus on the possibilities worth remembering. Scaled And Icy is Twenty One Pilots' first studio album in three years and follows their RIAA Platinum certified LP, Trench.

In 2020, Twenty One Pilots surprised fans with standalone singles "Level of Concern" and "Christmas Saves The Year." "Level of Concern" reigned at Alternative Radio for 12 weeks straight and cracked the Top 25 on Billboard's "Hot 100" chart, while also achieving RIAA Gold certification. The track propelled the band to victory at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards where they took home "Alternative Rock Song" and "Alternative Rock Artist Of The Year" awards, in addition to an American Music Award in 2020 for "Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock." Furthermore, the history making regenerative video for "Level of Concern" broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the longest music video. "Christmas Saves The Year" arrived at the tail end of 2020 and debuted on Billboard's "Alternative Airplay" chart becoming the first holiday-themed song to make the list since 2012.

Twenty One Pilots' 2018 LP Trench ushered in a new era for the duo from Ohio. Earning Platinum certification from the RIAA, the album was met with critical acclaim with Billboard declaring, "Trench revels in the confounding genre-blurring and cavernous conceptualism that has defined Twenty One Pilots." A true global phenomenon having surpassed two billion streams worldwide, Trench is highlighted by the RIAA Gold and Platinum certified alternative hits "The Hype," "Chlorine," and "Jumpsuit." "Jumpsuit" stands as the decade's fastest rising song to reach #1 on Billboard's "Alternative Songs" chart and earned the duo their fourth GRAMMY® nomination (Best Rock Song). The acclaimed conceptual collection also features the RIAA Gold-certified "Nico And The Niners" and the RIAA Platinum-certified single "My Blood."

Jonas Brothers

Performances

September 8 - 7:00 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Following a six-year hiatus,Jonas Brothers took the world by storm in 2019 with the surprise release of their critically acclaimed and widely successful single "Sucker." The triple-platinum single debuted at #1 onBillboard's Hot 100, becoming the first #1 for the band and the first #1 debut from a group this century. The band went on to releaseChasing Happiness, an Amazon Original film documenting the brothers rise and return to music, before going on to deliver their third #1 album debut with the release of their platinum-selling albumHappiness Begins(Republic Records). The band continued to soar with their sold-out "Happiness Begins Tour," with over 1.2 million tickets sold.

What's more, the album garnered the band a bevy of awards including three awards for "Top Duo/Group," "Top Radio Songs Artist," and "Top Radio Song" for "Sucker" at the2020 Billboard Music Awards ,a2019 MTV VMA for "Best Pop Video," "Best Duo/Group" at the 2020iHeart Music Awards, twoTeen Choice Awards including their prestigious "Decade Award," as well numerous American Music Award nominations, a coveted Grammy nomination and more.

Kelsea Ballerini

Performances

September 8 - 7:00 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Kelsea Ballerini is recognized as one of the most influential women in country music today. She released two acclaimed albums in lockdown last year and has consistently made history since the start of her career. With the release of her debut album, she became the only female country artist to hit number one with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album, attaining her fifth number one in four years with the 2x platinum "Miss Me More." Her critically acclaimed sophomore albumUnapologetically marked her second Top 5 debut on theBillboard Top 200.

Ballerini has garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, and took home the iHeartRadio Music Awards honor for "Best New Artist." The Black River recording artist has platinum and gold album certifications, a career total of eleven gold and platinum singles certifications and total streams exceeding 3 billion to date. In 2019, Ballerini received a CMA nomination for "Female Vocalist of the Year" and an American Music Award nomination for "Female Artist Country." Additionally, Kelsea leads the 2020 CMT Award nominations with nods for "Video of the Year," "Female Video of the Year," and "CMT Performance of the Year." Most recently, Kelsea received a nomination for "Female Artist of the Year" for the 2021 ACM Awards, and was welcomed as the Grand Ole Opry's youngest current member.. In addition to touring alongside everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Keith Urban, she ascended to the status of arena headliner with her 2019 the Miss Me More Tour.

This all paved the way for Kelsea's self-titled third full-length album, which was released on March 20, 2020. Her most personal effort yet, the album was met with critical praise including by NPR who said, "Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now… she's defining the sound of the genre."The debut single from the album, "homecoming queen?", which theNew York Times deemed "excellent," was certified recently platinum, marking her fastest single to achieve this milestone yet. Her single, "hole in the bottle" recently reached Gold RIAA certification and earned Kelsea her sixth #1. Her latest single "half of my hometown" featuring Kenny Chesney hit radio April 2021.

In the fall of 2020, Kelsea debuted her newest album ballerini,which is the follow up and second half of the story to the singer's album,kelsea. While under quarantine, Kelsea carefully deconstructed each song and re-recorded everything with minimal accompaniment and co-producing this new album. Highlighting the eloquent songcraft, the vivid storytelling and the heartfelt delivery of the thirteen tracks, Kelsea shows yet another side of herself with this reimagined take on the entire album. The delicate sonics highlight the lyrical power of the record as she has stripped all of the songs down to the bare essentials.

In addition to her artist projects, Kelsea launched her first ever radio show with Apple Music "kelsea radio". On "kelsea radio", an up-close-and-personal conversation between Ballerini and her fans, she opens up about the creative processes and personal experiences that have shaped her career.

Spencer Sutherland

Performances

September 8 - 7:00 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

The Ohio-born, Los Angeles-based alt-pop singer's ability to fuse his neo-soul falsetto and honest, vulnerable and relatable lyrics with modern beats, electric licks and a retro, stripped-down production has established a fresh new sound in music, deftly blending genres & carving out a unique space in music that's all his own. Finding inspiration in artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Prince, Boyz II Men, Bruno Mars, and others, Spencer plays multiple instruments, but considers the microphone his main focus. The unique charisma of his influences encourages him to be an Electric performer and not just a singer. His ability to add his own stamp on and quirks to his show and to his songs, makes for a memorable modern experience blending eras together, as anyone who has witnessed his energetic, cut-loose wiling out onstage can attest.

Chris Stapleton

Performances

September 9 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is a multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winner and one of the country's most respected and beloved musicians. This past fall, Stapleton released his critically acclaimed new album,Starting Over—a record that examines life's simplest joys and most serious struggles. Once again recorded at Nashville's legendary RCA Studio A with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, the album landed on several "Best of 2020" lists including NPR Music,Rolling Stone,Billboard,Esquire, Vulture,The Tennessean and The New York Times, who praises, "lands precisely where country meets Southern soul: with grit, details, clarity and ache." Moreover, The Associated Press declares, "a sure-footed masterpiece…one of the year's finest albums" andGQ proclaims, "mixes beautifully stark songwriting with blues, country, and rock melodies, allowing Stapleton's sturdy, propulsive vocals to carry the show." His fourth studio album, Starting Over follows Stapleton's quadruple platinum breakthrough solo debut,Traveller, as well as his two #1 albums from 2017:From A Room: Volume 1 (certified platinum) andFrom A Room: Volume 2(certified gold). Adding to an already triumphant career, Stapleton leads nominees at the 56th annual ACM Awards with six nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.

Sheryl Crow

Performances

September 9 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

A nine-time GRAMMY AWARD recipient, Sheryl Crow is an American music icon. Her first nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven of them charted in the Top 10 and five were certified for Multi-Platinum sales. In addition to such No. 1 hits as "All I Wanna Do," "Soak Up the Sun" and "The First Cut Is the Deepest," Crow has lofted 40 singles into the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Mainstream Top 40 and Hot Country Songs charts, with more No. 1 singles in the Triple A listings than any other female artist. For her current album "Threads", Crow collaborated with a broad array of her musical heroes, including Stevie Nicks, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Chuck D, Joe Walsh, Kris Kristoffersson, and even a duet of her classic song "Redemption Day" with the late legend Johnny Cash. "Threads" also features contributions by young artists shaping music today, including Gary Clark Jr, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Andra Day, St. Vincent, and Maren Morris.

Crow is known as well for her passionate support of multiple charities, including The Breast Cancer Research Foundation,The World Food Program, Feeding America, ADOPT A CLASSROOM, theElton John AIDS Foundation,MusiCares, and the Delta Children's Homeand many other worthy causes. For more information, visit

www.SherylCrow.com

Zac Brown Band

Performances

September 10 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning group led by front man, Zac Brown along with Jimmy De Martini (violin), John Driskell Hopkins (guitar), Clay Cook (guitar), Chris Fryar (drums), Coy Bowles (guitar), Daniel de los Reyes (percussion) and Matt Mangano (bass guitar). Since their debut, Zac Brown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live / studio acts, marked by strong musicianship and a creative range that defies genre boundaries. The New York Times said it best when they described the band's work as "a huge amalgam of soft rock, country-rock, hard rock, heavyish metal, big band music, bluegrass and, yes, a touch of electronic music," in their official review of the band's JEKYLL + HYDE.

Most recently, Zac Brown Band announced their long-awaited return to the road, with 2021's "The Comeback Tour." Arriving on the heels of a monumental year of live performances in 2019, playing to over three quarters of a million fans, the new tour represents an ethos of shaking the dust off after falling down and celebrates the collective resilience of our community, giving fans an opportunity to stage their comeback. Kicking off on August 5 in Holmdel, NJ and will include tour stops in cities including Denver, Boston and Charlotte. The tour concludes in Nashville, TN on October 17. In May, the band also performed their first-ever livestream performance event from the renowned Southern Ground Studios, in partnership with Sessions Live.

In June 2020, Zac Brown Band released their single "The Man Who Loves You The Most," which debuted at #1 on Billboard's Country Digital Song Sales chart. Written, recorded and produced while in quarantine, Zac Brown first debuted the heartfelt track on John Krasinski's "Some Good News" in May to surprise a bride for a sweet father-daughter serenade during a couple's virtual wedding. The beautiful, harmonious ballad is a tribute to this special bond, bringing joy and light during a difficult time. In July 2020, the band followed up with their latest single, "You and Islands," a breezy song on blissful island time to bring positivity and provide escapist melodies, just in time for summer. Most recently, Zac Brown Band collaborated with the renowned Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning country music band Shenandoah on their first all-new album in 26 years, with the release of the lead single, "I'd Take Another One of Those."

In 2019, Zac Brown Band released the highly anticipated and dynamic sixth studio album, The Owl, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Albums, Country Albums, Independent Albums and Digital Albums charts, and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 Chart. Featuring intricate melodies and dynamic vocal arrangements the group has long been known for, while also exploring new sounds through unexpected collaborations, The Owl marks Zac Brown Band's most personal and genre-defying album to date. The album name is inspired by the lore surrounding the great horned owl, which can see perfectly at night, making it a reliable guide, even during dark times. The Owl earned early praise for its previously released songs including "Someone I Used To Know", which won the 2019 CMT Award for Group Video of the Year, "Leaving Love Behind" which Billboard called "poignant" and "gorgeous," "Need This" dubbed a "new party jam" and "undeniable banger" by Rolling Stone and veteran tribute "Warrior," which Rolling Stone also applauded for its "infectious tribal drumbeat" and "rousing lyrics."

Earlier that year, the band extended their Fenway Park sellout venue record with back-to-back sold out shows during "The Owl Tour" stop in Boston, marking their eleventh consecutive sold-out show at the famed venue. The tour was Zac Brown Band's third consecutive national tour over the course of one year, coming on the heels of Zac Brown Band's "Down The Rabbit Hole Live Tour," with the second leg ending in April 2019.

Throughout their career spanning over a decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. To date, they have sold more than 30 million singles, 9 million albums, amassed more than 9.3+ billion catalog streams and have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles. They are the second act in history to have topped both Country Airplay and Mainstream Rock Songs charts. They took the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs chart during their 2015 collaboration with the late Chris Cornell on "Heavy is the Head."

The band released their debut major-label studio album, certified 5x platinum, The Foundation, in 2008 featuring their hit debut single, "Chicken Fried." Since then, the band has released five studio albums (You Get What You Give, 2010; Uncaged, 2012; JEKYLL + HYDE, 2015; Welcome Home, 2017; The Owl, 2019), two live albums (Live From Bonnaroo, 2009; Pass The Jar, 2010), a greatest hits compilation (Greatest Hits So Far, 2014), and an extended play produced by Dave Grohl (The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1., 2013).

In 2013, Zac Brown Band became a three-time Grammy Award-winning musical act when they accepted the honor forBest Country Album (Uncaged), following their previous wins forBest New Artistin 2010 andBest Country Collaboration with Vocalsin 2011for their song "As She's Walking Away (feat. Alan Jackson)." Another standout achievement among the band's extensive list of accolades is their 2016 acceptance of the Recording Artists' Coalition Awardin Washington D.C. for their musical achievements and commitment to philanthropic causes.

Zac Brown Band is represented by William Morris Endeavor, mtheory, Warner Music Nashville and communications and branding agency JONESWORKS.

Gabby Barrett

Performances

September 10 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Warner Music Nashville's Gabby Barrett is setting the trend. Recently crowned the ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Barrett is set to perform and vie forSingle of the Year ("I Hope") at the 56^thACM Awards airing April 18 on CBS. Scoring previous CMA, CMT and American Music Awards nods, namedBillboard's Top New Country Artist of 2020, an Amazon Music Breakthrough artist, included inVariety's 2020 Young Hollywood Impact Report, and one ofForbes' 30 Under 30 in Music, Barrett proves why she's "the face of Gen-Z Country" (HITS). Her meteoric 5X PLATINUM debut "I Hope" was the most-streamed Country song of 2020, highlighted as one of the Best Songs of the year by theAssociated Press andBillboard, and winningCMT's 2020Breakthrough Video of the Year award, simultaneously cracking the Top 3 onBillboard's all genre Hot 100 chart. Reigning atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a record-breaking 27 weeks, "I Hope" was also the first debut single by a solo female artist to top the Country radio charts since 2017 and made her the youngest artist with a #1 debut at Country radio in over two decades. Adding to over 1 BILLION+ global streams, her top-streaming LPGoldmine includes the 4-week Hot AC #1 crossover version of "I Hope" feat. Charlie Puth – which earned the iHeartRadio Titanium Award for reaching over 1 BILLION radio spins and was named one ofRolling Stone's best Pop and Country collaborations of 2020 - alongside current Top 5 PLATINUM single, "The Good Ones."

Dave Chappelle

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Dave Chappelle is an award-winning American comedian, screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor. Recognized as one of the greatest comedians of all time, Chappelle is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In May 2021, Dave Chappelle collaborated with Talib Kweli and yasiin bey to host The Midnight Miracle, a thought-provoking podcast that uniquely blends the salon and variety show traditions while providing a glimpse into the inner lives of the hosts. Chappelle's work has earned him more than 30 nominations and awards in television and film for projects that include his groundbreaking sketch comedy television series Chappelle's Show, comedy specials, and guest appearances on Saturday Night Live. Most recently he earned his third and fourth Emmy Awards for his comedy special Sticks & Stones in 2020. Chappelle has won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album three years in a row, 2018 through 2020. In 2017, Netflix cited Dave Chappelle: Collection 1 as the most-viewed comedy special ever on their network.

This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches and accessories, will not be permitted in the performance space.

Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times, and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue. All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space.

All pouches and equipment are routinely sanitized. The Yondr staff is trained and required to follow safety guidelines and hygiene protocols to practice social distancing, minimal contact and wear required personal protective equipment.

Anyone seen using a device (phone, smart watch or accessories) during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free experience.

This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches and accessories, will not be permitted in the performance space.

Anyone seen using a device (phone, smart watch or accessories) during the performance will be escorted…

Dave Matthews Band

Performances

September 15 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

With a career spanning more than 27 years, Dave Matthews Band is one of the most influential bands in rock history. In 1991, vocalist/guitarist Dave Matthews decided to put some songs he had written on tape and sought the assistance of drummer Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who were both accomplished jazz musicians in the local Charlottesville, VA music scene. 16-year-old bassist Stefan Lessard came on board shortly thereafter. Their infectious, distinctive sound garnered lots of early attention and a die-hard loyal fan base, catapulting the band into one of the most successful touring acts of the past three decades.

The group has since released nine studio albums and numerous live recordings, selling a collective 38 million CDs and DVDs combined since the 1994 release of its major label debut, Under the Table and Dreaming. The GRAMMY®-winning band's many hits include "What Would You Say," "Crash Into Me," "Too Much," "Everyday," "American Baby," "Funny The Way It Is," "Mercy" and "Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)."

Founding member LeRoi Moore passed away in August of 2008 and the band paid tribute to him with 2009's Platinum-certified Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. Dave Matthews Band has since welcomed longtime collaborators/touring musicians Jeff Coffin (saxophone), Rashawn Ross (horns) and Tim Reynolds (guitar) into the lineup and -- most recently -- keyboardist Buddy Strong.

With 2018's Come Tomorrow, Dave Matthews Band became the first group in history to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In a Critic's Pick review, The New York Times observed, "willed optimism fills the songs on 'Come Tomorrow,' while cynicism and irony are nowhere within earshot... each song notes the fears and sorrows it's determined to overcome. The music does that, with consolation in its melodies and a life force in its rhythms."

Renowned for their live performances, Dave Matthews Band has sold over 24 million tickets since its inception and ranked as the biggest ticket seller worldwide of the past decade. The group's Bama Works Fund, established in 1999, has raised more than $52 million dollars for humanitarian and environmental initiatives.

Renowned for their live performances,…

Megan Thee Stallion

Performances

September 16 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Hailing from Houston, Megan Thee Stallion is a three time GRAMMY winner, philanthropist and ever-evolving cultural icon. From the release of her critically acclaimed and Gold certified debut album, Good News, to earning two global record breaking Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits with the "Savage Remix" featuring Beyoncé, and "WAP" with Cardi B, Megan has proven unstoppable. Megan has been recognized for her musical achievements with three GRAMMY wins, including Best New Artist and five BET Awards.

Megan was honored as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2020. In October 2020, following a powerful and politically charged performance on Saturday Night Live that demanded justice for Breonna Taylor, Megan published her monumental "Why I Speak Up For Black Women" op-ed and accompanying visual with The New York Times.

Polo G

Performances

September 16 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Polo G has been unstoppable and is one of music's top rising talents. Aptly named Polo G after his favorite lifestyle brand, Polo by Ralph Lauren, and his slain friend Gucci, Polo is determined to leave his mark. Following the highly anticipated release of the 22-year-old Chicago rapper's latest single, "RAPSTAR", the song has gone on to explode worldwide to instant chart success, earning Polo his first ever Billboard Hot 100 #1 single, while debuting at #1 on Spotify in the U.S. and #1 on the Apple Music global chart. "RAPSTAR" achieved the highest streaming debut of 2021 for a male artist and the 2nd highest streaming debut of the year for any artist in the U.S. with 56 million streams, only behind Olivia Rodrigo's "Driver's License" and coming in ahead of Drake's "What's Next". His sophomore album THE GOAT debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 in May 2020 with 10 of the songs simultaneously charting on the Billboard Hot 100. The critically acclaimed album has accrued over 3 Billion streams, 7 Gold and Platinum RIAA certifications, has been a mainstay on the charts and landed in multiple year-end best albums lists. The album is certified Platinum by the RIAA along with his debut album, Die A Legend. His 2019 critically acclaimed Platinum debut album Die A Legend hit #1 on the Billboard Rap Chart and includes the massive 5x platinum Billboard hit "Pop Out" ft. Lil Tjay. Polo G's artistry stems from necessity. He utilizes music as an outlet to constructively verbalize the perils he and others faced in impoverished communities focusing on real-life struggles like racial inequality, violence, and mental health, while maintaining a deep connection to his community by giving back to Chicago youth with his AAU team. Polo hosted a special benefit concert All Star Weekend called "Polo G & Friends," which was dedicated to Chicago kids fighting depression and honored the late Juice WRLD. He also performed at the Lollapalooza x Chicago Bulls collaboration and at the 13th annual Roots Picnic in support of Michelle Obama's When We All Vote initiative. Polo made his TV performance debut on the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon and appeared on NPR's Tiny Desk series and BET Hip Hop Awards. Polo was named one of XXL's Freshman Class in 2020, an annual roundup of hip-hop's brightest new stars, he also secured a spot on the coveted Forbes 2021 30 Under 30 list and was named a FUSE TV Future Black History Honoree for February 2021. Now, Polo G launched his own label, ODA/Capalot Records, in partnership with Columbia Records. His authentic message, coupled with the buzz he's accumulated in a short time, positions him as one of the top artists to watch this year while he helps craft the next crop of talent to break. Polo is currently in the studio working on his forthcoming album Hall of Fame to be released this year.

Miley Cyrus

Performances

September 17 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Wiz Khalifa

Performances

September 17 - 7:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa burst onto the scene with mainstream success with the release of his first major label debut album, ROLLING PAPERS‎ in 2011. ‎ROLLING PAPERS spawned the hugely successful hits "Black and Yellow," "Roll Up," and "No Sleep" and gave Wiz the platform to win the award for "Best New Artist" at the 2011 BET Awards and "Top New Artist" at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. As a follow up to ROLLING PAPERS, Wiz Released O.N.I.F.C. in 2012. This album featured tracks "Work Hard, Play Hard" and "Remember You" featuring The Weeknd. His third studio album released in 2014, BLACC HOLLYWOOD, ‎debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart and included hit single "We DemBoyz." Soon after, Wiz's track,‎ "See You Again," off the FURIOUS 7 soundtrack, catapulted to the top of the charts across 95 countries. Holding the #1 spot for 12 consecutive weeks, "See You Again" broke records by being Spotify's most-streamed track in a single day in the United States and in a single week in 26 countries. In addition to winning 3 Teen Choice Awards in 2015, "See You Again" continued its success by winning a Critics' Choice Award in the "Best Song" category, winning two Billboard Music Awards in the categories "Top Hot 100 Song" and "Top Rap Song," earning three Grammy Award nominations in the categories "Song of the Year," "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance," and "Best Song Written for Visual Media," and a Golden Globe nomination in the category "Best Original Song – Motion Picture." Wiz released his album, KHALIFA, in February 2016 as a thank you to fans which included the tracks "Bake Sale" featuring Travis Scott and "Elevated." In June of the same year, Wiz collaborated with Juicy J and TM88 to debut TGOD MAFIA PRESENTS: RUDE AWAKENING and embarked on his co-headlining "The High Road Summer Tour" with Snoop Dogg. On April 20th, 2017, Wiz launched his mobile app, Wiz Khalifa's Weed Farm, which has garnered over 10.1 million downloads and is currently being played in over eight countries and six languages. Later that year, Wiz's mixtape, LAUGH NOW, FLY LATER, was released in November and featured the chart-topping hit, "Letterman." His latest studio album, ROLLING PAPERS 2, which is certified gold, was released in July 2018. Following the release, Wiz and rap duo Rae Sremmurd hit the road for their "Dazed and Blazed Tour" throughout summer 2018. In February 2018, Wiz partnered with Sovereign Brands to create McQueen and the Violet Fog, an Award winning gin and rated by the NY Times as the "Best Gin". In April of 2019, Wiz released his 5-part docuseries with Apple Music, "Wiz Khalifa: Behind the Cam," which gives viewers an exclusive look into his life and career. In the summer of 2019, Wiz went on his "Decent Exposure Summer Tour" with French Montana, Moneybagg Yo, Chevy Woods, and DJ Drama. In November 2019, Wiz starred in Apple TV+'s "Dickinson," as the character of Death alongside Hailee Steinfeld, Wiz will also be featured in the upcoming second season, which will debut on January 8, 2021. Wiz is also a series regular in Fox's animated sitcom, "Duncanville" which premiered February 2020 with a second season coming soon. Most recently, Wiz released his latest project,The Saga of Wiz Khalifa,which features his tracks, "Contact", featuring Tyga and his latest single, "Still Wiz". In October of 2020, Wiz, along with Nextbite, launched his latest business venture, a delivery only restaurant chain, HotBox by Wiz. The restaurant is now in all major metro areas.

Guns N' Roses

Performances

September 18 - 6:00 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Following the group's 1985 formation, Guns N' Roses injected unbridled, unrivalled, and unstoppable attitude into the burgeoning Los Angeles rock scene. The spirit went on to captivate the entire world with the release of their 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction –the best-selling U.S. debut ever, moving 30 million copies globally. In 1991, the seven-time platinum Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II occupied the top two spots of the Billboard Top 200 upon release. Over the course of the past decade, Guns N' Roses have performed sold out shows and headlined festivals worldwide following the critically acclaimed release of 2008's RIAA platinum-certified Chinese Democracy. Six studio albums later, Guns N' Roses are one of the most important and influential acts in music history, and continue to set the benchmark for live performances connecting with millions of fans across the globe. Guns N' Roses' are Axl Rose (vocals, piano), Duff McKagan (bass), Slash (lead guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboard), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferrer (drums), and Melissa Reese (keyboard).

Mammoth WVH featuring Wolfgang Van Halen

Performances

September 18 - 6:00 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

First impressions last a lifetime. Wolfgang Van Halen has prepared a lifetime to make his first impression. The songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist worked tirelessly towards the introduction of MAMMOTH [Explorer1], his self-titled 2021 debut album. Playing every instrument and singing each and every note, his music presents a personal and powerful perspective, balancing memorable hooks and tight technicality. As many times as audiences have experienced his talent alongside the likes of Tremonti, Clint Lowery, and of course, Van Halen, they meet Wolf as an individual for the very first time now.

"You only have one chance to make a first impression, and I wanted to do so to the best of my abilities," he affirms. "Throughout the whole process, I was finding who I am musically and by the end, I got a pretty good handle on a sound I can claim for myself."

His father often played guitar against his mother's pregnant belly, and Wolf absorbed those vibrations from the womb. At the age of 10, his Pop gave him a drum kit for his birthday. To this day, Wolf considers himself "a drummer before anything else." As he developed as a musician, he learned how to play guitar in order to perform "316" — which his father penned for him — at a 6th-grade talent show.

It may come as a surprise, but outside of his father teaching him one drumbeat from an AC/DC song, Wolfgang taught himself every instrument. "My dad wasn't the best teacher," he laughs. "I would ask him to play something, and then he would just proceed to be Eddie Van Halen. He would look at me and say, 'Do that.' to which I would laugh and sarcastically reply, 'Sure thing, no problem.'"

In the summer of 2006 when he was 15 years old, Wolf grabbed a bass and began noodling. While at the legendary 5150 Studios, his impromptu woodshedding inspired Eddie and Uncle Alex. Endless family jam sessions followed. By summer's end, Wolfgang phoned David Lee Roth's manager and by winter Roth showed up for rehearsal. They rocked "On Fire," and "That's how the 2007 tour began," says Wolf.

Not only did Wolf canvas the world with Van Halen while in high school, but he also held down the low end on 2012's A Different Kind of Truth—which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200. When not on tour with Van Halen, he cut bass for Tremonti's critically acclaimed Cauterize [2015] and Dust [2016] in addition to joining the band on the road. In 2019, Wolf handled drums and also played bass on half of the 10 songs for Clint Lowery's solo debut, God Bless The Renegades.

In the midst of all this, at the beginning of 2015, Wolf broke ground on what would become MAMMOTH with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette [Alter Bridge, Slash] behind the board. Wolf began to embrace his voice, inspired by everyone from his father, to bands like AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, TOOL, and Jimmy Eat World. "I've been singing my whole life, but it wasn't until MAMMOTH that I really found my voice. Elvis was great, and he helped me gain the confidence to become a lead vocalist."

"The name Mammoth is really special to me." says Wolf. "Not only was it the name of Van Halen before it became Van Halen, but my father was also the lead singer. Ever since my dad told me this, I always thought that when I grew up, I'd call my own band Mammoth, because I loved the name so much. I'm so thankful that my father was able to listen to, and enjoy the music I made. Nothing made me happier than seeing how proud he was that I was continuing the family legacy."

Run the Jewels

Performances

September 17 - 10:15 PM @ Generac Power Stage

El-P and Killer Mike, two of the most distinctive and celebrated names in rap, might have seemed like an unlikely pairing on paper, but the duo subverted and pulverized all expectations with their critically lauded Run The Jewels collaborative LP. Tapping into the creative synergy they'd discovered in 2012 on Mike's R.A.P. Music album (produced by El-P) and El's Cancer 4 Cure album (featuring Mike), Run The Jewels cemented their musical alliance with a set of uncompromisingly raw, forward thinking hip-hop, garnering limitless critical accolades including the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, XXL, SPIN, New York Times, and many more.

Brett Eldredge

Performances

September 11 - 10:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Nearly three years after the chart-topping success of his self-titled, fourth studio album, country superstar Brett Eldredge proves you can go home again with his latest album Sunday Drive. Joined by GRAMMY-winning producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, he holed up in Chicago's intimate Shirk Studios, where the album came to life. As a mental health advocate, Eldredge pulls from a personal place with the current single "Good Day," which brings the message of keeping a healthy mindset. "Good Day" follows the wistful, piano-driven lead single "Gabrielle," which made its TV debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and has been called "a breath of fresh air" by Rolling Stone. Having added a seventh country radio No. 1 to his name with "Love Someone," the critically acclaimed entertainer filled arenas on his first ever sold-out headlining The Long Way tour, which included performances of his Gold and Platinum-certified singles spanning four albums. His highly celebrated Christmas album Glow debuted at No. 2 on the country charts and featured the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Holiday Music Chart-topping duet "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Meghan Trainor. In 2016, the album inspired a single live holiday show in Nashville, which has now grown into the annual Glow LIVE holiday tour, hitting major cities across the country. He continues to bring holiday cheer with his new duet "Under The Mistletoe" with Kelly Clarkson and "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (Latin Version) featuring Sofia Reyes, both available everywhere now.

G-Eazy

Performances

September 10 - 10:15 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Multi-platinum recording artist and producer G-Eazy has established himself as a leading force in the music and touring world. His third full-length studio album The Beautiful & Damned (2017) debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, garnered two No. 1 radio hits – "No Limit" ft. A$AP Rocky & Cardi B and "Him & I" ft. Halsey – and has since been certified platinum by the RIAA. The 5x platinum single "No Limit" has been streamed over 1 billion times worldwide to date. The Beautiful & Damned followed his platinum- certified sophomore album When It's Dark Out (2015), which featured the 5x platinum single "Me, Myself & I" with Bebe Rexha.

Known for his smooth raps, pristine production and dexterous range, the Bay-area rapper has performed on Saturday Night Live, MTV Video Music Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and many more. He has won a People's Choice Award for "Favorite Hip-Hop Artist", named one of Forbes "30 Under 30" and covered publications such as XXL and Flaunt. His influence also spans the fashion world where he's frequently hailed as the James Dean of rap for his dapper style, and regularly appears on GQ's best-dressed and grooming lists. Additionally, he will continue his partnership with PUMA, recently announcing their first collaborative shoe is in the works to be released in 2020.

PUMA will also continue to support his philanthropy, The Endless Summer Fund – a non-profit dedicated to helping Bay Area under-served youth reach their full potential and strengthening the community – and their joint program, "From The Bay to the Universe" in which G-Eazy selects a group of developing musicians to support their artistic efforts.

2019 saw G-Eazy's career soar to new heights, including headlining Rolling Loud Music Festival in his hometown of Oakland, CA and making his critically-acclaimed acting debut in the global hit film Hustlers. In anticipation of his forthcoming fifth-studio album he has been slowly clearing out the vault by releasing tracks off his B-Sides series, and most recently with the surprise EP Scary Nights, released on October 18, 2019.

2019 saw G-Eazy's career soar to new heights, including headlining Rolling Loud Music Festival in his hometown of Oakland, CA and making his critically-acclaimed acting debut in the global…

Wilco

Performances

September 10 - 10:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Wilco return withOde to Joy, out October 4th via dBpm Records.Ode to Joy comes three-plus years after the release of the "world-weary, wheezy – and wonderfully warm" (The Guardian)Schmilco, and encourages the act of finding joy in a dark political climate. The album presents a unique rhythm track and a minimalist instrumentation, with lyrics at once observant, hopeful, morbid, tolerant, and abstract. "Love is Everywhere (Beware)," the album's extrospective lead single, is an upbeat, guitar-driven track that explores the dual joy and threat of a community focused on love. Jeff Tweedy discusses it below.

"There MUST be more love than hate. Right?! I'm not always positive we can be so sure. In any case, I'm starting to feel like being confident in that equation isn't always the best motivation for me to be my best self – it can kind of let me off the hook a little bit when I think I should be striving to contribute more love outside of my comfortable sphere of family and friends.

So. . . I guess the song is sort of a warning to myself that YES, Love IS EVERYWHERE, but also BEWARE! I can't let that feeling absolve me of my duty to create more."

Following his two solo albums,WARM andWARMER, and memoir,Let's Go (So We Can Get Back), Tweedy gathered Wilco to The Loft in Chicago. While all six members of the band can be heard on every song, Tweedy and Glenn Kotche were the launching pad from which most of the songs onOde to Joymaterialized – Kotche's percussion propels the music forward while Tweedy's measured words flesh out the cleared paths. As a result, the album is comprised of "really big, big folk songs, these monolithic, brutal structures that these delicate feelings are hung on," as described by Tweedy. Across the entire album, drums pound and plod with a steady one–two pulse, meant to mimic the movement of marching—a powerful act utilized on both sides of the authoritarian wall. There's also a sense of comfort that comes with the rhythmic marching sound.

Whether our joy is measured by sparks felt when clutching old sweaters to our chests, by the number of tiny digital hearts earned from a shared photograph, by a guitar solo or a drumbeat or a piece of cotton on a stick in your ear, or by something even greater, Wilco wants to sincerely remind us to wear that feeling loud and proud. This isOde to Joy: pick it up, hold it tight.

So. . . I guess the song is sort of a warning to myself that YES, Love IS EVERYWHERE, but also BEWARE! I can't let that feeling absolve me of my duty to create more."

Diplo

Performances

September 16 - 9:45 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known as Diplo, is one of the most dynamic forces in music today. The Grammy-winning artist is as much an international brand as he is a musician/DJ/producer. Year after year, he's proven himself to be a ubiquitous cultural figure, consistently bridging high and low, mainstream and underground, with remarkable tact and reverence.

A decade since its inception, Diplo's original group Major Lazer continues to influence the sound of modern music. Most recently, Diplo's Major Lazer unveiled "Que Calor," featuring J Balvin and Dominican dembow pioneer El Alfa, alongside a brand new video to critical acclaim. The new track follows summer release "Make It Hot," which features Brazilian superstar Anitta from Major Lazer's forthcoming and highly-anticipated fourth album. This summer Major Lazer was also featured on Beyonce's The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack alongside Shatta Wale on "ALREADY". This all comes off the heels of history making singles "Lean On" and "Cold Water," which have both surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. Their fourth album is forthcoming.

Earlier this year Diplo unveiled a new country project, Thomas Wesley, and released its first track, "So Long," featuring Nashville superstar Cam, which Rolling Stone praised as "an impressively graceful dip into country." The release was followed by a performance at Stagecoach Festival where at the first ever Stagecoach Late Night, he welcomed Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus for the live debut of "Old Town Road," and promptly shared his remix of the viral hit. Wesley then unveiled a second track called, "Heartless" which was accompanied by a music video featuring Platinum artist, songwriter Morgan Wallen. This was the second of several forthcoming collaborations due to appear on Diplo's country EP coming later this year.

Simultaneously, Diplo returned to his electronic roots with the deep house-inspired Higher Ground EP, debuted a brand new show at his Coachella headline set, and released the Europa EP for which he hand selected a cast of rising European artists. On his own, the producer continues to discover and collaborate with the most exciting new voices in music including Trippie Redd, Poppy, Bad Bunny and Octavian. As one of pop's most in-demand producers, Diplo has worked with artists such as Beyoncé -- producing two songs on the Grammy-nominated Lemonade, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Wale, Ariana Grande, 2 Chainz, Quavo, Travis Scott, Travis Porter, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Azealia Banks, Die Antwoord, Camila Cabello, Sean Paul, Robyn, AlunaGeorge and many more.

Diplo consistently exercises his collaborative spirit and singular talent for transcending genre and cultural boundaries. With the formation of two new groups, Diplo continues his streak as a global hitmaker -- LSD a psychedelic supergroup with Sia and Labrinth that was streamed nearly one billion times and Silk City, the disco-influenced venture with Mark Ronson. Since the debut of Silk City, the duo has collaborated with Dua Lipa for the Grammy winning house hit "Electricity," as well as releases with GoldLink, Desiignerand Mapei.

Diplo's rise to fame began in 2004 with his critically- acclaimed debut album Florida which caught the attention of then-breaking M.I.A., who partnered with Pentz to release the mixtape Piracy Funds Terrorism Vol. 1. and eventually the Grammy-nominated track "Paper Planes" in 2007, which hit #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart and has sold more than three million copies.

In 2005, Diplo founded label/culture lab Mad Decent to lend his globally-recognized voice to the sounds he encounters traveling the world. Mad Decent has gone on to release music from a dynamic range of artists that include Santigold, Omar Souleyman, Gucci Mane, Dillon Francis, Baauer and more. Diplo founded his global dancehall group Major Lazer in 2008 to great critical acclaim. Their 2015 smash hit, "Lean On" with DJ Snake and MØ, became the most streamed song on Spotify of all time and hit more than 1 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the Top 10 most watched music videos ever. The double platinum single "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber from his Jack Ü collaboration with Skrillex has enjoyed similar success and won the group numerous awards including an MTV European Music Awards as well as an American Music Award for Collaboration of the year. Both of Diplo's 2015 releases-Major Lazer's Peace Is The Mission and Skrillex and Diplo Present: Jack Ü- topped the Billboard charts for #1 Dance/Electronic Album. As one of pop's most in-demand producers, Diplo has worked with artists such as Beyoncé -- producing two songs on the Grammy nominated Lemonade, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Wale, Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, 2 Chainz, Quavo, Travis Scott, Travis Porter, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Azealia Banks, Die Antwoord, Camila Cabello, Sean Paul, Robyn, AlunaGeorge and many more.

His last EP, California, served as Diplo's first body of work as a solo artist in more than five years, and the latest entry into a catalog that continues to defy genre and convention. Diplo continues to tour the world over, playing 300 shows a year with Major Lazer and under his own moniker, including headlining Mad Decent Block Parties worldwide and a legendary Vegas residency. Recent stops include Pakistan, Brazil, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Croatia, China, Mexico, Italy, Korea, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Hungary and beyond.

Simultaneously, Diplo returned to his electronic roots with the deep house-inspired Higher Ground EP, debuted…

Charlie Wilson

Performances

September 17 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Some people might say that after notching ten No. 1 singles, 13 Grammy Award nominations, a New York Times best-selling memoir and ongoing sold-out, coast-to-coast arena tours, Charlie Wilson has proven his point….and he isn't planning to slow down anytime soon.

"I've been in this game for many years," reflects the Gap Band founder and solo icon. "I've had some big hit records and sold a lot of records. But I need to still show people that I'm in it. It's championship time."

Wilson underscores that declaration with his latest album, In It to Win It (P Music Group/RCA, Feb. 17 2017) which includes a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track "Made For Love," his enchanting duet with Lalah Hathaway. In 2018 Charlie was also nominated for three 2018 NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Male Artist, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration and Outstanding Album.

The set boasts two number one singles which hit two different Billboard charts in April, 2018. "Chills" was #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart and "I'm Blessed" ft. T.I. was #1 on the Hot Gospel Songs (and stayed in the top 5 for 65 weeks). This is the first time an artist has had two different #1 songs on these charts at the same time. "I'm Blessed" was also nominated for a 2018 Billboard Top Gospel song and was name one of the Top Songs of the Decade by the Associated Press.

"'I'm Blessed' says exactly where I am in my life, blessed to still be making music that people want to hear," says Wilson. "2018 has been a tough year for so many people around the world, so I'm proud to release a song to remind us that we can all find some blessings in our lives. And having T.I. bring his flavor, sharing who he is and how his journey is filled with blessings, is an added bonus."

Wilson continues his reign as "Uncle Charlie," the lovable nickname originally given to him by Snoop Dogg, by being one of the most highly sought-after adult entertainers for today's top Hip-Hop and Pop artists. In 2018 he stepped in as a replacement for Cardi B opening for Bruno Mars on his 24K Magic World Tour Finale performing for thousands of fans in Minneapolis, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles and Mars' hometown, Honolulu, which made history selling out three nights at Aloha Stadium. The experience is one Wilson will never forget. "I have been a fan of Bruno's from day one and it has been an honor to be able to share the stage with him performing to the thousands of fans on his record-breaking tour. The energy for our show in Hawaii at Aloha Stadium was beyond anything I can recall in my career. In the end I couldn't be more proud and happy for Bruno and what he has accomplished in the evolution of his music" said Wilson.

He also joined Kanye West and Kid Cudi to sing the chorus on the track "No Mistakes" from West's album Ye, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Wilson also united with long-time collaborator and friend, Snoop Dogg, on the track "One More Day" from Snoop's "Bible of Love" gospel album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

As a tribute to his 23 years of sobriety, helping homeless addicts and educating the African American community about prostate cancer, Wilson was honored at the 2018 NAACP Image Awards with the first ever Music Makes A Difference Award. "It was truly an overwhelming experience to receive this award," stated Wilson. "There are numerous people who have been by my side these last 23 years and the most important person is my wife Mahin."

In May, 2018, The National Museum of African American Music, scheduled to open in Nashville in 2019, honored Wilson with their Rhapsody & Rhythm Award at their Legends Celebration.

Coinciding with the release of In It To Win It, Wilson's national U.S. tour sold out arenas around the country. He is continuing to tour with dates in the U.S. and a special performance in London at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park with Bruno Mars in July 2018.

Breaking away from the tradition of using his name in the album title, Wilson also recruited an A-Team of guest features for his seventh solo album. Joining T.I. as first-timers in that circle: Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa, Robin Thicke and Lalah Hathaway. Wilson, who executive produced the 13-track album along with long time manager, Michael Paran, reunited once again with The Cartoons (Emile Ghantous, Steve Daly and Keith Hetrick), Gregg Pagani and Wirlie Morris on the creative side. New to the mix this time around: fellow songwriter/producers J.R. Rotem (Jason Derulo, Gwen Stefani, Empire), Eric Hudson (Kanye West, John Legend) and Rob Knox (Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, T.I.).

"In addition to working with our talented core of producers, one of our goals was to add some new talent to the team," stated Paran. "I was excited to bring in J.R. Rotem, Eric Hudson and Rob Knox to the project as they added an adrenaline shot to the recording process and really inspired Charlie to cut all kinds of music. I can truly say Charlie had a lot of fun recording this album and you can hear that reflected in the music."

Together, the team crafted a package that fully encompasses Wilson's unlimited reach. He explores the synergy between pop and R&B with Thicke on the mid-tempo "Smile for Me" ("You can't tell our vocals apart sometimes," says Wilson). Then he and Pitbull double-down on the party track "Good Time." And who knew rapper Wiz Khalifa possesses an impressive singing voice, which he shows off on the noteworthy "Us Trust." Another "oh wow" moment is the duet between Wilson and Lalah Hathaway on the scintillating 2019 Grammy nominated "Made for Love." Their what-took-so-long pairing calls to mind the magic conjured between Lalah's late father/soul legend Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack.

"She's definitely got her own spirit, but I could see Donny's aura as well," notes Wilson of working with Lalah. "It just makes you feel good inside when you hear her sing. She nailed it."

Never one to shortchange his fans, Wilson unleashes his powerful tenor on the uplifting title track, the inspirational "Amazing God" and romance songs "Precious Love" and "New Addiction." To round out In It to Win It , Wilson reunites with "nephew" Snoop Dog for the sexy romp "Gold Rush."

"Love is a powerful word and as men we need to let our women know that we love and respect them," stated Wilson. "So, when guys bring their ladies to my show or have this album playing during a romantic dinner, they know I am speaking for them."

Before launching his solo career in 2000, Wilson racked up a string of hits in the late '70s and '80s as front man with the Gap Band. The pioneering R&B/funk group charted such frequently sampled classics as "Outstanding," "Yearning for Your Love," "Burn Rubber on Me," "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" and "Early in the Morning."

Wilson signed to Jive (now RCA) in 2004 after landing his first No. 1 Billboard Adult R&B hit in 2000, "Without You." Since then, he's released six solo albums and become a consistent chart presence. His tally of 19 hits boasts seven more Adult R&B No. 1s. Among them: "My Love Is All I Have," "You Are" and "There Goes My Baby." While garnering 13 Grammy nominations and other industry accolades, including BET's 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, Wilson has stayed busy on the road, as he is a major concert draw, claiming the crown for top winter tour of 2015 with his Forever Charlie arena tour, or in the studio.

In the years between the Gap Band's heyday and his solo success, Wilson survived drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and prostate cancer. He chronicled his odds-defying life and career in his 2015 best-selling autobiography, I Am Charlie Wilson . Sober now for 24 years, the singer says, "I wouldn't have believed I'd be where I am right now. That's why I shout every night because I thank God for allowing me to be here."

"I'm looking forward to continue touring and making new music. "And, I'm not stopping there, because I Am In It To Win It."

Kesha

Performances

September 11 - 10:15 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Kesha attracts a diverse, passionate, and socially-engaged global audience who believe in the messages behind her music. Over her career, she has earned 10 Top Ten singles, over a billion views on YouTube, 2 number one albums, 4 number one songs at top 40 radio, and nearly 40 million followers across social media.

Kesha's latest album 'High Road' was called a body of work "wise and wild in equal measure" (Billboard), that "electrifies from the inside out" (American Songwriter) and "strikes a believable balance between vulnerability and the bluster she made her name on" (Stereogum).

Her previous album 'Rainbow', called "an artistic feat" by Entertainment Weekly and "the best music of her career" by Rolling Stone, earned Kesha the first GRAMMY nominations of her career.

Kesha's ventures outside of music include a top rated TV program, an award winning film, a book, a cruise, and a cosmetics line.

As a songwriter she has penned her own music as well as songs for artists including Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, The Veronicas, and Miley Cyrus. Kesha is an animal rights crusader as the Humane Society International's first Global Ambassador and a passionate advocate for equality, being honored with the 2016 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award. In 2016 she won Billboard's Women in Music Trailblazer Award and in 2018 she was named one of Time Magazine's Time 100, their list of the most influential people in the world.

Her previous album 'Rainbow', called "an artistic feat" by Entertainment Weekly and "the best music of her career" by Rolling Stone, earned Kesha the first GRAMMY nominations of her career.

Kesha's ventures outside of music include a top rated TV program, an award winning film, a book, a cruise, and a cosmetics line.

ZZ Top

Performances

September 11 - 9:30 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

ZZ TOP a/k/a "That Little Ol' Band From Texas," lay undisputed claim to being the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact and, in 2004, the Texas trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Of course, there are only three of them – Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard -- but it's still a remarkable achievement that they're still very much together after almost 50 years of rock, blues, and boogie on the road and in the studio. "Yeah," says Billy, guitarist extraordinaire, "we're the same three guys, bashing out the same three chords." With the release of each of their albums the band has explored new ground in terms of both their sonic approach and the material they've recorded. ZZ TOP is the same but always changing.

It was in Houston in the waning days of 1969 that ZZ TOP coalesced from the core of two rival bands, Billy's Moving Sidewalks and Frank and Dusty's American Blues. The new group went on to record the appropriately titled ZZ Top's First Album and Rio Grande Mud that reflected their strong blues roots. Their third, 1973's Tres Hombres, catapulted them to national attention with the hit "La Grange," still one of the band's signature pieces today. The song is unabashed elemental boogie, celebrating the institution that came to be known as "the best little whorehouse in Texas." Their next hit was "Tush," a song about, well, let's just say the pursuit of "the good life" that was featured on their Fandango! album, released in 1975. The band's momentum and success built during its first decade, culminating in the legendary "World Wide Texas Tour," a production that included a longhorn steer, a buffalo, buzzards, rattlesnakes and a Texas-shaped stage. As a touring unit, they've been without peer over the years, having performed before millions of fans through North America on numerous epochal tours as well as overseas where they've enthralled audiences from Slovenia to Argentina, from Australia to Sweden, from Russia to Japan and most points in between. Their iconography – beards, cars, girls and that magic keychain – seems to transcend all bounds of geography and language.

Following a lengthy hiatus during which the individual members of the band traveled the world, they switched labels (from British Decca's London label to Warner Bros.) and returned with two amazingly provocative albums, Deguello and El Loco. Their next release, Eliminator, was something of a paradigm shift for ZZ TOP. Their roots blues skew was intact but added to the mix were tech-age trappings that soon found a visual outlet with the nascent MTV. Suddenly, Billy, Dusty and Frank were video icons, playing a kind of Greek chorus in videos that highlighted the album's three smash singles: "Gimme All Your Lovin', "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs." The melding of grungy guitar-based blues with synth-pop was seamless and continued with the follow-up album Afterburner as they continued their chart juggernaut. ZZ TOP had accomplished the impossible; they had moved with the times while simultaneously bucking ephemeral trends that crossed their path. They had become more popular and more iconic without ever having to be "flavor of the week." They had become a certified rock institution, contemporary in every way, yet still completely connected to the founding fathers of the genre.

They stayed with Warner for one more album, Recycler, released in 1990 and switched to RCA where they debuted with Antenna and followed with Rhythmeen, XXX and Mescalero. Beyond that, both a lavish four CD box set compilation, Chrome, Smoke & B.B.Q. and a two-CD distillation of that package, Rancho Texicano, were released by Warner prior to The Complete Studio Albums set.

In 2012, ZZ TOP unveiled LA FUTURA, their first studio album in nine years. Produced by Rick Rubin and Billy F Gibbons, and released on American Recordings, it reflected the solid blues inspiration that has powered the band since the very beginning with a contemporary approach that underscored the group's inclination to experiment and explore new sonic vistas. The album included the widely lauded "I Gotsta Get Paid" that has become both a video and in-concert sensation. ZZ Top's rich history became the subject of a box set release the following year. ZZ Top: The Complete Studio Albums 1970-1990 offered no fewer than 10 of the band's most lauded albums all with the original mixes restored.

ZZ TOP's career retrospective The Very Baddest surfaced in 2014. It spans the entire course of their London, Warner Bros. and RCA years. Listeners can follow the evolution of the band's sound from the early 70s into the 00s on either a 40 track double CD or a 20 track single CD. That same year Eagle Rock Entertainment released Live at Montreux 2013 on both Blu-ray and DVD formats, showcasing their live act, leaving no doubt as to why they have been such a huge concert draw for the last several decades. When it comes to the live experience, they've still got it.

2016 saw the release of ZZ TOP's Live! Greatest Hits From Around The World album on Suretone, consisting of 15 songs recorded live in 13 cities across three continents. Guitar legend Jeff Beck joins the band on stage in his native London for two songs – "Rough Boy," and a cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons," the latter of which was inspired by a hoax YouTube video claiming to be ZZ TOP and Jeff Beck playing that very song. Their rendition matches the hoax video, in what Billy describes as "a mega meta kinda thang."

The elements that keep ZZ TOP fresh, enduring and above the transitory fray can be summed up in the three words of the band's internal mantra: "Tone, Taste and Tenacity." Of course, the three members of the band have done their utmost to do their part in assuring that ZZ TOP prevails. As genuine roots musicians, the members of the band have few peers. Billy is widely regarded as one of American finest blues guitarists working in the rock idiom. His influences are both the originators of the form – Muddy Waters, B.B. King, et al – as well as the British blues rockers who emerged the generation before ZZ's ascendance. In his early days of playing, no less an idol that Jimi Hendrix singled him out for praise. Part mad scientist, part prankster, he's a musical innovator of the highest order and a certified "guitar god." He's a recurring small screen presence in the hit TV series Bones in which he plays a bearded, gruff, rock guitarist. No type casting problems for Billy.

Dusty has long had an affinity for rock's origins; his earliest performances as a child included Elvis songs convincingly performed. Not only is he a bass virtuoso in his own right, his vocal prowess is awe-inspiring. He's the lead voice you hear on "Tush" and his ferocious vocals are heard, to great effect, on his idol Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock," these days, often a concert encore number and recorded by the band on Fandango! Good natured and diligent, Dusty is the rock solid bottom of ZZ TOP.

Frank has also been keeping the beat in that great tradition. As both a roots and progressive drummer, he has been acknowledged as key to the band's powerful on-stage and in-studio presence. He and Dusty, in their early years together, served as Lightnin' Hopkins' rhythm section which, as Frank tells it, was a life changing experience. Frank, despite his last name, is the guy in the band without a beard. But when you're with him, you're with a Beard. He's a rockin' paradox who provides the pulse of ZZ TOP.

ZZ TOP's music is always instantly recognizable, eminently powerful, profoundly soulful and 100% Texas American in derivation. The band's support for the blues is unwavering both as interpreters of the music and preservers of its legacy. It was ZZ TOP that celebrated "founding father" Muddy Waters by turning a piece of scrap timber than had fallen from his sharecropper's shack into a beautiful guitar, dubbed the "Muddywood." This totem was sent on tour as a fundraising focus for The Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, site of Robert Johnson's famed "Crossroads" encounter with the devil. ZZ TOP's support and link to the blues remains as rock solid as the music they continue to play. They have sold millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms and are true rock icons but, against all odds, they're really just doing what they've always done. They're real and they're surreal and they're ZZ TOP.

Dropkick Murphys

Performances

September 16 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Dropkick Murphys come out swinging on their eighth full-length album, SIGNED and SEALED in BLOOD [Born & Bred Records/ADA]. This time around, everything has been cranked up past 10. The guitars are ballsier, the gang vocals are louder, the hooks are catchier, the lyrics stop you in your tracks. The brashest moments of SIGNED and SEALED in BLOOD feel like the last 30 seconds of a Stanley Cup hockey game: frenetic, on the edge, dangerous. The softest songs are testaments to the values that pump through the Dropkicks' veins: family, neighborhoods, honor, respect, roots and remembering those who are gone. Every second of SIGNED and SEALED in BLOOD is evidence of one thing: Dropkick Murphys aren't just loud and brash, they're at the top of their game as songwriters.

Rise Against

Performances

September 4 - 10:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

If ever there was a perfect time for a new album from the outspoken, socially-conscious, multi-Gold and Platinum punk rock band Rise Against, it's right now.Nowhere Generation, due out June 4 on Loma Vista Recordings, is blazing and aggressive, fusing old-school punk attitude with post-hardcore fury. Lyrically, the eleven songs were influenced by input from the band's vocalist/lyricist Tim McIlrath's two young daughters, and the band's community of fans, and point an enormous spotlight at the social and economic deck that has been stacked against younger generation's pursuit of The American Dream. Today, there is the promise of The American Dream, and then there is the reality of The American Dream. America's "historical norm" that "the next generation will be better off than the one that came before" has been diminished by an era of mass social, economic, and political instability, and a sell-out of the Middle Class. The brass ring that was promised by hard work and dedication no longer exists for everyone, and as was the case with the counterculture of the 1960s, disruption becomes the only answer for the Nowhere Generation.

Nowhere Generation was recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado under the tutelage of Jason Livermore, Andrew Berlin, Chris Beeble and long-time producer/engineer Bill Stevenson (Black Flag, The Descendents) who has worked with the band on nearly all of their acclaimed releases since their sophomore effort, 2003'sRevolutions Per Minute, and is often described as Rise Against's fifth member.

Rise Against is rhythm guitarist/vocalist McIlrath, bassist Joe Principe, drummer Brandon Barnes, and guitarist Zach Blair.

Fitz And The Tantrums

Performances

September 16 - 10:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Multi-platinum artists Fitz and the Tantrums have quickly grown from independent upstarts to bonafide hitmakers. The LA-based band recently released their much-anticipated, fourth full-length album "ALL THE FEELS," featuring singles "123456" and "I Just Wanna Shine." "ALL THE FEELS" follows the band's 2016 release "FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS," which spawned the group's biggest hit to date, "HandClap." The RIAA-certified 2x Platinum single has logged more than 400 million global streams, went top 5 on both the Hot AC and Alternative Radio charts, and also enjoyed major airplay across the country at Top 40. The band has brought the infectious energy of their live shows to the small screen, with nationally televised performances of "HandClap" on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars," "Good Morning America," and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," NBC's "TODAY," "Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," "America's Got Talent," and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the syndicated "Ellen DeGeneres Show" among others.

Fitz and the Tantrums' eponymous album followed their breakout major label debut, "MORE THAN JUST A DREAM," which featured back-to-back Platinum-certified, #1 Alternative Radio singles in "The Walker" and "Out Of My League." Both singles also enjoyed Top 15 success at Hot AC. The band has performed countless, sold-out headlining shows and is always a standout at music festivals around the world, including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and more.

Fitz and the Tantrums are Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick (vocals), Noelle Scaggs (vocals), James King (saxophone, flute), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards), Joseph Karnes (bass), and John Wicks (drums, percussion).

311

Performances

September 11 - 9:45 PM @ Generac Power Stage

2020 marks the 30^th Anniversary of 311, an incredible milestone.

311 was formed in 1990 in the city of Omaha, Nebraska. The group still features it's original lineup 30 years later including drummer Chad Sexton, singer / guitarist Nick Hexum, singer SA Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, and bassist P-Nut. At 30 years old, 311 has become one of the longest running original lineups in rock music, joining an elite list of other original lineup units like U2 and Radiohead.

Having played over 2,000 shows across 27 countries over their 30 year career, 311 mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique hybrid sound - and have developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S.

To honor their 30th Anniversary, and in an effort to include all of their fans in the celebration, 311 have announced that they will play concerts in all 50 U.S States this year. The 50 Dates in 50 States Tour will kick off with a bang in February as 311 laissez le bon temps rouler at one of the world's biggest parties - Mardi Gras in New Orleans. From there, other highlights will include a record-setting, sold out run of 3 nights of their biennial 311 DAY celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada. The more than 15,000 fans scheduled to attend come from all 50 U.S States, as well as 10 other countries. Hometown fans of the band can look forward to a special summer tribute concert in their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska in July. However, the center piece of their "50 Dates" tour will feature one of the summer's hottest tour packages of 2020 including Incubus, 311, and Badflower. The 36 show run will hit most major markets this summer in Live Nation's biggest Amphitheaters.

2020 marks the 30^th Anniversary of 311, an incredible milestone.

Dirty Heads

Performances

September 16 - 9:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Following in the footsteps of their California brothers Sublime, Huntington Beach's Dirty Heads mix hip-hop, reggae, and rock along with that laid-back So Cal attitude. The group formed in 2003 when punk rocker Dustin Bushnell (aka Duddy B) asked his friend, rapper Jared Watson (aka Dirty J), to collaborate on a project that would focus on positive vibes and infectious grooves. Watson added singing to his vocal skills, and with percussionist Jon Olazabal, an acoustic trio version of Dirty Heads began playing shows and building an audience.

They soon hooked up with producer Rob Cavallo and headed into the studio to record their debut album for Warner Bros., but differences with the label had them looking for other opportunities. Still, the band was able to retain most of its work, including sessions with drummer Josh Freese, along with the late-Beatles collaborator Billy Preston in one of the keyboardist's last recordings. The finished album, Any Port in a Storm, would arrive in 2008, with a deluxe edition following in 2010. The deluxe version featured the track "Lay Me Down" with special guest Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song would top Billboard's Alternative Songs chart just before the summer of 2010.

They followed up two years later with Cabin by the Sea and later recorded an acoustic version of the title track. This, in turn, led to an entire acoustic album in 2013 called Home: Phantoms of Summer. Dirty Heads' next album, Sound of Change, would prove to be a breakthrough for the now-veteran band, debuting at number eight on the Billboard Top 200 while topping the Independent and Alternative Albums charts upon its May 2014 release.

Building on their renewed success, Dirty Heads enlisted a bevy of industry hitmakers to work on their self-titled 2016 follow-up, which -- thanks to its mainstream appeal -- again charted high on the Billboard Top 200. The following year saw the band drop its sixth studio album, Swim Team, featuring the singles "Vacation" and "Staloney." Also included on the album was the track "So Glad You Made It," featuring 311's Nick Hexum. The single "Listen to Me" arrived in early 2019 and was later included on Dirty Heads' Dave Cobb-produced seventh album Super Moon.

Jake Owen

Performances

September 17 - 10:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Multiple chart-topping singer/songwriter Jake Owen's new single "Made For You" is rapidly climbing the Billboard Country Airplay charts. With eight #1 songs to his name, "Made For You" follows Owen's fastest-rising career #1 single, "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)" and most recent #1 single, "Homemade." Owen's songs have resonated with listeners and audiences everywhere with 2X PLATINUM anthem and Most Played Song of the Decade "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," PLATINUM-certified hits "Beachin,'" "Anywhere With You," "Alone With You," "The One That Got Away," and GOLD-certified "American Country Love Song." Owen's sixth studio album,GREETINGS FROM... JAKE, produced three Top 10 singles, including two #1 singles and his current top 30 and climbing "Made For You." Signed to Big Loud Records, Owen is reunited with award-winning Joey Moi, who helped produce his breakoutBarefoot Blue Jean Night album, which landed at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and garnered four consecutive #1 hits. Owen is gearing up to join Moi once again to record his seventh studio album. For tour dates and more information, visit http://www.jakeowen.net.

Bleachers

Performances

September 17 - 10:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

After building a devoted fan-base through a year and a half of non-stop touring behind his band Bleachers' well-received debut albumStrange Desire, Jack Antonoff was spending time in studios in Los Angeles and Atlanta spit-balling ideas for a second album when he had a powerful realization. It struck him, as he was sitting in hip-hop producers Organized Noize's studio in Atlanta, that the records that meant so much to him growing up— are rooted in a specific place. "They came from somewhere!" he says excitedly. "There's an energy there and the artist is telling a story of how they were raised. It's a sound from a city, and they're planting a flag in that city and saying, 'This is what it's like to live here.'"

The New Jersey-born, New York-based Antonoff knew he needed to go home to the East Coast and build a studio. "It's like you have to go sit in your bedroom and hear the music on the speakers you heardGracelandon the first time," he says. "You gotta listen through the speakers you heard Smashing Pumpkins on the radio the first time. I had to get back to that space. So I did. I grabbed all this shit from my childhood bedroom in New Jersey and built a studio in my apartment in New York and I literally didn't leave it. I thought, 'This album is going to sound like New York and New Jersey and the actual space I grew up in, in the most specific way. And that, to me, is the most I can offer."

It was there in that room — surrounded by posters and flyers from punk shows he saw as a kid and his old baseball trophies andStar Warsfigurines — that Antonoff created the epic, synth-driven anthems that appear on Bleachers' second album entitledGone Now, which is set for release on June 2, 2017. As a result, the album sounds like "the way the space looks," he says. "It sounds like someone alone in their room, wrestling with their thoughts. It sounds like someone trying to create something very direct and simple amongst the chaos."

Critics praisedStrange Desire's modern nostalgia and remarked that the '80s-influenced songs could have served as a soundtrack to a never-made high-school-themed John Hughes film. On that album, Antonoff set emotional meditations on anxiety, depression, loss and picking yourself up after a tragedy (in his case, the death of his younger sister from a brain tumor when Antonoff was 18 and his struggled with a panic disorder in the aftermath) against a backdrop of earworm melodies and shouty choruses on songs like the gold-certified "I Wanna Get Better" (which toppedBillboard's Alternative chart) and "Rollercoaster."

"The songs were about growing up and still sort of existing in the past," Antonoff says. "The crux of the new album is my desperately trying to find a way to become some version of an adult, and not just be a giant child. I thought a lot about things like, 'Where do I want to go from here? Do I want to be a person who has this extremely vibrant relationship with their art, but their life suffers in a million other places? Where do I want to go with my life?'"

Antonoff sought to answer those questions on every song on the album. On "I Miss Those Days," he pines for a simpler time when "I knew I was fucked up and didn't know why I was fucked up," he says referencing the years he spent as a high-schooler touring with his first punk band, Outline, "driving around in a van and playing to no one. I was lost, but I miss those days because there's a weight to having a purpose in something." On "Hate That You Know Me" Antonoff realizes that when you build a life with someone and make plans for the future, "it makes you really exposed to the ways in which you're a disaster," he says. "There's this accountability that is so intense. But it's also about how amazing that can be if you're willing to go there with someone." Then there's "Let's Get Married," which Antonoff wrote the day after Donald Trump was elected. "Marriage is such a wild, absurd concept, but the world was falling down into flames around my eyes, and I wanted to write this absurd celebration song that could play at weddings for the next hundred years."

On each track, Antonoff searches for ways to illuminate humanity's communal emotions, like the fact that no one is exempt from the experience of loss. "I think everything I do is always going to be rooted in that," Antonoff says. "After my sister died, I started writing lyrics that weren't just angsty teen stuff. That's when I started talking about very intense things. Fourteen years later, I'm still reflecting on that loss but through a different lens." Antonoff's current vantage point resonates on the song "Everybody Lost Somebody." "At my worst moments, I see people on the street and think, 'Which one of you motherfuckers voted for Trump?'" he says. "At my best moments, I see people on the street and I think, 'Everybody has lost somebody.'"

On the album's first single, "Don't Take The Money," Antonoff laments how our society has culturally lost the concept of what selling out means. The song was inspired by his buying a cut-rate phone charger at a Rite Aid when his phone died as he was running late to a meeting. "I got there and plugged the phone into the charger and I had this out-of-body experience where I could not believe how cheap the material was," he recalls. "And I thought to myself, 'That's the real problem.' Whether you're making art or making a sandwich, you know when something could be better. Don't make it cheap. That's the last thing people need."

As far as what Antonoff feels like people need from him as artist, he says: "I feel like they just need me to somehow capture the lightning in a bottle of what it's like to be me, to grow up with loss, and then to try to move through the world within that. All I've wanted to do my whole life with my work is just take another step closer to myself."

DJ Diesel

Performances

September 3 - 10:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also one of the greatest entertainers on earth. At 7'1" and 325 pounds, Shaq's larger-than-life personality and powerful athleticism have resulted in worldwide admiration and one of the most passionate fan bases in sports and entertainment. The Hall of Famer first discovered electronic dance music after crashing the festival TomorrowWorld in 2014, a milestone event that changed his life forever after being exposed to DJ's such as Steve Aoki and Skrillex.

Shaquille has been passionate about music from a very young age -- at just 14 after O'Neal saw Public Enemy live for the first time, while sandwiched in a crowd of 5,000 people, he became fixated on DJ'ing. He cut his neighbors' grass, walked dogs, and scraped together any cash that he could until he saved up $200 to buy his first set of turntables at a local pawn shop. Fast forward to 1993, Shaquille's rap album, 'Shaq Diesel,' did the unthinkable of selling over a million copies and peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard 100 cementing O'Neal as the only athlete ever with a platinum-selling album. SHAQ aka DJ Diesel's dance music debut was at TomorrowWorld 2015, as the Hall of Famer took the stage for the first time in front of tens of thousands of fans mixing the best of Trap, EDM, and Hip-Hop. From there DJ Diesel's career was born as he cemented the title of 'the biggest DJ in the world.' DJ Diesel recently embarked on a 15+ date 'Summer of SHAQ' tour, has graced main stages around the globe from Tomorrowland, Lost Lands, Life in Color, and even launched his own festival series -- Shaq's Fun House.

Part festival, part carnival, part circus, Shaq's Fun House pops up at leading cultural events around the world. Shaq's inaugural Fun House in March of 2018 was one of the most viral events of the year with surprise performances and appearances by Diplo, Steve Aoki, A-Track, DJ Carnage, Rob Gronkowski, Von Miller, designer Alexander Wang, and Shark Tank's Daymond John. Shaq's Super Bowl Fun House featured performances and appearances from Migos, Diplo, Tiesto, Lil Jon, T-Pain, Adam Levine, Jamie Foxx, Akon, Patrick Mahomes, Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, Evander Holyfield and many more cementing it as one of the most legendary events of all time. Shaquille O'Neal's off-court accolades rival his athletic accomplishments, having found success in acting, music, television, gaming, and while SHAQ is already a platinum recording Hip-Hop artist, this is just the beginning for Diesel.

Black Pumas

Performances

September 18 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Sometimes, a life-changing connection can be closer than you think. In 2017, singer and songwriter Eric Burton made his way from California to Texas. Born in the San Fernando Valley, he grew up singing in church and then got heavily involved in musical theater. He started busking at the Santa Monica pier, where he brought in a few hundred dollars a day and developed his performance skills. Burton traveled through the Western states before deciding to settle down in Austin, TX -- setting up his busking spot on a downtown street corner, at 6th Street and Congress, for maximum exposure.

Meantime, Grammy Award-winning guitarist and producer Adrian Quesada was looking to collaborate with someone new. He reached out to friends in Los Angeles, in London, but nothing seemed right. A mutual friend mentioned Burton to Quesada, saying that he was the best singer he had ever heard. The two musicians connected, but Burton took a while to respond ("My friends were like 'Dude, you're a mad man, you need to hit that guy back!'") Finally, he called Quesada and sang to him over the phone. "I loved his energy, his vibe, and I knew it would be incredible on record," Quesada says. "From the moment I heard him on the phone, I was all about it."

The results of that inauspicious beginning can now be heard on the acclaimed self-titled debut album from Black Pumas, the group that Burton and Quesada assembled. In just a couple of years' time, Burton and Quesada turned their unplanned meeting into a Grammy-nominated act that with songs that have racked up millions of streams and won overwhelming critical praise and multiple sold-out tours across North America and Europe. The album was nominated from Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards and has won acclaim from Rolling Stone, who praised "the tireless, charismatic energy of singer Eric Burton," Pitchfork, who wrote, "The duo's flair for drama is so stirring, they can seem acutely cinematic," NPR, The Fader, The Guardian, Billboard, Essence, and many more. Their anthemic single "Colors" -- nominated for Record of the Year at the 2021 Grammys -- hit #1 at AAA Radio and has been streamed over 176 million times across all platforms. Meanwhile, the official live video of "Colors" has been viewed over 77 million times on YouTube. In their highest profile appearances yet, the band performed "Colors" at President Biden's official 2021 Inauguration and then delivered a stunning performance at the 2021 Grammys. "They're not an Austin band any longer," raved NPR Music, "they belong to everyone now, and the world is waiting to see what they do next."

Quesada had a storied reputation from playing in bands like Grupo Fantasma and Brownout, accompanying artists from Prince to Daniel Johnston, and producing such acclaimed projects as 2018's Look At My Soul: The Latin Shade Of Texas Soul. For the tracks that kicked off this project, though, he had a different direction in mind. "I was looking for somebody with their own identity," says Quesada, "who liked Neil Young as much as Sam Cooke."

Burton's taste, range, and experience proved to be exactly what Quesada was seeking. "We just take to the same kind of music," he says. "I listen to East Coast hip-hop, old soul music, folk music. We were on the same wavelength from the get-go." KCRW would eventually describe their sound as "Wu-Tang Clan meets James Brown."

The first day they got together in the studio, they wrote and recorded the dusty funk that would become the Black Pumas' first two singles, "Black Moon Rising" and "Fire." Quesada had produced the music for "Black Moon Rising" on the day of the 2017 solar eclipse, and Burton took that concept and ran with it. "Right away, the hair stood up on the back of my neck," says Quesada. "I knew, 'This is it -- this is the guy.'"

The duo also knew that they didn't want their sound to be too retro or imitative. "We didn't want to just do throwback soul and pretend that hip-hop never happened," says Quesada. "It had to feel sincere coming from us. I have a certain aesthetic in the studio, Eric has a voice that evokes a certain era, but I don't think we reference that too directly."

"Adrian has had the time and the interest to really dive into a specific sound, to recreate something he heard on a Motown record," adds Burton. "And because of that specific knowledge, he provides an interesting sandbox for me, whose background is in theater, to do something super-unorthodox -- to be an art student and play with all the colors I have, but to put it on something that's more familiar to listeners' ears."

With Black Pumas having evolved from an idea to a session and eventually an album, they decided to put a band together to see how the music sounded live. They booked a residency at Austin's C-Boy's Heart & Soul. "We only rehearsed twice, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into," says Quesada. "But with the first show, we knew it was unique, special -- the chemistry and fire were there immediately. And what Eric could do as a frontman was like nothing I'd ever seen." As word got out, the C-Boy's shows turned into a local phenomenon ("the hottest party in town," according to the Austin American-Statesman), with lines around the block despite the fact that the band had only released one song. That strong local support led to Black Pumas being awarded Best New Band at the 2019 Austin Music Awards.

The release of Black Pumas was followed by an incredible breakout year, crowned by the duo's Grammy nominations in 2020 for Best New Artist alongside the likes of Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and Lil Nas X and in 2021 for the night's biggest awards -- Album and Record of the Year. The band sold out multiple tours across North America and Europe, thanks to a massive fanbase now known as the Puma Pack. They have brought their incredible live performances to The Ellen Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, CBS This Morning, The Late Late Show With James Corden, Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, PBS's Austin City Limits, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, who premiered their powerful live version of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car," a song that has a particular resonance for Burton and his nomadic past.

Quesada and Burton both return, over and over, to the almost mystical connection they felt from the beginning. It's this sense of common purpose, of shared vision, that gives Black Pumas its focus and power -- and that points to even more great things ahead.

"It's so seamless, it's like we're musical brothers to some degree," says Burton. "It feels so easy to meld together that what's most important for us now is to continue to look for new sounds -- to make sure we're feeding ourselves the knowledge to continue to evolve. Every time we get together, it's better than the last time."

Big Wild

Performances

September 2 - 10:15 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

As Big Wild, producer, composer and now-turned vocalist, Jackson Stell crafts lush soundscapes and sweeping melodies that challenge the status quo of electronic music. Formerly a hip-hop beat producer, known as J Beatz, in his native Massachusetts, Stell switched creative lanes following a life-altering trip to Big Sur, California. He adopted influences from the state's natural glory and open spaces to create the atmospheric and wide-spanning Big Wild sound, which today traverses electronic, indie, pop and beyond.

Since officially launching in 2012, Big Wild has become one of the fastest-rising dance/electronic artists in recent years. He first broke out in April 2015 with the incendiary track "Aftergold" (Foreign Family Collective), which topped the Spotify Global Viral Chart upon release. He followed the success of "Aftergold" with his debut EP,Invincible, in February 2017 (Foreign Family Collective).

As the next progression, in February 2019 Big Wild released his debut album,Superdream, on Counter Records. The new album sees Stell pushing the boundaries as a producer and artist like never before, as he serves as the primary lyricist, singer and songwriter for the first time ever. Each song is diverse in sound and scope and represents the full spectrum of emotions and experiences that are central to the essence of being: in one moment, you're dancing out of your seat, only to find yourself in joyful tears seconds later. The album title, thus, reflects this amalgamation: a super dream combining all of life's curious, inspiring occasions.

"The album was inspired by a need to create music that was a greater reflection of who I am now," Stell says ofSuperdream. "This led me to feature my voice and songwriting as the main focus for the first time ever. I wanted to create a personal record that people could relate to using my own life experiences. When I listen toSuperdream, it feels more likeme than any of my other music."

As a performer, Big Wild is one of the most progressive live acts on the electronic circuit today. His live show has him switching between multiple instruments (drum pads, synths, keyboards & live vocals) to deliver unique energetic performances every night.www.bigwildmusic.com

Flo Rida

Performances

September 4 - 10:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Born Tramar Dillard on September 17, 1979, Flo Rida was raised by a single mother in Miami's rough neighborhood of Carol City, Florida. Music helped Flo Rida stay on the straight path. This father was a talented musician who encouraged his son to express himself through music. Growing up, Flo Rida was exposed to all kinds of music, thanks in large part to his sisters, some of whom formed a local gospel group. When he was a teenager, Flo Rida found local success rapping with a group called the Groundhoggz. At 18, he became the hype man for Fresh Kid Ice from 2 Live Crew. Eventually, Flo Rida caught the attention of DeVante Swing, formerly of famed R&B group Jodeci and spent a few years in Los Angeles working with him. Unable to land a record deal, Flo Rida returned home to Miami and in late 2006 hooked up with Poe Boy Entertainment and its CEO Elric "E-Class" Prince.

On December 20, 2006, Flo Rida inked a deal with Atlantic Records and in 2009 started his own management company, Strong Arm, with longtime friend and manager, Lee "Freezy" Prince. With the success of his management company Flo Rida and Lee "Freezy" Prince launched their own record label IMG, in June 2011. With his musical success Flo Rida got back to his roots of giving back and started "Big Dreams for Kids" a nonprofit foundation that is committed to inspirting future leaders.

Quinn XCII

Performances

September 9 - 10:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

With his ability to seamlessly blur the lines between pop, hip-hop, electronic and soul, Quinn XCII has quickly paved his own lane with his unique sound. He released his debut album, The Story of Us, in September 2017 via Columbia Records. The album debuted at #6 on the iTunes Pop Chart and is led by the standout single "Straightjacket," which has accumulated more than 100 million streams to date and been Certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. He released his sophomore album From Michigan With Love in early 2019. The 12-track album features collaborations with Jon Bellion, Elohim, Yoshi Flower, Noah Kahan, Ashe and Louis Futon and serves as a deeper dive into who he is as an artist, while therapeutically unleashing his inner thoughts and battles with anxiety and mental health into his music.

In 2020, Quinn XCII is set to have his biggest year yet as he recently achieved a spot in Rolling Stone's Breakthrough Artists. He kicked off the year with the release of his new single "Two 10s." The track is the first taste of his upcoming third album, which is set for release later this year on Columbia Records. The album will also feature previously released single "Stacy," which has accumulated over 40M streams to date.

Over the last 5 years, Quinn XCII has consistently grown his audience and expanded his crowd, currently drawing over 7 Million monthly listeners on Spotify and accumulating over 1.2 billion streams worldwide. He has played major music festivals across the globe including Lollapalooza, Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, and many more, and has sold out 4 consecutive nationwide headline tours since 2017, selling over 80,000 total tickets in the US alone.

Quinn XCII has also been featured on Gryffin's "Winnebag," Phoebe Ryan's "Middle Finger," Louis The Child's "The City" and MAX's "Love Me Less," which reached #17 at US Top 40 radio.

Coheed & Cambria

Performances

September 9 - 10:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

"What we're doing is weird," Claudio Sanchez admits to Rolling Stone writer Ryan Reed. "Concept records in themselves are not weird, but for a band to continue a concept over their discography can be a little intimidating to somebody on the outside. It's like a monthly issue comic book, like, 'I don't want to get invested into this 10 issues in.'"

With that in mind, Coheed and Cambria have returned to the sprawling sci-? world of The Amory Wars with their seventh concept album (eighth overall), but with a fresh start. Vaxis – Act I: The Unheavenly Creatures, is part of the epic universe Sanchez has created, but it's a brand-new story. In fact, it's the ?rst of a "pentalogy," — a new ?ve-story arc that introduces bold new characters and intense new locations — brought to life in 15 songs that match the scale of the high concept.

The new story arc follows the non-?cBonal sojourn of their previous record, 2015's The Color Before the Sun.

"I always knew I'd come back to the concept," Sanchez remarks. "It's been a lot of fun trying to ?gure out where this story falls in the timeline, who our main characters are, and ?nding a way to make the music help inspire some of the visuals."

The protagonists of The Unheavenly Creatures are star-crossed lovers-turned bank robbers, Nostrand, AKA "Creature," and Nia, codename "Sister Spider, and their vindictive 'third-wheel,' "Colossus." The story starts in a planetary prison called "The Dark Sentencer" — which ?Xngly, is the opening track of the album -- Nostrand and Nia have been apart for years, thanks to the machinations of the monstrous Colossus. Except they're not as far apart as they think -- Nia is now known as "The Glass Widow," the prison's reluctant executioner, while Creature is nearing his execution. Despite the very different places they've ended up, they may be each other's only hope.

Creating a completely stand-alone ?ve-part story within an already elaborate science-?ction universe takes a considerable amount of focus, and it's something Sanchez achieved a]er the rarest of modern indulgences: a break from social media.

"It was taking my concentration away," says Sanchez. "When you get to a certain spot, you feel like you need to reward yourself, and that was it. All of a sudden, you're down the rabbit hole, and you don't always return to your work. So I let that go, and songs started to really percolate."

Tracks like "The Pavilion (A Long Way Back)" started early in the process, and developed independently of the album's bigger picture. But as Sanchez progressed, songs like "Old Flames" were written with very clear visuals in mind — like the one seen on the album's cover, with Nostrand and Nia embracing as The Dark Sentencer collapses.

"All of a sudden it started to come together and presented itself to me as the appropriate story to tell," Sanchez explained.

Musically, on The Unheavenly Creatures, Sanchez and the rest of Coheed -- guitarist Travis Stever, bassist Zach Cooper, and drummer Josh Eppard, decided that in order to properly take on this fully immersive world of music and ?cBon, they couldn't rely on outside forces to oversee the making of the record. They needed to be fully in the driver's seat, and thus stepped into the role of producing the album themselves.

Part of that meant they all needed to understand the world of Vaxis. "Normally, the music always comes ?rst. However, this Bme, I really wanted the band to be invested in the concept," says Sanchez. "So I made an e?ort to put prose to paper so they could read it, and put imagery in front of them so they could visualize the ?cBon. We actually contacted a couple of concept artists to start putting together the imagery ahead of Bme, so the band could witness this story come alive and have some places of inspiration -- seeing the characters, seeing locations."

It's readily apparent from "The Dark Sentencer" that this approach has paid o?, with a heavy, operatic 10-minute opening statement that con?dently introduces the new narrative territory Coheed has set out to explore. The tapestry unfolds further in the poppy Btle track, and Edgy prog-pop of "Toys," each of which feel distinctly modern yet underscore the album's beautifully grandiose 70's rock in?uences ala groups like Supertramp, ELO, and Queen.

Coheed and Cambria have never been easy to pin down, genre-wise -- existing at the intersection of prog, metal, and post-hardcore -- and in new songs from "Love Protocol" to "It Walks Among Us," that's clearly still the case. For The Unheavenly Creatures, the band found creative saBsfacBon in abandoning any existing expectations.

"Sometimes you fall into these patterns," says Sanchez. "You fall into this loop where you subconsciously have this idea of what's expected of you, and that's kind of what comes out. On this one, I felt like I did away with that." The result is Coheed and Cambria's longest (78 minutes) and most expansive recording to date.

The widescreen feel of the album extends to the release itself: The Unheavenly Creatures arrives with a box set edition including an 88-page hardcover novel illustrated by Chase Stone and written by Sanchez and Chondra Echert, a "Creature" mask, a fold-out poster, the album itself, and a bonus demo CD.

"It is the beginning of a new chapter," acknowledged Sanchez. "I wanted this to feel like a metamorphosis -- like a new beginning for us."

"I think you can hear that on songs like 'Black Sunday' or 'True Ugly,'" says Sanchez. "It reminds me of being younger, and writing songs from some of those ?rst early records, where I didn't have expectations for what the ultimate outcome was going to be. I was writing music because it was a form of expression and allowed a release. A]er all these years, I feel like I've come full circle to that state of mind and it feels good."

The new story arc follows the non-?cBonal sojourn of their previous record, 2015's The Color Before the Sun.

Creating a completely stand-alone ?ve-part story…

Lindsey Stirling

Performances

September 10 - 10:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Lindsey Stirling remains fearless enough to always dream big. In the over five years since the release of her 2012 self-titled debut, the electronic music impresario, violinist, dancer, and artist quietly and humbly became one of the 21^st century's most innovative stars by clinging to her groundbreaking vision of cinematic violin-driven electronic music. After bowing at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the Dance/Electronic Album Chart, holding #1 on the Classical Album Chart for 21 consecutive weeks, and receiving a Billboard Music Award for "Top Dance/Electronic Album," her sophomore opus Shatter Me would not only garner an RIAA Gold certification, but it would rank as the #2 Dance/Electronic Album and #1 Classical Album on Billboard's 2015 Year-End charts. Attracting over 11 million subscribers and 2 billion-plus views on YouTube, in 2015 Forbes placed Lindsey at #4 on its yearly YouTube artists list, making her the highest-ranked female. Her headline tours would play to a cumulative audience of over 500,000 people worldwide, and her literary debut The Only Pirate at the Party—co-written with her sister Brook S. Passey—became a New York Times Bestseller. Lindsey's third-studio album Brave Enough, debuted at #5 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart, went on to score the #1 spot on Billboard's year-end Top Dance/Electronic Album list and earned Stirling a 2017 Billboard Music Award for "Top Dance/Electronic Album". In 2017, Lindsey released her first ever holiday album titled Warmer in the Winter. Featuring classic and original songs, the album went on to become the #1 new Christmas album of 2017, ahead of pop music heavyweights such as Gwen Stefani and Sia. It was also the best-selling new holiday album and the best performing holiday album on Pandora with over 40 million spins. She was also the runner-up on Season 25 of ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" with her partner Mark Ballas A motivational speaker in her spare time, Stirling uses her own story to show teenagers that you've got to have confidence in the very thing that makes you unique – then wait for the world to catch up.

Goo Goo Dolls

Performances

September 10 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

If you live every day to the fullest, you will never run out of scars to show off, stories to share, and things to say.

As life goes on for Goo Goo Dolls, the ensuing music connects even more closely, embracing experimentation, exhibiting assurance, and exuding experience. Drawing on over three decades together, the four-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated record-breaking multiplatinum rock band—John Rzeznik and Robby Takac—supply a real sense of hope and a whole lot of heart on their twelfth full-length album, Miracle Pill [Warner Records].

"There is always hope," affirms John. "Things may look dark or dire, but there's a chance to make a connection, nevertheless. I'm writing from as honest of a place as I can at this time in my life. That's something I want everyone to understand about the album. A lot of our fans have grown up with us. I think they'll be able to relate to where we're at in our lives, because they tend to be at the same place. We've still got a lot to say."

As such, everyone also continues to grow. Following a sold-out 20^th anniversary tour in support of the 1998 quadruple-platinum classic Dizzy Up The Girl and the recent live releases The Audience is This Way and The Audiences Is That Way (Rest of the Show) [Vol. 2], the duo immediately hit the studio in late 2018. Rather than "have a long break," John and Robby feverishly wrote upon returning from the road.

As they worked with everyone from Sam Hollander [Train, Weezer] to Derek Fuhrmann [A Great Big World, Kygo], the musicians retreated to familiar territory in order to record: the world-renowned Capitol Studios in Hollywood.

"We've made records through so many different phases of the band and the industry," says Robby. "Even so, we were actually in the same room where we recorded a lot of older music this time. It felt like some of the vibe made it into our current process. We always try to keep it fresh, find new avenues, and keep moving forward."

"The process is more enjoyable than ever," adds John. "We work with whoever we want to, and we get to experiment. You never know if this may be the last time you'll get to make a record. It's a privilege, so you need to have fun. It's a joy to sit down, try out ideas, and push the limits of the band."

That's exactly what the boys do on the first single and title track "Miracle Pill." Backed by ragtime piano, handclaps, and dreamy production flourishes from Hollander and Grant Michaels, John's voice swings from theatrical verses into an intoxicatingly irresistible hook.

At the center of the tune, he asks, "Baby, would you be my miracle pill? And I could be somebody else. So sick of living inside myself."

"As soon as we finished Miracle Pill, it was the obvious title for many reasons," John elaborates. "Miracle Pill is a metaphor for instant gratification or relief. If you're feeling sad, you take a pill. If you need approval, you go on Instagram and receive it immediately. It speaks to the second decade of 21^st century angst. We're inundated by bullshit, garbage, and false solutions to every problem we have. The real path is to work hard, be nice, and keep going. However, this route gets overlooked, because we're all looking for the ultimate shortcut and escape."

Produced by Fuhrmann, the follow-up single "Fearless" pairs stark synths with driving guitar and an uplifting hook, "I'm gonna be fearless." The tune addresses the state of the world and urges finding confidence among each other.

"I'm speaking to my daughter," John says. "I want her to pursue what she wants, but we're living in a scared and unfair world. You have to bravely go out and enact the changes you want to make in order for this to be a better place. I'm also apologizing to the next generation for leaving a big mess. They're up for the challenge though."

Elsewhere, "Step In Line" spotlights Robby's gravelly delivery and shimmering electronics as it offers comfort "about getting older…Since you can't stop it or slow it down, embrace it." Then, there's "Lost" where John reassures his daughter, "she will never have to feel lost," just above finger-picked guitar. Meanwhile, "Money Fame & Fortune" incorporates background vocals from Valerie Broussard over ethereal acoustic strumming, tambourine, and synth transmissions.

"Everybody wants to be rich and famous in cyberspace, which is just bizarre," sighs John. "We're in an era where people are incredibly popular for I don't even know what. Me, I just want three really good friends I can count on. I'm saying everything I need is in you and not in the world."

Upheld by violin and viola, the conclusion "Think It Over" stretches towards heavenly heights on the harmonies of a soul choir and in between intimate confessions such as, "I am my father's son. I tried to shake his fate, but it's too late to die that young, fighting to make a change."

"I have this problem in my life where I feel low-grade chronic separation from everything and everyone," John goes on. "I hate it. I'm trying to fill the gap, so the songs always push towards this. Not too much though, you need a little misery to create right?" he laughs.

Miracle Pill serves as the next step on a long life journey together for John and Robby. To date, Goo Goo Dolls' sales exceed 12 million albums worldwide. Not to mention, the group garnered four GRAMMY® Award nominations and seized a page in the history books by achieving 14 number one and Top 10 hits at Hot AC—"the most of any artist in history." As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for "Most Top 10 Singles." Among a string of hits, "Iris" held #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named "#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years." Thus far, A Boy Named Goo [1995] went double-platinum, Dizzy Up The Girl went quadruple-platinum, and Gutterflower [2002] and Let Love In [2006] both went gold as Something for the Rest of Us [2010] and Magnetic [2013] bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. 2016's Boxes attracted the praise of People and Huffington Post as Noisey, Consequence of Sound, and more featured them. Their music has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Leona Lewis. Additionally, they've performed for millions at sold out shows everywhere. Among many accolades, John received the prestigious "Hal David Starlight Award" in 2008 as well.

In the end, the music might just be the true Miracle Pill for Goo Goo Dolls.

"I want people to walk away satisfied, relating to it, and feeling like they're a part of it," John leaves off. "Personally, I can't walk away from Miracle Pill without feeling like I left a piece of me in there."

"The connection continues here," Robby agrees. "We've known each other for 33 years now. When you know somebody that long, you know what it takes to make it work forever. We decided we want it to work for as long as we can."

If you live every day to the fullest, you will never run out of scars to show off, stories to share, and things to say.

Chris Janson

Performances

September 3 - 10:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Who is Chris Janson? He's a "live legacy in the making" (Rolling Stone). Breakout country star Janson is a platinum-selling recording artist, high-octane entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning singer/songwriter. In the fiveyears since the release of his debut album, the three-time CMA nominee has collected prestigious accolades that place him amongst country music greats. He took home the trophy for ACM Video of the Year for his Gold-certified, inspiring hit song "Drunk Girl," which also earned the Song of the Year title at the 2018 MusicRow Awards and was named one of the "Ten Songs I Wish I'd Written" by NSAI. His chart-topping, triple-Platinum smash "Buy Me A Boat" earned the same NSAI honor, making him one in a handful of the industry's most elite artists to earn the title multiple times, as well as the iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Song of the Year.

Janson has 4 #1 hits including multi week chart topper" Done", "Good Vibes, Fix a drink, But me a boat & award winning Drunk Girl . His current single, "Waitin' On 5," can be heard now on the airwaves. In addition to his own successes, the talented songwriter has lent his pen to industry peers including Tim McGraw ("Truck Yeah," "How I'll Always Be"), LOCASH ("I Love This Life") and the legendary Hank Williams Jr. ("God Fearin' Man," "Those Days Are Gone") & many more. Chris is a Grand Opry member.

T-Pain

Performances

September 2 - 10:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

"I didn't have a chance to come into the game with my natural voice," T-Pain told Nick Cannon as he removed his monster costume as winner of The Masked Singer. "A lot of my peers did and they get accepted. This helped me get my voice out there even more." For a decade and a half we've witnessed the Auto-Tune tinged legend create hit after hit, but now he's out to 1UP himself. It's a brand new day for T-Pain.

2005 was the year we first met the artist born Faheem Rasheed Najm with the release of his debut album Rapp Ternt Sanga. By 2007, T-Pain had the game in a chokehold, topping the charts with his follow-up Epiphany, which carried the colossal single "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')." The Tallahassee, Florida native continued to deliver high energy, charismatic tunes and garnering a gargantuan fan base.

He collaborated with everyone from Lil' Wayne (collectively known as T-Wayne) to Taylor Swift, while grabbing two Grammys: one for his collaboration with Kanye West on 2008's "Good Life" (off West's Graduation) and the other with Jamie Foxx on 2010's "Blame It" (off Foxx's Intuition). His projects Thr33 Ringz (2008) and Revolve? (2011) both proved T-Pain's staying power in an ever-changing market, as the artist's undeniable personality and skill reflected in both his music and his celebrity status (see his cameo on SNL comedy troupe Lonely Island's Grammy nominated track "I'm On A Boat" for further evidence).

After dominating hip-hop and R&B for over five years (including the creation of an Auto-Tune app and Super Bowl commercial), T-Pain went silent. "I was becoming somebody that I didn't like," he admits. "I was living an unhappy lifestyle and it started affecting my family. I was hurting and scaring a lot of people." He returned shortly thereafter to drop two more efforts, including 2015's Stoicville: The Phoenix and 2017's Oblivion.

However, T-Pain raised the stakes in 2018. He launched his clothing line Wiscansin University, locked a TV series with Fuse, T-Pain's School of Business, hosted Red Bull's Remix Lab, and found his way to Good Morning America thanks to his cut "Catchy Song" for the Lego Movie 2 soundtrack.

By 2019, T-Pain kept the momentum going, and at the close of February dropped his long awaited 1UP project via Cinematic Music Group. From the title track to the singles "A Million Times" (with O.T. Genasis), "All I Want" (with Flipp Dinero), and "Getcha Roll On" (with Tory Lanez), T-Pain proved once again that not only is he the master of Auto-Tune, but also can finesse his own natural chops as he did on that Masked Singer stage. Other cuts including "Here It Comes" (with Russ) and "Goat Talk" (with Lil Wayne) further that claim. T-Pain is a star and has been since he first entered the scene.

If there's one valuable lesson to glean from the life of T-Pain, it's consistency. The singer, songwriter, producer, and celebrated performer/entertainer has spent the greater whole of his career bringing masses together with feel good music. The party won't stop here. T-Pain is only getting started.

However, T-Pain raised the stakes in 2018. He launched…

Leon Bridges

Performances

September 3 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Grammy Award-winning R&B recording artist and songwriter Leon Bridges will release his third studio album Gold-Diggers Sound on July 23rd. Gold-Diggers Sound, which Leon spent over two years conceptualizing, writing and recording, features Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin and Ink. The album has all new tracks, as well as "Sweeter," which Leon released last year after the murder of George Floyd and ultimately performed at the Democratic National Convention. Leon launched Gold-Diggers Sound with his track "Motorbike" and its corresponding music video directed by Anderson .Paak.

Gold-Diggers Sound is an R&B album birthed from extended late nights at the Los Angeles speakeasy and studio of the same name. The album celebrates Leon's immersive experience of creating music in the same East Hollywood room where he lived, worked and drank over the course of two years. What began as nightly all-night jam sessions where Leon and his fellow musicians could just vibe and let loose away from crowds, cameras and structured studio schedules, quickly began to form into what he realized was an album. The soulful collaboration between Leon as an artist and the space itself was so encompassing that he chose to name the album after the soon-to-be legendary complex.

Gold-Diggers Sound is the third solo from Leon Bridges in a career trajectory that saw him going from working as a dishwasher and busking on the streets of his beloved Fort Worth, TX to being signed to a major label and performing at the White House for Former President Barack Obama within a two-year span. Following the release of his Grammy Award winning sophomore album, Good Thing, Leon issued a steady stream of music including tracks with John Mayer, Kacey Musgraves, Kiana Ledé, Lucky Daye and Noah Cyrus as well as Texas Sun, a collaboration project with fellow Texans, Khruangbin. Other career highlights include opening for Harry Styles on an arena tour, his breakout track "River" being certified Platinum, portraying Gil Scott Heron in Damien Chazelle's First Man, appearing in a global GAP holiday campaign, garnering a CMT Award for his Crossroads collaboration with Luke Combs, performing at the Tom Ford NYFW show and MoMA's Film Benefit honoring Tom Hanks, selling out Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Hollywood Bowl and back to back nights at Radio City Music Hall.

REO Speedwagon

Performances

September 2 - 10:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon's unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. Platinum albums and radio staples soon followed, setting the stage for the release of the band's explosive Hi Infidelity in 1980, which contained the massive hit singles "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On the Run." That landmark album spent 15 weeks in the No. 1 slot and has since earned the RIAA's coveted 10X Diamond Award for surpassing sales of 10 million units in the United States.

Today, REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million albums around the globe, and Cronin and bandmates Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (guitar), and Bryan Hitt (drums) are still electrifying audiences worldwide in concert with hits and fan-favorites such as "In Your Letter," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Time For Me To Fly," "Roll With The Changes," the aforementioned "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On the Run," and many, many more.

REO Speedwagon's Not So Silent Night: Christmas with REO Speedwagon is available for purchase here.

El Gran Combo

Performances

September 9 - 10:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

"WHAT THE ROLLING STONES ARE TO ROCK 'N' ROLL, EL GRAN COMBO IS TO SALSA! DURING THEIR 50+ YEARS OF PERFORMANCE, THIS LEGENDARY, 14 MEMBER SALSA ORCHESTRA FROM PUERTO RICO, HAS SOLD MORE THAN 100 MILLION RECORDS WORLDWIDE AND SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN." - BARISTANET.COM

Led by pianist and musical director Rafael Ithier, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is one of Puerto Rico's greatest dance bands. Four decades after their inception, the 13-piece salsa group continues to inspire with its Latin rhythms and lush vocal harmonies.

Officially named "Ambassadors of Our Music" by the Puerto Rican Senate, El Gran Combo's many hits include such classics as El Menu and Timablero. Their 1978 album, En Las Vegas, sold more than one million copies, and its follow-up, In Alaska: Breaking the Ice was nominated for a GRAMMY. They have sold over 120 records worldwide and holds the record for Most # 1 Latin Hits in all Latin Music Charts.

A longtime member of the popular Latin band, Cortijo y Su Combo, Ithier formed El Gran Combo in 1962 with eight of his bandmates, including percussionist, dancer, chorus singer, and salsa bandleader, Roberto Roena.

El Gran Combo continued to expand its following in the early '60s, performing to enthusiastic crowds in New York, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. In Puerto Rico, they appeared regularly on the popular television show, El Show de Las 12.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Ludacris

Performances

September 16 - 10:15 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Recording artist, actor, philanthropist, restaurateur…just a few of the befitting titles for Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, who first gained worldwide acclaim more than 10 years ago with his debut album, Back for the First Time (2000). Ever since, his unrivaled lyrical prowess, dynamic performances and timeless hits including "Stand Up," "Get Back,", "Number One Spot," "Money Maker," and "My Chick Bad," have solidified him as one of music's best entertainers and led to the sale of more than 20 million albums domestically. With the 2013 release of LUDAVERSAL, fans can look forward to more great music from Ludacris.

In addition to immense commercial success, Ludacris' consistent output of stellar music has garnered the admiration of his peers, as well as numerous awards and honors including three Grammys.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Performances

September 9 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator, and a visionary. As the leader of the hard- rocking Blackhearts, with whom she has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she's had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," "I Hate Myself For Loving You," and "Crimson and Clover." Her independent record label, Blackheart Records, was founded in 1980 after she was rejected by no less than 23 labels. Blackheart is one of the longest running indie labels and continues to give voice to new bands. Jett has acted in movies and television, including 1987's Light Of Day, and in a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, The Rocky Horror Show. She has appeared on such acclaimed television shows as Oprah (the last season) and Law and Order.

As a producer, she has overseen albums by Bikini Kill, Circus Lupus, as well as the Germs' LA punk masterpiece, GI.

Her music has become a permanent force in mainstream culture. A version of "I Hate Myself for Loving You" was reworked for NBC's Sunday Night Football theme song, "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night", and was performed for 9 seasons by the likes of Pink, Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. Her music is heard in countless films and TV shows including Easy - A, Kick Ass, The Runaways, Shrek, Baby Mama, and many more.

Since co-founding the Runaways, the pioneering all-girl punk quintet, at age 15, Jett's determination and drive have kept her in the public eye. Jett was able to see her story told in The Runaways, the film based on (lead singer of The Runaways) Cherie Currie's book Neon Angel starring Kristen Stewart as Jett, and her fellow A-lister Dakota Fanning as Currie. Jett was close to the project: She served as an executive producer. Jett and the Blackhearts released their latest record, 'Unvarnished,' in 2013 and continue touring the globe to throngs of adoring fans.

Joan Jett has spent her lifetime breaking barriers and challenging expectations - this is, after all, a woman who is both a spokesperson for PETA and a devoted supporter of the US Military. She's fought hard for all of her historic accomplishments, yet she remains humble and appreciative.

"I've had a blessed career," she says. "I consider myself so lucky to have been able to do things my own way."

As a producer, she has overseen albums by Bikini Kill, Circus Lupus, as well as the Germs' LA punk masterpiece, GI.

Joan Jett has spent her lifetime breaking barriers…

Greensky Bluegrass

Performances

September 9 - 9:45 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

After 18 years together, up to 175 shows per year, nearly 1,000 different setlists, six studio albums, and a litany of live releases, Greensky Bluegrass embodies more than just music for members Anders Beck [dobro], Michael Arlen Bont [banjo], Dave Bruzza [guitar], Mike Devol [upright bass], and Paul Hoffman [Mandolin]. Truthfully, it embodies an ironclad creative bond, familial brotherhood, and a lifelong commitment to fans. At this point, it goes without saying the band means everything (and more) to the Kalamazoo, MI bluegrass mavericks.

So, with a wink and a smile, they offer up a cleverly titled seventh full-length, All For Money, in 2019.

Hoffman dispels the obvious first: "Clearly, we aren't a band all for money. We did it for romantic reasons such as love, catharsis, and because it mattered to us and the listeners. We wanted to have fun with the paradox of the title though. We're truly blessed and humbled to have our dreams come true and do what we do. However, it would be easy to make decisions based on our needs to eat or the desires of others, but that's not doing it for love. We love what we do, and we're grateful for the love we receive in return from the people listening."

As time goes on, the guys continue to do things for the "right reasons," and that mindset resonates louder and louder amongst a growing fan base. A live force of nature renowned for bringing rock 'n' roll showmanship to high-energy bluegrass, the group has sold out hallowed venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the legendary Ryman Auditorium in addition to igniting stages everywhere from Bonnaroo and New Orleans Jazz Festival to Austin City Limits and Outside Lands. Their unpredictable performances remain the stuff of legend attracting diehard devotees who typically travel far and wide to experience multiple gigs. In 2014, If Sorrows Swim bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums Chart, while the 2016 follow-up Shouted, Written Down & Quoted cracked the Top 3. Along the way, they have also earned praise from Billboard, AXS, Westword, and more.

On All For Money, Greensky once again aimed to progress. This time around, the musicians kept the show top of mind as they composed the music.

"We have a motto where we want every show to be harder, better, longer, and faster," admits Hoffman. "With All For Money, I felt like we were serving the performance more by writing and arranging material in a way we would intend to play it on stage. We tried to incorporate a lot of what we already do live, which is different for us in the studio."

They recorded March-May at Echo Mountain Sound in Asheville, NC. In the studio, they worked with longtime friend Dominic John Davis as producer. According to Hoffman, Davis offered a fresh perspective on "how to balance the studio and concerts." Amplifying the sonic palette, signatures such as dobro tone, bass grooves, and banjo took the spotlight.

The first single "Do It Alone" feels equally at home on a festival stage as it does blaring through your soundsystem. Backed by a robust groove, the song transforms traditional bluegrass instrumentation into a rich sonic backdrop highlighted by a mandolin awash in a trio of effects as well as rich echoed vocals and emotive lyrics.

I'd been trying to write a windows-down rock 'n' roll tune for a while," explains Hoffman. "I got out an old guitar of mine, re-strung it, and immediately spit the song out. It's meant to be an anthem. I ask myself, 'Why do I do it alone?' It's because I've got a whole room of thousands singing at the top of their lungs with me. Whenever I write something emotional that might be difficult to sing, I'm reminded of the fact the crowd is there. Hopefully, it's a reminder for other people as well and we all have something to chant together."

Hot on its heels, the intriguing and irresistible "Murder of Crows" takes flight on kinetic performances as it delivers an emotionally charged message and provocative narrative. "This is a song that Aaron and I wrote about disconnection, drifting apart, loss, and remorse," Dave Bruzza reveals. "It also touches on a cry for help and how it was not heard in time. A friend told me crows had funerals. He explained that farmers used to nail a crow to the fence or barn door to get rid of them eating the crops. Thee birds would gather, pay their respects, and fly off never to return. It was interesting. I began to think why people disappear in our lives. It came together with the mysterious letter someone received, and it all made sense to turn this into a story."

Also originally penned by Bruzza, "It's Not Mine Anymore"' illustrates the group's virtuosity with a "metal" spirit. Elsewhere, "Wish I Didn't Know" hinges on a trance-y Mandolin passage that proves instantly hypnotic, and "Do Harm" taps into an upbeat bounce by way of an an off-kilter rhythm. Meanwhile, the title track spirals into psychedelic territory during a head-spinning two-minute midsection before culminating on an important statement.

"It feels liberating to be honest about it," he remarks. "With the title track, we were asking more of the listeners than we ever have, but the line 'If you need a voice, I'm yours friend' is meant for them."

In the end, all the right reasons continue to drive Greensky Bluegrass.

"As songwriters and musicians, we have a need for people to be on board, and we're not just regurgitating the same shit," he leaves off. "We're pushing ourselves every time. I hope they want to listen to the record and hear the songs live. I hope they know we're doing this for us and them."

So, with a wink and a smile, they offer up a cleverly titled seventh full-length, All For Money, in 2019.

The Struts

Performances

September 17 - 9:45 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

The third full-length from British rock band The Struts, Strange Days came to life over the course of a charmed and frenzied burst of creativity last spring. After getting tested for COVID-19, singer Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies all moved into the Los Angeles home of Jon Levine, a producer who worked extensively on their acclaimed sophomore effort YOUNG & DANGEROUS (including the album's chart-climbing lead single "Body Talks"). Within just ten days of couch-crashing at Levine's house, The Struts had laid down nine original tracks and one masterful cover of a KISS B-side: a lean, mean body of work that amounts to their most glorious output to date.

"It was so much fun to make a record this way instead of getting everything done in between touring, working with multiple producers in multiple countries," says Spiller. "We were all just burning to capture that excitement as much as we possibly could, and at times it felt like the songs were literally just falling from the sky."

In an organic turn of events for a band massively embraced by some of rock-and-roll history's greatest icons—a feat that's included opening for The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Guns N' Roses—Strange Days finds The Struts joining forces with a formidable lineup of guest musicians: Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes, Tom Morello, and Robbie Williams. Mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer (Panic! At the Disco, Arctic Monkeys, Johnny Marr), the result is a powerhouse album that lifts The Struts' glammed-up breed of modern rock to entirely new and wildly thrilling heights.

Kicking off with a magnificent bang, Strange Days opens on its title track, a sprawling and string-laced duet with Robbie Williams. "I was doing Quarantine Radio and Robbie hit me up out of the blue asking if we could talk," notes Spiller, referring to the Instagram Live show launched by The Struts in the early days of lockdown. "We ended up Face-Timing for about two hours the first time we'd ever spoken, talking about life and music and UFOs and everything else you can think of. I asked if he'd like to work together at some point, and while we were making the album he graciously let us come over and record him singing on his front porch." Despite its prescient title, "Strange Days" took shape from a voice memo Spiller recorded on the band's tour bus way back in summer 2019. Fused with a cabaret-inspired interlude Spiller had recently dreamed up, the song ultimately evolved into the perfect vessel for the frontman's force-of-nature voice: a tenderhearted epic that offers incredible solace in the most chaotic of times.

Sparked from a Britpop-leaning riff brought in by Slack, the album's potent lead single "Another Hit of Showmanship" feat. Albert Hammond Jr. centers on another poignant vocal performance from Spiller, who deftly channels the tension between giving in to temptation and rising above your demons. After laying down the initial version of the track, Spiller reached out to Hammond, for whom the band opened on a series of 2018 solo shows. "'Another Hit of Showmanship' reminds me of being at a club night called Ramshackle years ago at the O2 Academy in Bristol, where they'd play bands like The Libertines and Razorlight and Scissor Sisters, and of course The Strokes," says Spiller. "I hit up Albert out of the blue and told him, 'We've got this song, and I'm so excited to see what you would do with it.' As soon as he got his hands on it, he took it to a whole different level—it really just shows why he's so brilliant at what he does."

The most groovy-heavy work yet from The Struts, Strange Days also delivers hip-shaking standouts like "I Hate How Much I Want You": a hot-and-bothered stomper graced with a scorching guitar solo from Phil Collen and Joe Elliott's high-voltage vocals. Another explosive moment, "All Dressed Up (With Nowhere To Go)" unfolds in snarling power chords and exquisitely cheeky lyrics (its opening salvo: "You look like a movie star/On Sunday morning"). "That one's based around the idea of being in love with your motorcycle—there's a bit of innuendo to it," says Spiller, whose own bike inspired the track. "The whole concept of being all dressed up with nowhere to go seems especially relevant the moment." Meanwhile, "Wild Child" makes for a fierce and filthy anthem, infinitely supercharged by Tom Morello's blistering guitar work. And on the beautifully weary "Burn It Down," The Struts slip into a bittersweet mood, serving up a slow-burning ballad that sounds straight from the sessions for Exile on Main St.

The sole cover song on Strange Days, "Do You Love Me" finds The Struts updating a fantastically sleazy track first recorded by KISS in 1976 and remade in 1980 by Girl (a late-'70s/early-'80s British glam-metal band that, incidentally, featured Phil Collen on guitar). "I was so in love with Girl's version of 'Do You Love Me' and thought the simplicity of it was amazing," says Spiller. "I wanted to give it an even bigger sound for our album—something way more aggressive, completely balls-to-the-wall."

In their supreme handling of "Do You Love Me," The Struts again claim their rightful place in the lineage of rock-and-roll hellraisers. Formed in Derby, England, in 2012, the band quickly drew a major following with their outrageous live show, and later made their debut with Have You Heard (a 2015 EP whose lead single "Could Have Been Me" hit #1 on Spotify's viral chart). Before they'd even put out their first album, the band opened for The Rolling Stones before a crowd of 80,000 in Paris and toured the U.S. on a string of sold-out shows. With their full-length debut Everybody Wants arriving in 2016, The Struts released YOUNG & DANGEROUS in 2018, soon after wrapping up a North American tour with Foo Fighters. Having toured incessantly since their formation, The Struts have also taken the stage at many the world's biggest music festivals, including Lollapalooza, Governors Ball, Isle of Wight, and many more.

As Spiller reveals, the making of Strange Days was a period of joyful productivity. "Every day I'd wake up at about 7 a.m., get three venti Americanos delivered to the house, go out to the backyard and smoke a couple of spliffs, and listen to the voice memos I'd recorded at the sessions the day before," he recalls. "After the first four days or so we hit a bit of a wall, so we decided to get some beers in and just stay in the pool all day—and the day after that we knocked out three whole songs." Throughout Strange Days, that kinetic energy manifests in the album's unbridled spirit, an element that makes every track exhilarating. "I think because we'd wanted to make an album this way for years, all that excitement and hunger led to an immediate sort of magic once we started working on it," says Spiller. "It was undoubtedly a magical ten days for us—and I hope when people hear the album, it gives them a taste of that magic too."

O.A.R.

Performances

September 10 - 9:45 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

O.A.R. might just be music's biggest best kept secret. The platinum-certified Rockville, MD band has quietly sold out Madison Square Garden twice, filled Red Rocks Amphitheater a dozen times, earned platinum and gold plaques, lit up the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, and built one of the most committed fanbases in the world. The group—Marc Roberge [lead vocals, guitar], Richard On [lead guitar, backing vocals], Chris Culos [drums], Benj Gershman [bass], and Jerry DePizzo [saxophone, guitar, backing vocals] accompanied by Mikel Paris [keys, backing vocals, percussion], and Jon Lampley [trumpet, backing vocals]—ring in 25 years together by strengthening this special bond with audiences everywhere.

"When we were kids during summer, we'd hijack a minivan from one of our moms, head to the local amphitheater, and watch our favorite bands," recalls Marc. "On the way, I'd look out the window and think, 'I'd like to be in a band that gives this to people'. We've got an original crew. It's like Stand By Me, The Goonies, or Stranger Things. We put the essence of neighborhood friends into our songs."

The implications of this secret have become downright mythic over the years. As legend has it, O.A.R. took the stage for the first time at the eighth grade talent show. "That is still one of my proudest moments," grins Marc. "I love the fact we had the guts to do it." A few years down the road, Jerry joined the fold at the Ohio State University. While in high school, Marc instituted a sales rep program, asking friends who had gone away to college to sell boxes of CDs and document the names and emails of each buyer, attracting a grassroots following. Tens of thousands of hours later, they sold out Madison Square Garden for the first time in 2006 only to repeat this feat one year later. Along the way, two singles—"Love and Memories" and "Peace"—and the live album Any Time Now went gold as "Shattered" achieved platinum status. The 2011 anthem "Heaven" emerged as their most successful song on the West Coast. 2019's The Mighty marked the group's third consecutive Top 15 debut on the Billboard Top 200. Piquing the curiosity of media, they've incited think pieces by everyone from the New York Times to Sports Illustrated and performed on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Live with Kelly and Ryan, the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony, the ESPYS, and more. They have done it on their own terms.

"We've always had an independent spirit," affirms Jerry. "The crowds give us the energy to forge our own path. We're not beholden to traditional cycles, schedules, or any of that bullshit. We contribute a soundtrack to people's lives, and take a lot of pride in it. Internally, we're a cottage industry. This is a small business run by five friends, and we do it daily. It comes down to always super-serving the crowd.

We put ourselves in a fan's shoes, think about what we would want from our favorite band, and do our best to execute that."

The ardor and adulation of the fan community comes through loud and clear among forums of diehards. Beyond indulging this community, O.A.R. gives back as well. The band's Heard The World Fund supports youth, education, and the under-served in the United States, raising, and contributing millions to benefit various schools, students, and organizations. They established a scholarship at their alma mater, the Ohio State University, and provide scholarships to veterans and gold star families via Folds of Honor. The Concert For Dreams, performed at NYC's famous Beacon Theater, raised north of $1 million for Garden of Dreams. Additionally, the band has gone to bat for causes, including Connor's Cure to stand up to pediatric cancer. They raised and donated $100,000 for the Jimmy V Foundation.

"We feel a moral obligation to help," adds Jerry.

At the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, O.A.R. engaged listeners in a different way. The frontman launched "I Feel Home with Marc" on Instagram Live, playing acoustically, communicating from the heart, and bringing a little light to the world. Impressively, he drew tens of thousands of viewers on a regular basis.

"I didn't want to do it," he admits. "Then, everything changed. My daughter asked, 'Hey, are you going to sing songs again? Are you going to write?' So, I thought, 'I'm going Live. Let's give it a swing'. I'm sitting in the house, playing guitar, and it's like getting on stage at a little club or a bar. We all need to be together even if we can't do so in-person. I fell in love with the process."

In the end, the bigger this secret gets, the more special it becomes.

"We're in a constant state of appreciation," Marc concludes. "This isn't something we have to do; it's something we get to do. It comes from a pure place of imagination. O.A.R. is not only a declaration that we're here, but that we're going through what you're going through. To all of us, O.A.R. is a stable, concrete foundation. We're all doing this for the right reasons, and we're a family."

"Each day since I was five-years-old, I've woken up and chased my dream," Jerry leaves off.

"This is a manifestation of the same dream. We won't ever take it for granted."

Jordan Davis

Performances

September 16 - 10:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

MCA Nashville'sJordan Davis has been named an "Artist to Watch" byBillboard, Rolling Stone, CMT, Pandora, Shazam, Amazon Music, Sounds Like Nashville, The Tennessean, SiriusXM, Whiskey Riff, and more. A Native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Davis graduated from LSU and briefly pursued the path of his degree working as an environmental consultant; however, his passion for music and songwriting eventually compelled him to move to Nashville in the summer of 2012. The 2020 ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominee's debut albumHome State has accumulated over 1.5 billion streams worldwide and features his three consecutive No. 1 hits: Platinum-Certified "Slow Dance In A Parking Lot," the Double Platinum-Certified "Singles You Up" and Platinum-Certified "Take It From Me." In 2019 Davis won Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Radio Music Awards and was a nominee for ACM New Male Artist of the Year. He was also namedBillboard's Top New Country Artist of 2018 as well as Country Aircheck/Mediabase's Most Heard New Artist of 2018. The hitmaker recently released a six-song, self-titled EP featuring current Top 20 single "Almost Maybes" as well as a collaboration with pop superstar Julia Michaels, "Cool Anymore." The singer/songwriter has previously toured with the likes of Rascal Flatts, Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Brett Young and Old Dominion and last year headlined hisTrouble Town Tour hitting over 20 cities. For additional information, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

Jimmie Allen

Performances

September 16 - 8:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Signed to BBR Music Group's Stoney Creek Records, platinum-selling recording artist and songwriter Jimmie Allen has already made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 hits on country radio – the first being his debut single "Best Shot" – which claimed the No. 1 spot for three weeks – and second being his latest single "Make Me Want To" off his debut albumMercury Lane, released fall 2018. Named in tribute to the street he grew up on and the origin of his incredible journey,Mercury Lane features a cutting-edge mix of country, rock, R&B and pop that draws upon the influence of his family and small-town upbringing of the critically-acclaimed rising star. Rolling Stone raved Allen's debut "challenges the narrowly defined model of what constitutes a next big thing in country music in 2018" and The New York Times dubbed it one of 2018's strongest, calling it "a conventional country album, filled with songs about the small details." His latest project Bettie James, released in July 2020, is a star-studded collaboration EP featuring Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Nelly, Cyrus, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rita Wilson, Tauren Wells & Tim McGraw. Wanting to weave his late father and late grandmother's legacies into his music, Allen named the project after them, with each featured artist on the project having touched their respective lives through their own music. The result is a musical composition of love, heartbreak, perseverance, hope and faith. Bettie James has garnered 95+ million streams since release, along with critical acclaim for the music, the historic nature of various collaborations, and its subsequent place in country music history. NPR calls the project an "announcement of [Allen's] arrival" and a "huge step for country" while Billboard hails it "a powerful statement from a developing voice." Rolling Stone describes "Why Things Happen" – which brings together three generations of Black country artists in Allen, Darius Rucker and Charley Pride – as "part polemic, part proclamation, and part prayer… opening up space for the artists to bear witness." Allen's current single "This Is Us" features Cyrus and is his fastest consuming single ever, with 51+ million streams to date. Allen was most recently nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 54^th Annual CMA Awards – his first ever CMA nomination. On July 13, 2021, Allen will publish his debut picture book, My Voice Is a Trumpet, with Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. Illustrated by veteran illustrator Cathy Ann Johnson, the book is a powerful story about speaking up for what you believe in, at any age. For more information, visit www.jimmieallenmusic.com.

Nelly

Performances

September 10 - 10:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Diamond Selling, Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rap superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actor, Nelly, has continually raised the bar for the entertainment industry since stepping on the scene in 2000 with his distinctive vocals and larger-than-life personality. He became king of the "Summer Anthem" with songs like Hot in Herre, RideWitMe, Countrry Grammar, Cruise, Shake Ya Tailfeather, Dilemma and Just a Dream. 2020 marks the 20^th anniversary of Country Grammar disrupting the music scene with Nelly's unique sound and vocals. Nelly's collaboration with Florida Georgia Line received Diamond status and he is only one of seven rappers to date to reach this honor. Currently he is touring around the globe and recently was the first artist to play in Saudi Arabia with a mixed gender/family crowd. Nelly along with TLC and FloRida kick off a sure to be spectacular show this summer. Adding to his list of "firsts" Nelly is the first hip hop artist to play with multiple symphonies nationwide and played himself in BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart for 6 seasons. His sports knowledge and love of all sports secured him a gig as a sports caster with Skip Bayless. 2019 is going to be a huge year for the hip hop mogul, currently Nelly is in studio preparing for new music to be released and announced another collaboration with Florida Georgia line producing an EP with Nelly and a new crossover festival! Nelly has several unique business ventures to be announce in fourth quarter of 2019 which will hopefully be as successful as Apple Bottoms was, selling for multiple millions. Billboard ranked Nelly the number three Top Artist of the Decade in 2009 and he to date holds the philanthropic honor of hosting the most African American attended donor registry to date. Nelly is the co-owner of the Charlotte Hornets with Michael Jordan and founded a college program that offers music production to students and Nelly funded scholarships.

Cam

Performances

September 18 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Camaron Ochs, or Cam professionally and to her friends, has co-written with Sam Smith for his album (the song also became the soundtrack for an exquisite Apple commercial) and toured with him around North America. She lent her writing voice to Miley Cyrus' Bangerz album and she opened for Harry Styles at the legendary Ryman in Nashville. Some of her proudest moments outside of her music are working in both the GRAMMY and ACM Diversity & Inclusion TaskForces. Cam is excited about her dual role as a singer-songwriter and performer, and also as a mother. Cam's current single at country radio is "Till There's Nothing Left" which has a bangin', cinematic music video available to watch here.

Tank and The Bangas

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Tank and The Bangas don't go anywhere quietly. Sitting around a dimly lit room in London's neighborhood of Camden Town, vocalist Tank Ball, bassist Norman Spence, drummer Joshua Johnson and saxophonist Albert Allenback can't go mere minutes without bursting into play fights, or talking over one another, or laughing from their deepest guts. They are a beacon of life. And it's that life that you hear in their music. That's what makes this fivepiece one of the most thrilling, unpredictable and sonically diverse bands on the planet; a unit where jazz meets hip-hop, soul meets rock, and funk is the beating heart of everything they do. Their new album Green Balloon is on the horizon, and it's their first release now they're signed to major label Verve Forecast – a deal that came after they won NPR's Tiny Desk Contest in 2017, beating out hundreds of other acts. They admit that it was a moment that has entirely changed their lives. This resulting record is set to prove their pizazz and their staying power. It's everything they've worked so hard for so far.

Green Balloon is a multi-faceted title for their first full-length release since Think Tank in 2013. Think Tank was a case of throwing all their creative juices and ideas to at the wall to see what stuck. It was a DIY project. This album process was a world apart from that. "Green Balloon is a sister to Think Tank," says Tank. "Think Tank was 12, and Green Balloon is 16 and having sex. She's out there." Made in New Orleans, Los Angeles, London and Florida, the band's newfound critical acclaim and global notoriety meant they were able to call upon producers such as Jack Splash, Mark Batson, Zaytoven, Louie Lastic and Robert Glasper. Some of these names were on their bucket wishlist, others were new discoveries. "It was truly a dream to us. We're so lucky," says Tank. Green Balloon and many of its lyrical themes may seem to revolve around money and material ("money, look at all my money" starts 'Spaceships'), but it's far more complex than that. The color is explored throughout the tracks.

It's not quite a full concept album, but there are interludes and a story arc. Tank explains that in New Orleans a common phrase is "she's as green as a blade of grass". "Green is about being naïve," she explains. "You could be immature, new to life and experiences." Green is also a reference to marijuana, which is vital to the band. "Feeling high, feeling out of yourself, feeling different," she continues. Take the track "Too High," which is almost two minutes of Tank just talking about weed consumption. In terms of wealth, Tank is as interested in what it means to not have money as she is with knowing what you do with money when you've never had it. It's fitting too, that the idea of naivety pertains to the experience of Tank and The Bangas in the past few years while elevating from underground treasures to internationally renowned professionals. "It's been a learning curve and a journey," they admit. "We went to a whole different dimension."

The founding members of the band (Tank, Josh and Norman) met at an open mic night in New Orleans in 2011 called Liberation Lounge. Tank had wanted Josh to write out songs she'd already written for a poetry album. Eventually they met Albert. A family of musical lifers, none of them ever thought twice about quitting through years and years of grinding it out on local live circuits. That time gave them the best foundation for their onstage chemistry and dexterity. As a result they've been heralded the best live band in America and for good reason.

It was the NPR contest that turned their world upside down. They were already accustomed to winning competitions but they had no expectations for their entry. Their submission is an example of their need for more discipline – they did it at the very last minute. "We weren't expecting to win or not to win. We did something we thought was really cool and we thought everybody would vibe with it, but we didn't know it would change our lives. It was our moment. They picked us unanimously." They went from traveling to the likes of Chicago to play to three or four people, to touring all over the world, and getting to enjoy downtime at home in New Orleans. It led to the album-making process.

On the record, they have overcome their biggest challenges to date: deadlines, forward-planning and outsider collaboration. The reward is in the songs and their variety. "Dope Girl Magic" is a trap joint, showcasing the other side to Tank, as she raps with as many character voices as Missy Elliott or Nicki Minaj. "Ants" is dripping in soul jazz like Amy Winehouse's "Frank." "Hot Air Balloons" is a slow jam straight out of the D'Angelo school book. Tank is a former slam poet and her voice is inspired by everyone from Donny Hathaway and SWV to Nina Simone. Their biggest collective influence in the past few years has been Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly. "It's the best shit you've ever heard. A lot of people aren't accustomed to horns, but if you give them a tiny taste you can whet their appetite. That record brought an eclectic view to what music could be as mainstream."

Tank is lead lyricist and describes her focus on these songs as simply honesty. "Being vulnerable," she says. "I had a lot of moments on this album where it would get difficult and I would call in reinforcements, like my band members. Whenever I was in a tough spot I'd call on the guys." It's a self-reflective diary, a mixture of fun and joy, but also a catharsis while dealing with a complicated ex. "Roll out, take your bra off," she laughs, depicting her attitude to life in these songs. The creative process was often spur-of-the-moment and out of the blue. The biggest thing they learned about one another in the studio was more of a reinforcement than a revelation. They found new depths of appreciation for each others' creativity. "I'm around a bunch of freaking geniuses," says Tank.

"We're really vibe-y as a band," they explain of their approach to studio time. They'd arrive to sessions with an idea of what they wanted but it was never strict enough to derail them from jamming and going with the flow. Their songs come whenever, usually during rehearsals and sound checks. It's purely organic. "It's a puzzle and everybody needs to be there to solve it," says Tank. Their mixture of rock, funk, soul and hip-hop is unlike anything else in the ether right now, but elements are close enough to Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Flying Lotus, Kendrick, etc, that the hope is they can infiltrate the mainstream. They don't connect with the idea of genre, which is thoroughly modern in itself.

"It's like colors or something," they say. "Everything we're influenced by we don't have a problem putting on a record because we don't feel like we're stuck in one lane." Tank agrees: "When we're creating, we are creating. We never say: that sounded too blues-y, that sounded too country, that's too hip-hop. It's just that's what this feels like, so let's push that feeling to its completion, make it feel good." Tank and The Bangas are the vein of band to believe that there are only two types of music: good music, or bad music. "If it's good, it's good!" says Tank.

Despite their newfound global focus, Tank and The Bangas remain a New Orleans band at heart. New Orleans is a lawless place for creatives – there are no rules. There might be an idea of the typical Frenchmen St jazz band but to couch this band's work in that notion is to do both them and NOLA a grand disservice. "You don't need to do a certain type of music to be connected to New Orleans," says Tank. "It's in the culture, it's in the people, it's in the fact that we can all find so many common things in the streets." New Orleans champions its own, which allowed Tank and The Bangas to grow their fanbase by word of mouth and community. "That's more New Orleans than anything I've ever heard. The music in New Orleans isn't technical, it's not a bunch of fancy ass notes. It's felt and it's very passionate. It's real. That's what people get to take home."

It makes sense that the next person they have on their dream list to work with is legendary musician George Clinton. "Just putting it out there," laughs Tank. Overall, the band are no longer waiting for their own green light to get going. The green light is here, and you better believe Tank and The Bangas are ready to take flight.

Blanco Brown

Performances

September 4 - 4:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Blurring the lines between Country and hip-hop music, Blanco Brown makes a southern sound that he proudly calls "trailer trap." It's a boundary-breaking, multicolored genre of his very own — which draws upon the rawness and storytelling abilities of his two biggest musical influences, Johnny Cash and Outkast. His debut EP, Blanco Brown, showcases the full range of its creator, who juggles multiple roles as the project's songwriter, producer, vocalist, visionary, and multi-instrumentalist.

Years before he rose up the ranks as a Grammy-nominated engineer and major-label solo artist, and one of Billboard's "7 Country Acts to Watch in 2019" Blanco— grew up in two very different worlds, both in the state of Georgia, splitting his time between the city projects and the rural countryside. During the school year, he'd spend his months in Atlanta, where the crime that filled his neighborhood was offset by the love and musical connection shared by his family. Every summer, he'd head out of town temporarily moving in with relatives in the small rural town of Butler, GA.

During those summers in Butler, the soundtrack that had filled his days back home in Atlanta — the R&B harmonies he'd sing with his brothers; the rap he'd hear blasting from the cassette players in passing cars; the gospel music he'd howl every Sunday morning in church — gave way to the laidback, rootsy sounds of Johnny Cash songs and Bobby Blue Bland records. It was there, far away from city life, that Blanco became a fan of Country music. As each summer drew to an end, though, he'd head back to the city, leaving behind the twangy sounds of Butler and returning once again to the projects of Atlanta.

Those two worlds come together with Blanco Brown, an EP that strikes a balance between Blanco's contrasting backgrounds. A mix of countrified influences and street-smart lingo, the EP finds Blanco dressing up his rapid-fire lyrics and melodic hooks with layers of lap steel, thumping kick drum, harmonica, spoons, tambourine, banjo, synthesizers, 808 percussion, guitar, and plenty of vocal harmonies. The result is a debut EP that's both urban and rural, blending the sounds of Blanco's diverse upbringing into the world's very first trailer-trap project.

Blanco Brown also represents a triumph over adversity. A childhood outcast who spent most of his youth in the hood, Blanco learned to channel his emotions into art at a young age. He drew. He sang. He wrote songs. Years later, he still sees colors whenever he makes music. The songs on Blanco Brown represent a mix of darkness and light, balancing the aggressive, hard-edged narratives of songs like "Country Time" with upbeat, sunlit love songs like "Head Nod." It's a vivid, vibrant sound — one that shines a light on Blanco's loving personality, challenging upbringing, and boundless creativity.

Gluing the mix together in Blanco's voice and detailed storytelling, with each song spinning true-life tales of poverty, relationships, the hood, and the journey to overcome whatever obstacles stand between you and your dream. Although most of those stories come from Blanco's own experience, they help weave a more universal picture.

"I don't necessarily think of the sound as being genre-breaking," he says. "I think of it as being culture-bonding. If you listen to the messages of these songs, you'll find it's about the things we go all through as humans, not about race."

Like many of his songs, "Country Time," with its hard-hitting hip-hop bounce and bluegrass-inspired outro, was tracked on Blanco's laptop, while "Don't Love Her" was built upon a voice memo that originated on his cell phone. Other songs were created in more traditional studios — the kind of place that Blanco already knew well, given the years he'd spent working with musicians from across the spectrum. Blanco Brown may be Blanco's first release as a solo artist in his own right, but he's no newcomer. Instead, he's a well-rounded veteran of the recording studio, with his eyes now set on the stage. Over the years Blanco worked as a vocal producer with top name artists like Fergie, Childish Gambino, Chris Brown and Kane Brown to name a few. He also wrote songs for big names like Monica in addition to working as a background singer.

"This album accentuates one side of what I went through, I can't forget the hood," says Blanco, who writes compellingly about his youth on songs like "Ghett Ol Memories" and "Temporary Insanity." "I didn't start out trying to make Country music, but these are the sounds I love—and always keep coming back to time and time again. I don't believe in people being trailer trash, either, so I want to put a good connotation on that word. Making trailer-trap music really feels liberating to me, because I want to bring people together. That's what this music stands for: unity. It's multiple influences and sounds and styles, all coming together."

Those two worlds come together with Blanco Brown, an EP that strikes a balance between Blanco's contrasting backgrounds.…

Turkuaz ft Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew

Performances

September 18 - 9:30 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

REMAIN IN LIGHT

Balancing male-female harmonies, strutting guitars, wild horn arrangements, and interminable grooves, a spirit takes shape on stage nightly for Turkuaz via larger-than-life performances. Among numerous critical plaudits, The New Yorker claimed, "[Turkuaz] delivers horn-filled funk incorporating elements of R&B, psychedelic pop, gospel, Afro-pop, New Wave, classic rock, and just about any genre that gets people dancing."

The Brooklyn-based nonet—Dave Brandwein [guitar, vocals], Taylor Shell [bass], Craig Brodhead [guitar, keys], Michelangelo Carubba [drums], Chris Brouwers [trumpet, keys], Greg Sanderson [tenor sax], Josh Schwartz [baritone sax, vocals], Sammi Garett [vocals], and Shira Elias [vocals]—ignite an explosion of energy punctuated by neon hues, deft musicality, and show-stopping singalongs on their newest EP, Kuadrochrome.

Touring incessantly in support of four full-length studio albums, EPs and live releases, they've lit up stages everywhere from Bonnaroo, Hulaween, Okeechobee, Electric Forest, and Mountain Jam to Telluride Jazz, High Sierra, and Lock'n, in between gracing stages at legendary spots such as Red Rocks, Terminal 5, and The Fillmore, to name a few. Since emerging in 2011 with their self-titled debut, the group have quietly animated a movement.

"I would love for our music to be a bright spot in an otherwise dark world. You can come to our shows, let go, exist, and have a good time in spite of what may be going on outside. That's what music does for us. We want to share that."

REMAIN IN LIGHT

Jai Wolf DJ Set

Performances

September 2 - 8:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

You don't know Jai Wolf like you think you do. After hundreds of millions of streams on indie-dance anthems like "Indian Summer" and "Starlight," blockbuster festival sets from Indio to India, and co-signs from the likes of Skrillex and ODESZA, it's clear from the opening notes of Jai Wolf's long-awaited debut album The Cure to Loneliness that he sees the expectations around his name as an opportunity to challenge convention.

The Cure to Loneliness finds Jai Wolf completing his evolution from upstart bedroom remixer to future bass DJ to builder of lush musical worlds. While still very much dancefloor-focused, some tracks on the LP conjure the angular riffage of The Strokes and Phoenix, weave melodies through the sugary happysad of M83 and CHVRCHES, or build up walls of sound like Explosions in the Sky -- all while maintaining the melodious polish and evocative groove to which fans have grown so close.

"In my heart, this album is me," says Jai Wolf. "From the sounds to the lyrics, it's everything that I've always wanted to do." Taking a different approach to many of his contemporaries under the wing of indie darling label Mom+Pop (Courtney Barnett, Flume, Jagwar Ma, Alina Baraz), Jai Wolf largely eschewed singles over the course of two years to patiently craft The Cure to Loneliness. The result is a thoughtfully framed, confidently expressed musical vision that will tug at heartstrings in 2019 and long beyond.

The Cure to Loneliness is available everywhere now.

Scotty McCreery

Performances

September 18 - 10:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

"I've lived a lot of life since my last record," says Scotty McCreery. "I moved out on my own, I travelled across the country and the world, I got engaged, I was dropped by my label, I was even robbed at gunpoint. So I really wanted this album to show who Scotty is at 24, what's going on in my life, and I think we accomplished that."

With his third album (plus a chart-topping Christmas record), the young star takes a huge creative step forward. He co-wrote all 11 songs on Seasons Change, working with some of the finest songwriters in Nashville to express a wide range of emotions and musical styles. And after a lengthy legal struggle that kept him on the sidelines for several years, McCreery placed a bold bet with his career that has paid off with a new label and a reinvigorated attitude.

"At first, it actually started pretty simple," he says. "We were just looking for the best songs. But then as my life got more complicated, I knew I wanted to make a record that was a lot more personal, and I felt that writing more myself would help capture that."

After winning Season Ten of American Idol in 2011, McCreery made history when he became the youngest male artist of any genre, and the first country music artist ever, to have his debut album enter at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Clear as Day was certified Platinum for sales of one million units in just 13 weeks and became the best-selling solo album released by a country artist in 2011. The singles "I Love You This Big" and "The Trouble with Girls" were also certified Platinum. He won the New Artist of the Year award at both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and the American Country Awards, and also received the CMT Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for "The Trouble with Girls."

A year later, Christmas with Scotty McCreery debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart and was quickly certified Gold. His next album, 2013's See You Tonight, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and "See You Tonight" and "Feelin' It" both reached the Top 10 and were certified Platinum and Gold respectively. "See You Tonight" earned McCreery both his first BMI Award for writing one of the Top 50 Country Songs of 2015, and his first Music Row No. 1 Challenge Coin for landing atop the Music Row Country Breakout Chart.

While he had been working on his songwriting craft throughout his rapid rise, McCreery felt that he really needed to buckle down and study if he was going to tell the stories he really wanted to tell on Seasons Change. "I wanted to write with everybody," he says. "I was just trying to be a sponge and soak up all I could. It really set me up to where I could write every song on the record, and not feel like I was compromising the quality of what I was singing."

Key to his growth was producer Frank Rogers (Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker), who co-wrote six of the album's songs and helped steer the ship. "Frank worked on my last record, but this time he really took me under his wing," says McCreery. "I lean a little more to the traditional side, but he does a great job of getting new sounds and traditional sounds and meshing them together." He also brought in Aaron Eshuis and Derek Wells as co-producers on the album. "Derek had played on my last album and he's one of the most in-demand session players in town. I knew he had the musical ear and strong musical point of view that would enrich this project. And with Aaron -- every time we sat down, we wrote a great song. Having Frank, Derek and Aaron was a great combination."

The first song he worked on after his lengthy fight with his old label was resolved was "Seasons Change," writing with James McNair and Tommy Cecil. "That was my first time diving back into music after dealing with lawyers for a year, and I felt rejuvenated," he says. "I decided that very day that it was going to be on the record."

Another thrill came when North Carolina resident McCreery got to write the beach-music-inspired "Barefootin'" with David Lee Murphy. "He's had such huge hits, has such a way with words, and 'Dust on the Bottle' is one of my all-time favorite songs," says McCreery. "I never expected to write with him, and then we sat down and wrote one of my favorite songs—that was a great day."

The greatest breakthrough, however, may have come in February 2015, when he wrote "Five More Minutes" with Rogers and Monty Criswell. "I knew it was a special song," he says. "I tweeted that day that we just wrote my favorite song I'd ever written." As the search for a new label continued, McCreery and his team made a brave decision, and released the song on their own, with no record company behind it.

"Most sane people would have said to wait," he says, "but my management and I really believed in it—and at the core of country music, it still comes down to the song. And we were willing to bet on that. We knew it might take a while, but we felt like we could do it and build something one step at a time."

It didn't take a while. On its first day of release, "Five More Minutes" was ranked No. 2 on the iTunes country singles chart and No. 9 on the iTunes all-genre singles chart. It debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Country Digital Sales Chart, McCreery's highest ranking on that chart since his debut single in 2011.

The emotional music video, with home movies of McCreery as a boy alongside his family and friends, was the No.1 country music video and the No. 2 music video overall on iTunes. It stayed at No. 1 on the GAC Top 20 Countdown for six weeks. His powerful performance of "Five More Minutes" on the Grand Ole Opry stage during CMA Music Festival won the 2016 Rare Country Award for "Grand Ole Opry Moment of the Year."

"Sometimes you feel like you've really got to sell something," says McCreery, "but this one, from the first time people heard it, everybody started telling me their own stories, and I enjoyed that more than anything else. It would have put us in a predicament if it hadn't succeeded—looking back, yeah, it was a crazy thing to do, but we just went full steam ahead." The final piece fell into place when, just as "Five More Minutes" hit the Top 40 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, McCreery signed with Triple Tigers Records/Sony Music Entertainment.

"Triple Tigers is a great fit for me," said McCreery. "They are music people and they work hard. With this label on my side, 'Five More Minutes' has become my fastest rising single to reach Top 15 since my debut single. And we've only just begun."

Of course, there's one other big story that underlies Seasons Change. In September 2017, the guy who was voted both "Country Music's Hottest Bachelor" and "Country Music's Sexiest Man" by the readers of NASH Country Weekly Magazine proposed to longtime girlfriend Gabi Dugal in the mountains of North Carolina.

"She's a huge part of this record, the inspiration for all the love songs," he says. "We met in kindergarten–her kindergarten diary has 'Mrs. McCreery' written in it with hearts around it. We started dating senior year of high school, and became best friends in the last few years."

The song "This Is It" even spells out a play-by-play blueprint for popping the question.

"I had the ring in the closet for months and had the day all planned out," he says. "And it all went great, just like the song lays it out—it would have been awkward if she had said no!"

Now, with a wedding on the way, a hit on the charts, and a new lease on his musical life, everything looks great in McCreery's world. Things get sunnier. Seasons change.

A year later, Christmas with Scotty McCreery debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Holiday…

Jesse McCartney

Performances

September 10 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Since the start of his career, New York-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, artist, and actor Jesse McCartney has built a catalog of instantly recognizable anthems and captivated audiences on the road and on-screen. His first three albums -- the Platinum Beautiful Soul [2004], Right Where You Want Me [2006], and Departure [2008] -- consecutively bowed in the Top 15 of the Billboard Top 200 with the singles "Beautiful Soul" minted Gold and "Leavin'" certified Platinum. Plus, he collaborated with T-Pain on the cross-genre banger "Body Language." Meanwhile, SPIN touted In Technicolor among its "Top 20 Pop Albums of 2014." Along the way, he performed in arenas alongside the likes of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys in addition to packing global headline tours and hosting shows for both George W. Bush and Barack Obama. A sought-after songwriter, he notably wrote the 4x-Platinum GRAMMY® Award-nominated "Bleeding Love" for Leona Lewis. In 2018, the one-off single "Better With You" racked up nearly 45 million cumulative streams and paved the way for his fifth offering. Simultaneously, his acting credits grew to include everything from Chernobyl Diaries and Fear The Walking Dead to Alvin and the Chipmunks, and even voicing the character Roxas/Ventus in gamer favorite Kingdom Hearts. In 2020, Jesse was revealed as the fan favorite Turtle in the third season finale of Fox's The Masked Singer. In 2020 he has released single "Friends," an homage to the people who became chosen family which followed the release of "Yours," an introspective look at the different roles he's played throughout his life. "After all the hardships people went through last year, I look forward to a whole new stage."

Yung Bleu

Performances

September 4 - 10:15 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Styx

Performances

September 4 - 9:30 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

The six men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by entering their second decade of averaging over 100 shows a year, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Styx draws from over four decades of barnburning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is "The Grand Illusion" to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the "Blue Collar Man," from the majestic spiritual love for a special "Lady" to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry's sake of "Miss America," from an individual yearning for true connection as a "Man in the Wilderness" to a soul-deep quest to achieve what's at the heart of one's personal vision in "Crystal Ball," from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of "Come Sail Away" to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged "Renegade" who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one's mind and body in their signature sound.

Styx hit its stride with guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw's first LP with the band, 1976's Crystal Ball, and then they become the first group to score four triple-platinum albums in a row: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979), and Paradise Theater (1981). Over the ensuing decade, Styx weathered the shifting winds of the public's musical taste, reconvening for a highly successful 1996 Return to Paradise tour that was expertly documented on both CD and DVD in 1997. With a little help from their many friends in Cleveland's Contemporary Youth Orchestra, One With Everything (2006) became a hybrid orchestral rock blend for the ages. And on The Grand Illusion / Pieces of Eight Live (2011), the band performed at its peak when tackling every track from a pair of their finest triple-platinum albums back to back. Not only that, but the band re-recorded two discs' worth of its classic material with much finesse and musculature, aptly known as Regeneration Volume I & II (2011 & 2012). Observes Tommy, "Now you have something you can take home with you and go, 'Yeah, that's the band I saw last night.' "

After more than a decade together on the road, this incarnation of Styx is looking forward to performing as many shows as it can as long as it can. "It all comes back to the chemistry," says bassist/vocalist Ricky Phillips. "The legacy of this band will be that it brought joy to millions of people," notes drummer Todd Sucherman. Observes keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, "We've always tried to explain why this is this happening. It's obviously a multitude of factors, but the main one is that our show is really good! And if it's really good, they're going to come to see it again." Styx hopes it's a wave that never crests. "Every night, we go on that magic carpet ride together," observes original bassist Chuck Panozzo, who joins the band on tour as often as he can. "Music is this amazing force that comes from a higher place. I'm humbled for this band to have the great success that it has," says co-founding guitarist/vocalist James "JY" Young. "We just want to keep on doing this," asserts Tommy. "We want to let life take its course and let this music continue to be the soundtrack to it. And this band will continue to evolve as long as we live and play this music." The jig is up, the news is out: The Esprit de Styx is alive and well, and now it's time to see for yourself. Welcome to the Grand Evolution.

Iration

Performances

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Iration has a natural affinity for reggae and island sounds. Their love and appreciation for music spans across a wide range of styles and genres including rock, pop, R&B and funk. Over the past 15 years, the celebrated five-piece - Micah Pueschel [Lead Vocals / Guitar], Adam Taylor [Bass], Joe Dickens [Drums], Cayson Peterson [Keyboard / Synth] and Micah Brown [Guitar / Vocals] – have perfected their distinct hybrid style of music, blending all influences together as evidenced on their seventh, and most recent, full-length album Coastin' [Three Prong Records)released in 2020. A record about being thankful for the moments that we have.

Iration has been touring nationally since 2008, performing at festivals nationwide from Lollapalooza to Sunfest and Hangout, closing stages at festivals like Bottlerock and Outside Lands. The Hawaiian-bred musicians look forward to spreading their original sound and 'Aloha spirit' all the while never forgetting to get a surf in when possible.

MISSIO

Performances

September 2 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

"Missio" is Latin for mission. And what at one time began as a side project for singer-songwriter Matthew Brue has now shifted into the main mission. Accompanied by producer and instrumentalist David Butler, MISSIO sports an alternative/electronic sound with beat-driven hip-hop undertones. Atmospheric and expressive, this electro-alternative act is keen on a spirit of experimentation.

Based in Austin, Texas, MISSIO broke out in 2017 with their single Middle Fingers which reached top 10 at U.S. Alternative Radio, later leading to an appearance on the Conan O'Brien late night show amid the launch of their debut album Loner. That same album also spawned heavily rotated songs like Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea, Everybody Gets High, and Twisted, which all reached over 50 million streams each (and counting) on streaming platforms.

MISSIO released their second album The Darker the Weather // The Better the Man in mid 2019, broadening their sonic palette with songs like I See You which was the #1 song on the Sirius XM Alt 18 for 9 total weeks. During this album campaign, their streaming audience tripled and they capped off their album cycle by releasing the single Sing to Me as part of the soundtrack to the global video game phenomenon 'Death Stranding' alongside artists such as Chvrches, Major Lazer, Khalid, & Bring Me the Horizon. The band decided to document their creative process and personal growth during the recording process of this album, and ended up also releasing a documentary with accompanying soundtrack which they wrote and scored titled Love Me Whole.

MISSIO has now accumulated one billion streams within three years and three album releases.

Beginning the next stage in their music evolution, Matthew and David landed back in their home base of Austin, Texas in November of 2019 with their producer, co-writer, and creative partner Dwight Baker, and over a feverish 21 day period wrote and recorded the entirety of their album, Can You Feel The Sun released on October 23rd via 2B Recordings / BMG).

"We started talking with Dwight last summer about recording new music even though our second album had just released," says Matthew Brue. "I felt inspired after coming back from our first European shows in some of the most beautiful cities in the world and seeing our music translate across the ocean, which was incredibly surreal. I instantly began writing new demos, taking hold of the many feelings that come along with living out your own dreams."

David Butler adds "We wanted to create music on our own terms, separate and apart from any label deadlines or industry pressure. We were the only ones we wanted to impress."

The band started with a range of demos that eventually snowballed into being a complete and finished full-length album.

"We worked until we felt like we were done and then one day woke up and knew we had a finished album," says David. "Even from the very beginning of the process I already knew that 'Can You Feel the Sun' was one of the best songs we'd ever written and knew that we had something special."

MISSIO has always been a band that is known for their thoughtful lyrics, raw emotion, but also pure, and unadulterated fun. Tracks like Wolves, Hoodie Up, Cry Baby (feat. Paul Wall), Vagabond (feat. Esoteric of Czarface), and Roman Empire might get the fans incredibly hyped up, but songs like Don't Forget to Open Your Eyes, We All Burn to the Ground, and the title track Can You Feel the Sun glimmer with an introspective insight that now takes on an even deeper meaning in a pandemic ravaged world.

"With a song like Don't Forget to Open Your Eyes I honestly don't know where those lyrics came from," says Matthew. "I had never taken the time to view the sunrise or the sunset and somehow this song has helped me personally heal when I'm overloaded with anxiety or depression. It continues to prove its message is bigger than ourselves."

David adds "The reason we create and release music is because we love the process of making it all. Being able to write songs for ourselves has to be its own reward even though we're hoping we can get out on the road and play music for people again soon. Until then we're hoping, through our music and lyrics, to encourage people to ask questions and to open their minds."

MISSIO have toured the United States extensively as headliners, and through several large support slots for the likes of MUSE, 30 Seconds to Mars, Yungblud, and K. Flay. The duo have also performed at major festivals like Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Firefly, Hangout, Bottle Rock, and Voodoo Fest. As part of a wider European tour, they made their UK (sold out) live debut at London's Old Blue Last in May 2019. Their high energy live performances and custom-built light shows easily set them apart from their peers.

MISSIO returned to play a second sold-out UK show at London's Colours early March 2020, but the second half of their most recent European tour ended up being cancelled. The band were pulled off their tour bus at 2AM while crossing the Czech border, so that men in hazmat suits could check their temperatures to ensure that the touring party didn't have COVID-19. They raced to get home on the final day before the U.S. borders were closed.

Regardless of not being able to tour for an undetermined amount of time, the band decided to forge ahead with releasing their new music. They put out the first single Wolves on June 24, 2020 which reached #1 on the Sirius XM Alt Nation 'Top 18' within three weeks. The duo now have 5 #1 singles on the countdown to date.

MISSIO has now accumulated one billion streams within three years and three album releases.

Candlebox

Performances

September 17 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Emerging from Seattle's burgeoning mid-1990s grunge scene, Candlebox quickly found mainstream success with their deep, lyrically-driven melodies and big radio hooks. Power anthems like "Far Behind" and "You," from their debut, self-titled album exploded onto the charts propelling the album to sell more than four million copies worldwide.

Later albums would showcase their versatility between emotionally-charged, brooding ballads like "Cover Me" and groove-infused, straight-up rock n' roll tunes including "Change" and "Arrow".

The 2016 release ofDisappearing In Airports found Candlebox revealing a more classic rock vibe with songs like "Vexatious" and "Supernova" driving the album to debut at #9 on the Billboard Charts.

In 2019 the band will be touring, both domestically and internationally, to support their 25^th Anniversary, and the group has announced plans to start writing and recording new music in the year ahead.

Later albums would showcase their versatility between emotionally-charged, brooding ballads like "Cover Me" and groove-infused, straight-up rock n' roll tunes including "Change" and "Arrow".

The 2016 release ofDisappearing In Airports found Candlebox revealing a more classic rock vibe with songs like "Vexatious" and "Supernova" driving the album to debut at #9 on the Billboard Charts.

Poi Dog Pondering

Performances

September 18 - 4:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

POI DOG PONDERING'S new, 2018 release: "Remnants of Spring" is a nonchalant, spontaneous expression of all the characteristic, whimsical, natural impulses that have driven PDP into this movement of time. This band shows no sign of wear.

3 Decades on, 15 band members deep: Poi Dog Pondering are stronger than ever & continue to thrive & evolve on their 9th full length recording entitled: "Remnants of Spring." Their unique signature 'Acous-tronic' blend of orchestral, rock and dance music influences, shine through with PDP's ever present irreverence to stylistic conformity.

Poi Dog Pondering keeps thriving because their ethic has always been about following their musical heart. Their steadfast independence has allowed them to perennially bloom. From bohemian street buskers to impossible to market major label sacrificial lambs, to hard won autonomy with their own record label; Poi dog pondering have ripened into staunchly independent musical voyagers. They have let every sound that excited them flow through their music and flood it with ever changing colors: Orchestral, Acoustic and Electronic textures. Rock Band Disco, Chicago Stepper Soul & their unique 'Soul Sonic Orchestra' Sound. (Threaded all along the way with 'heart on the sleeve' lyrics that embrace the beauty and pain of everyday life).

30 years down the line there is a bolstered sense of history within the band now. A swagger that comes from having steadfastly carved their own path. It is quite apparent that PDP has always been, and ever will be, in-it-for-the-love-of-it; creating and performing. Line up changes are par for the course. PDP is an organic entity, it changes like life does. But there is a core with strong roots & deep personal history, open to new ears and ready to experiment. That's what keeps it vibrant.

Poi dog pondering formed in Hawaii in 1986. The first live performance was at the Honolulu Arts Academy. Filled with youthful imitative exuberance and inspiration from reading about Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground's 'Exploding Plastic inevitable' projected film and music happenings, PDP projected films of lava eruptions, ocean and other natural environments over the band as they performed. The tradition of projected imagery along with PDP live performances developed and matured over the years and continues to this day thanks to long time film and video artist/collaborators Luke Savisky and Marco Ferrari.

In 1987 PDP's wanderlust drew them to the mainland where they embarked on a year long bohemian travel tour across the United States and Canada, playing acoustically on street corners for gas and food money, while sleeping outdoors all along the way. This experience forged Poi Dog Pondering's self identity & confidence as a "D.I.Y." entity. PDP was signed to the noble boutique label Texas Hotel who released their first record in '88. Sony / Columbia released the next 2 records "Wishing like a mountain…" & "VoloVolo." PDP relocated to Chicago in '92 and formed their own label Platetectonic Music and released the critically acclaimed "Pomegranate" in '95.

For the next ten years PDP delved heavily into developing their orchestration skills, culminating in major collaborations with the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Sinfonietta (with PDP's Susan Voelz, Paul Mertens, Max Crawford & Frank Orrall doing the arrangements).

Band leader Frank Orrall's interest in electronic music garnered him respect from the Chicago House/Electronic music community for his solo project 8fatfat8, and lead him to become a member of Thievery Corporation as percussionist and vocalist. All this influenced PDP's next 2 records "Natural Thing" and "In Seed Comes Fruit" which saw the band experimenting with electronic textures, beautiful lush arrangements and unhurried, sometimes instrumental song structures, letting musicality determine the song structure, rather than traditional "verse / chorus / bridge" style song writing.

In 2005 PDP combined all of it's experience together and set out to write and record "a straight up Rock and Soul record," complete with strings and horns. The result was the critically acclaimed; "7." Two EPs & a Live DVD later, PDP has forged on & swashbuckled through their 8th & 9th Studio recordings "Everybody's Got A Star"… and now this: "Remnants of Spring."

Creating, Touring, Making, not Stopping: Loving.

This band shows no sign of wear.

Poi dog pondering formed in Hawaii in 1986. The first live performance was at the Honolulu Arts Academy. Filled with…

George Thorogood And The Destroyers

Performances

September 9 - 9:30 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

"Good To Be Bad Tour - 45 Years of Rock"

Since 1976, they've sold over 15 million albums, built a classic catalog of hits, and played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows. They broke records with their 50 Dates/50 States Tour, delivered landmark performances at Live Aid and on SNL, and became mainstays of radio, MTV and stages worldwide for more than two generations. Through it all, they've remained one of the most consistent – and consistently passionate – progenitors of blues-based rock in pop culture history.

For the past 45 years, it's been very good to be George Thorogood & The Destroyers. And in 2021, their Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years Of Rock will prove why like never before.

"If you're content, you may as well be dead." George laughs with his familiar rasp. "I think everyone has thoughts about retiring, but the phone keeps ringing. You want me and The Destroyers to come to your town, set up our gear, wear some cool threads and play 'Who Do You Love?' End of conversation. Let's rock!"

For Thorogood and his longtime band – Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) – the power to rock audiences has been both battle cry and creed since the beginning. "It wasn't about the amount of people we drew, but rather the impression we made," George remembers. "I asked myself, 'Are we reaching them? Do they want more?' And we knew from the very first set that we had something special."

It's on stage that George & The Destroyers flip the switch nightly, delivering what The Toledo Blade calls "a gut-bustin', guitar-wailin', face-meltin', fiery-tempoed, take-no-prisoners, good old-fashioned lunch-bucket rock & roll show" that includes their signature hits "Get A Haircut", "I Drink Alone", "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer", "Move It On Over", "Who Do You Love" and the definitive badass anthem "Bad To The Bone", along with several surprises. "It's been a constant evolution to make the show all killer, no filler," explains 43-year Destroyer bassist Bill Blough. "Something still inherently clicks the second we step on stage. We feel the audience's energy and the show just explodes."

But after 45 years of rock – and no signs of stopping – can Thorogood point to what continues to make it all matter? "My highlight is every night when I walk on that stage and play our hits for those happy people," he says. "At the end of the show, the audience is smiling, I don't see any police and everyone got their money's worth."

More importantly, is it still good to be bad? George Thorogood instantly flashes that huge grin. "You bet it is," he says. "We'll always be the baddest band in the land. Expect our best on this tour, because that's what you're gonna get."

"Good To Be Bad Tour - 45 Years of Rock"

For the past 45 years, it's been very good to be George Thorogood & The Destroyers. And in 2021, their Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years Of Rock will prove why like never before.

Drive-By Truckers

Performances

September 4 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Drive-By Truckers is kicking off the new election year with The Unraveling, our first new album in 3 1/2 years (the longest space between new DBT albums ever). Those years were among the most tumultuous our country has ever seen and the duality between the generally positive state of affairs within our band while watching so many things we care about being decimated and destroyed all around us informed the writing of this album to the core.

While a quick glance might imply that we're picking up where 2016's American Band album left off, the differences are as telling as the similarities. If the last one was a warning shot hinting at a coming storm, this one was written in the wreckage and aftermath. I've always said that all of our records are political but I've also said that 'politics IS personal'. With that in mind, this album is especially personal.

Our 2018 single "The Perilous Night" acted as a sort of coda to the polemic of the last album and the original plan was to zigzag in a different direction, but alas the past few years have seen an uptick in school shootings, church shootings, racial violence, suicides and overdoses, border violence, and an assault on so many things that we all hold dear. They're literally putting children in cages. Writing silly love songs just seemed the height of privilege.

My partner Mike Cooley and I both worked through deep pools of writer's block. How do you put these day to day things we're all living through into the form of a song that we (much less anybody else) would ever want to listen to? How do you write about the daily absurdities when you can't even wrap your head around them in the first place? I think our response was to focus at the core emotional level. More heart and less cerebral perhaps.

Eventually the songs did come, some in mysterious ways. A day-long layover at an exit outside of Gillette, Wyoming resulted in "21st Century USA", the song that for me opened up the floodgates, enabling me to write my portion of the album.

I wrote "Babies in Cages" in the living room of my wife's parent's house and quickly demoed it on my phone. A portion of that original recording acts as the introduction to the version on the album. Cooley wrote "Grievance Merchants" about the proliferation of white supremacist violence we've seen in recent years. Our family's babysitter's best friend was murdered on a train in beautiful progressive Portland, Oregon in one such incident. The political is indeed very personal.

"Armageddon's Back in Town" takes a whirlwind joyride through the daily whiplash of events we are collectively dealing with, while "Slow Ride Argument" offers an unorthodox but hopefully effective method of the prevailing of cooler heads. Perhaps it should come with a disclaimer though.

Meanwhile "Awaiting Resurrection" dives headfirst into the void of despair and painful realities these times are tolling. It's a song unlike any in our band's history, yet somehow quintessentially DBT to the core. A call to deal, unblinkingly, with the horrors surrounding us all, but to also survive, with perhaps even a hint of optimism.

"In the end we're just standing, watching greatness fade into darkness /

Awaiting Resurrection"

If the writing was a long and brutal process, the recording was a joyous celebration. Another of our band's many dualities, perhaps.

We convened for a week in Memphis, Tennessee at the historic and wonderful Sam Phillips Recording Service. We tracked, mostly live in the studio, aided by long-time producer David Barbe and famed engineer Matt Ross-Spang. Initially recording 18 songs in 85 hours of near around the clock sessions, the band essentially spent the whole week in an artistic marathon, housing ourselves at the Memphis Music Mansion (AirBnB), surrounded by historic photos and a mid-century vibe that seemed to even seep into our dreams each night. (My bedroom was, fittingly, The Big Star Room, named after the seminal Memphis power pop band that I have always held as an all-time favorite).

Recording in Memphis has been a life-long dream for this band. Both the city, with its dark social history and amazing musical heritage, and the studio which is a time machine set to its early 1960's origins and inhabited by the spirit of its genus founder, affected and inspired the creation of this album in ways that go far beyond the tangible and technical.

Sam Phillips left my hometown of Florence, Alabama and moved to Memphis, working in radio before opening the legendary Sun Studios (Memphis Recording Service) where he essentially discovered Rock and Roll, recording the first records of Howlin' Wolf, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and of course Elvis Presley. When he sold Sun, he built his dream lair, the, then state of the art Sam Phillips Recording Service which opened in 1962. If Phillips' love of 'slap-back' echo had given those early Sun records their legendary sound, his new studio incorporated three different echo chambers into its design, giving the studio a very unique and wonderful sound that we incorporated into this album.

I can't impart enough the impact that recording there had on this album. We were all beyond inspired by the surroundings and the sounds coming out of the speakers from every playback or the sound of the echo chambers reverberating down the halls. Every day we got to hang out with Sam's son Jerry who took us up to Mr. Phillips' old office on the third floor. Unlocked in time, it was still exactly as it had been the last day Sam spent there. His jackets still hanging in the closet and the bar still stocked with his favorite whiskey. There, with Jerry, we toasted our recordings and the spirits that still inhabited that sacred space.

In honor of finally getting to record in Memphis, I wrote "Rosemary with a Bible and a Gun", a sort of stream of conscious love song to that dark and mythical city on the banks of the Mississippi. Although the song isn't a literal story of such, it was certainly informed by the brutal times Cooley and I had in 1991 when we followed Sam Phillips' example and moved from Florence to Memphis in search of dreams that for us were still to be over a decade in coming. I heard the song in my head as a sort of Bobbie Gentry inspired southern gothic and we further explored that by adding gorgeous strings by Kyleen and Patti King (arranged by Kyleen). It seemed the perfect way to kick off this album.

Our sessions were rounded out by a guest appearance from Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi All Stars) who came in and played an electric washboard through an Echoplex and wah-pedal into an amp for "Babies in Cages". The song, recorded completely live, in one magical take, perfectly captured the mood and tone of the week we spent there. (We even kept the scratch vocal since it had so much live bleed from the take). The following day, Mick Jagger came by, but alas we weren't able to record with him, although his presence certainly added to the already surreal vibe of the week.

A few months later we reconvened in Athens, Georgia at Barbe's Chase Park Transduction studios where Matt and David mixed the album on Barbe's vintage 1975 Neve console. As a band that got its start essentially making albums as field recordings on mobile gear, it is indeed a treat to get to make our albums on 2" 16 tracks tape in historic studios and on beautiful vintage gear. We finished the process by having the legendary Greg Calbi master it all at Sterling Sound in Edgewater, New Jersey.

In the end, we whittled the album down to the nine songs included, saving several key songs for a foundation to the next one that will hopefully occur sooner than later. Lilla Hood designed the packaging utilizing a stunning photo by Erik Golts of two young lads watching a sunset at the Oregon coast, lettering by famed graphic artist Aaron Draplin, and once again beautiful artwork from our long time collaborator Wes Freed. We plan on touring extensively throughout the next year taking these songs around the world.

We hope to see you there.

- Patterson Hood

Eventually the songs did come, some in mysterious ways. A day-long layover at an…

Everclear

Performances

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Considering Everclear has written and recorded some truly iconic '90s alt-rock hits, it would be all too easy these days for the band to be a victim of its past successes, relegated to performing as a glorified jukebox, existing to satisfy the nostalgic cravings of Gen Xers everywhere. But singer-guitarist Art Alexakis isn't about to start phoning it in now.

Although the band hasn't released a new studio album since 2015's triumphant Black Is The New Black, Everclear continues to tour actively. And while it's a virtual surety that no Everclear gig is complete without a rendition of "Santa Monica" and "Father of Mine," lately the band has found that exploring the full range of past material—especially the "deep cuts"—not only gives fans a rare treat, it also injects new life into the band's live dynamic.

"By mixing it up and digging into the catalogue, it still makes it fun and relevant for us, and I think for the fans as well," says Alexakis. "It's still important to play the hits, but by playing those other songs as well, it makes it all seem more vibrant and real. Even though I recorded some of those songs 20 years ago, I haven't played them in a long time, so it's like reinventing the wheel. I'm having more fun now than I have in years. I think all of us are."

Formed by Alexakis in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career spanning 11 studio releases, numerous videos, thousands of shows and accolades that include a 1998 Grammy nomination. Like a true survivor, Alexakis has soldiered on through multiple lineup changes over the years: During the "classic" era, the band also included Craig Montoya on Bass and Greg Eklund on drums; the current touring lineup features longtime members Dave French (guitar) and Freddy Herrera (bass), as well as drummer Brian Nolan (also with American Hi-Fi), who has performed with Everclear on multiple past tours.

Everclear spent May and June of 2017 touring in honor of the 20^th anniversary of So Much For The Afterglow, the band's massively successful sophomore major-label release. The 40-date run was an incredibly emotional and personally satisfying experience for Alexakis, who was able to perform obscure cuts from that time period for the first time in many years. Connecting with fans in that setting also reinforced the lasting impression the album has made.

"The tour was phenomenal. It left me and the band stunned at how important that record was to so many people, and to be a part of that, both then and now," says Alexakis. "The legacy of it is still vibrant for so many people. It was great just watching people react when we were playing not just the hits, but deeper songs on that record. I always liked the deeper songs—they were usually my favorite songs—and when the band would play those, it would be really exciting and important for me. That was fun, seeing that reaction, and just talking to people after the show."

Prior to that, Everclear experienced a career resurgence thanks to 2015's Black Is The New Black, which not only proved the band could still rock, but also that Everclear remains creatively relevant, decades after their platinum years. As is common for many artists these days, Black didn't set records for traditional album sales, but the release did see significant streaming activity and sparked a heightened social media presence, putting the group firmly back in the listening public's mind. The band continues to ride this latest wave of interest.

"I personally think [Black] is one of the best records Everclear has ever made," Alexakis says. "It sounds like both old Everclear and new Everclear: It has a contemporary production sound, but it's just old-school, angry rock songs. It's kind of dark, very reminiscent of the early stuff. The sales weren't great on it, but a lot of people streamed it. It got millions and millions of streams, so people were listening to it, and it resonated."

But when you've been a prolific band for more than a quarter-century, it's all part of the journey. Right now, Alexakis is feeling a reflective pull for the 25^th anniversary of World Of Noise, the band's indie debut, which was recorded for $400 in a friend's basement in Portland. Although no official commemorative tour dates are confirmed as of this writing, Alexakis says he's considering playing some smaller, select shows this year as a tribute to the release. Much of the material rarely sees the light of day, but the 1993 album continues to enjoy a special place in Everclear history.

"We'd just had a baby, I was on public assistance and was working part-time jobs, I was very frustrated and very angry and there were a lot of emotions going on," Alexakis reflects. "I made that record for $400, because that's all I had. I got this guy who had a basement studio to give me 40 hours' worth of recording at $10 an hour. We had 10 or 11 songs, so we went in and recorded them in a week and mixed them, and that's the album.…From there we just hit the ground running. I still haven't stopped."

That rough and raw first attempt was just the nexus of the massive body of work Everclear and Alexakis have contributed since that humble beginning. When it comes to recording new material, at the moment Alexakis is focused primarily on writing and recording his first solo album, due out later this year. That precludes a new Everclear release…for now.

"We might make another record in a couple years," he says. "Maybe later on this year I'll feel like it. I don't know yet."

That said, the band's live itinerary certainly makes up for its recent studio absence. As the group prepares for another Summerland run, as well as numerous other future dates, Alexakis is excited to revisit songs from fan favorite records like Afterglow, Sparkle and Fade and the double album Songs From The American Movie, but also compositions from more underrated collections, like 2012's Invisible Stars.

"There are people asking for songs, so we'll just try and learn songs as we go," Alexakis says. "If we get a lot of response from people to play a certain song, we're going to learn it and go on the road and play it. You don't think, 'Wow, I can't sing that high anymore.' We're not going to worry about it. We're going to play some rock n' roll, and just do it."

Everclear spent…

DJ Jazzy Jeff

Performances

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

DJ Jazzy Jeff was born in West Philadelphia and developed a love of music at an early age. Jeff was just 10 years old when he started spinning records at parties using his family's basement as a training ground for his expert mixing. Since 1985, DJ Jazzy Jeff has wowed us with his flawless turntable skills, innovative production and musical versatility.

From the success of "DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince" with partner Will Smith, to the critical acclaim of his production company "A Touch of Jazz", Jeff proved time and time again that he would always be a force to be reckoned with. And he continues to represent with his solo projects, collaborations, mixtapes and live shows. His love of music shines through in everything he does.

Most recently, DJ Jazzy Jeff has been busy traveling the globe. With each set, he takes fan on a musical journey. Jeff satisfies his passion for sharing good music with two annual European tours, regular tours of Canada, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East, and shows across the US throughout the year. And he chronicles all of his travels in the increasingly popular Vinyl Destination, a web series that documents DJ Jazzy Jeff's experiences on and off stage.

Though DJ Jazzy Jeff is busy playing good music all over the world, he hasn't stopped producing great music. He is currently working with Philadelphia newcomer, Dayne Jordan. The duo recently completed a project entitled Memoirs of Dayne Jordan, to be released in Spring 2015, In the meantime, the pair has released a number of singles and videos including Room Test, All About the Art, I Want it All, Einstein (prod. by DJ Ferno) and Play Dat.

Over the course of his career, DJ Jazzy Jeff has achieved many accomplishments including a DMC Championship and multiple GRAMMY and American Music Awards and nominations. But he is a humble man who is still doing it as his 2002 hit said: "For Da Love of Da Game."

Sugarhill Gang

Performances

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

"The Sugar Hill Gang" with Wonder Mike, Master Gee and HenDogg featuring DJ T Dynasty - the Fathers of Hip Hop

In 1979, the Sugarhill Gang crashed through the walls of the urban cities and into the mainstream of society with the first worldwide rap hit, "Rapper's Delight." Two of the original members of this historic group, Wonder Mike (Michael Wright) and Master Gee (Guy O'Brien) had teamed up with Henry Jackson (pka Big Bank Hank) to become the now famous Sugarhill Gang.

Sugarhill Gang is believed by many to be the first professional Hip Hop group, because they introduced to the masses (both in the United States and overseas) this unprecedented genre of music. "Rapper's Delight" eventually sold over 8 million copies, and went on to be the biggest selling rap single of all time. Even today, it continues to appeal to audiences of all ages.

Shortly thereafter, the Sugarhill Gang released such hits as "Apache," "8th Wonder" and "Living in the Fast Lane." Wonder Mike and Master Gee teamed up with Henry Williams (pka Hendogg) and DJ T. Dynasty both who has performed with the group for 20 years and counting creating new music , while still pleasing the crowds with their greatest hits.

In the Summer of 2009, they released their first song in 25 years with international DJ phenom Bob Sinclair called "LaLa Song," which quickly became an uber hit overseas, securing Song of the Year for many European countries, including Italy. The hit single is currently being released in the United States.

Wonder Mike, Master Gee, Hendogg and DJ Dynasty continue their tradition of creating a party atmosphere that makes everyone dance the night away as they perform for sold out crowds throughout the world.

"The Sugar Hill Gang" with Wonder Mike, Master Gee and HenDogg featuring DJ T Dynasty - the Fathers of Hip Hop

Masked Wolf

Performances

September 16 - 4:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

By day, Harry Michael commutes to a normal job and punches a clock just like the rest of us. The moment he walks into the studio, everything changes. The mild-mannered man transforms into an unrestrained beast, sinking his teeth into airy production pierced by his tightly wound raps, bold bars, magnetic melodies, and hard-hitting hooks. Through this metamorphosis, Masked Wolf has unassumingly established himself as a powerful, passionate, and primal hip-hop force. Amassing over 150 million streams and counting thus far, the Australian rapper and singer unleashes a torrent of personal truths and emotions on his 2021 debut for Elektra Records.

"If you saw me walking around on the street, you might not realize that I'm a rapper," he admits. "When I get into the studio, the mask comes off—you see the wolf inside of me. It's all work and no play. We're not chilling and vibing; I'm there to get shit done. I'm in my natural habitat. Whenever I worked a nine-to-five, I wasn't living how I wanted to live. The studio is a breath of fresh air. The beast does come out, and it feels good."

Growing up in Sydney, Harry found freedom in writing. As an only child, his parents' divorce hit him especially hard. Mom and dad both relocated, but he opted to stay close to his friends. So, he moved in with his grandparents who had emigrated from Greece and barely spoke English. Obsessed with the likes of Eminem and G-Unit, he picked up a pen and expressed himself through poems and verses. He also taught himself how to record and would rap well into the morning most nights until his grandfather knocked on the door and urged him to go to bed.

Hip-hop anesthetized his isolation.

"I always wanted a brother or a sister, because I wanted to have either that protection or someone to protect," he explains. "A key reason why I wrote was because I didn't have a sibling to talk to about how I felt. That's why writing became so essential. I'd never spoken to my parents about it. I was introverted and extroverted at the same time. I bottled everything up and only released it through music."

After graduating from school, he tirelessly worked in sales to fund recording. He even took out a loan to build a home studio as he cut hundreds of songs and logged thousands of hours in the lab. While driving for work, he often thought of ideas in the car. In 2018, he dropped his independent debut "Speed Racer." It gathered millions of streams and turned heads across Australia. "I felt like I found my sound," he smiles. "It really kicked down the door."

Following "Night Rider" and "Water Walkin," he unveiled "Astronaut in the Ocean." Awash in airy guitar, jagged 808s, neon keys, and deft wordplay, he submerged himself in honest lyricism, facing depression head-on and asking,"What you know about rolling down in the deep?"That one-two-punch of a recognizable riff and chantable chorus organically caught fire online. It incited hundreds of thousands Tik Tok videos, spanning everything from footage of U.S. military Blackhawk chopper crews to welders and ice fisherman(far from your typical Tik Tok fare!). Meanwhile, Kansas City Chief Super Bowl champ quarterback Patrick Mahomes even incorporated the tune into an Instagram post, fueling its explosion in early 2021.

For as bombastic as the response may be, the song itself arose from a moment of intense introspection. "I had put a lot of money and time into music, but it wasn't really being heard," he admits. "To be honest, it was mentally draining. There were points where I thought, 'Should I give up? Should I stop?' I made the decision to keep going for it. Everything stemmed from this hardship. 'Astronaut in the Ocean' is about this time in my life. Voice your depression and anxiety. I'm essentially asking, 'Have you been the same places? Tell me your story'."

With more music on the horizon, Masked Wolf will undoubtedly inspire countless others to take that mask off…

"My message is to say what you need to say, before it's too late," he leaves off. "A lot of times in life, we overlook the power of telling the truth and being real with ourselves—which is what I try to convey in my songs. Open up about who you really are and what you want from life. You can always go for what you want. I'm proof. When you listen to me, I want you to know this is authentically who I am."

Hip-hop anesthetized his isolation.

The Psychedelic Furs

Performances

September 17 - 9:30 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

From its exhilarating opening bars, Made Of Rain - the first Psychedelic Furs album in 29 years - sounds like them and them alone. It's a joy to hear again, fresher than ever, that unique mesh of sounds and layers, that fusion of smooth and stark, of restraint and abandon, of melancholy and rage, of optimism and nihilism, of tough and tender. Their ageless charisma flows anew. "It's got that depth and weight of sound", says Richard Butler as 2020 begins. Talking about the first track, The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll, he suggests, "It's saying rock & roll was born out of feelings like these…"the ticking veins, this godless dark , the druggy days, the pointless pain…a bag of tears where love is gone". In a way it's about Elvis Presley and all those people, but not just any individuals – it's the feelings which rock & roll, for me, comes from. And of course rock & roll has a great deal of sexuality involved too. The boy is…an idea: I'm not claiming that position for myself!"

The Psychedelic Furs may not have invented rock & roll per se, but their influence since arriving on the post-punk scorched-earth landscape four decades ago has reverberated and resonated among all those who cherish the sweet-and-sour spot where rawness and romanticism meet. "I'm aware of the fact that people cite us an influence", says Richard, "though I don't often recognise it in their music. It's gratifying of course, as it is that there's still an interested and enthusiastic audience for us. That's an honour."

As the Furs 'witty, poetic, pugnacious onslaughts seared out of punk then sashayed beyond New Wave, launching a fleet of durable hits, they evolved electrically and elegiacally until taking a studio hiatus from 1991. Yet since reconvening as an essential live act at the turn of the century, they've found the applause growing louder and louder. People realised how much they loved those songs from the 1980 debut The Psychedelic Furs, 1981's Talk Talk Talk, 1982's Forever Now, 1984's Mirror Moves, 1987's Midnight To Midnight, 1989's Book Of Days and 1991's World Outside, from early forays like Sister Europe and India through Pretty In Pink and President Gas to radio staples Love My Way, Heaven, The Ghost In You and Heartbreak Beat. And while The Furs lay latent (studio-wise), Butler remained busy, releasing two Love Spit Love albums and a solo album, as well as painting exhibitions. Yet the urge, the itch, came back and the skies opened to deliver Made Of Rain.

Given that the band were active touring, why hasn't there been a new album for so long?

"It's a fine balance", muses Richard. "When you've been around for a while, people want to hear certain songs at your shows. It was even like that back when we toured with the second album…we'd do new ones like Pretty In Pink – y'know, pretty good songs – and people just stood there not getting it, wanting to hear the "old" stuff! So at first that was fine, as we didn't do that much touring. It was exciting to play those songs again after taking a break. But as we did more and more, eventually we started to feel like a jukebox. And you want to be CREATIVE. And that won out. It got to this point where we felt we HAD to make a new record, we needed new songs to get into. And now I hear this album and I'm very pleased we did…"

The six-piece line-up has gelled into a groove-some, guileful beast. With, of course, fellow founder Tim Butler (Richard's brother) on bass, it features Mars Williams on saxophone, Rich Good on guitar, Paul Garisto on drums and Amanda Kramer on keyboards. "Oh it's a good thing", nods Richard. "We're all friends, we're all family.

The album, released May 1st on Cooking Vinyl, is produced by Richard Fortus (with The Psychedelic Furs), a Love Spit Love alumnus who's also played guitar with Guns 'N Roses and Thin Lizzy. "His band had opened for The Furs once and I liked his playing and his personality. So when I wanted someone to write with after we first split up, I brought him to New York. His input on the songwriting (for Love Spit Love) was huge. So that's where I knew him from. We kind of co-produced on this, in terms of ideas, but he was inspirational, led the way". Mixing duties were handled by Tim Palmer (David Bowie, U2, Robert Plant).

And while making the abundance of riches which form The Furs 'sound shine at its brightest might be considered a challenge, "They're all great players. Everyone found a place for themselves, quite naturally".

What crystallised the title Made Of Rain?

"There's…a lot of sorrow and darkness in it. A while ago I read the book-length poem The Man Made Of Rain by Brendan Kennelly. A person who was dying was visited by "a man made of rain" and I liked that idea; it fit. For some reason, when writing, I always seem to tend towards the melancholic. Or sometimes, also, anger. There have been very few "celebratory" songs…I suppose perhaps Love My Way, possibly Heaven. But for the most part it's safe to say the songs are tinged with melancholy."

And is it different writing in the modern world, much-changed since the last Furs songs?

"For me, not really, because most of my songs address an inner monologue. They're not "news-related". I've never sat down and said, "I want to write a song about THIS subject." The music comes first, then I'll come up with a melody, then that puts me in a certain frame of mind. Then the words come from that place, that frame of mind. It's not to do with "world events". It's interior."

In the way the impressionistic phrases spark off each other like juxtaposed images, there's a reminder that Butler's an exhibited artist. "It's painting a verbal picture of the feeling the music brings out in me. But one of my favourite lines here comes on Wrong Train. "A wife that hates me…so does her boyfriend". It makes me laugh! Sure there's a certain sorrow to it as well, but…it's dark comedy".

Richard hears echoes of the first two albums in the existential pop song Don't Believe, the first single (released January 31st). "It's very Psychedelic Furs-sounding". You'll Be Mine boasts a "very John Cale-sounding" Velvetsy violin. And as the album later slows the tempo, arching the atmosphere across tracks like This'll Never Be Like Love and Ash Wednesday, he points out that the band have always teased out songs like that – he cites Sister Europe and Imitation Of Christ as examples – as part of the mix. Discussing the spooky Come All Ye Faithful, he acknowledges an unexpected influence in David Essex's Seventies hit Lamplight. "I'd always loved the creepy feeling of that song…hence the church bells…" Hide The Medicine bears a subtle, sinister rumble of threat, of thunder approaching in the distance.

Talking of Pop Art (weren't we?), Andy Warhol's book From A To B And Back Again gets name-checked in Tiny Hands. Delightfully, Richard has not one but two signed copies. One in which Warhol, at young art student and Velvets fan Richard's request, drew a banana at a London book signing. And another from years later when Warhol invited the band to The Factory in New York. "He was a wonderful host. Very sweet. After that he came down to a couple of shows…"

The band's peerless permutations of art, aggression and ambience drive the dynamics on Made Of Rain, and it's always been this originality which has set them apart, a cut above. Back when they started, Punk Rock "helped us realise, all of a sudden, that you didn't need a lot of fancy equipment: attitude was important. But at the same time we were inspired by Roxy Music, and I still loved Bob Dylan and The Velvet Underground. It wasn't JUST punk." Indeed the band, after initial outings as first RKO then The Europeans, chose their name as wilful misfits. "We'd look at the list of gigs and for the most part names were…violent. The Sex Pistols. The Stranglers. So I wanted something that made people go, "What the f*ck are they doing?" And we knew "psychedelic" would do that…"

As they moved to America, where Richard now resides in upstate New York, some were again disorientated, and the band's later albums were perhaps perceived from a different angle. "Some might have thought we were "traitors"", laughs the singer. "But after the Forever Now tour, I had a girlfriend at the time who lived in New York, and I said to Tim, "Fancy moving over here?" And we did. I guess that changed English people's perceptions of us. Maybe it's reflected on Mirror Moves. We'd been lucky on the first two albums with Steve Lillywhite producing – he absolutely didn't want to dampen down our live sound. He wanted it to sound like one of our gigs, which was everybody fighting for a place to be heard on top of a racket! Then later, as we wanted a change, Todd Rundgren was a good choice for Forever Now. I wanted to do something different, and I'd loved the chugging cellos in Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring so we brought that into President Gas. And so then we were in America…"

Yet in another time and any place, the beautiful chaos abides. In recent years the band have played the Royal Festival Hall for the Meltdown Festival at Robert Smith of The Cure's request and everyone from The Killers to REM to Foo Fighters has sung their praises. Many moons after Pretty In Pink (sort of) inspired that John Hughes movie, Love My Way has featured in Oscar-winning film Call Me By Your Name and The Ghost In You in sci-fi smash Stranger Things. Psychedelic Furs are sounding stronger than ever. As anyone who's seen the band lately knows, Butler remains one of the most watchable frontmen in the game: pacing, crouching, theatrical, enigmatic but engaged. Tours are planned, and prestigious live shows this year will include London's Royal Albert Hall on May 14th. Party time is here again.

"A lot of people tend to look back on their youth as being the most fantastic time, but it really wasn't: I think my life is just as good now, if not better. There's a great deal of pleasure to be had in knowing yourself rather than always second-guessing. Knowing your strengths".

As the closing track on Made Of Rain sighs, "these are the days that we will all remember".

Does this feel like a special time again?

"Oh every minute you're alive, they're all great days."

What a glorious feeling. Let it rain.

Maddie & Tae

Performances

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Award-winning duo Maddie & Tae are drawing praise for their No. 1 debutingThe Way It Feelsalbum release withRolling Stone saying the new music is "anchored around their stellar vocal pairings and some of the tightest harmonies on Music Row." Together as longtime friends and music collaborators, Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr co-wrote 14 of the album's 15 tracks including the Platinum-certified No. 1 country radio hit, "Die From A Broken Heart," whichEsquire calls "their finest moment yet." The pair also co-wrote two brand new holiday songs to join a collection of classics for their first ever holiday project-We Need Christmas.

Maddie & Tae first broke out in 2013 with their brilliant counter to bro-country, the Platinum-selling smash, "Girl In A Country Song," which took Country radio by storm, skyrocketing to the top of the charts and quickly going PLATINUM. The duo became only the third female duo in 70 years to top the Country Airplay charts, also earning trophies from the Country Music Academy and Radio Disney Music Awards along with multiple ACM, CMA and CMT Award nominations. Maddie & Tae have received widespread praise fromAssociated Press, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, The Tennessean, The Washington Post, Glamourand others. The celebrated duo has toured with country music's hottest stars including Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and more. For additional information, visit www.maddieandtae.com

Blackberry Smoke

Performances

September 2 - 10:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Throughout their career, Blackberry Smoke— vocalist/lead guitarist Charlie Starr, guitarist/vocalist Paul Jackson, bassist/vocalist Richard Turner, drummer Brit Turner, and keyboardist Brandon Still—has embodied Georgia's rich musical legacy, honoring the people, places and sounds of their home state. As the band celebrates their 20th anniversary this year, their reverence for Georgia has only deepened.

On their latest album, You Hear Georgia, the follow-up to 2018's critically acclaimed Find a Light, Blackberry Smoke is further celebrating these roots with 10 new songs that feel like Georgia, accented by the addition of Grammy-winning producer and fellow Georgia-native, Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile). "Dave and I had spoken for the last few years about making a record," Starr says. "Finally, it worked out, our schedule and his schedule, and we said, yes—let's make a record."

Blackberry Smoke worked quickly, spending just 10 days at Nashville's famed RCA Studio A, Cobb's home base since 2016. The band recorded live on the floor, giving You Hear Georgia a crisp, outgoing feel. Like other Blackberry Smoke efforts, this album leans into well-crafted Southern rock driven by jagged guitar riffs and rich instrumentation, as the band layers on rollicking piano ("Live It Down"), funky grooves ("Hey Delilah"), and introspective acoustic sounds (the stripped-down, folk-leaning "Old Enough to Know").

"He's a very laid-back guy with excellent ideas, but he's very enthusiastic about making music, and he's right in there with you having a ball," Starr says. "He's a calming presence and so knowledgeable musically, and he knows how to get what he wants in the studio. I don't know if we could have made a record in 10 days with everyone, and that definitely speaks to Dave's ability."

Working with Cobb was the right move, as his approach brought warmth and looseness to the proceedings, while his easygoing demeanor and songwriting background allowed him to provide perceptive insights into this particular batch of Blackberry Smoke songs. In fact, the producer encouraged Blackberry Smoke to pursue the title track after hearing Starr noodling on the idea in the studio.

"He heard me play it, just the riff, and I sang a little bit of a verse and he said, 'What's that? What's that?'" Starr says. "I said, 'It's just something that's not finished yet.' And he said, 'Well, finish it, because we want to record that too.' So I went back to the hotel room and finished it, and there we go."

"You Hear Georgia" features a narrator who's underestimated because of outward appearances and misguided stereotypes, which is a theme of Starr's lyrics this time around, particularly as it relates to the band's Southern roots. "Lyrically, the song is about the South being misunderstood. It's obviously a rough and tumble world, and there's a lot of bad people. But there's a lot of good people too. It started with the idea of how people might have a preconceived opinion of you because of a thick Southern accent, then expanded into the reality of how some people just seem to have such a hard time getting along, thanks to political or religious views, or simply what part of the country you come from."

In that spirit, Starr found collaborating valuable as You Hear Georgia's songs came together. Jamey Johnson ended up lending gruff and tender vocals to the pedal steel-augmented "Lonesome For a Livin'" after he and Starr started reminiscing about a previous collaboration, their 2009 cover of the Willie Nelson-penned "Yesterday's Wine."

"We were talking after a show, and he said, 'Hey, let's do something else,'" Starr says. "I said, 'I have this song, it's really a honky-tonk song. And he said, 'Send it to me,' and I did, and he dug it." And so he came down to the studio and just killed it. He has a voice like no other."

Starr also co-wrote most of the album's songs with friends, including current Lynyrd Skynyrd member Rickey Medlocke ("Old Scarecrow") and Gov't Mule's Warren Haynes ("All Rise Again"), as well as two frequent collaborators, Four Horsemen guitarist Dave Lizmi, and ex-Buckcherry member Keith Nelson.

"That's just an enjoyable thing to do sometimes," Starr says of co-writing with pals. "It's like, 'Okay, let's just knock heads together and see what we come up with.' And sometimes it's magical."

The songs Starr wrote with Haynes, Lizmi and Nelson came together in the early stages of 2020's pandemic- driven lockdown. But save for "All Rise Again"—a surging highlight with a trademark Haynes blues-jam solo and an optimistic vibe—these lyrics aren't explicitly about the disorienting experience of the lockdown. "There were so many musicians stuck in their living room," Starr explains. "Those songs were born out of that necessity to create and make new music. You've gotta be moving forward."

Unsurprisingly, many of You Hear Georgia's songs describe characters that are restless and prone to seeking out a change of scenery, in hopes of finding a place where they belong. Against cinematic backdrops with vivid details, it's easy to empathize with these protagonists as they share pearls of wisdom ("Don't ever trust a grown man with a nickname") and exhibit deep self-awareness ("Anywhere's better than staying here, with the ghosts running thru his mind") along the way.

The hard-touring Blackberry Smoke knows a little something about hitting the road in order to find a place to belong. Over the years, the band's toured with ZZ Top, Zac Brown Band, and Eric Church, while the group's last four full-lengths reached the top 10 of the Billboard country charts, with two of these albums (2015's Holding All The Roses and 2016's Like An Arrow) landing at No. 1

You Hear Georgia reinforces that the band members have come so far together because they also can rely on one another for support and creative direction, no matter what the circumstances.

"Having played music together for so long, it does become a sort of a telepathic thing, where we all are nodding our head at the same time, like, 'A-ha, I know what this feels like,' or what it should feel and sound like," Starr says.

"That's what makes it so enjoyable to be in a band: to play with the same dudes decade after decade," he adds. "Because when you land on something that works to you, you don't want to stop. You want to keep doing it."

Working with Cobb was the right move, as his approach brought warmth and looseness to the proceedings, while his easygoing…

Jade Bird

Performances

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

For Jade Bird, the second that lockdown lifted, there were no aimless summer days spent meeting friends in parks; no languorous evenings in pub gardens. She was headed straight back to Nashville to complete her second album -- albeit via a strict two-week quarantine in Mexico City. She allowed herself to see no more of the Mexican capital than the local store and a leg-stretching walk around the block, not wanting to jeopardise any chance of being allowed into the States to finish what she had started with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, John Prine, Lady Gaga). The highlight of her stay in Mexico was literally her boyfriend pointing out a particularly gnarly spider he spotted as he had a cigarette on the balcony. "I move on really quick," Jade explains of the urgency she felt. "My partner always says there's no in between with me whatsoever, it's on or it's off. My feeling was: I'm in it, I love these songs, I want to sing. That's why we made heaven and earth move so I could do that in that moment."

For Jade, moving fast was about staying connected to the music that she had written (as always), not capitalising on momentum or anyone else's idea of a career plan. She had a taste of the UK hype cycle, making the BBC's 2018 Sound Of... poll and being tipped everywhere from Vogue to Rolling Stone. Her self-titled debut album arrived a year later. Despite those early garlands, she didn't become an overnight success. "I was really glad," she says. "Musically I was not ready. Lyrically I was not ready. And mentally I was not ready." Nevertheless, Jade Bird -- as barnstorming an album as came out in 2019 -- received plaudits from the likes of Pitchfork and NPR. And it showed Jade, an obsessive at bettering her craft, how she wanted to build on the foundations she had laid. She was grateful that her label, Glassnote, was invested in letting her develop album by album. "If you lose a sense of who you are, to re-establish that is really difficult," she says of the pressures hype puts on developing artists. "And the time that it takes for you to re-evaluate your life, your sound, who you are, the UK doesn't have time for that either."

That mature perspective is typical of Jade, who even at 21 was wise to how young female musicians are expected to become cute ambassadors for feminism. ("I'm not sure how to do anything but what I'm doing because what I'm doing is feminism," she told the Guardian. "You don't need to wear a hashtag T-shirt.") Still, as all 21-year-olds tend to, she thought she had life pegged. A standout from her debut, Love Has All Been Done Before, looked at her mum and her grandma's respective divorces and confidently concluded that any relationship of hers would also end up doomed. She proved herself wrong: she's been with her boyfriend (he's also her guitarist) for three years. "I ended up realising I'm really happy and stable," she says.

Her new song, Houdini, puts to bed the part of her past where she was obsessed with literal abandonment. If her debut reflected on "literally every male family member being absent, present, absent, present," she says, Different Kinds of Light reflects on what it means to stay, to love, to allow yourself to be loved. It's about "being with somebody who you adore more than the whole world that hasn't got the foundations to believe in themselves," she says. "Hasn't had people supporting them in a way that their potential can be realised, 'cause they've been crippled by the people or environments that surround them."

Jade translated these conflicted emotional states into sharply observed narrative vignettes that show her flair as a storyteller: the guy oblivious to what's in front of him, the escape artist who confesses to being "asleep at the wheel my whole damn life"; the wastrel burning through their promise. "If I had a penny for all your potential, I'd be left drowning in my mouthful of metal," Jade sings on Now Is the Time. It speaks to how quickly her writing has matured from the more polemical storytelling of her debut. "When you're young, you sit in a chaos of emotions and desperately try to write out of it," says Jade, who's still only 23. "But when you're older, you work out what's affected you and why more clearly. It's amazing what two years can do: it's like you're writing as you're watching instead of writing to see."

Different Kinds of Light was properly born in a rental in upstate New York in January. (When Jade finished her day's writing in the shed and walked back to the house, there were often bear tracks in the snow.) Some came from the song-a-day project that she undertook during lockdown, which she spent with her boyfriend, her mum and grandma at home near Gatwick. In Mexico, she pushed herself to write more and found her British influences -- the Smiths, Cocteau Twins -- coming out. She used to road-test songs live; not being able to do so this year brought out a different side of her writing. One new highlight, I'm Getting Lost, "is quite a bizarre riff to jam out," says Jade, "so it helped me evolve at the same time."

After a session together earlier in the year that minted their studio chemistry, Jade returned to Nashville with more new material to bring to life with Dave Cobb, though she maintained an equally monastic lifestyle, moving strictly between her apartment and the studio to protect herself and her collaborators. She and Dave had clicked in an earlier session thanks to how he treated her potent yet weathered vocals. "I love anyone who can make you sound so imperfect in a great way," she says. They let her sound find its groove, joining tough 90s alt-rock and the melodicism of Blur and Oasis at their sweetest to the taut rattle of Iggy Pop's The Passenger. "That rock element that I've been missing and deeply love," is how Jade describes it. "If I'm in the car, that's what I put on."

There's also the spirit of Fleetwood Mac's pop epics. Stevie Nicks' Storms inspired Different Kinds of Light's title track, written last summer while Jade toured the US with Jason Isbell and Father John Misty. "It says so much: 'did not deal with the road,' 'I have always been a storm.' There's so much in that record that breaks my whole being," she says, melting. She had experienced her own hard times on tour. Anxiety would come and go: a side-effect of being hyper-productive, as she's observed in many young women. "The problem with me is that if you push me, I tend to do well," she says. "The line where I've had enough is hard to find. I think so many artists are crippled by guilt, 'cause you know that opportunities aren't handed out every day so you end up trying to do them all. It's toxic, but it comes with the nature of the industry."

Last summer, that blind work ethic resulted in Jade sometimes becoming physically unable to perform and having to cancel shows. It felt devastating at first. "After that tour, we went to Cornwall and I remember sitting on a rock and listening to Storms over and over and over again, crying and crying and crying, and it being really cathartic," she says. It wasn't that the skies cleared and suddenly everything was fine. "What frustrates me is that if you have a mental illness, it gets marketed like it's going to go away," says Jade. "I think it's counterproductive to a lot of families who are dealing with people with mental health illnesses, like depression -- you know you're going to love that person that way for life, you love them with it, and you'll never love them without it. That's who you are and that's why you love them."

In the US, Jade became part of a community of songwriters and career artists who showed her that a happier, more holistic and sustainable way of working was possible. The likes of Isbell, Sheryl Crow and Jade's friend and champion, Brandi Carlile, promote a nurturing environment, she says, and often tour with their families in tow. It was inspiring. "Especially for a young, female artist, knowing that you can be happy and do your job is really underrated," says Jade. (Also inspiring: for a truly life-affirming vision, look up footage on YouTube of Jade, Brandi and Sheryl performing 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton, Linda Perry, Maggie Rogers, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires and more at last year's Newport Folk Festival, a vision in jewel-coloured pant suits.) Jade resents the modern idea that musicians are also expected to be marketers and businesspeople; for her, musicians are meant to be artists. She admires Brandi's longevity: "It took her six albums before she hit By the Way, I Forgive You. The work ethic! The belief!"

Hence why Jade and her partner are moving to the US -- flying out on the date of the 2020 election, no less. Plus she's young and she's never lived away from home before, bar the many months spent on the tour bus: why not? They're starting in Austin, moving in with a photographer friend, but Jade calls it "the move before the move" -- next they might go to Nashville, or Portland. Jade isn't releasing Different Kinds of Light until autumn 2021, in the hope that touring is possible again by then. (You've never heard anyone sound as unconvinced as Jade talking about how it's been to perform virtually.) "I want the album to have a moment," she says.

In the meantime, maybe she'll work on the punk album she's been making with iconic songwriter Linda Perry, a concept record inspired by the B-52s, the Raincoats and riot grrrl, and based on feminist author Charlotte Perkins Gilman's utopian 1915 novel, Herland, about a society composed entirely of women who can reproduce asexually. "It's in my back pocket," says Jade, brimming with excitement. "Third album, fourth album." There's no rush. The trepidation she felt about her profession on her debut has dissipated. "I never felt like I could call myself an artist -- like, we'll see. Whereas I know that's my occupation now. That's who I am, and that's incredibly reassuring."

Alexander 23

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Chicago native Alexander Glantz is the sole creative force behind Alexander 23: he writes, records and produces all of his music in a self-built studio in Los Angeles. In March 2019, he made his debut with "Dirty AF1s," which climbed to #31 on Apple's Pop chart. Later in the fall, he shared his debut, critically-acclaimed EPI'm Sorry I Love You and spent the rest of 2019 on tour with Alec Benjamin, Omar Apollo, and mxmtoon while making his Lollapalooza debut. He kicked off 2020 by selling out two headline shows at The Moroccan Lounge, and joined Chelsea Cutler on her US tour. Additionally, Alexander continued to release new music, including teaming up with Selena Gomez to remix her hit song, "Rare," and sharing his latest hit track "IDK You Yet," which made its way to Spotify's Today's Top Hits and #14 on Apple Pop Chart. "IDK You Yet" has been streamed over 190 million times on Spotify alone. Alexander 23 continues to work on his debut album and plans to tour the world in 2021.

Queensrÿche

Performances

September 2 - 10:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Against the formidable obstacles of an ever-changing cultural landscape, the rise and fall of various musical trends, and the near-collapse of the record industry itself, QUEENSRŸCHE secured a triumphant legacy as one of hard rock's most respected and celebrated acts, selling 30 million albums around the world across a 30-plus-year career.

The band's name is uttered in the same breath as many of the groups they looked to as influences and others who arose as peers. Queensrÿche built a dedicated legion of fans traveling the globe on tour with fellow rock giants like Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard. In recent years, they've consistently delivered high-octane live shows combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. Even with eleven gold and platinum plaques and several Top 10 hard rock anthems woven into the very fiber of the genre, Queensrÿche won't relent. In fact, they're in the throes of a jaw-dropping creative resurgence.

Condition Hüman tracks like "Guardian," "Hellfire," and "Bulletproof" are destined to take their place among Queensrÿche's most beloved songs. Produced by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed, Sanctuary) in the band's native Washington, Condition Hüman is a new mountain towering over many of the peaks and valleys of the hard rock landscape.

Among the great strengths of Queensrÿche is the band's diversity, from the classic metal majesty of early demo banger "Queen of the Reich" to the soaring and orchestral-backed balladry of #1 smash "Silent Lucidity." Condition Hüman is the massive, densely layered, unflinchingly driving and consistently memorable Queensrÿche album the world demanded. Cofounders Michael Wilton (guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass), and Scott Rockenfield (drums) with Todd La Torre (vocals) and Parker Lundgren (guitar) draw power from stunning collective synergy, a renewed sense of urgency, and overall life-affirming optimism. Reverent to the band's iconic past while forging fearlessly into the future, Condition Hüman is a definitive statement of purpose from a hard rock institution.

The seminal bursts of the Queensrÿche EP, stone-cold classic debut full-length The Warning, and badass monster Rage for Order reignited the flames of heavy, progressive, melodic hard rock and metal. Operation: Mindcrime single-handedly redefined the concept album and charged into the Top 40 with timeless Queensrÿche anthems "I Don't Believe in Love" and "Eyes of a Stranger." A precision collection of near-perfect songs pushed landmark masterpiece Empire to triple platinum. "Silent Lucidity" earned the band their second and third Grammy nominations, plus five nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards, where Queensrÿche picked up the Viewer's Choice Award and cemented their status as a true band of the people. The signature sound defined in this era wove its way into the hearts and minds of millions.

Queensrÿche's dominance at rock radio continued into the '90s with a string of hits including "Jet City Woman," "Another Rainy Night (Without You)," "Real World," "I Am I," "Bridge," and "Sign of the Times." Promised Land entered the charts at #3 and became another platinum seller. Even with the advent of grunge, shrinking radio formats, MTV's new reliance on reality television, and the bankruptcy of their longtime major label, the band continued to craft impressive collections and remained a mainstay on the charts. The richly exploratory Hear in the Now Frontier, Q2K, and Tribe precipitated the release of Operation: Mindcrime II, which boasted guest vocals from the late Ronnie James Dio.

Unmistakably powerful, hypnotic, and melodic, the definitive sound established by the first five Queensrÿche releases found new life with La Torre, whose mastery of the classic material, inspired enthusiasm, and introduction of traditional metal grit invigorated hardcore fans around the world. Metalholic put the band's first record with La Torre and Lundgren at #5 (!) in an editorial ranking Queensrÿche's sizable collection of studio albums. Standout track "Don't Look Back" set the stage for the new era. Queensrÿcheestablished they would honor the band's legacy but never surrender to pure nostalgia.

True to the promise of the album prior, Condition Hüman injects the immediacy of right now into a potent distillation of what's come before. "Guardian" boasts perhaps the most anthemic chorus of the band's career. "Hellfire" is balls-to-the-wall and in the pocket, a la "The Mission," with a dirty groove. "Bulletproof" is a power ballad bigger than anything of the contemporary era while "Just Us" has an almost '70s era singer/songwriter vibe. At over seven minutes, the epic title track that closes the album is both a visceral gut punch and passionate journey, like "Roads to Madness" meets "Suite Sister Mary."

Dark, melodic, dynamic, diverse, instantly memorable, with an intellectual slant to the songwriting and lyrics that are always inviting on the surface while rewarding deeper listening, Queensrÿche continuously replenishes themselves, more than three decades into their body of work. Brave, adventurous, never less than authentic, Queensrÿche captured the rare lightning-in-a-bottle status of being both legendary and contemporary.

Night Ranger

Performances

September 3 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

With more than 17 Million albums sold worldwide, over 3500 live performances, and a radio audience that exceeds 1 Billion. Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. With multiple songs that have significantly impacted popular culture, Night Ranger continue to expand their ever-growing fan-base. The band is proof that powerful songs, plus accomplished musicians is the perfect formula for continued success.

Night Ranger have earned widespread acclaim, that includes multi-platinum and gold album status while leaving their indelible mark on the music charts with a string of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as "Sister Christian", "Don't Tell Me You Love Me", "When You Close Your Eyes", the anthemic "(You Can Still) Rock In America", along with "Sentimental Street", "Goodbye", "Sing Me Away", and "Four in the Morning".

Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. The band was one of the first big "video" bands on MTV, with over ten number one hit videos. Night Ranger songs can be heard in TV Shows like, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey's Anatomy , Parks & Recreation . The band have also had music featured in video games such as, Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto , plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages , the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights , and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers , Sixteen Candles , and The Secret of My Success . Night Ranger can also be heard throughout JBL's "Hear The Truth" brand campaign.

Buckcherry

Performances

September 11 - 9:45 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Buckcherry is unique, complex, simple, passionate, explosive, original, and always a good time. BC has been my love, my pain, my passion and I'm so proud of what we have accomplished. I never knew when I started this that dedicating myself to music would be taking on so much responsibility. For a guy who never thought he was going to live past 30 this has been an incredible journey. Our ninth record HELLBOUND marks 22 years since our debut self-titled release and what an amazing roller coaster we have been on. From hit songs to platinum and gold records and millions of fans worldwide - all during a time period when traditional sounding hard rock bands didn't exist - except for Buckcherry. We beat the odds and built our reputation on the live shows, and our "one of a kind" approach to every opportunity.

When the pandemic hit, we had to shift gears like everyone else and it was anything but comfortable. The good news is when this band is backed up against the wall, we produce our best music. HELLBOUND reflects just that. Teaming up with Marti Fredrickson again was so inspiring. He really brings out the best of us and becomes the sixth band member when we are together. There is this mutual respect and passion going on that makes it effortless and fun.

There was so much going on in the world that it was easy to find subject matter for song writing. Songs like BARRICADE and JUNK reflect that, but I also was reminiscing about the moment when I "sold my soul to rock n' roll". I will never forget it. It was the very first performance at a house party in Orange County, CA. I knew in that moment that there was no looking back, and no "plan B". It was only victory or death. The title track HELLBOUND reflects that very moment and is one of my favorite tracks. Part of what I loved about rock records growing up was the dynamics from song to song, you had mid-tempo songs, ballads, and rockers and HELLBOUND is a great reflection of that. Songs like NO MORE LIES, AIN'T WASTING NO MORE TIME, and THE WAY really capture the depth and emotion of not only the world situation but also the personal struggle. Then you must have those quintessential Buckcherry tracks like SO HOT, 5-4-3-2-1, HERE I COME and GUN that I can see our long time fans really appreciating.

Through adversity Buckcherry has had its greatest moments and we are having one right now with HELLBOUND I hope u enjoy it, and we will see you at the rock show!!

Ani DiFranco

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

The transcendent new album from Ani Di Franco,Revolutionary Love(out January 29, 2021), marks the latest proof of one of her most powerful gifts as an artist: a rare ability to give voice to our deepest frustrations and tensions, on both a personal and political level. "My songs have always reflected an acute connection between my personal life and the life of my society," says the trailblazing musician and activist. "As I started to come out of years of dealing with marriage problems, I saw my entire country in the same situation; the complete breakdown of communication and loss of empathy and connection. But after what seems like unforgivable damage, then where do you go? You can't kick each other off the planet, you can't change the past, so what then?"

As the 22nd studio album in an iconic career— a musical career which forged one degree of separation between Pete Seeger and Prince and the accompanying career of founding her own precedent-setting label, Righteous Babe Records—Revolutionary Love began taking shape in the final weeks before the Covid 19 pandemic came to change the plans of everyone everywhere. Returning home to New Orleans from a West Coast tour in February of 2020, with a new batch of songs written on the road, Di Franco found herself without a path to recording those songs and lost in the creative abyss of the collective need for social isolation."And then I decided I wanted to start pushing this new music out by fall… before the election," she recalls. "I felt very strongly that I needed a horse to ride to try to help get out the vote—to get people inspired and get them believing in democracy, believing in each other and in themselves."

Di Franco began to explore using live recordings from the tour as the basis for the new album but then she reached out to her friend Brad Cook, a Durham, North Carolina-based producer/multi-instrumentalist known for his work with artists like Bon Iver and Waxahatchee. The two had kept in touch after crossing paths at the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival (an event co-founded by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, who appeared on Di Franco's acclaimed 2017 albumBinary), where she became enamored with one of Cook's guitars. "Brad let me borrow the guitar and I ended up writing half this record on it," says Di Franco. "I called him up and told him about the new pile of songs I'd pulled out of his guitar and about my recording predicament and he said to me, 'Give me a week. If you can get yourself to Durham, I'll take care of the rest.'"

Produced by Di Franco and recorded mainly in two whirlwind days at Overdub Lane in Durham,Revolutionary Love more than justifies the mad dash behind its making. As her first studio effort since the release ofNo Walls and the Recurring Dream (Di Franco's widely praised 2019 memoir),Revolutionary Lovearrives as an instantly transportive selection of songs. Rooted in her poetic lyricism and ever-commanding vocal work, the album unfolds in an understated yet captivating alchemy of folk and soul and lushly textured jazz-pop. In sculpting that sound, Di Franco and Cook assembled an eclectic lineup of musicians, including percussionist Brevan Hampden (Hiss Golden Messenger, Milton Suggs), horn/flute player Matt Douglas (The Mountain Goats, Josh Ritter), keyboardist Phil Cook (Megafaun, Shouting Matches), drummer Yan Westerlund (Quetico, Mipso) and Di Franco's longtime touring band Terence Higgins on percussion and Todd Sickafoose on bass.

The finishing touches were added in Eugene, Oregon with the inclusion of the Delgani String Quartet, arranged by Todd Sickafoose, and in Pensacola, Florida with the soulful pedal steel playing of Sacred Steel aficionado Roosevelt Collier. The instrumentation is rich but with many of the performances captured in one or two takes,Revolutionary Love reveals Di Franco's tremendous gift for seizing the moment of performance and transforming confusion into clarity, pain into perseverance.

Revolutionary Love opens on its luminous title track, a profoundly resolute piece inspired by Sikh-American activist/filmmaker/lawyer/author Valarie Kaur. "A lot of the language in that song comes from Valarie's bookSee No Stranger," says Di Franco, who connected with Kaur after watching a talk she'd given in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. "It's about carrying the energy of love and compassion into the center of our social movements and making it the driving force. It's about finding it within ourselves to stay curious about our opponents instead of shutting down."

One of several songs Di Franco composed at Kaur's request ("She approached me and asked, 'Can you write some songs for me?'" says Di Franco), "Revolutionary Love" wholly embodies the album's defiant spirit of irrepressible hope. On lead single "Do or Die," Di Franco channels that spirit into a slow-burning but anthemic call-to-arms, gracefully laced with falsetto vocals and finger-snapped beats. Centered on her incisive lyrics ("Cuz there's foxes in the hen house/And bad news every day/And right there on Pennsylvania Avenue/The sheetless KKK"), "Do or Die" began as a poem Di Franco set to music on that early-2020 tour, then underwent a major shift during her sessions with Cook and drummer Yan Westerlund. "Brad suggested I slow it way down, to the point where it was almost at half-speed," says Di Franco. "At first I thought, 'This is the rallying cry of the record, and now all the energy's gone. I fucked it up.' But what I discovered was that the very deliberate, simple, open approach to the drums left me with all the room in the world to dance around the pocket with my words and guitar. It was incredibly liberating."

ThroughoutRevolutionary Love, Di Franco hits a potent balance of determination and dreamy reflection, a dynamic that echoes one of the central lessons of Kaur's maternal teachings: "If we don't push, we will die. If we don't breathe, we will die." "I wanted to have these moments where, after we engage with all the insanity and strife, we step back and shake off the anxiety and the fear," Di Franco says. "We all need that quiet space to reconnect with ourselves and our hope." On "Simultaneously," a softly spellbinding track lit up in lilting flute melodies, Di Franco speaks directly to the challenge in navigating the disconnect between a visionary inner life and a chaotic outside world ("I live in two different worlds simultaneously/The one where we are fractured/And the one where we are free"). "I look around and everything's crashing and burning all around me," says Di Franco, "but in my mind I can see this alternate reality playing out—one where we are all fulfilling our potential."

Elsewhere onRevolutionary Love, Di Franco brings her nuanced storytelling to far more intimate narratives, the impact of her personal revelation intensely magnified by the rawness of the recording process. "It'd been a long time since I sat in front of a microphone and recorded a whole record in a number of hours I could count on my hands," she says. "For years I'd been trying to piece records together by hook or by crook, overdubbing different elements at different times, lingering over all the details. But this thing was made more like it was 1968, with people performing on instruments made of wood and metal, laying down a few takes and moving on. It really brought out the prowess of the musicians involved and the immediacy of offering up a song to another human."

The last word came from legendary producer, mixer Tchad Blake (Black Keys, Los Lobos, Tom Waits) who mixed the album, bringing both an old-school hard-pan aesthetic and a modern expressiveness to bare. Blake's mixes are not retro 1968 but somewhere in the sonic landscape and in the songs we can hear the echoes of an era filled with the pain and possibility of change. We can hear the cyclical process of the labor of revolutionary love; the breathing and the pushing.

In looking back on the making of the album, Di Franco recalls the daily texts she received from her friend and former tour manager Susan Alzner, who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. "She's an activist who really feels the weight of the world on her chest. She goes for walks every evening to decompress," says Di Franco. "The whole time I was making this record, she'd send me pictures of the sky from when she was out walking, and it always made me inhale more deeply." So when it came time to choose artwork forRevolutionary Love, Di Franco landed on a series of photos from her friend's nightly texts. "When people hear this record, I want them to get the same feeling I got from Susan's sky pictures—that feeling of taking a minute to realize that the light is shining around us and through us," she says. "Like, we can do this, we just have to stay open. We have to look up."

Tower of Power

Performances

September 16 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Over the course of two memorable evenings in June 2018, legendary soul-funk-R&B outfit Tower of Power returned to Oakland, the city that started it all, to celebrate its landmark 50^th anniversary with a few thousand friends, family and fans. The window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit of ToP has been a balm for the soul throughout the band's half-century existence, but the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – June 2018 couldn't have come at a better time.

Due out March 26, 2021 from Artistry Music/ Mack Avenue Music Group, the high-spirited live album and video offers a reminder of the communal joys of the live music experience, something that's been sorely missed over this staggering pandemic year. Released as a 3-LP set, a 2-CD/DVD combo, a standalone DVD, as well as digitally, 50 Years of Funk & Soul is the next best thing to hearing these brilliant musicians in person. Fittingly for such a special occasion, Tower of Power went all out for these hometown shows, supplementing the core 10-piece band and its iconic horn section with additional horns and a string section.

Bandleader and saxophonist Emilio Castillo also invited back a few elite ToP alumni, including saxophonist Lenny Pickett (musical director of the Saturday Night Live band); keyboardist Chester Thompson (Santana); guitarist Bruce Conte and former vocalist Ray Greene, who shows off his trombone prowess. They join the renowned modern line-up of the band, featuring co-founder Stephen "Doc" Kupka on baritone sax, longtime drummer David Garibaldi, and lead vocalist Marcus Scott. Adding a bittersweet tinge is the presence of founding bassist Francis "Rocco" Prestia, who passed away in September 2020.

"People come up to me all the time and say, 'Wow man, 50 years! We can't believe it,'" laughs Castillo. "You can't believe it? I'm the one that can't believe it. We've been through a lot of ups and downs and learned a lot along the way. We've affected a lot of people's lives and done a lot of work that we're very proud of. The band has a real family atmosphere. It's been very rewarding."

Castillo was only 17 years old when he met Kupka and started to assemble the band that would become Tower of Power. "I had no vision at all," he recalls now. "I just loved playing soul music. My idols were a local band called The Spyders and they had gigged in Sacramento. I thought, 'Man, if I could just get to Sacramento that would be it.' That's literally how small my vision was."

The band has long since surpassed Castillo's admittedly modest aspirations, traveling the world, enjoying hit singles on their own and backing some of the most legendary artists of the last 50 years – a list that includes Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. In the process they've defined an "Oakland soul" sound as instantly recognizable as those from Castillo's hometown, Detroit, as well as inspirations like Memphis and Philadelphia.

"Oakland is a very special city," Castillo says. "It has a really unique type of soul to it. I loved Memphis soul music, yet because of my upbringing I always wanted to make it slicker. I think that defined my approach to music."

The Fox Theater, where 50 Years of Funk & Soul was recorded, is just a stone's throw from Jack London Square, where ToP got its start at the now-defunct club On Broadway. While the Bay Area music scene had become famous because of the Fillmore, across the Bay in San Francisco, ToP launched a whole new sound and wore its less glamorous origins proudly.

"You can take the boy out of Oakland, but you can't take the Oakland out of the boy," insists Castillo. "We always called the East Bay, where we were from, the dark side of the Bay. It was more ethnic, with a lot of blacks, Hispanics and Asians, and soul was the thing there. So, we called our first album East Bay Grease and put a map of Oakland on the cover, which proved to be a really smart move. People all over the world started saying that we represent the Oakland soul sound."

That sound is vividly represented throughout the nearly two hours of pulse-quickening funk that makes up 50 Years of Funk & Soul . The setlist spans the band's history, from classic hits "You're Still a Young Man," "So Very Hard to Go," "What is Hip?" and "Don't Change Horses" to newly-minted favorites like "Stop" and "Do You Like That?" from recent albums on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, Soul Side of Town (2018) and Step Up (2020). The band shows off its taut precision on the intricately syncopated "On the Serious Side" and proves eerily prophetic by including "Soul Vaccination."

This vigorous and dynamic live set should prove to be just that for fans around the world starved for the ToP groove over this past year. Count Castillo himself among their ranks – used to fronting the band for 200 dates a year, he's only played a single gig since last March, joining Los Lobos for a drive-in concert at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. "It's really been a challenge," Castillo says of living in lockdown. He's looking forward to resuming that tireless schedule once the coronavirus is under control. Despite the band's long and storied history, he has no plans for retirement.

"B.B. King is my role model," he says. "He just kept on playing to the bitter end. No matter how B.B. was feeling on the bus, he'd step on stage, the lights would go on and he'd come to life. I've always said that's who I want to be. My plan is to continue working and spreading the good news of Tower of Power."

Sheila E.

Performances

September 18 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Sheila Escovedo picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three. Sheila delivered her first solo performance to a live audience two years later and has since established herself as one of the most talented percussionist/drummers and performers in the world. Best known to music fans as Sheila E., she became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun, Marvin Gaye (on his final world tour), Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Nicks among others.

Sheila E.'s producing, arranging, and performance talents have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances on, The Academy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The American Music Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA's, and The Image Awards just to name a few. In 2014, Sheila released her literary biography Titled The Beat of My Own Drum, and her solo album, ICON. Following Prince's death she released the single Girl Meets Boy in memory of the late, great, Prince. In 2018, Sheila E. released, ICONIC: Message for America, an album that displays her efforts in awareness to social issues and humanitarianism.

Sheila E. continues to produce and perform music throughout the world. Her current single, No Line with the legendary Snoop Dogg, is Sheila's continued contribution to the music industry. The Queen of Percussion plans to release new music in 2020 Sheila E. is CEO of the entertainment company StilettoFlats Inc. located in Los Angeles California.

Tyler Farr

Performances

September 10 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Authentic and unapologetic, Tyler Farr records songs he would listen to in his truck – windows down, sound up. It just so happens country music fans want to hear the same songs.

Without pandering or compromise, Farr's powerhouse vocals, real-guy relatability, and willingness to mine emotional themes and personal imperfection resonates with people searching to find themselves in the music that underscores their daily routines and future dreams.

With three No. 1 songs ("Redneck Crazy," "Whiskey in My Water," and "A Guy Walks Into a Bar") and a growing string of hits, they found it in Farr. And like a weathered truck with rusty tail pipes, it can get a little loud and gritty.

For his latest project, the Missouri native turned to likeminded mentor Jason Aldean, who signed Farr to his label Night Train Records in partnership with BBR Music Group. As an energetic performer who achieved superstar success cultivating fans from the barstool up, Aldean brings a unique point of view as Farr's producer along with Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy (Aldean's guitarist and bassist, respectively). And Farr clearly breathes easier with his friend and former wedding groomsman in the studio. It's a creative partnership road tested and forged by truly knowing someone at their core.

Steadfast in his vocal talent and song choices, Farr is unrestrained and fearless as he embraces a rougher, guitar-fueled edge on his four-song 2020 EP, Only Truck In Town. The result feels part barn party, part stadium roller.

"Only Truck In Town" – dubbed a "country boy's love song" by Taste of Country – taps familiar topics without feeling tired or contrived. Online media outlet Sounds Like Nashville reports "Hitmaker Tyler Farr returns to country radio with a truck song of a different stripe…dropping into low gear with the slow-and-steady romance of 'Only Truck In Town.'" Taste of Country put it, "The joy of the song is that it borrows a few bro-ish themes, but bends them enough to create something quite sincere and generous. When you listen you get the sense that that's where the new Tyler Farr is in life."

Other cuts in the collection include the glory of a backroad on "Heaven on Dirt," the wistful "Soundtrack to a Small Town Sundown," and the heart-wrenching "Wish Dogs Could Live Forever," which hit home after the death of Farr's beloved bloodhound Cooter.

The music is honest because Farr only sings about what he has lived or relates to himself – hunting, fishing, getting dirty, loving his dog. Working-class proud, Farr elevates the commonplace when he turns his focus to the people and relationships that give those moments a deeper meaning. And four years into his marriage to critical care nurse Hannah, with daughter, Hollis born in January 2021, Farr proves love is no fools' game.

That faithfulness comes naturally. Farr grew up in Garden City, MO, a farming town an hour southeast of Kansas City, MO with no traffic lights, a U.S. Post Office that has been in continuous operation since 1875, and a population that was less than 2,000 when Farr left for Nashville in 2010.

A natural singer, Farr took voice lessons as a teenager and sang tenor in Missouri's All-State Choir. A trained opera singer, he studied voice at Missouri State University, which is evident in his vocal control and timing. His interest switched from classical to classic country when his mother fell in love and married DeWayne Phillips, who was the lead guitarist in George Jones' touring band.

Phillips encouraged the aspiring singer/songwriter and after college, Farr packed his car and moved to Nashville. But industry success was far from immediate. There was no mold for the unabashedly rock-leaning, hillbilly singer.

He found work as a bouncer at famed Tootsie's Orchid Lounge – home of his musical heroes – before working his way up to a place on the stage, leaving his days free to write songs. By early 2011, he was opening for Colt Ford, Jerrod Niemann, and Lee Brice.

Farr was one day away from returning to college when he found a friend in award-winning songwriter and fellow outdoorsman, Rhett Akins. Akins had heard a song Farr wrote for an outdoor show on cable network GAC (Great American Country). Akins took an interest and introduced Farr to some of the best songwriters in Nashville landing Farr a publishing deal with Sony ATV/Monument Publishing.

Nashville caught on. Farr co-wrote "She's Just Like That" for Joe Nichols before releasing "Hot Mess," a song he co-wrote with Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip that was Farr's debut single in early 2012.

Farr signed a recording contract with Sony Music Nashville (BNA Records and then Columbia Nashville) and released his debut album, Redneck Crazy in 2013. The record landed at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200. Farr's Platinum-selling title-track "Redneck Crazy" launched back-to-back No. 1 singles, including his first No. 1 as a songwriter, with his Platinum-certified hit "Whiskey in my Water." His sophomore album, Suffer In Peace released in 2015, followed suit, also making its debut in the Top 5 on both the Billboard Top 200 Albums and Billboard Country Albums charts, which made Farr the only solo male Country artist in a decade to have his first two studio albums debut in the Top 5 on theBillboard 200 chart.

Accolades followed including CRS New Faces of Country Radio and a nomination for Music Row "Breakthrough Artist of the Year." He earned coveted slots touring with Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, and Luke Combs. Media outlets paid attention with Rolling Stone calling Farr a "no-frills musician who pours his drinks as hard as he pours his heart into his songs" and he was offered his own reality series "A Little Too Farr." He is a Duck Commander partner and is a sought-after guest on several outdoor programs.

Farr parted ways with Sony in September 2018 and in March 2019, he was the first artist signed to Aldean's Night Train Records/BBR Music Group where he is solidly in the driver seat with his favorite songs on the radio. Aldean and Tyler are currently in the studio finalizing music for a full album.

For more information on Tyler Farr and touring, please visit: https://www.tylerfarr.com/

Authentic and unapologetic, Tyler Farr records songs he would listen to in his truck – windows down, sound up. It just so happens country music fans want to hear the same songs.

KennyHoopla

Performances

September 2 - 4:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

September 1 - 5:30 PM @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater

November 25, 2020 -- NEW YORK, NY -- Today, pathbreaking alternative artist KennyHoopla and legendary musician/songwriter/producer, Travis Barker of Blink-182 star together in the official music video for their pop-punk throwback track, "ESTELLA//." A genuine fan of Kenny's, Travis reached out over Instagram to write together, and soon after, they wrote "ESTELLA//" in Los Angeles, CA. The explosive new video features Travis on the drums and Kenny giving an electrifying performance while showcasing his signature backflip.

Travis Barker stated, ""I loved Kenny's music from the moment I heard it and showed everyone it. We connected and kept talking about working together. 'Bout a month ago we got in the studio for a few hours and it was magic. That's when we wrote "ESTELLA//," rest is history."

KennyHoopla stated, ""it feels like there is always a place and time for everything except there really being a place for time -- honing in on pictures never doing justice and the funny irony of the public's emotion towards my seat in the industry right now."

"ESTELLA//" featuring Travis Barker follows a new version of Kenny's single "lost cause//" featuring Jesse Rutherford of The Neighbourhood, as well as an alternate version with Canadian-American alternative artist, Grandson. Over the summer, Kenny shared live performance videos from his debut EP, how will i rest in peace if I'm buried by a highway?//, including videos for "dust//", and "thinkingoutloud//." He also participated in the Fader's Digital Fort, and the performance for his EP title track has crossed over one million views on YouTube.

Born in Cleveland and currently based in Wisconsin, KennyHoopla is one of the most exciting rising artists in the alternative space today. HYPEBEAST proclaimed that he is "undoubtedly one of the most important indie up-and-comers in the United States right now." His how will i rest in peace if I'm buried by a highway?// EP title track landed at #8 at Alternative Radio with adds across major markets and SiriusXM's Alt Nation, and was added to the BBC 6 Music playlist in the U.K. The track was featured on the Fader, and was BBC Radio 1's Tune of the Week. To date, KennyHoopla has been critically praised by tastemakers such as Fader, Complex, Pigeons & Planes, Consequence of Sound, NME and more.

KennyHoopla is set to support Yungblud on select UK dates next spring. He will join You Me At Six on tour next year as well, and is a confirmed performer for the 2021 Riot Fest in Chicago.

Galactic ft. Anjelika Jelly Joseph

Performances

September 18 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Galactic's first new studio album in more than three years, ALREADY READY ALREADY – released on their own Tchuop-Zilla Records – sees the renowned New Orleans based instrumental outfit taking a distinctly contemporary approach towards their own progressive sound, interpolating modern rhythms and electronic instrumentation within the house-shaking framework of the Crescent City's funk pop 'n' roll. Produced by ?the band's Robert Mercurio and Ben Ellman, the new LP finds Galactic once again enlisting a diverse array of vocal collaborators to assist in their musical exploration, each of whom lend lyrical flavor and individualistic personality to the band's multi-faceted sonic grooves. Bookended by a high powered pair of trademark Galactic instrumentals that give the album its title, ALREADY READY ALREADY. The album is a short, sharp blast of undeniable creative muscle, from the stripped down kick/snap verses of "Going Straight Crazy," featuring New Orleans singer (and YouTube sensation) Princess Shaw, to punk cabaret artist Boyfriend's quirky speed-rap on the breakneck "Dance At My Funeral." As ever, Galactic's omnivorous musical interests make easy classification utterly impossible – ALREADY READY ALREADY is as all encompassing and universal as the band's moniker established long ago.

"I've never been able to put a label on what we do," Ellman says. "I could say it's funk or I could say it's R&B or jazz or whatever else, but really, it's all of that."

"It's not that we're always trying to push boundaries," says Mercurio, "but we definitely take influence from our hometown and try to do something new with it. We tour all around the world and we're exposed to tons of elements that filter their way into our consciousness and come out through our music."

Though their hearts are always in New Orleans, Galactic spends virtually all its life on the road, leaving limited timeframes in which to record. Whenever time allowed, the group holed up at their studio headquarters, Number C, where they were free to experiment and develop new ideas.

"Having our own studio allows to not be on some schedule," Ellman says, "where we have to have material, save up some money, book the studio, and that's the time we have to make a record. It's a completely different process, where we can always be working on music."

Over time, the tracks revealed themselves as either instrumentals (like the slippery, dub-inflected "Goose Grease") or vocal songs. The band, so well woven into their city's ever-changing music scene, began to thumb through their little black book in search of collaborators.

"Our community is so rich with talent," Ellman says. "We're just lucky to be in a situation where we can make phone calls, then someone comes to the studio, we kick it, start working on things. It's all really organic."

Galactic brought in a diverse array of predominantly young female singers, each of whom brings their own disparate musical tastes and cultural flavor. Working with artists lesser known on the national stage but beloved in their own community enables Galactic to evince a kind of sonic truth about their hometown, putting its multi-faceted underground to the fore.

"Trust me, I loved having Macy Gray and Mavis Staples on our last record," Mercurio says. "It was an honor to work with them. But there's something fun about making music with someone not everybody has heard of and end up getting a great reaction to it. There are no preconceived thoughts as to what the song should be like because the listener doesn't know the artist as well."

That being said, a number of the voices heard on ALREADY READY ALREADY are Galactic veterans: "Touch Get Cut" features the band's touring vocalist, Erica Falls, while "Clap Your Hands" is sung by Ms. Charm Taylor, previously featured on 2015's acclaimed INTO THE DEEP. The lilting "Everlasting Light" teams Galactic with frequent collaborator, The Revivalists' David Shaw, alongside Nahko of Nahko & Medicine For The People – the only non-New Orleans resident among the features.

As for working with Nahko, Ellman says, "We just liked his vocal." "Being from New Orleans isn't a prerequisite for working with us. You never want to be restricted, it's whatever serves the song best."

Galactic is, likely even at this very moment, on the road as usual, with Erica Falls putting her own stamp on ALREADY READY ALREADY's songs as they manifest new shapes through live performance. As if their perpetual tour schedule weren't enough, Galactic announce the band's purchase and future stewardship of New Orleans' legendary Tipitina's nightclub.

"We're so incredibly honored to be tasked as the current caretakers of such a historic venue," says Ellman. "My connection with the club started way before I was lucky enough to take the stage. My first job in New Orleans was at Tipitina's as a cook in the (now defunct) kitchen. The importance of respecting what Tip's means for musicians and the city of New Orleans is not lost on us. We're excited for the future of the club and look forward to all the amazing music and good times ahead."

With that in mind, it turns out that, despite the lack of released work, the past three years have in fact been remarkably prolific for Galactic. The sessions that yielded ALREADY READY ALREADY will generate still another LP due later in 2019, one which Ellman describes as "possibly more of a throwback thing" but will almost certainly morph into something altogether new and wonderful via Galactic's evolutionary musical vision.

"There's no telling what those songs will sound like when we're through," Mercurio says. "Once we get in there and start twisting them, see what perks up our ears, stuff can definitely take a left turn. That's kind of the story of Galactic right there – we're constantly taking left turns. I wonder what it would be like if we took a right…?"

"I've never been able to put a label on what we do," Ellman says. "I could say it's funk or I could say it's R&B or jazz or whatever else, but really, it's all of that."

Though their hearts are always in New Orleans, Galactic spends virtually all its life on the road, leaving limited timeframes in which to record. Whenever time allowed,…

Hinder

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Multi-platinum American rockers, HINDER, continue to drive a career of longevity that few bands achieve. Their stats resonate just that, selling over 4 million albums and 10 million singles, garnering north of 150 million video views, and passing the 100 million streams mark. Throw on top the endless energy HINDER has brought to over 15 headlining tours and you can see why they are still rocking long since their formation in 2001.

August 11th of 2017 brought another career highlight. The release of their 6th Studio album, coincidently titled THE REIGN, on The End Records/BMG. This would be their 3rd release with the New York based record label, preceded by HINDER's first ever acoustic EP STRIPPED on May 13, 2016. Their 5th full-length studio album When The Smoke Clears entered the Billboard 200 while also claiming four other Top 10 chart positions upon its on May 12, 2015.

As one of the few rock bands to grab massive cross-over success, HINDER's 2005 debut album, Extreme Behavior, climbed to #6 on the Billboard 200 chart and was the 2nd Top Rock Album. Get Stoned would be the album's first radio single, climbing to a #4 mainstream rock spot. What followed would end up being one of the biggest songs of the year, Lips of an Angel, which peaked within the top 10 across several Billboard singles charts, including #1 at Top 40 and Pop 100. Extreme Behavior has since been certified 3x Platinum. Their hometown inducted them into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2008 their sophomore effort, Take It To The Limit, surpassed their debut by peaking at #4 on the Billboard 200 and hitting the Mainstream Rock chart at #3 with single Use Me. This solidified HINDER as the biggest new breakout rock act and catapulting them into packed arenas worldwide with the likes of Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Papa Roach, and many others. HINDER proved consistent record hit making by following up with a #1 Top Modern Rock/Alternative Album, All American Nightmare (LP 3), and a #3 Top Hard Rock Album, Welcome To The Freakshow (LP 5).

Dillon Carmichael

Performances

September 18 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Critics and fans from across the musical spectrum found much to fall in love with this past fall when Dillon Carmichael unleashed his brilliant debut, 'Hell On An Angel.' Produced by Dave Cobb—the studio guru behind country radio powerhouses like Chris Stapleton and Zac Brown Band—the album merged a sonically progressive palette with a tasteful reverence for the past and wrapped it all up with a director's eye for detail, creating a stunning collection that was at once old-school and modern, traditional and contemporary, timeless and timely. The New York Times compared Carmichael to Randy Travis and said his rich baritone voice "moves with the heft and certainty of a tractor-trailer," while NPR praised his "deep holler," and Parade raved that "Carmichael defines pure country." He landed on Artist To Watch lists from Billboard, Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, Pandora, and more, reached #2 at Country radio's Most Added chart with his debut radio single, "Dancing Away With My Heart," electrified festival crowds from CMA Fest to Dierks Bentley's Seven Peaks, and earned tour dates with Aaron Lewis, Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, The Cadillac Three, and A Thousand Horses among others.

Dead Sara

Performances

September 17 - 8:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

The songs we can't stop singing last forever. They soundtrack life's most important moments and stay with us through good times and bad.

Los Angeles alternative rock band Dead Sara set out to write those kinds of songs on their 2018 EP and first release for Atlantic Records,Temporary Things Taking Up Space. The trio —Emily Armstrong [vocals and guitar], Siouxsie Medley [lead guitar] and Sean Friday [drums]— doubled down on the brash and bluesy bravado that made them a fan favorite, while sharpening the songcraft to knifepoint precision and simultaneously widening the sound's scope.

"You listen to some songs and think,'Oh my God, I want to hear that again'," says Armstrong. "After ten years of doing everything on our own, we've learned so much. However, we were stuck in our ways- the way we'd always done things. Why should anything be off limits? I realized we'd been too afraid, and I was hiding in my own world. I'm ready to open that world up. When we started scaring ourselves, it was the best thing possible. For the first time, I was exposing myself lyrically in a way that I'd never done before. We got more vulnerable overall. Then again, isn't that what songwriting is all about?"

"We took the time to figure out what we wanted and how to grow as individuals," elaborates Medley. "Then, we did that."

Most importantly,Temporary Things Taking Up Space marks a natural step. Since the release of their 2012 self-titled debut, Dead Sara have quietly carved a foothold at the forefront of the 21^st century rock vanguard through a one-two punch of raucous riffing and sky-high vocals. Along the way, the musicians earned high-profile fans such as Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick who namechecked them inThe Wall Street Journal, Muse's Matt Bellamy who invited them on tour, and Dave Grohl who proclaimed,"Dead Sara should be the next biggest rock band in the world." Between releasing their acclaimed 2015 sophomore offeringPleasure to Meet You and endless touring, they repeatedly lit up the small screen, performing onJimmy Kimmel LIVE!,Late Night with Seth Meyers, and during an episode ofThe Vampire Diaries.

In hindsight, it feels as if everything was building towardsTemporary Things Taking Up Space.

"We started to open up a new chapter," comments Friday. "We were bringing in so many different sounds."

"Oh boy, I believe this has been a long time coming," exclaims the frontwoman. "We had the energy, we had the passion, and we had the love for music. We were missing that one thing. We had to change in order to find it."

Embracing an adventurous spirit, the group's process started morphing in 2016. Rather than hit the studio with loose ideas to quickly cobble together an album, they dedicated nearly a year to writing and perfecting the new music. Another first, they welcomed collaborations with writers such as Simon Katz, and Tommy English, while enlisting Tony Hoffer [Beck, M83, Air] as producer. Musically, they further incorporated synthesizers and electronic percussive elements, confidently expanding the sonic palette.

"We went outside of the box in the approach to this EP," Medley remarks. "The creative process was definitely different from what we've done in the past. We tried every avenue and didn't limit ourselves in any way. We tried more synths and programming—which Sean really drove."

"We've never spent this much time writing," Armstrong continues. "I stopped taking work. I stopped everything. I decided the only way this was going to happen was if I dedicated my all to it. I was obsessed. I just wanted to get better. It opened the floodgates. It's a bridge to what's next for Dead Sara."

"We devoted a month to hashing out the songs and making them the best they could be," adds Friday. "In addition to the synths, we tried a lot of direct-input guitars to make it sound really gritty. It's tighter. With all of that experimentation, we went into the studio."

The trio ignites this next chapter with the 2018 single "Anybody." Propulsive guitars curl around an arena-ready beat punctuated by heavenly synths programmed by Friday before the seismic refrain,"Come on and touch me. Do I belong to anybody?"

"I was going through a breakup," recalls Armstrong. "The world seemed like it was imploding. Donald Trump had just gotten in. It was as if everything shifted. I felt like I didn't belong. There was nothing I could hold onto, grab, or be a part of. Life went dark. We captured something really raw in the moment."

"Siouxsie added these really cool guitar parts to it," recalls Friday. "We built it organically like most of this material."

Elsewhere on the EP, an arsenal of Medley's vintage guitars wail wildly on the stomping shuffle of "Heaven's Got A Back Door" before spiraling into a cathedral-size chant.

Thinking"What would Keith Richards do?"(after a few tequila shots), "UnAmerican" sarcastically skewers stereotypes with lyrical barbs, a lively scream, and a clever and catchy chorus explosion,"I guess I'm UnAmerican."

The spacey six-string echo of "What It Takes" resounds as Armstrong delivers one of her most personal performances to date.

"'What It Takes'is essentially about coming out," she states. "That's something I was never able to speak on. I was living this life where I felt like if I said something I was going to die, but by not saying anything, I was already dying. Again, I was scaring myself with this song. It's about realizing that it's ok to just be yourself, because honestly, nobody really cares but you."

In the end, Dead Sara unleash a body of work befitting their ambition, drive, and decade-plus grind.

"We finally have the music we've been looking for," Armstrong leaves off. "We rebuilt everything to get here. There's a lot of growth. Now, it's so exciting to see how this unfolds. I think we can reach a whole new level with these songs."

The songs we can't stop singing last forever. They soundtrack life's most important moments and stay with us through good times and bad.

"We took the time to figure out what we wanted and how to grow as individuals," elaborates Medley. "Then, we did that."

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Performances

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

The tale behind Toad the Wet Sprocket's sparkling New Constellation album, its first set of new material in 16 years, has the elements that have made so many of the band's songs cherished by fans: It's a story of embracing the power of love, finding the strength to overcome struggles, renewing the unbreakable bonds of friends and family, striking a balance of romantic ideals and sharp realities, reaching beyond oneself and learning to live in the utter glory of the moment.

"The Moment" is, in fact, the title of the song that all four members of the group — the same quartet that came together as teens at Santa Barbara, California's San Marcos High School nearly 25 years ago — cite as New Constellation's keystone.

"It's about being present," says singer-songwriter Glen Phillips of the song, a showcase for the thoughtful, aspirational lyrics, vibrant spectrums of guitar-based rock and evanescent three-part harmonies that remain the Toad hallmarks.

Present applies to this album and its evolution in every sense of the word — from the band coalescing with a new sense of purpose to the fans who've stuck with them through the off years and went above and beyond supporting the new album via a Kickstarter campaign.

Phillips, guitarist-songwriter Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning and drummer Randy Guss transcended time and tensions to renew, revitalize the Toad magic. The result is true to its beloved past but even more so to the musicians' collective growth, the course of their lives moving apart and coming back together.

"Glen came in with these lyrics that were exactly saying something I'd been thinking about for all the intervening years since the last album," says Nichols. "Getting into the present moment and realizing control is an illusion and what good does it do to worry."

It's the thread that runs through every aspect of the album, a realization that let the four musicians get back to the core of the band, the spirit they had as teens, to transcend whatever differences may have been.

"For me, whenever we would come back from a break, it was always the first soundcheck that did it," says Guss. "I count off a song and they all come in and there's something honest about it."

The songs on New Constellation tackle those themes of the everyday struggles — and the rewards that come from sticking with them — with the musical and lyrical poetry for which the band is known. "California Wasted" at once embraces and looks beyond the myth. Similarly, the yearning "Is There Anyone Out There?" and even "Life is Beautiful" explore life's depths and complications, not so much about answers but about ongoing discovery. And new layers of richness come from new ways of working, a fuller sense of collaboration and unity at the core, mining the depth of the varied experiences of each of the four members' lives in recent years — new understandings leading to new creative freedoms.

"California Wasted" slots into the great tradition of the state's rock legacy, evoking such spirited leaders as Jackson Browne and the Eagles with its life-perspectives and involving vocal arrangements.

"That was always the goal with that song, to make it a grand, epic California rock song," says Dinning, who with this and other songs took on a greater role in writing collaborations with Nichols and Phillips than it the past. "And 'Is Anyone Out There' started with a piece of music of mine. Glen put some new spins on the themes that go through the album. 'We build the fences and call them homes,' about isolation, being in your own head."

Recognizing that tendency, and overcoming it, was the key to the band's new life, Phillips says.

"'The Moment' is less of a romantic story than it seems, or at least that's just one aspect," Phillips says. "It's about not getting hung up on recrimination and anxiety, and that's been a big thing for me since the band broke up."

And present, very much, were the fans who showed overwhelming support, backing the album via a Kickstarter campaign in numbers beyond the band's wildest imagination.

"Doing the Kickstarter campaign was a really happy kick in the teeth!" Phillips says with a laugh. "It was so surprising to have so many people show up and give a damn and throw in. We were shocked and pleased with the response."

It shouldn't have been that much of a surprise.

"They've been showing up for us consistently, even in the 16 years where we didn't put out anything new," says Dinning. "They'd come out and know all the words and sing along and it's part of their lives."

But they also clearly wanted something new. The Toad members all say that those 16 years were filled with a constant question from fans: When are you going to make a new album?

The band, eventually, started asking themselves the same thing. Increasingly regular concerts had been joyful. And the recording of All You Want, featuring re-records of Toad's greatest hits — tied to the band reacquiring publishing for its catalog — went very well. So, in secret, with no label, no pressures and expectations other than their own, Toad found itself working on new material.

Each had considerable experiences outside Toad in the intervening years. Phillips had pursued a solo career with some success, as well as such projects as the Mutual Admiration Society and Works Progress Administration collaborations with the alt-bluegrass trio Nickel Creek (including a MAS tour in which they were backed by Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and the Attractions drummer Pete Thomas). Nichols and Dinning made two albums as Lapdog (with Guss on board some of the time) and headed to Nashville to hone their songwriting skills with notable local talent. Dinning also took up acting and film scoring. Guss moved to Los Angeles and played with "a bunch of people you've never heard of." It was fun, he says. But it wasn't Toad, for them or for the fans who only seemed to crave new music more and more as time went by.

Still, the level of support was astonishing. The band launched the Kickstarter campaign with a goal of $50,000 — the cost of the album's production. The pitch, featuring 10-second clips from each of the album's 13 songs, went on-line just as the band took the stage for a club show. By the time they could check the status, the numbers were piling up faster than could have been expected. The goal was reached in less than 20 hours, and when all was said and done, Toad's fans kicked in more than five times the goal — a whopping total of $260,000.

It was emphatic, gratifying validation not just for the new album, but the entire Toad legacy — even more for the rough road taken to get to this point.

When Toad the Wet Sprocket broke up in 1998, it stood as one of the decade's icons of engagingly thoughtful pop-rock — an achievement for any band, let alone one that took its name from a Monty Python skit. The band recorded its first two albums, 1989's Bread & Circus and 1990's Pale, as self-financed projects through its own Abe's Records label, signing a deal with major Columbia Records before the release of the latter, but only on the condition that it maintained its artistic independence, with no interference from the label. It was a good move for all, as third album Fear, powered by the breakthrough single "All I Want," reached platinum status, as did the next album, 1994's Dulcinea, which featured the No. 1 Modern Rock hit "Fall Down." The four showed steady artistic growth, as did the fifth album, 1997's Coil. But with mounting pressures from both inside and outside the band, Toad split the next year.

"Right after we broke up I realized it was a mistake and always regretted it," says Nichols. It's something he hopes won't happen again — for his and his long-time friends' sake, and for the fans.

"I never want to take that away from them again," he says. "Or from myself."

It's the thread that runs through every aspect of the album, a realization that let…

Filter

Performances

September 11 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Filter was thrust upon the musical landscape not with a whimper, but with an inimitable scream of musical ferocity and intent.

For the first time in over 20 years, the original founding membersRichard Patrick andBrian Liesegang are making a newFILTER album together.

The duo's multi-platinum debut "Short Bus" took pride in its drunken, unbridled rambunctiousness, combined with some cherubic intellectualism and social/technological agenda.

It was a place where melody met noise. And it was written, recorded and produced by two kids who hated everything from "social norms", defining generational tropes, "the man", and being told what to do and how to do it.

They rejoiced in the chaos. They swam in it. And they lived and performed it like brothers.

And like brothers, and two who were brought together by Nine Inch Nails, they fought, and the nonsense of youth gave way to senseless acrimony, ultimately driving and conspiring to push the two apart.

But then a lot of other things have happened. And a lot of water has gone under many bridges.

Richard has successfully led and spearheaded Filter for the last 20 years, releasing many platinum records (including "Title of Record", "the Almagamut" etc.), and while the two have remained friends (and more importantly been there for each other in times of need), they have worked on and composed music and productions ranging everywhere from Richard's side band "Army of Anyone" (with the DeLeo Brothers of the Stone Temple Pilots and Ray Luzier from Korn), and many others, toBrian working with many others spanning from Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Sir Paul McCartney to the Dalai Lama, etc., and the two of them have been scoring and contributing music for many motion pictures, video games, television shows, commercials, and different technological endeavors.

Recently, on a "blind" set-up, they were challenged from the stage in mid-performance by their mutual friend Louise Post of "Veruca Salt", who stopped her concert to admonish them"…to bury any bullshit, forget the crap, and get their shit together". The two had an interesting conversation on the drive home together.

It appears that perhaps time, circumstance, and the stark reality of modern events have indeed driven Richard and Brian together again to do what they do best together.

What started as an experiment to see what "might happen", the two have rediscovered not only their friendship, but their unique 'yin and yang' complimentary working style of no rules and "whatever works" (because sometimes you just don't wanna know how the sausage is made).

Forgotten are the specious reasons as to why they stopped working together, as those are things of the past, and the future is far more important.

While the melodic reckless abandon remains intact in their musical creation, the lifestyle of irresponsibility and not being held accountable to reality has been replaced by a work ethic of waking up early and getting down to it. They are driven by a mission statement to not only get the noise across as they do uniquely, but with extreme assertion and urgency, as they played by the rules and got fucked…and as Neil Strauss once said about them in the New York Times…."It's anger, so they scream".

Filter right now is making a call to arms. Recording a sonic melodic punch in the face. This doesn't have to be the end of days, as there is still time to do something about it.

The music Filter is making is not a mandate against conservatism or the right. And the music Filter is making is not a mandate for liberal left sweeping agendas. Filter doesn't care if you are a Republican or a Democrat or an Independent.

Filter simply advocates and encourages active thought and participating in changing the world we all share together. Decisions are yours to be made. Please just make them well informed.

Ultimately it appears Filter is reacting to the same damn societal apathy and confusion they felt when they first started the band.

Hence"reBus". Time to bring this shit back to sense. We don't all have to agree….but we can agree to disagree without insanity running rampant. And we can show respect for all humanity and the world we are bringing children into. Filter has no interest in revisiting a halcyon past of yesteryear, and this isn't a reunion of sorts. This is a shared focused undertaking. A sort of homecoming.

This album is sonic outrage in the face of sheer idiocy. It is expressed incredulity to events transpiring in what could rather be a damn amazing time of opportunity, change and understanding. Seems instead we inhabit a world gone wrong in ways that even fiction has failed to venture or imagine.

There have been MANY amazing musicians and contributors to Filter over the years, too many to mention properly and with all due courtesy. This 'back to basics' and rediscovery of the original DNA of the band is not an insult to any of those valued and respected people. Richard and Brian have just decided with this album to distill it down to themselves for better or worse. Play to their strengths and weaknesses, as that was often their unique gestalt in the maelstrom.

The two disenfranchised young men who met each other in Nine Inch Nails and had shared an epiphany together at the Grand Canyon are back.

Filter was thrust upon the musical landscape not with a whimper, but with an inimitable scream of musical ferocity and intent.

For the first time in over 20 years, the original founding membersRichard Patrick andBrian Liesegang are making a newFILTER album together.

The duo's multi-platinum debut "Short Bus" took pride in its drunken, unbridled rambunctiousness, combined with some cherubic intellectualism and social/technological agenda.

They rejoiced in the chaos. They swam in it. And they lived and performed it like brothers.

But then a lot of other things have happened. And a lot of water has gone under many bridges.

Living Colour

Performances

September 11 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Living Colouris an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Led by guitarist Vernon Reid, the bands lineup solidified in the mid-80's w/ Corey Glover (vocals), Will Calhoun (drums) and Muzz Skillings (bass). Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, hard rock and heavy metal. Their lyrics range from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America.

The band's debut album,"Vivid", was released in 1988 on Epic Records. The album reached #6 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and was later certified double platinum by the RIAA. It featured "Cult of Personality," a #13 hit on the Billboard 200 Singles chart as well as the Top 40 hit, "Glamour Boys." "Cult of Personality" went on to earn the band their first Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

In 1990 the band's second full-length album,"Time's Up", was released and reached #13 on the Billboard 200 while certifying gold, with strong singles "Type", "Love Rears Its Ugly Head", "Elvis Is Dead" and "Solace of You", and featured guest appearances by Queen Latifah, Little Richard, Doug E. Fresh, and Maceo Parker. It also won their second Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

In the summer of 1991, Living Colour released the 6-song EP "Biscuits", which coincided with the inaugural Lollapalooza tour. Skillings left the band in the summer of 1992 and was replaced by session veteran and Sugarhill Records bass player Doug Wimbish.

"Stain",their third LP, was released in 1993 by Epic. Reaching #26 on the Billboard 200, the album had a much heavier and aggressive sound, containing elements of thrash metal and industrial music while receiving a Grammy nomination for 'Leave It Alone'.

After a hiatus in 1995, Living Colour returned in December 2000 and began recording"Collideøscope". Released in 2003, the album featured aggressive lyrics, with many of the songs about the September 11 attacks including "Flying". It also contained cover versions of AC/DC's "Back in Black" and The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows."

Their first release on Megaforce Records,"The Chair in the Doorway" was issued in 2009 and reached #159 on the Billboard 200 charged by the single "Behind The Sun."

The impetus for Living Colour's next album came from a performance of Robert Johnson's "Preachin' Blues" at the 100th Anniversary Birthday celebration at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York City. Released on September 8, 2017, "Shade" is the sound of a band coming to terms with its shadows and light," says founder Vernon Reid. "From the blue pulpit of Robert Johnson to the mean red streets of Brooklyn..."Shade" is the next chapter of a unique American journey" and peaked on Billboard's Hard Rock Albums at #12 with the help from singles "Who Shot Ya", "Come On", and "Program".

After a…

Fishbone

Performances

September 16 - 4:15 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Celebrating 25+ groundbreaking years, FISHBONE has been trailblazing their way through the history of American Ska, Funk, Punk, Rock Fusion and (so-called) Black Rock since starting their professional career in Los Angeles' burgeoning, Alternative Rock music scene of the mid-1980s. Their sound has often been imitated, but never duplicated. They have toured worldwide with such bands as the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Roots, Les Claypool/Primus, Fela Kuti, George Clinton, The Dead Kennedys and many more. Angelo Moore's ability to combine thought-provoking, humorous social commentary with FISHBONE's frenzied, up-tempo music and frantic, euphorically entertaining stage show has cultivated their undisputed reputation as one of the best live acts in music history.

Composing, creating, recording, releasing and performing original music together for over two decades, mass critical appeal appears to be returning to the band, fueled by their critically acclaimed full-length feature documentary; Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne, the film earned LA Weekly's Critic's Choice Award at the Los Angeles Film Fest in 2010, has been called "effortlessly Entertaining" (Variety), "Brilliant and Groundbreaking" (Pop Matters), and hailed as "more than a documentary about rock 'n' roll. It's a documentary about the American spirit and one that shows the life of one of its most influential creative forces." (Encore Magazine). In addition, FISHBONE has been featured in a variety of national press recently including Rolling Stone, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, MTV Hive, Spin Magazine, E! Entertainment, Rotten Tomatoes and more.

The documentary features celebrity testimonials from an A-list cast of rock icons such as Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), who calls the band "an important musical institution" and "the band that gave us the inspiration to be a band" by Gwen Stefani (No Doubt). The film also includes similar admiration from the likes of Perry Farrell (Jane's Addition), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains) Rob Trujillo (Metallica), Questlove (The Roots), Chuck D (Public Enemy), Tim Robbins (Grammy Winning Actor) and many more. The film not only highlights the bands substantial legacy in contemporary music of all forms, but also the struggles, adversity, and inner turmoil that has surrounded the bands career. Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone has already premiered in over 60+ theaters across the country, and many of the dates have sold out. The documentary aired on Public Television's AfroPop Series as well as Encore early 2012, and still continues on air. The DVD is currently available for purchase nationwide at all major retailers, and on Netflix.

To date, FISHBONE still continues to tour all over the world, turning heads at some of the most noteworthy festivals around the globe. They've recently been seen "Skankin To The Beat" at Coachella Music Festival, Riot Festival, Lockn' Festival, California Roots, Afropunk Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, Outside Lands Music Festival, Ottawa Blues Fest, Montreal Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot in Seattle, Riot Fest in Chicago, IL, Voodoo Festival in New Orleans, LA, Fuji Rock Festival in Tokyo, Japan, Wakarusa in Ozark, AK, Sunset Junction in Los Angeles, CA and many more. The band also appeared on late night television performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Angelo Moore sat in with The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in 2012. They have also toured with numerous bands recently such as Jane's Addiction, Primus, and Slightly Stoopid.

Fishbone's latest newest musical adventure Intrinsically Intertwined (Controlled Substance Sound Labs/Zojak Worldwide) was released in 2014. Shortly after their EP dropped, the band premiered Part 1 of their 5-Part "mockumentary" webisode series called "The Fishbone Reality: Intrinsically Intertwined" on Vevo.com.

The Gufs

Performances

September 11 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Started on the gritty but thriving Milwaukee music scene in 1988, Morgan Dawley (guitar), Dejan Kralj (bass), Goran Kralj (vocals, piano, guitar), and Scott Schwebel (drums) - later joined by Brian Pettit (percussion) - all the original members today - The Gufs, were born from a college dorm room.

Years spent filling clubs around the Midwest, in combination with recording a handful of indie albums that made waves on college radio, eventually led The Gufs to a major label recording contract with Atlantic Records in the mid 90s. After two albums ("The Gufs" 1995, "Holiday from You" 1999), radio hits "Smile," "Crash Into Me," singles "Lost Along the Way," and "Stuck," coupled with extensive national touring the band decided to part ways with Atlantic and went into relative musical seclusion.

The Gufs have reunited only selectively since the early 2000s. In 2006 they released a full length studio album "A Different Sea" on their imprint Red Submarine Records, followed by a series of outdoor shows with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (2007), a 20th retrospective performance (2008), an induction appearance into the Wisconsin Music Hall of Fame (2012), THIRTY, two sold-out anniversary shows at The Pabst Theater in December of 2018 and an encore performance in 2019. During the pandemic of 2020 the band found innovative ways to stay creative and connected to each other and music - still after three-plus decades - writing, recording, and releasing a series of singles without ever being in the same room, studio, or state.

The Weather Station

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

"Most people are afraid of the dark…Many adults fear, above all, the darkness that is the unknown, the unseeable, the obscure. And yet the night in which distinctions and definitions cannot be readily made is the same night in which love is made, in which things merge, change, become enchanted, aroused, impregnated, possessed, released, renewed." - Rebecca Solnit

Ignorance, the new album by the The Weather Station, begins enigmatically; a hissing hi hat, a stuttering drum beat. A full minute passes before the entry of Tamara Lindeman's voice, gentle, conversational, intoning; "I never believed in the robber". A jagged music builds, with stabbing strings, saxophone, and several layers of percussion, and the song undulates through five minutes of growing tension, seesawing between just two chords. Once again, Toronto songwriter Tamara Lindeman has remade what The Weather Station sounds like; once again, she has used the occasion of a new record to create a new sonic landscape, tailor-made to express an emotional idea. Ignorance, Lindeman's debut for Mississippi label Fat Possum Records, is sensuous, ravishing, as hi fi a record as Lindeman has ever made, breaking into pure pop at moments, at others a dense wilderness of notes; a deeply rhythmic, deeply painful record that feels more urgent, more clear than her work ever has.

The album began, in Lindeman's telling, when she became obsessed with rhythm; specifically straight rhythm, dance rhythm, those achingly simple beats that had never showed up on a Weather Station album before. "I realized how profound and emotional straight time could be" she says; "those eternal dance rhythms, how they effect you on a physical level." Lindeman's sense of time has always been elastic; movable, responding to the moment. But embracing straight time opened new musical territory for her; "I saw how the less emotion there was in the rhythm, the more room there was for emotion in the rest of the music, the more freedom I had vocally." She began to envision a band and a music as a sort of bedrock, a structure firm enough to hold the vulnerability of the songs.

The album marks her first experience writing on keyboard, not guitar, and her first time building out arrangements, both with keyboard and with MIDI, before bringing them to a band. Ignorance lets go of most of the folk or roots inclinations that coloured Weather Station albums of the past; whereas the S/T felt steeped in Young and Dylan, this album has flashes of The Colour of Spring or Avalon or Tusk. Most of the songs are underlaid with pure rhythm: a disco beat, a rock beat, played with emotion and precision by Kieran Adams (Diana). The bass, played by Ben Whiteley, similarly hews to the straight and narrow; sometimes not changing notes for minutes at a time. But these straight musical elements are paired deliberately with elements of chance and freedom. Percussionist Philippe Melanson (Bernice) was given his own booth and free reign to improvise on each take, filling each song with rhythmic surprise. Lindeman brought in jazz musicians Brodie West (The Ex) on saxophone and Ryan Driver (Eric Chenaux) on flute, asking them to work against the music in their improvisations. The band was rounded out by Johnny Spence (Tegan and Sara) on keys and Christine Bougie (Bahamas) on guitar; Lindeman played piano, sang, and contributed distorted guitar solos. Montreal producer Marcus Paquin (Arcade Fire) co-produced, with Lindeman, and also mixed the record. It was the first time Lindeman had financial headroom to be ambitious in the studio, an experience she wanted to lean into, moving deliberately away from the lo fi recording processes she adhered to in the past. Indeed the album is confident, polished, no creaking edges, no hum or hiss; it's so easy to listen to one almost doesn't notice how heavy it is.

Ignorance is deeply emotional, the lyrics roiling with conflict. "Separated" enumerates an acidic series of miscommunications; "separated by the relief you want to feel / separated by the belief this cut can heal", and "Trust" describes a divorce, whether literal or metaphysical. On "Indifference" a song Lindeman almost cut from the record several times, because "it felt too vulnerable", she sings of love, and softness: "my dumb touch / is always reaching / for green for soft / for yielding." The album sounds profoundly personal; but Lindeman waves off personal questions as to the subject matter of the album. She prefers instead to talk about the planet. The album was written in winter of 2019 and recorded that spring (COVID-19 delays are the reason why we are only hearing it now, in 2021). "The deepest emotional experience I had that winter" Lindeman explains, "was reading the IPCC special report on 1.5 degrees". She's serious; though she notes that "nobody believes me when I say that." She attributes that to a failure of imagination, a lack of belief culturally that a relationship to the world can be as profound, as emotional, as a relationship to another person. "The songs function on a cosmic and personal level" she says, "it's always been that way for me".

Indeed, the natural world is everywhere on this record. But it is not there to provide scenery or beauty; rather it intrudes with force and poignancy. "Parking Lot", the closest Lindeman has ever come to a pop single, spends its full three minutes in contemplation of a bird; "Atlantic" finds the narrator prone on a cliff, watching a sunset as frightening as it is beautiful, "blood red floods the Atlantic". The divorce described on 'Trust' feels metaphysical; with evidence presented to court in the form of "baskets of wild roses / crumpled petals and misshapen heads of reeds and rushes / bodies of the common birds / robins crows and thrushes". Again and again, the narrator of the album confronts characters who turn away from love; the bumbling subject 'Tried To Tell You' "with blood on your hands / from the river inside / you try to deny it" the subject of 'Loss', laid out in bed, so consumed by story that they cannot see straight. "Don't ask me for indifference / don't come to me for distance" Lindeman sings, repeatedly describing her own vulnerability; "I don't have the heart / to conceal my love." Whether or not these songs are meant to be only about the planet, they do not resemble protest songs, with their simplicity and clarity. Rather, the album is shadowed by brokenness and misconnection, a sort of elemental and ubiquitous pain, as Lindeman sings; "Everywhere we go there is an outside / over all these ceilings hangs a sky / and it kills me when I / see some bird fly".

On the cover, Lindeman lays in the woods, wearing a hand made suit covered in mirrors. She was struck by the compulsion to build a mirror suit on tour one summer, assembling it in a hotel room in PEI and at a friend's place in Halifax. "I used to be an actor, now I'm a performer" she says. In those roles, she points out, she often finds herself to be the subject of projection, reflecting back the ideas and emotions of others. On the album, she sings of trying to wear the world as a kind of ill fitting, torn garment, dangerously cold; "it does not keep me warm / I cannot ever seem to fasten it" and of walking the streets in it, so disguised, so exposed. Photographed by visual artist Jeff Bierk in midday, the cover purposefully calls to mind Renaissance paintings; with rich blacks and deep colour, and an incongruous blue sky glimpsed through the trees.

The title of the album, Ignorance, feels confrontational, calling to mind perhaps wilful ignorance, but Lindeman insists she meant it in a different context. In 1915 Virginia Woolfe wrote: "the future is dark, which is the best thing a future can be, I think." Written amidst the brutal first world war, the darkness of the future connoted for Woolfe a not knowing, which by definition holds a sliver of hope; the possibility for something, somewhere, to change. In french, the verb ignorer connotes a humble, unashamed not knowing, and it is this ignorance Lindeman refers to here; the blank space at an intersection of hope and despair, a darkness that does not have to be dark.

K. Flay

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

You may not expect one of the most compelling new voices in hip hop to wield dual psychology and sociology degrees from Stanford University or find inspiration in the buttoned-up world of indie rock, but for K.Flay, defying expectations is simply part of the game.

Kristine Flaherty grew up outside of Chicago, devouring her father's classic rock records and staying up late dancing to Parliament-Funkadelic in the living room. It was this same musical open-mindedness that would later spark her artistic development. She found her musical voice in college, fusing the eclectic power of the Bay Area hip hop scene with her own unique presence, inspired by strong, independent female artists ranging from Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill to Fiona Apple and Liz Phair.

On stage, K.Flay is a one-woman whirlwind: whether she's creating beats, singing, rapping or playing guitar, her wit and acerbic charm shine through. Her talents have led her to share the stage with artists including Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, and 3OH!3, where she quickly won over audiences who hadn't seen anything quite like her before. Further setting her apart from the pack, she serves as her own producer in the studio, methodically infusing her hip hop swagger with a dose of sonic exploration.

JD McPherson

Performances

September 4 - 6:45 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

"I was having nightmares every night, thinking, 'Wow, they're going to hate this," says JD McPherson.

When he talks about his new album, Undivided Heart & Soul, there's no glimmer of self-adulation, or even the confidence one might expect of a veteran artist. Instead, there's a snapshot of McPherson's creative process bringing the record to life, a journey filled with fear and change, then boldness, and, eventually, catharsis.

The best rock music has a story to tell. This record chronicles a series of upheavals, frustrations, roadblocks, and kismet—a cross-country move, failed creative relationships, a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity, and learning to love making music again by letting go.

McPherson calls moving his family from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to East Nashville a decision based "on opportunity" and one he was reluctant to make but notes the profound influence the city has had on his new crop of songs.

"Up to this point, I thought I knew what I was doing with songwriting, that I don't do this or that," McPherson says. "Writing with people who co-write for a living…maybe I saw myself as John Henry, and them as the steel-driving machine."

Along with collaborations with fellow Oklahoman Parker Millsap, Butch Walker, and Aaron Lee Tasjan, McPherson's selections for Undivided Heart & Soul include many deeply personal themes: "Let's Get Out of Here While We're Young" shares writing credits with longtime bandmate Ray Jacildo and McPherson's wife Mandy. He also delved into character profiles, both fictional and based on real-life experiences, stories McPherson has held onto but never thought of as fodder for songwriting, such as the Las Vegas bus station interlude detailed in "Style (Is a Losing Game)."

"That seems like a pretty normal thing for a singer-songwriter to do, to write about personal experience, but I really have never done that," McPherson says. "It felt great but it also was tough at the same time. The thing is, John Henry is trying to beat the machine because he's in awe of it. It was a lot of me saying, 'You're really good at this, and I have a hard time doing it.'"

With a group of soul-baring tracks taking shape, McPherson and crew scheduled studio time to help force the issue. It quickly became apparent that these sessions were not going to work, bringing McPherson's momentum to a halt.

To clear his head, he flew to Los Angeles at the invitation of friend and longtime supporter Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who was also recording at the time. McPherson, Homme, and his Queens bandmate Dean Fertita played around with some songs, with Homme pushing McPherson outside of his comfort zone in a no-stakes environment.

"His thing was, 'I'm going to throw all kinds of crap onto your songs that you're not going to want to hear, and you're going to play ridiculous stuff you wouldn't normally do,' and Dean was kind of the calming presence," McPherson says.

McPherson calls the getaway "the most fun I've had since I was 15 years old" and returned to Nashville with a clear head, internal filters successfully stifled, ready to move forward.

That fresh perspective in tow, McPherson learned that the long-shot "backup" studio, the legendary RCA Studio B in Nashville, was willing to host his band for the making of the record. RCA Studio B was fundamental to the creation of the "Nashville Sound," and the ghosts of some of the greatest songs in history live within its walls: Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You," and Elvis Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" among them.

Artists who choose to record at Studio B are met with a rigorous list of requirements, including using a recording method appropriate during the studio's heyday. Since the studio is a working museum by day, the entirety of McPherson's workspace had to be reset at night: Load in all equipment in the late afternoon, work until 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., and leave no trace nightly. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

"Those rules would probably turn a lot of bands off, but they turned us on, 100 percent," McPherson says. "I really love walking into a classic studio as much as I love getting my hands on a really old guitar. I like knowing that something was used for a long time and has good things in it."

But this isn't an old Nashville record, by any measurement, nor is it the record McPherson set out to make, with credit due to co-producer Dan Molad (also the drummer for Lucius).

"There's a pretty broad gap in our tastes, what we do and what we're into," McPherson says. Where he's as likely to lean on The Cramps as he is Irma Thomas for inspiration, Molad's left-field production suggestions included a Casio synthesizer and running a Fender Rhodes through a tape delay. (McPherson nixed the former; the latter became the signature sound of one of the record's tracks.) "We ended up learning a lot from each other, and he did a lot of stuff I'd have never thought to do."

During the song "Let's Get Out of Here While We're Young," JD sputters the line "We've worn out all the songs we've sung." This is not a statement McPherson takes lightly.

"This record was difficult for me to make, difficult to write, difficult to record. It took a lot for me to say that I can't force these songs to be the way people are expecting," McPherson says.

Undivided Heart & Soul is a statement record, one that asserts McPherson as he is now, battle-weary but stronger than ever.

"I was having nightmares every night, thinking, 'Wow, they're going to hate this," says JD McPherson.

"That seems like a pretty normal thing for a singer-songwriter to do, to write about personal experience, but I really have never done that," McPherson…

Claud

Performances

September 17 - 8:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

From beginning to end, the sparkling pop tunes off Claud Mintz's magnetic first album, Super Monster, capture the assorted stages of a relationship's delight and dejection -- the giddy sensation of a first kiss during the beaming "Overnight," the heartsick longing of a pending rejection during the yearning "Jordan," the reluctant call for a requisite breakup during the smoldering "Ana."

"I'd write about how I felt in the moment, then two months later, a year later. My perspective evolved on one relationship with the same person," Claud says. "I changed so much that it feels like a different person writing some of these songs -- but it's just me."

The debut release on Phoebe Bridgers' Saddest Factory Records, Super Monster is a vertiginous but joyous coming-of-age reckoning with such young love. Claud sees relationships as games of endless wonder, intrigue, and second-guesses, a roller-coaster thrilling you even when it's terrifying. If "Gold" turns the tension and indecision of a bad match into an undeniable bit of lithe disco, "That's Mr. Bitch To You" uses a spurt of righteous indignation to fuse a little soul and emo into one breathless hook. Super Monster is like a compulsive compilation that Claud culled from a lifetime of musical enthusiasms -- the arcing alt-rock of '90s airwaves, the rapturous pop of '00s chart-toppers, the diligent genre-hopping of modern online life. Claud emerges as the chameleonic mastermind of this mélange, channeling all of love's emotions into songs so sharp they make even the hardest times feel fun.

During the Summer of 2018, Claud released an EP under the name Toast, their duo with Joshua Mehling, Claud's best friend since their first day at Syracuse University. The band was casual but enthusiastic; Claud would spend whatever time remained between classes writing to beats, eventually opting to skip classes to give these burgeoning tunes more attention. They were stunned when anyone else responded, especially when Terrible Records released their debut EP during Toast's second semester. What would happen, Claud wondered, if all their time could go to music? Claud soon left Syracuse and subsequently settled on this new solo name. "Leaving school," Claud says, "gave me space and time to become a better writer. And I knew no one could explain me better than I could."

Claud's life and output became feverish. Though based in New York, Claud would visit their mother in California and father near Chicago or go on tour and make new friends. More than 50 songs emerged during that brief span, reflections on the flings and loves of life as a young artist. Early in 2020, Claud decamped for a few months to their father's home, the same place Toast had finished its debut. Claud sorted through those dozens of pieces, whittling them down to the baker's dozen that shape Super Monster.

Claud finally emerged from that Midwest cocoon, heading to New York to record at Electric Lady Studios exactly 50 years since Jimi Hendrix's first session there. For years, Claud had fantasized about working at Electric Lady, so they recruited a wide network of close friends and new collaborators to finish Super Monster. Mehling played on and co-produced several tracks, including finale "Falling With the Rain." That enchanting closer is performed by Shelly, a friendship band consisting of Claud, Mehling, Claire Cottrill, and Noa Getzug. Nick Hakim harmonizes on "Ana," while Unknown Mortal Orchestra's Jake Portrait adds synth and guitar. These friends and more buoy Claud, lifting their tender songs skyward.

On the final night of work at Electric Lady, studio manager Lee Foster called to ask if Claud liked Daniel Johnston, the late and legendary songwriter whose artwork he manages. Foster arrived on bike a few minutes later, brandishing a scan of an unpublished Johnston painting called "Claud & the Supermonster." A person sprang from the grass -- a monster maybe, but absolutely jubilant all the same. The image resonated with Claud's own quest for an individual identity as a queer person, sometimes bound up in feelings of isolation. Claud asked Foster if they could title the album Super Monster as an ode to Johnston's kindred outlook. The cover Claud painted -- a stunningly surreal self-portrait, as rich as these deceptively sophisticated songs -- offers an homage to Johnston's universe and a kind of introduction to Claud's own world.

Perhaps you are in the throes of one of these romantic moments yourself right now, resentful of a frustrating paramour like Claud during "Pepsi" or indulging in lust like "In or In Between." Or maybe these songs recall those wild days and tough situations. Incisive, instant, and addictive Super Monster works on either level -- to remind us of love's wild ups and downs or to help us deal with them in real time.

Reignwolf

Performances

September 16 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Reignwolf toured with the Pixies, The Who and — the heaviest of the heavy — Black Sabbath, before releasing debut album Hear Me Out to critical acclaim.

Phantoms DJ Set

Performances

September 2 - 6:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Phantoms, comprised of Los Angeles-based natives Kyle Kaplan and Vinnie Pergola, are a dance act that does exactly that. Often tough to box in... the boys' style lends itself to many elements of electronic and pop music; while still managing to always incorporate distinct synths and drum samples that have become synonymous with their "genre" of alternative electronic. Stemming from deep-seated roots in music and entertainment backgrounds, K&V put their entire beings into the project. They keep everyone continually dancing with an impressive live set of drum pads, synthesizers and midi controllers, while also keeping audiences engaged through their own style of humor on social media platforms. A full-time job for the band. Their fun and downright captivating personalities shine through all aspects of Phantoms.

After releasing their first EP in 2015 to massive press likeBillboard andEntertainment Weekly, the duo has been remixing some of their favorite songs of the year and playing shows and touring with the likes of Big Wild, Com Truise, Kiesza and more.

The band's debut record,Phantoms, is currently out now via Casablanca/Republic Records.

Spin Doctors

Performances

September 16 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

September 16 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Thirty years. It's an eternity in rock 'n' roll, and a marathon for the bands who fly its tattered flag. Revisit the class of 1988, and the casualties are piled high: a thousand bands that blew up and burnt out. In this chew-and-spit industry, the Spin Doctors are the last men standing, still making music like their lives depend on it, still riding the bus, still shaking the room. They've never been a band for backslaps and self-congratulation. Even now, plans are afoot for a seventh studio album and another swashbuckling world tour, adding to their tally of almost two thousand shows. But faced with that milestone, even a band of their velocity takes a breath for reflection. "I'd never have guessed," admits drummer Aaron Comess, "this would have turned into thirty years of making great music together."

Like all the best rock 'n' roll mythology, the final page of the Spin Doctors' biography remains forever unwritten. But if the band's story is to begin anywhere, it should be at New York's New School university in the fall of '88, when a fateful door-knock sparked the first meeting of Comess and guitarist Eric Schenkman. Trading as the Trucking Company, Schenkman, local legend John Popper and a charisma-bomb vocalist named Chris Barron had been making a glorious noise in the clubs downtown. But when Popper committed himself to Blues Traveler, the remnants sought new blood. Having assured Schenkman that he'd "check them out," Comess formed a ferocious rhythm section with Bronx-raised bassist Mark White. "When I first met them," recalls White, "I thought, 'These are some funky-assed white boys.' I'm the black guy in the band, and they had to teach me to play the blues."

Led by relentless touring, the album sold steadily – but within a year, Epic had declared it "dead" and pushed the band to return to the studio. "But we decided to go back on the road," says Comess, "as we felt the buzz building and believed in the record. Sure enough, within a few months, Jim McGuinn up in Vermont started playing "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and it went to #1. He wrote to the head of Epic, telling him they'd be crazy not to push this band. That was the fuel that lit the fire."

Barron still recalls the circus whenPocket Full Of Kryptonite exploded in 1992 ("When we were selling 50,000 records a week, I'd walk into a mall to buy underwear and 300 kids would surround me"). Pass a record store and you'd hear the tills ring, as that all-conquering debut album marched towards 10 million sales. Pass a news-stand and you'd see the lineup staring back from the cover ofRolling Stone. Flick on MTV and you were serenaded by planet-straddling follow-up hit "Two Princes," whose irresistible groove and scream-it-back chorus took it to #4 on the Top 100 singles chart and more US radio spins than any other rock 'n' roll song in 1993. "When you're freaking popular," says White, "and people are throwing themselves at you, if you don't like that, you're on the wrong planet."

Long-term strategy has never been the Spin Doctors' style. While cultural commentators have long since given up plotting the trajectory of this most unpredictable band, it's a revelation to learn that the lineup themselves have no road map. "For the next album," considers Barron, "I kinda want to stay spontaneous. I'd personally like to make a quarter-turn and do a rock record. But I have a feeling it's gonna get funky. Y'know, there's that great quote from Keith Richards when he went to meet Mick Jagger at AIR Studios to make Steel Wheels. And he told his wife – 'I'll either be back tomorrow or in a month'. I think that's how it's gonna go for us, too."

Thirty years. A thousand twists. But whatever happens down the road, rest assured that the Spin Doctors will always be the last men standing, still making music like their lives depend on it, still riding the bus, still shaking the room. "It's been a great ride," considers Comess. Then he adds: "So far…"

Tai Verdes

Performances

September 9 - 6:45 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic,Tai Verdeswas an essential worker with a 9-to-5 job at an LA Verizon Wireless store. Now he has one of the biggest viral hits in the US, hailed byThe New York Timesas one of the"Best Songs of 2020."

After posting a series of TikTok videos, Tai's breakout single"Stuck In The Middle"took flight hitting #1 on Spotify's US viral chart (and 22 International Charts) and has since amassed more than80 million streamsand over2.6 million TikTok creations, which have been viewed over3 billion timessince the songs release in late May 2020.

Tai's newest single"A-O-K"is on track to follow the same path, having notched more than 40 million views of the teaser and nearly 100,000 pre-saves before the feel good anthem's release earlier this month. The 25-year-old may have won the TikTok lottery, but he's playing the long game. And he's playing for keeps.

"I'm gonna be a problem," says the 6'7 singer with a smile, who carries himself with as much charisma as stature."I love everything that's happening. But this is not a one song thing, this is a 10-album thing."Tai's debut albumTVis available everywhere May 20.

Shinyribs

Performances

September 4 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Shinyribs defies genres as an Austin-based 9-piece Swamp-Pop-Soul supergroup fronted by the outrageously charismatic Kevin Russell. The nine-piece outfit was named Best Austin Band at the Austin Chronicle's Austin Music Awards (2017, 2018) and awarded Album of the Year for "I Got Your Medicine" (2017).

Russell's Shinyribs have recorded six albums: 2010's "Well After Awhile;" "Gulf Coast Museum" (2013); "Okra Candy" (2015); 2017's award-winning "I Got Your Medicine;" a compilation of holiday standards and new compositions "The Kringle Tingle" (2018); and the group's latest soulful release, "Fog & Bling (2019). Shinyribs will release their seventh project, "Late Night TV Gold" in August 2021.

grandson

Performances

September 9 - 6:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe

Performances

September 4 - 9:45 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Vince Neil, the legendary frontman of Mötley Crüe, is an international superstar, accomplished businessman, and heartfelt philanthropist. His unmistakable voice leads some of the greatest rock songs of a generation including "Wild Side", "Shout at the Devil," "Home Sweet Home," "Girls, Girls, Girls," "Dr. Feelgood," "Kickstart My Heart," "Same Ol' Situation," and many others.

Raised on the tough streets of Compton, California, Vince Neil fell in love with music as a child, developing a broad vocabulary that ranged from classic Motown to Hard Rock. As a teenager, he began performing with local bands and soon discovered both a passion for the stage and a natural talent as a singer and performer. He fronted the popular band Rock Candy before reuniting with high school buddy Tommy Lee in 1981, establishing his spot in rock and roll history with the formation of Mötley Crüe.

Mötley Crüe's epic 34-year run included countless multi-platinum releases, more than 22 hit singles, 100 million albums sold, and dozens of global tours with sold-out arenas, inclusive of some of the largest venues in the world. The band completed "The Final Tour" on New Year's Eve 2015, closing the book that told the story of their iconic career. Despite the Mötley Crüe departure from the rock world, however, Vince Neil shows no sign of slow down, continuing to carry on with the unending "The Legacy Continues Tour".

Neil continues to perform all the classic Mötley Crüe hits with select cuts from his three solo albums. Additionally, this badass performer is working on new music, and has hinted about performing some of it during this tour: "I'll say that we are recording some stuff for a new record this year," he said in a Loudwire interview in January. "You often hear some surprises at our shows. I don't want to give away some of those surprises…The music is exciting. It's good, fun, nasty, raw energy and great songs."

Presently, Neil remains primarily occupied answering the call to his immense following with shows internationally in conjunction with the culmination of his fourth solo album. Besides being an International Superstar, Neil is an accomplished businessman and heartfelt philanthropist. He manages to own several restaurants and his own brand of both tequila and vodka. Certainly not least, his efforts have rallied millions of dollars for a Non-profit organization, The Skylar Neil Memorial Foundation, in tribute to the unfortunate loss of his daughter to cancer in 1995.

In January of 2017 Vince Neil back in the TV spotlight once again, as a contestant on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice, featuring new host Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Brian Dale Band

Performances

September 3 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Singer, songwriter and drummer, Brian Dale is sought after for his ability to deliver music as passionate as it is intelligent, evident on his CD, "Sticks and Stones." Brian has performed with Streetlife, Ambrosia, Tracy Hannemann, Joe Puerta and many other cover and original artists. Featured will be vocalist Lynda Lee. Lynda's stylings cover all genres of music and her versatility and range are breathtaking. Rounding out the group will be some of the top musicians in the area: Theo Merriweather on Keys, Mike Standal on Guitar and Dwayne Williams on Bass.

Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns

Performances

September 17 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Cold Sweat is Wisconsin's premier show band, featuring some of the area's best musicians, multiple dynamic vocalists and the renowned three piece horn section, the Brew City Horns. Cold Sweat's energy, talent and non-stop fun will infect you until you can't help joining in. Cold-Sweat's versatility - playing dance-able music that draws from many genres and eras – truly providing that rare "something for everyone" appeal. The group has headlined major festivals, venues, concert series and private events, including some of the largest fund raising events in the Midwest. Whether it is for a private event for 200 people or a concert for 20,000, Cold Sweat delivers!

Eddie Butts Band

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

The Eddie Butts Band has delighted audiences at festivals and on the concert and night club circuits for many years. The Eddie Butts Band is also one of the longest-running, most successful bands in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Eddie is also known as one of the city's premier vocalists. When you combine his smoky baritone with the sweet tones of the band's two female vocalists, the fantastic musicianship and a delicious blend of jazz, pop and R&B, well, it's easy to see why the Eddie Butts Band is considered a Milwaukee & Wisconsin favorite year after year. Enjoy an evening of entertainment, dancing and fun with Milwaukee's MUST SEE BAND, THE EDDIE BUTTS BAND!

Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio Furious 5

Performances

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio are a legendary group in addition to being trendsetters, and partly responsible for the creation of the billon dollar a year rap record industry, and rap element of the subculture called Hip Hop.

They are to Hip Hop what the Rolling Stones are to rock. They have toured the world with the likes of U2, The Police, Clash, Prince & Duran Duran as well as many Hip Hop greats. Their recordings are amongst the most sampled in the history of recorded Hip Hop, and many of their works from the time before Hip Hop was recorded have been copied and mimicked.

It was these guys who made the name Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 a household name on the strength of records like Freedom, The Message, White Lines, Superrappin, Beat Street ,New York , New York , Survival and Scorpio to name a few. GM Mele Mel & The Furious 5 featuring Scorpio had #1 records in the UK with "White Lines", "Beatstreet" and "Step Off".

Quincy Jones used their vocal talents for his Grammy winning albums Back On The Block and Qs Jook Joint, respectively. They also lent their voices to the legendary Chaka Khan for her Grammy winning single I Feel For You, earning a Grammy for Grandmaster Mele Mel - the first for any rap artist.

Among their many achievements is the performance on the anti apartheid song Sun City, created by Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steven Van Zandt. On that project they performed along with Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin of the Temptations, Ruben Blades, Miles Davis & Herbie Hancock.

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 were recently honored on the Bronx walk of fame, with a street named after them. In 2007 they became the first rap group ever inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of fame. The Message was the first rap song that contained social commentary, and is in the archives of the library of congress for its social relevance in that time period. It's considered one of the most 25 important songs in the last 50 years,and in 2013 the Message was the first Hip Hop record inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

HOTEL CALIFORNIA / A Salute to the Eagles

Performances

September 9 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

This Southern California group is the ONLY show to have "Official Authorization" to perform the Eagles catalog of music. A spirited blend of originality and the pursuit of excellence have taken Hotel California A Salute to the Eagles to a level normally reserved for gold and platinum recording artists. For more than three decades, Hotel California A Salute to the Eagles has touched the hearts of fans all over the world by respectfully and accurately reproducing the Grammy award-winning sounds of this great American songbook. So join us now... on a trip down a dark desert highway feel the cool wind in your hair... it's time to check into the Hotel California.

Jackie Venson

Performances

September 2 - 8:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Jackie Venson is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter known far and wide for her beautifully complex music and blazing guitar skills. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jackie has traveled the world playing to massive crowds both as a headliner and as support for major acts such as Gary Clark Jr, Aloe Blacc, and Citizen Cope, to name a few. With the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation of her entire tour schedule, and the wave of social change sweeping across the country, Jackie committed herself to releasing more music than ever before, connecting with her fans directly, and speaking up about the change she wanted to see in her city and country. On April 20th, Jackie released a new EP titled "jackie the robot vol 1" composed entirely of remixes that re-imagine Jackie's critically acclaimed catalogue, showcasing her growth as both a musician and producer. In October, Jackie released her latest studio album 'Vintage Machine', her first studio follow up to 2019's 'Joy'. Music from "Vintage Machine" was featured heavily on Jackie's taping for Austin City Limits' 46th season, and she released the full set on "Live at Austin City Limits" in December. With the uncertainty of the times we're living in, one thing holds true for Jackie Venson- she's going to play her music, speak her truth, and spread as much joy as she can doing it.

Johnny Burgin

Performances

September 11 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Johnny Burgin grew up in the South and went to University of Chicago with the intention of becoming a writer. A different path unfolded when a fellow DJ at the college radio station took him out to a West Side ghetto club to hear the blues singer Tail Dragger. It was a conversion moment where the blues came to life for Johnny and he fell headfirst into the vibrant Chicago blues scene. Choosing the blues clubs over the library, Johnny eagerly absorbed the lessons from the blues masters who practiced their craft nightly. Through persistence and practice he gained a spot in Tail Dragger's band, and started doing gigs in town and on the road with traditional blues veterans like Jimmie Lee Robinson, Sam Lay, and Pinetop Perkins. What at first he'd only dared to dream about coalesced into three concrete goals: to play in Europe, record his own CD, and to book his own gigs every weekend. A Monday night residency at The Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park along with featured vocalist Jimmy Burns turned out to the key: before long, Johnny's band packed the club every Monday with a younger, hip crowd. The residency's success led directly to a record deal with Delmark, steady local club work, and his first of many European tours– he'd done it!

The shangri-la of being "King of Division Street" eventually ran its course, and in the early aughts, Johnny dropped off the scene entirely to raise a daughter. But Johnny couldn't keep away from music for too long; his 2009 comeback was noted byThe Chicago Tribune, Chicago Blues Guide,as well as the international blues press. His first show, on a frigid January night in a club that'd been an old stoming ground, was packed with his old fans. An awful silence fell before he hit the first note– did he still have it?– but as noted blues producer Dick Shurman wrote, "Johnny's skills, passion and committment were undiminished." Brick by brick, Johnny rebuilt his career first in Chicago, then all over the Midwest and Europe, and gradually out to the West Coast. His move to the Bay Area in 2016 was artistically rejuvenating, leading to new fans, new collaborations, and recordings such as the Cali/Chicago blues mashupNeoprene Fedora, the Howlin' Wolf tributeHowlin' at Greaseland (nominated for a BMA for Best Traditional Blues Recording) and theJohnny Burgin Live LP, which featured Charlie Musselwhite and was nominated for a Blues Blast Best Live Recording Award for 2019. The move honed his road warrior skills: since 2016, he's performed nearly 250 shows a year in Europe, Japan and coast to coast in the US, earning the tag line The Worldwide West Side Guitar Man.

Now with ten CDs as a leader to his credit and dozens more as a sideman, Johnny's developed from a young guitar slinger and local blues hero into a matured bluesman, fully fledged singer and the a confident and engaging bandleader. In recent years, he has been teaching both in person and online at the Chicago Blues Network and has developed a loyal following on Youtube for his weekly looks at the blues guitar greats. Johnny's recordings have evolved from being very Chicago-centric, to a fusion of West Coast and Chicago styles, and finally to a more inclusive, international approach: his latest CD,No Border Blues Japan, is the first American compilation of the underground Japanese blues scene. The success of this collaboration led Johnny and his partner, producer Stephanie Tice, to create and host the podcast No Border Blues, which focuses on the international blues scene.

Kix

Performances

September 2 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

The people know what's best. Platinum-selling, hard rock icons KIX heed the audience's call. At every live show, and with every new release, KIX raises the bar higher – not only for themselves, but also for their rock band peers. Steve Whiteman [vocals], Brian "Damage" Forsythe [guitar], Ronnie "10/10" Younkins [guitar], Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant [drums] and Mark Schenker [bass] continue to deliver their signature brand of raucous, roaring, and real rock 'n' roll.

KIX was founded in 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, and after slugging it out as a local band, they were signed to Atlantic Records in 1981. Their self-titled debut album was released the same year, and featured concert-favorites like "The Itch," "Heartache," and traditional KIX show- closer "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," which is now incomplete without an originally unique ad-lib performance by Whiteman. Their second album, Cool Kids yielded "Body Talk," and the ballad, "For Shame." KIX then partnered with producer Beau Hill (Ratt, Warrant) to create the powerhouse album Midnite Dynamite, released in 1985, which yielded another concert favorite, "Cold Shower."

When the members of KIX traveled to Los Angeles in early 1988 to begin recording Blow My Fuse, they knew that the album could make or break the band. And sure enough, upon its release in September of 1988, Blow My Fuse outperformed its predecessors. A video for the song "Cold Blood" dominated MTV's popular "Dial MTV" program for so long that the network was forced to change the show's rules to knock KIX out of the top slot. "We had diehard fans who felt that our success was long overdue," says Whiteman. "They all felt compelled to call in and vote every damn day."

Blow My Fuse was certified Gold. Then, "Don't Close Your Eyes" was released, and it peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, propelling the album to platinum status. Blow My Fuse cemented KIX as one of the Eighties' preeminent hard rock acts. "That album gave us a legacy. And something to stand on," says Whiteman. "It's the reason we were able to come back and still do this. I'm convinced of that."

In 1991, Hot Wire was released, featuring the single, "Girl Money." As a touring act, KIX had graduated to arenas and opened for Aerosmith, KISS, Whitesnake, Ratt, and Tesla. Then came

the arrival of the Seattle grunge scene, and as Whiteman laments, "they were having a party, and KIX was no longer welcome." In 1995, the band released what they thought would be their final album, Show Business, for CMC International Records, which marked the end of an era.

KIX gracefully eased back into the public consciousness in 2008. After reuniting for sold out hometown gigs, the quintet hit the stage at Rocklahoma in front of over 20,000 people, venturing out of the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in 13 years. Delivering a triumphant set alongside the likes of Sammy Hagar and Alice Cooper, they left their mark on both old and new fans. After capturing their fiery reunion on 2012's Live in Baltimore CD & DVD, the members agreed to enter the studio once again for 2014's Rock Your Face Off, produced by Taylor Rhodes (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne), the band's first studio album in almost 20 years.

Rock Your Face Off debuted at #48 on the Billboard Top 200, #5 on the Independent Albums chart, #11 on the Top Internet chart, #17 on the Top Rock Albums chart, #27 on the Indy/Small Chain Core Stores chart and #33 on the Physical chart. It also debuted at #1 on Amazon's Hard Rock and Metal chart.

Following the revitalizing success of the new album, KIX released Can't Stop The Show: The Return Of KIX in 2016. The DVD/CD set includes a 71-minute film that explores the band's decision to record their first new album since reuniting, interviews from notable rock artists and music industry characters, and never-before-released live tracks. Can't Stop The Show: The Return of KIX reached #1 on Billboard's Top Music Video Sales chart, which was the band's first ever #1 in their 35 year history.

On the 30^th Anniversary of their platinum album, Blow My Fuse, Maryland hard rock icons, KIX released Fuse 30 Reblown - 30^th Anniversary Special Edition two-disc set, on September 21, 2018 – exactly 30 years after Blow My Fuse's original September 19, 1988 release date. Disc 1 is an impactful remix of the album by Beau Hill, and Disc 2 includes original demo's recorded in the 80's of all 10 songs.

The remix of Blow My Fuse's original master tapes brings forth characteristics of the album that the band feels had been missing, including the approach to the unique guitar sounds of Brian "Damage" Forsythe and Ronnie "10/10" Younkins. "The performances come out so much better in this remix," says drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant. "All the crap's taken off of it, and you can really hear the band playing, rather than the reverb playing." "It's like getting cataracts removed," quips vocalist Steve Whiteman. "The remix clears it right up."

A new KIX album is in the works, while the band continues to blow away audiences with their live shows across the U.S. and beyond. As Whiteman concludes, "I just want everyone to end up on their feet. It's a party."

Blow My Fuse was certified Gold. Then, "Don't Close Your Eyes" was released, and it peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, propelling the album to platinum status. Blow My Fuse cemented…

The LoveMonkeys

Performances

September 3 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Charisma, Energy, Culture and Chaos – all in one musical setting.

The LoveMonkeys blend of rock, pop and reggae still reigns as one of the most original presentations comparable to no other in the midwest. Is it still possible to be as musically passionate, creative and vital after 20 years? The LoveMonkeys are proof the answer is "YES!"

Charisma, Energy, Culture and Chaos – all in one musical setting.

Peter Mulvey & SistaStrings

Performances

September 9 - 6:45 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Peter Mulvey

Peter Mulvey, a veteran singer and songwriter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mulvey is an iconoclast within the singer/songwriter world. Restless and inventive, he has made 20 records, spanning rock and roll, folk, Jazz, spoken word, and Americana. Mulvey continues to tour, playing over a hundred shows a year as he has for the past 25 years. This is the core of what he does: music, in a room, performed for a live audience. Check him out at petermulvey.com.

SistaStrings

The sound of SistaStrings can't be described in one word. The Milwaukee based sister duo combines their classical background with R&B with a touch of gospel influence that culminates in a vibey, lush sound. With thick string harmonies between violin and cello and soulful voices, SistaStrings takes you on a journey. Formed in 2014 after the sisters graduated from college, Chauntee (violin) moved back from her studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Monique from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the sisters began doing string arrangements for local hip-hop artists and the rest is history. Slowly but surely, SistaStrings built a following and began playing more shows with collaboration being one of their strongest points.

The sisters not only write and arrange but find pleasure sitting in with musicians and exploring what sounds come from improvisation and spontaneity. Outside of being their own act, SistaStrings can often be found playing alongside singer/songwriter Peter Mulvey. Having been raised in church, SistaStrings was able to build their improv skills and ear training. The classical background that the two sisters have had allows them to command their instrument at will. Between the two of them, they have performed in some of the most reputable halls, including Carnegie Hall and in their classical career they have soloed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

SistaStrings has performed with Malik Yusef, opened for Black Violin, Bone Thugs 'N Harmony, Lupe Fiasco, BJ The Chicago Kid, and The Roots. Outside of playing music venues, SistaStrings goes into schools and conducts assemblies, encouraging young people to pursue the arts and to not be afraid of hard work. Outreach and representation are important to these two young ladies as African American string players. The ladies are advocates for diversity in the arts and promote social justice in all that they do musically. SistaStrings will be releasing their debut EP in 2019.

SistaStrings Web: https://www.sistastrings.com/
SistaStrings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SistaStrings/
SistaStrings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistastrings/
SistaStrings Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fDOr1LBuzVBZ2l9C4nynf

Peter Mulvey

SistaStrings

Rhythm Kings

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

The Rhythm Kings have traveled throughout the country and the world rocking a variety of amazing venues. Back home in Milwaukee, we have headlined all the popular music festivals including Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and Harley Davidson events, often opening for many national acts over the years.

The band features experienced musicians from the Milwaukee music scene. We are available to play any venue, big or small. We bring a full sound and light system to every show and are always properly dressed for your occasion.
Our genre of music covers a wide variety from Earth Wind and Fire, The Beatles,Michael Jackson DNCE,Bruno Mars, Billy Joel and Johnny Cash and everything in between. The Rhythm Kings always deliver an amazing show, bringing you up on your feet with your favorite music from yesterday and today!

Robin Pluer and the R&B Coquettes

Performances

September 2 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Senri Oe

Performances

September 4 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Senri Oe, Jazz Pianist & Composer – 'Pop meets jazz. Jazz meets pop'

Senri Oe has released the sixth jazz album which is his first-ever trio titled Hmmm last September, 2019 on PND Records / Sony Music Diredt / Sony Music Masterworks. Hmmm follows a remarkable career as a former J-Pop superstar in the 80's and 90's. Leaving his pop career behind in 2008 to pursue his true dream of becoming a jazz artist, Senri moved to New York to study at the New School for Jazz, and subsequently released the BOYS & GIRLS (2018), ANSWER JULY (2016), COLLECTIVE SCRIBBLE (2015), SPOOKY HOTEL (2013) and BOYS MATURE SLOW (2012) albums.

As a multi-faceted singer songwriter, actor and radio host in Japan, Senri was the recipient of a Japanese Grammy®, topped the Billboard charts, headlined stadiums, performed on TV soap operas, and had his hits used for major Japanese TV commercials, movies and more. Since his drastic change of music career launched on 2012 jazz album debut, Senri has long thrived on building relationships with other artists and creating fresh musical collaborations, as he produced and arranged a collaborative recording byJanis Siegel ofThe Manhattan Transfer;recorded with renowned jazz vocal greatsSheila Jordan, Theo Bleckmann, Becca Stevens andLauren Kinhan of theGrammy winning vocal ensemble New York Voices.

Before Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Senri Oe has performed at theAtlanta Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Albania Jazz Festival, Blue Note NY, Smalls, Blue Note Hawaii, Blue Note Tokyo, Vitello's in Los Angeles, PianoForte in Chicago, Gregory's Jazz Club in Rome and many more.Aside fromBlue Note NY, he often performs at NYC venues such as Tomi Jazz, Zinc, the Jazz Gallery, Birdland Theater, Soho House, Smalls and Dixon Place.He has invited to be a guest on numbers of television, radio and online news. During this pandemic, there were 3 point worthy of his aggressive challenge, such as many charities streaming at home toward Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Asia and U.S., llive performance at Blue Note New York streaming to Japan, and his short piano solo TOGETHERNESS was selected as top 40 songs about the corona pandemic by AP press with Bon Jovi, Bono, Gloria Estephen, Alicia Keys, Rolling Stones, Nora Jones, and etc https://apnews.com/583bea954b745ff124d22dd27a87cd4d.

Senri Oe creates a special and unique jazz by combination between Japanese music pop tunes and New York Jazz soul. And the big feature of Senri Oe is a great music entertainer who can create a music bridge between him and the audience beyond generations on the stage.

Senri Oe, Jazz Pianist & Composer – 'Pop meets jazz. Jazz meets pop'

76 Juliet

Performances

September 16 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

76 Juliet is a premier party band from the Milwaukee area performing the best rock, pop, country and dance hits. For the last 18 years, they've tailored their live show performing at festivals, clubs, and private events - customizing their set-lists to make sure that there is something for everyone in the crowd.

Everyone in 76 Juliet stands by the motto - "If it's good, play it!" - resulting in a song list that includes everything from Taylor Swift to Van Halen. We want to party and dance with YOU – without you, there's no us…and we're grateful for every show we get to share with you!

The Cheap Shots

Performances

September 18 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

One of Wisconsin's BEST cover bands!

The Cougars

Performances

September 2 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

3 female vocalists performing everything from Journey to Lady Gaga with spine tingling harmonies! The Cougars bring the heat with a fantastic mix of pop/eighties, cross-over country and a whole lot of eye candy, and above all, a lot of fun!

Find out why this is one of the hottest bands in the Midwest, and one of the biggest drawing bands in the Green Bay area - The Cougars bring it! MEOW!

The Group

Performances

September 16 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Playing the "Funkiest Jazz"on the planet. 2018 WAMI Nominees! The Group features this area's finest musicians performing at the top of their game. Members include: WAMI Hall of Fame inductees and Summerfest veterans Eddie Butts (Drums), and Warren Wiegratz (Sax and Flute). Mike DeRose (Guitar), Dwayne Williams (Bass) and Theo Merriweather (Keyboard). The Group covers material by David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr., Jeff Lorber, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample with their own spin. If you enjoy great Jazz played with a "killer groove", don't miss The Group.

The Toys

Performances

September 4 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Audiences have enjoyed THE TOYS' explosive and energetic revival of hot music from the 80's to today's hits. When you think of great entertainment in Wisconsin, THE TOYS immediately come to mind. The song list scales top dance and rock hits from the 80's to today's current country and modern hits. These professionals are the real thing for real people which always assures a guaranteed good time. THE TOYS are Nightclub and Festival staples in Wisconsin - practically a household name for anybody with great taste in music. Don't miss the experience that is THE TOYS!

Totally Neon

Performances

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Totally Neon is a MTV 80's Pop Rock Tribute band bringing the Glitz and Glam to the stage for a high energy show. Filled with classic 80's and one hit wonders, Totally Neon takes you back in time!

Vivo

Performances

September 9 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Warren Wiegratz, Pam Duronio, Tim Stemper, Dwayne Williams and Tony Jefferson combined their creative passions to form a lively & contemporary jazz/pop, bossa/samba music ensemble called VIVO. While Warren is famed for his saxophone work, you will also have the opportunity to experience his flute & melodica talents in VIVO. This lends a very international flair to some of the Spanish, Portuguese & French songs that Pam delights in singing. In addition, Tim enjoys coloring their material with his rich guitar chords and rhythms. Dwayne is one of Milwaukee's finest bass artists and Tony Jefferson is an outstanding and well -known percussionist.

VIVO is WAMI's (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) "Jazz Artists of the Year" for 2015. VIVO's new, recently released CD "This Is the Time", features all original songs and has received very favorable reviews from The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel and the Milwaukee Examiner publications. Warren Wiegratz is a WAMI "Hall of Fame" inductee. Pam Duronio is a runner-up selection for "Female Jazz Vocalist of the year" by the Sheperd Express publication.

Alyssia Dominguez

Performances

September 2 - 1:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

With the release of her new album, Dance with Me, Alyssia Dominguez is bringing a new flair to country music by infusing a touch of her Hispanic roots. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in traditional Tejano music, Alyssia was always destined to be a musician.

"Mexican music has always been in my blood. I was raised around it and I learned how to sing and play that style of music from my grandmother. She was the one that really made me fall in love with the genre."

Alyssia began performing at local venues at the age of fifteen. Since then, the list of stages where she has performed has grown to include the Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest, Turner Hall Ballroom, and many others.

"I began singing country music when I was in high school because I loved the stories those songs told. With my new album, I thought it would be perfect to combine country style with attributes of traditional Mexican music. Both genres have a storytelling quality that I love. I hope everyone from age two to ninety nine loves this new music because each song not only has meaning, it also makes you want to dance!"

Currently performing as a solo artist, Alyssia is hoping to change the game in the music scene with her unique style.

Big Al Dorn

Performances

September 11 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

"Big" Al Dorn & The Blues Howlers bring an original, authentic and polished Blues sound with a sprinkle of West-Coast Swing to go with it. Super Smokin' Grooves, coupled together with savage, powerful harmonica and stinging guitar, they play original tunes with a fiery passion with nods to Blues legends John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, the Three Kings, all the great harp players, along with legendary local players like Reverend Raven, Jim Liban, The Blues Disciples and MANY MORE!!!!!! This band is an absolute force to be reckoned with, and a "Must See"!!!!!

"Big" Al began his career playing on the east-side of Milwaukee before reaching the legal age. Upon hearing a John Lee Hooker record with Jimmy Reed on harmonica, Al started focusing on harmonica instead of guitar. After 3 years of dropping and picking up various instruments and genres of music, Al realized that the Blues was where his heart truly laid. Over the years, Al has toured, played with and opened for several Legendary Blues artists and bands such as Billy Branch, Corky Siegel, Jim Liban, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altar Boys, Paul Filipowicz and Many More!!!

"Big" Al Dorn & The Blues Howlers are true professionals, honoring their influences such as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and of course, The Greats William Clarke and Rod Piazza.

?Eventually, "Big" Al's talent began to be noticed and praised by the veterans of the Milwaukee Blues community. At 14 years old, he met and forged a long lasting friendship and collaboration with local Blues legend Reverend Raven.

Through the Reverend, "Big" Al has met, played with, and been apart of some of the biggest names of the Midwest Music Industry. He occasionally loans his talents to other local bands.

Having played in many top Wisconsin bands, "Big" Al not only adds West Coast Swing & Jazz to his unique sound, but remains completely TRUE to his Blues Roots.

"Big" Al Dorn & The Blues Howlers are true professionals, honoring their influences such as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and of course, The Greats William Clarke and Rod Piazza.

Through the Reverend, "Big" Al has met, played with, and been apart of some of the biggest names of the Midwest Music Industry. He occasionally loans his talents to other local bands.

Having played in many top Wisconsin bands, "Big" Al not only adds West Coast Swing & Jazz to his unique sound, but remains completely TRUE to his Blues Roots.

Dirty Boogie

Performances

September 16 - 4:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Dirty Boogie is a dance/party cover band that guarantees to keep you moving all night! Performing music in the wide range of Journey & Queen to Bruno Mars & Maroon 5, Dirty Boogie has something for everyone to enjoy. The band formed in 2006 and quickly became a local favorite in Southeastern Wisconsin. 2015 marks over 1,000 shows for Dirty Boogie and this will be their seventh consecutive performance at Summerfest at Jo Jo's Martini Lounge. The band consists of Ben Janzow: Lead vocals, guitar; Robb Syverson: Bass, vocals; Tom Hagen: Drums, vocals. With all three members singing, Dirty Boogie puts out a big sound. So get ready for a fun show with a lot of crowd interaction. Let's get this party started!

Driftwood

Performances

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Driftwood was established in 2011. This isn't your ordinary Country band...NO NO NO... Driftwood brings together a high energy Rock show and a family friendly Country Show. You have to see them to believe it!! Driftwood has had the honor of sharing the stage with not only great local acts, but also National Acts like Jake Dodds, Hairball, Love and Theft and Thompson Square!!

Driftwood: When Country met Rock

It all started in the spring of 2011. A band by the name of Hot Pursuit was making a name for itself in the Fond du Lac, Wisconsin area when the band found themselves without a lead singer and a direction. Guitarist Erik Foster and Bassist Jay Salzmann, both with primarily Rock genre backgrounds, wanted to find a different style.

Drummer Matt Birschbach, with a wide variety background (primarily Country/Rock), wanted to start something that the Fond du Lac Area hasn't seen before - A Country Band!

While Birschbach attended a day at Milwaukee's Summerfest, he randomly facebooked Foster about his idea of starting a Country/ Rock Band. It was from that point that Driftwood was formed! With a Guitarist, Bassist, and a Drummer in the lineup, it was time for a lead singer... in walks Alicia Rivera (Foster). Alicia brought a dynamic twist of power and versatility to Driftwood. With the ability to sing both female and male parts, Driftwood was set but still felt like it had a missing piece.

Guitarist Dylan O'Connor was added to Driftwood in 2012. O'Connor brings not only talent but personality to Driftwood. There truly wouldn't be a Driftwood without Dylan.

In 2015, Matt Crowder, a male vocalist, joined Driftwood. Matt hails from Virginia and brings a southern rock twang to the mix!! When Matt and Alicia hit the stage anything is possible.

In early 2017, Chris Steinert made is grand entrance into the band as the first utility player in Driftwood's history. Chris ,not only sings harmonies, but plays mandolin, mouth harp, harmonica and will be gracing the stage with a banjo very soon.

The sky's the limit for this band as they continue to get booked all over Wisconsin. Driftwood thanks all the people that make this dream a reality every week. "Thank you, and we owe you!"

Driftwood: When Country met Rock

Drummer Matt Birschbach, with a wide variety background (primarily Country/Rock), wanted to start something that the Fond du Lac Area hasn't seen before - A Country Band!

Guitarist Dylan O'Connor was added to Driftwood in 2012. O'Connor brings not only talent but personality to Driftwood. There truly wouldn't be a Driftwood without Dylan.

In 2015, Matt Crowder, a male vocalist, joined Driftwood. Matt hails from Virginia and brings a southern rock twang to the mix!! When Matt and Alicia hit the stage anything is possible.

In early 2017, Chris Steinert made is grand entrance into the band as the first utility player in Driftwood's history. Chris ,not only sings harmonies, but plays mandolin, mouth harp,…

Eric Diamond

Performances

September 9 - 1:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Eric "Diamond" (http://ericdiamondproductions.com/) has been performing as Neil Diamond for the last 17 years and has been Wisconsin's Favorite Neil Diamond Tribute Artist since 2009. He has been told on countless occasions that he "sounds more like Neil than Neil Diamond does". Primarily focusing his solo shows around his home base of southeastern Wisconsin, for the last eight years Eric has toured the casinos, theaters and festivals of the Midwest as a headliner with the Ultimate Legends show.

In the beginning, Eric worked with several other entertainers and Tribute Artists as part of a duo (most notably Forever in Blue Suede and Diamonds & Martinis) to provide an energetic evening filled with variety, good music and great times. Eventually going solo and taking his one-man "Neil & Nostalgia" show on the road, Eric has been wowing crowds not only with his spot-on vocal performance of Neil Diamond's biggest hits, but also with his tributes to artists like Johnny Cash, John Cougar Mellencamp and the nostalgic "one-hit wonders" of the 60s and 70s.

Over the last several years, Eric has been showcased on WITI Fox 6's Wake Up and Real Milwaukee shows, as well as CBS 58 Sunday Morning's "Diamond in the Rough" feature story. He recently returned home from a small tour of Central Kentucky.

Frogwater

Performances

September 2 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Frogwater is the acoustic musical pairing of John "Jack" & Susan Nicholson. Renowned for their virtuosity and exuberant live performances, they like to think of themselves as musical ambassadors. Their repertoire spans from Celtic to Delta blues, from classical to pop with a healthy dose of unique original material filling out the mix. Through the years Frogwater has performed at Milwaukee Irish Fest, Bastille Days, Shawano Folk Music Festival, Traditional Arts Weekend (MI) and other Midwestern festivals. They have received honors as best band in the Bluegrass & Country categories in the WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) awards, plus Shepherd Express readers' poll awards.

Gene Gruber

Performances

September 17 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Gene is a singer/songwriter in the tradition of the "Adult Contemporary" folk rock of the 70's through today, featuring a repertoire of crowd-pleasing cover songs by artists such as Jim Croce, The Eagles, America, Don McLean, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver and many more.

Harmonious Wail

Performances

September 4 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

The members of Harmonious Wail are purveyors of Americana-infused Gypsy Jazz, who continue to take their listeners on a ride via the music of the Hot Club sounds of Parisian cafes, to the deepest blues of the Memphis Delta, to the heartfelt folk scenes across every-town-America. This harmonious clique are sublime entertainers, great educators, and lifters of spirits.

Harmonious Wail is a trio of multi-award winning musicians. Sims Delaney-Potthoff, a mandolin virtuoso, and vocalist, Maggie Delaney-Potthoff, vocalist extraordinaire, whose percussive instrument of choice is a cardboard box (but who can also rock almost any household object), and Jeffo Weiss, a master bassist who dazzles and mesmerizes on both upright and electric 5-string bass.

These illustrious, yet humble artists vow that every performance is played from the heart and infused with a perfect balance of inspiration, emotion, wit and storytelling. The Wail celebrates 10 recordings in its 30+ years of existence and is currently kicking off its 4th decade releasing two new CDs simultaneously! One project showcases Harmonious Wail's original compositions, and the other is a collection of Gypsy Jazz standards recorded in collaboration with some the world's leading Gypsy Jazz All Stars.

As stewards of the Gypsy Jazz genre, they have established the Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest, held twice a year in Madison, Wisconsin. They also offer to take the fest on the road as a special concert package. They have mastered a plan on how to bring amazing Gypsy Jazz All Stars from around the world, and place them in front of concert audiences throughout the United States.

Their gracious approach to music and storytelling translates beautifully for any musical education outreach program. They are as illumined off stage as they are on. And their skills are tailored to fit groups of varying skill and age. Popular topics have included; "The Instrumentation of Gypsy Jazz," "How to Succeed in the Music Biz," and "Maggie's Method™: If You Can Speak You Can Sing."

Never a dull moment, the philanthropic trio has also established The Henry Mac Fund. The fund was created in March of 2015 in memory of Sims' and Maggie's son, Henry. Henry was a superb musician who will not be forgotten, as funds are awarded annually to a young, upcoming musician who is looking for support to move her/his musical career forward. These young musicians will continue to help make the world a better place through music. The funds are awarded every June at the Madison Area Music Association awards ceremony. (The MAMA's).

Not only a touring band, the ever-reaching Harmonious Wail has worked with National Public Radio, performing on multiple shows and even donating pertinent songs for NPR to use in annual fundraising campaigns. Their music has been placed in films, and they recently received the 2017 Musicnotes Outstanding Musical CareerAchievement Award.

For more information on upcoming releases, tour dates, and causes that are near and dear to the members, be sure to follow Harmonious Wail on Instagram, Twitter, Bandsintown and Facebook and add them to your playlists on Spotify.

Jackie Brown

Performances

September 17 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Jackie Brown has been performing since she was 13 years old. As a young girl, she found that music gave her a sense of pride and purpose. Over the years of self-taught guitar/singing/songwriting, she gained the skills and confidence to become a professional singer!

Working various part-time jobs throughout high school and college, Jackie also performed on weekends with a very popular rock band. It was the thrill of a lifetime when they became the opening act for era bands like Marshall Tucker, Grand Funk Railroad, Head East, and Joan Jett!

Following her dream to perform she formed and managed a duo acoustic rock band, "Jackie Brown and The Boys", which quickly transitioned into a six-piece Rock & Modern Country Rock band, "Jackie Brown Band". Setting her sights to perform major local festivals, she has regularly appeared at SummerFest, Wisconsin State Fair, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Miller Park Stadium, and dozens of other venues and corporate events throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

As if that is not enough to keep her busy she has added another outlet for her great talent by joining forces with Bobby Way and becoming the band's female vocalist.

Jackie continues to be inspired by a growing range of genres, but for some reason, the newer country is what opened the flood gates of writing inspiration, and out came her EP "Reawakened". Her unique sound has been featured on several local radio stations like WMIL fm106.1, Guarantee Raw Radio AM1050 as well as their live debut T.V. performance on WITI-TV FOX6. The band's newest original cd "Life's a Party" released in 2017, is available on iTunes, amazon.com, ReverbNation, and soundcloud.com!

As if that is not enough to keep her busy she has added another outlet for her great talent by joining forces with Bobby Way and becoming the band's female vocalist.

Jake Warne

Performances

September 11 - 1:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Soothing vocals combined with soaring melodies, Jake Warne is one of the finest music talents in Wisconsin. A human jukebox with a knack for passionate song delivery, Jake takes performing to a new level rarely seen these days. He's able to capture the beauty and elements of what made a song so successful while incorporating his personal touch to reach every audience.

Jake also performs as singer/songwriter/bassist for local rock outfit AMBERSTEIN. Being a musician who understands how important it is to provide a unique experience each time he hits the stage, Jake has the rare ability to entertain everybody at each show.

Jim Ohlschmidt & Steve Cohen

Performances

September 11 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Jim Ohlschmidt is a Sheboygan native who began playing guitar in the late 1960s. Jim's musical career began with the release of his debut album, Behind The Eye, in 1977. Since then he has released numerous CDs as a solo performer, including a series of recordings dedicated to the music of Mississippi John Hurt. Jim has spent the past 30 years working as a professional guitarist in cities such as Milwaukee, Birmingham, Cincinnati, and Minneapolis. Jim's work as a guitarist in touring bands have taken him around the world to engagements in Norway, England, Scotland, Japan, and Australia.

The heart of Jim's musical world is his solo work on acoustic guitar. In addition to his catalog of solo recordings, Jim is featured in many YouTube videos performing his original compositions and arrangements. He has also been a featured instructor at music camps and programs such as Alabama Folk School's Guitar Weekend. Jim and Steve Cohen have been working together as a duo since 2017, performing at Summerfest, the Harley-Davidson Museum complex, and other area venues.

Steve Cohen is an award-winning harmonica player. He has been sponsored by Hohner Inc. since 1986. He is also a singer, and guitarist, and long-time leader of the Leroy Airmaster Blues Band. He has released 9 albums of music and has performed as a sideman on dozens of other recordings. He has written 5 harmonica instruction books that are in the catalog of the Hal Leonard Corporation, and has performed the harmonica parts on over a dozen other Hal Leonard instruction books. He taught music at UW-Milwaukee for 5 years, and at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, as well as privately. He performs regularly in numerous musical ensembles. He also maintains a vinyl record resale business and operates the Blues Central Booking Agency.

Jon Rouse

Performances

September 9 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Jon Rouse is a performing musician born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He was introduced to all kinds of music at an early age from his music loving father and although he was interested, he didn't begin playing until his sophomore year in highschool. He started playing on a cheap electric Yamaha Pacifica in 2004 in his parents' basement. Internet tabs were his only source of progression. He played licks from his favorite band's songs for years. Finally, in about 2006, he picked up an acoustic guitar from his father's collection. That changed his style to this date. Jon Rouse regularly plays classic rock covers in bars, restaurants, and live music venues all over the Southeastern Wisconsin area year round and would love to see you at a show!

Lil Rev and Jawbone Jimmy

Performances

September 17 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Lil Rev and Jawbone Jimmy have a long history of making music in Milwaukee, Jawbone Jimmy having done stints in Salt Creed, Milk Train, Colour Radio, Locate Your Lips and The Shivvers to name a few. He's known for his red hot guitar picking and rock solid harmony vocals. Lil Rev is an award-winning Milwaukee musician, and world renown ukulele author and entertain. He's played in Frogwater and as a solo artist for over 25 years in milwaukee and around north America. He's a multi-instrumentalist and was voted best folksinger in WI in 2004 WAMI. Together Jim and Rev draw blues, roots rock, bluegrass, folk, country twang and rooted originals performing on guitar, mandolin, harmonica, ukulele, banjo, and tenor guitar.

Marcell Of The Rhythm Kings

Performances

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

If your ready for a top notched group to play your next Wedding, Corporate Function, Private Event, Club, Fair or Festival. Look no further you've found the perfect group!

The Rhythm Kings have the capability of playing any occasion from a intimate dinner to large events. The band has played in many areas throughout the country and the world in the the last 20 years. They've headlined at many popular music festival like Summerfest, The Wisconsin State Fair, Harley Davidson Events, Clubs, Weddings. Plus, The Rhythm Kings have opened for many national acts over the years.

They cover a wide variety of music that would be great for any event. Performing the music of Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, The Commodores, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Van Morrison and many more favorites! The band features award winning versitile musicians and out of this world vocal harmonies. Their passion for music is demonstrated in every song they play. Your guests will always remember the music! Group Members Marcell Guyton (Keys and Vocals), Lon Wall (Drums and Vocals), Phil Marich (Bass and Vocals), Lionel Jamerson (Guitar and Vocals)

If your ready for a top notched group to play your next Wedding, Corporate Function, Private Event, Club, Fair or Festival. Look no further you've found the perfect group!

MC Smith & John Minard

Performances

September 4 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

MC Smith & John Minard started in 2019. We played together in two di?erent bands and decided to collaborate and form our duo. We love to try anything and make it our own. From old county to new country to some Beatles with a little bit of R&B mixed in, we love anything with great harmonies! We do parties, beer gardens, bars and festivals.

Mighty Ms. Erica and The Sound Production

Performances

September 11 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Erica Johnson grew up in a family of musicians watching gigs and continuous rehearsals. A father who is a record collector of the 50's, 60's, and 70's Blues and Soul collections. Inspired by Denise Lasalle, Linda Jones, Gladys Knight, and Etta James. Erica started singing at the age of 2 and was in a church choir by the age of 4 years old. There it began from school performances, talent shows, church events, to a star in mind television show. Erica was a lead vocalist for phase two band, Darnell Kimbo band, Misfits blues band, Brew city Rhythm and Blues band, and The Blues Disciples. Releasing two of her very on songs wrote and recorded by her on The Blues Disciples "Gravy Train album". Performing at summer Fest, Paramount Blues challenge (Memphis), Jazz in the Park, Chicago blues festival and a host of other venues. Erica was motivated to start her own band "The Mighty Ms. Erica and The Sound Production"

Mission Accomplished

Performances

September 18 - 1:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Three musicians, interpreting music to entertain. Acoustic music for all occasions.

Mrs. Fun

Performances

September 16 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

MRS.FUN plays nu jazz. Complex, sophisticated and adventurous, their music is a unique blend of off-center jazz, ultra-funk, spoken word rap, and their own brand of neo-cabaret. Intelligent lyrics, stellar musicianship, and a dynamic stage presence are hallmarks of their music. The MRS.FUN sound is derived from Connie Grauer's funky bass-driven keyboard playing, combined with Kim Zick's skillful in-the-pocket drumming. " Grauer is a piano player with few equals whose drive and energy spills across the stage and into the audience like nitrous oxide. She's got a left hand that doesn't quit, the mark of any great pianist, and a right hand with limitless boundaries". Zick holds court as a "heart-stopping drummer" whose "grooves get so far out, most people need a map to get back." Voted Best Contemporary Jazz Group by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry(WAMI) three consecutive years, Grauer and Zick have also received WAMI awards for Best Instrumentalist: keyboards and drums. Grauer has also received awards for Best Female Vocalist and Best Stage Entertainer.

North Coast Orchestra

Performances

September 3 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Voted "Best Band" by readers of Wisconsin Bride Magazine in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and nominated in 2017 and 2018!!

The North Coast Orchestra is an exciting group, comprised of Milwaukee's finest musicians. Musicians that have performed and toured with such noted artists as Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra Jr., Dennis DeYoung, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, Peter Cetera, Manhattan Transfer, and scores of others. The North Coast Orchestra is constantly updating its repertoire to stay current with today's musical trends while maintaining a vast song list sure to please a wide variety of age groups. The band features outstanding vocalists, a burning rhythm section, and a hot horn section. Whether it be a wedding, corporate party, festival, elegant fundraiser, or dance parties The North Coast Orchestra will PACK YOUR DANCE FLOOR! Although The North Coast Orchestra is primarily a ten-piece variety band, they can offer other packages.

Voted "Best Band" by readers of Wisconsin Bride Magazine in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and nominated in 2017 and 2018!!

Pangaea

Performances

September 9 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

The attractive sound of steel drums is reminiscent of tropical, sunny climates and warm sunny beaches. As a duo, Pangaea performs on marimba and steel drums. Steel drums, percussion, and bass are common for the trio. Adding a guitarist rounds out the quartet. Let the warmth of the steel drums and the irresistible sound of Caribbean music take your party away to the islands…

Panic Station

Performances

September 17 - 4:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Since 2015 this Green Bay area band has been entertaining crowds across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan playing rock, funk and pop from the 70's through today. Their mix of high energy original music and covers hits the audience's sweet spot and catches them off guard at the same time. Exciting musicianship along with one of the Green Bay area's premier lead vocalists set this band apart and ensures whatever venue they are playing is gonna be rocking! Come check out why Panic Station is creating such a buzz in the local music scene!

Scott Meissner

Performances

September 3 - 1:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Acoustic Hits - Classics to Current

Spike and April

Performances

September 2 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Door County ,WI based "Spike and April" perform a mix of music well suited for events like parties,Tiki bars,gastropubs, night clubs, wineries and restaurants. They cover jazz, americana, folk, blues, classic rock, swing and their own quirky/fun original songs. Mike (Spike) Judy on guitar/vocals and April Pate on vocals/percussion will provide the right mood and feeling for your gathering. Many decades of performance experience afford them the musical flexibility to do just that. Let's have some fun!

The Playlist

Performances

September 3 - 4:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Covering up-tempo Top 40 party hits from the past 40 years, THE PLAYLIST has played Summerfest every year since 2007, and is excited to be part of The Big Gig again this year! With an energetic & fun show featuring two female lead vocalists, the band has a little something for everyone. Come join the party!

Check out their Summerfest promo video: https://youtu.be/fmdb61t3sQw

Trapper Schoepp

Performances

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

In 2019, Milwaukee's Trapper Schoepp hit a songwriter's jackpot: a co-write with Bob Dylan. And the circumstances were wildy serendipitous. On the day Dylan entered Columbia Studios in 1961 to begin recording his first studio album, he wrote a song about Wisconsin. The lyric sheet sat unseen with a former roommate, and was later unearthed and put up for auction at $30,000. Schoepp saw the story and seized the opportunity to set music to words. After Schoepp's effort, he was granted Dylan's approval to jointly publish the song. This 57-year-collaboration--"On, Wisconsin"--led to features in Rolling Stone and Billboard, an album called Primetime Illusion produced by Wilco's Patrick Sansone, and nearly a hundred international tour dates. But other ventures in the singer-songwriter's life weren't as fulfilling.

Schoepp spent the summer prior to the release of Primetime Illusion at the Hotel Astor, a historic 1920s hotel he describes as having "the air of a haunting Stephen King novel." Indulging in the spookiness of his transient lodgings, Schoepp went on a ghost tour of Milwaukee, and as the specters saw fit, the tour ended back at the very hotel where he was staying. The guide shared the story of a 1935 fire that claimed the lives of a nurse and her patient, a deaf man who did not wake to the nurse's pounding at his door. With creative liberties, Schoepp reimagined their story into "Hotel Astor."

Schoepp explores themes of ghosts and rebirth, springtime and renewal on his album, May Day - out 5/21/21 on Grand Phony Records. "May Day is an ancient holiday that celebrates the arrival of springtime, the natural world and also workers' rights. It's also my birthday," Schoepp says with a laugh. "After this trying winter, we found solace in making an album for the spring."

May Day, the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, has historically been observed with dancing and singing around a maypole. Schoepp's album cover features a Roaring Twenties era photo of women dancing around a maypole alongside the Washington Monument, which was found in a Library of Congress archive by his brother and bassist/singer, Tanner Schoepp, and adapted into album art by designer, Daniel Murphy (Bon Iver, The War On Drugs).

"I was born on the first day, fifth month called May/I'm here today to say I need you in the worst way," Schoepp sings in the opening title track. Against a driving Springsteen-esque beat, Schoepp tells a transcontinental tale inspired by an untenable living situation he faced weeks before departing on a European tour. "I woke up with a frantic sense of urgency the morning the piano movers came. I finished 'May Day' as they were pulling up, thinking I owed it to the piano to write one more song on it."

Weeks later on tour in Paris, Schoepp penned "Paris Syndrome," an acoustic ballad inspired by a rare but real psychiatric condition that afflicts tourists when the City of Lights does not meet their expectations. "I thought the condition was partly tragic, partly humorous - which is something I gravitate toward in my songs," Schoepp said.

The music of May Day is both a celebration of more hopeful times and a reflection of a darker past, often using the natural world as a motif. As Schoepp sings in the lost-at-sea, acoustic ballad, "Yellow Moon": "Amidst a sea of emotion/A life led in perpetual motion/After many months lost at sea/I learned loneliness is a part of being free." The minor key piano rocker "River Called Disaster" expresses the feeling of being broken down by the compulsion for more - its music video sees Schoepp lighting a piano on fire.

Echoes of bluesmen like Screamin' Jay Hawkins, are heard in the slide-guitar driven "Little Drop of Medicine" - which is set in the Garden of Eden. "Go to the garden, that's where it starts/With body and blood, flesh and heart," Schoepp sings. "I was alone, you were what I was missing/Then that serpent spoke, and baby we listened."

The 10-track album was recorded near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, amidst the pandemic and citywide protests for racial equity. "In between vocal takes, I stepped outside in my surgical mask and saw a fleet of military Humvees driving by the studio to a protest. Helicopters overhead. Surreal and scary for the people taking to the streets to stand up against police brutality."

The album was produced by Schoepp and his longtime friend, Ian Olvera, whom he bonded with as a teen over AOL Instant Messenger after trading bootlegs on a Bob Dylan message board. The two ended up meeting in person while front row at a concert, not recognizing one another from their online kinship until after the concert. They remained musical comrades and Olvera engineered Schoepp's 2019 album, Primetime Illusion. Olvera took on the multiple roles of producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist on May Day as part of an effort to keep the sessions socially isolated. "He was a one-man machine and we're certainly indebted to him for the warm tone of May Day," Schoepp said. "There were some experimental turns in songs like 'Something About You' and 'I Am a Rider' that Ian really sculpted."

On May Day, Schoepp and band defy the limitations of standard-issue Americana by hopping genres and experimenting with drum machines, modular synths, and droning guitars. The record finds Schoepp handling vocals, acoustic guitar, and, for the first time on an album, piano. He's accompanied by his touring band: his brother and musical-foil, Tanner Schoepp (electric bass and vocal harmonies), Matt Smith (slide and electric guitar) and Jacob Bicknase (drums). "In ordinary times, we would've gone to the basement to get the arrangements right but we worked remotely, slowly exchanging musical ideas via modest home studio setups," Schoepp said of the atypical pre-production process.

Following the cancellation of a lengthy European tour, Schoepp and his brother weathered the early stages of lockdown by working on May Day and doing live streams for socially conscious organizations like Guitars 4 Vets, Harmony 4 Hope and RAINN.

He also began selling out of a t-shirt he made years back that simply says "This Isn't Fun Anymore." Schoepp overheard a boy cry out the phrase on an amusement park ride called The Scat, which inspired the sentiment for the lyric, and later the shirt. The song "The Scat" was later used as the theme song for The Onion's 'A Very Fatal Murder' podcast and in a trailer for HBO's 'Perry Mason' series.

Having spent the last half decade "getting home just in time to leave again," playing countless dates, and sharing stages with such like-minded Americana mainstays as The Wallflowers, The Jayhawks, Frank Turner, and Old 97's, Schoepp hopes to take to the road again when it's safe. Until then, Schoepp will be promoting May Day through drive-in concerts, live streaming and small, socially distanced events.

For all the darkness surrounding May Day, Schoepp hopes it will be a respite for listeners he was unable to reach on the road. "The pandemic devastated the live music industry but the need to be transported through song remained. I hope May Day offers that sort of escape.

May Day, the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, has historically been observed with dancing and…

Thompson Square

Performances

September 16 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Since breaking out in 2010 with 2X-PLATINUM #1 chart-breaker "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not," husband-and-wife team Keifer and Shawna Thompson have delivered two Top 5 Country albums and another romantic #1 hit with PLATINUM-certified "If I Didn't Have You" -- plus two more Top 10s with "I Got You" and "Everything I Shouldn't Be Thinking About." With five Top 20 hits, nearly 1 BILLION digital streams and a social media following of over 1.9 million, the duo has been honored with multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins at the ACM and CMA Awards forVocal Duo of the Year. The Reviver Entertainment duo has tallied national television appearances onTODAY,Fox & Friends,The Tonight Show,Jimmy Kimmel Live!,Conan, Hallmark'sHome & Family andCBS This Morning. After welcoming their son Cooper in 2016, Thompson Square released their third studio album,MASTERPIECE, produced by the duo alongside GRAMMY winner Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), perennial hitmaker Dann Huff (Keith Urban) and Ilya Toshinskiy.

David Seebach's Wonders of Magic

Performances

September 2 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 2 - 8:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

DAVID SEEBACH has almost always been a magician. His interest began at about age six when an older brother gave him a toy magic set. His initial 'public' appearance was at Milwaukee's Center Street Public Library in 1960 for which he was paid $7.50. The repertoire included scarves that magically appeared and cards that changed from one value to another.

David now travels far from his Milwaukee, Wisconsin home and causes women to appear or transform into his tiger, Tara. His Wonders of Magic has been presented in over thirty states, coast-to-coast, and is a lavish production with beautiful settings, spectacular illusions, colorful costuming, and evocative music.

David studied theater at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he graduated with honors and a BFA degree. On campus he created a benefit show that ran for ten years. He also briefly taught a course in magic at UW-M.

In 1979 an original musical was written around David called It Must Be Magic. Staged at Milwaukee's Pabst Theatre, it ran for sixty sold-out performances. He is very well known in his home city where he regularly performs for many private functions and at popular public events such as Rainbow Summer, Holiday Folk Fair, County Stadium and State Fair Park doings, and -since 1980- annual twice nightly appearances at Summerfest, the world's largest music festival.

Frequently called upon by major corporations, David has created specialized magical performances for Ford, Oldsmobile, Buick, McDonald's, IBM, General Electric, Sony, Miller Brewing, Mercury Marine, and Walgreen's. In November 1999, he traveled to Antwerp, Belgium to perform for the international sales force of Philips Medical. One year later, in 2000, John Deere invited him to host their new product rollout and host six presentations to their dealers over a three-week period in Florida. In December, 2013 David was invited by Armed Forces Entertainment to fly around the world in eleven days and present shows for our troops overseas. Five appearances were made in Asia.

He combined his love of classical music with magic to create The Maestro & The Magician, a concert attraction that has appeared with notable orchestras in California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Texas as well as with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Syracuse Symphony, and Rochester Orchestra.In the 21st century David has become a frequent guest artist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

David's holiday attraction, Merry Magic Christmas, has appeared in New Jersey, California, Illinois, and Hawaii. Seasonal music and magic are blended for this family attraction.

In 1991 David and his staff created Illusions in the Night, perhaps the only elaborate magic and illusion show designed to scare an audience. It has appeared annually in Milwaukee. The show -and its ghosts-has also traveled to upstate Wisconsin and Illinois.

Within his field David Seebach has won honors and high acclaim. He has been a featured performer at the national convention of the Society of American Magicians, the east coast Magic Jubilee, and the annual Magic Get-Together where he has been featured frequently and won the coveted 'Best of the Best' trophy. He has also appeared at Hollywood's famed Magic Castle, long considered a crown jewel in magicdom. His writing was featured monthly in a long-published conjuror's magazine.

He still makes his home in the Milwaukee area when not out on-the-road performing elsewhere.

Kenny Ahern: Physical Comedian & Family Entertainer

Performances

September 2 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 2 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 3 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 3 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Touring the planet for over two decades, Kenny Ahern has steadily built his reputation as a world-class family entertainer. He is equally at home in the Theater as he is frolicking on stage at Fairs and edu-taining at Schools. Kenny has taken master classes in physical comedy with Broadway star and Tony Award recipient, Bill Irwin and Yale School of Drama faculty head Christopher Bayes. He studied with Pavel Groditsky of The Soviet National School for the Circus and Variety Arts (movement workshop) and trained at Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College—receiving a BFA (Bachelor in Fun Arts). Kenny has learned from thousands of the best directors in comedy throughout the world ... his audiences.

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Performances

September 2 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

This record is a celebration of African-American music over the past one hundred years and its social messages from the last thirty. Although we cover a whole timeline of different eras on We Walk This Road, what ties these songs together remain their message of hope, their ability to uplift. After we finished our last record, Colorblind, we began searching for a great producer to help guide the follow up. We wanted someone who understood me and the road I've walked this far, who understood our connections of my roots within rock and gospel and the church, who would help us put those things in their most compelling context. T Bone Burnett shared the vision of how gospel, blues and rock could be put together in a way that could relate to my history and connect to my present. It was important to us that we make the record we wanted to make, even if the end result was unclassifiable. We just focused on making great songs and great music that spoke to me, and that reflected the way I try to speak to the world. We recorded We Walk This Road over about two years, after T Bone had finished his record with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. We went into the studio with virtual libraries of songs, whole volumes worth of material to go through. T Bone brought in old archival songs from the twenties and thirties and many of them were in the public domain. I had songs that I had written with the band, or that other artists had sent me, and we sat down and starting sifting through history. When we found something we liked, we would either cover it or re-work it using our own words or melodies. Through this creation came an education. T Bone opened a lot of doors for me serving as a link between the past and the present. He knows how to take something from the past and bring it into the present while still allowing the artist to make it his own, in the same way that Hendrix took Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" and made it belong to him. T Bone listens to music that our grandmothers would listen to as children–not even music that our fathers listened to, but songs that go even further back…some from Gospel and Christian blues, the music that people working in fields across the south likely sang nearly a century ago. Those are the real roots of rock and roll, where everything else comes from. I was only allowed to listen to modern Christian and gospel music growing up, so there was so much I didn't know about. My mind is expanded now. The record is finished and I still feel as if I'm not done. I've spent over $5,000 on iTunes in the past eighteen months just catching up. Before this record, I didn't sift through music past the Seventies. I didn't know about Blind Willie Johnson, or Chess Records. I thank T Bone for being a tour guide into the deepest parts of my musical roots. We connected the last one hundred years of African-American music in the way people used to: You write your own songs, you cover other people's material, you re-work older songs. We had some amazing people come in to help. Leon Russell came by to hang out and wound up playing piano on the last track, "Salvation." Ben Harper plays guitar and sings on "If I Had My Way." The base of that song came from Blind Willie Johnson, and it was really difficult to get right. It was a country tune for a while. I had honestly given up on it. But Ben came down and said, "Let me get in there! I know just what to do!" He went in there and smoked the choruses, and I thought, "Now we've got a tune." It's one of my favorite songs on the record. Where We've Been I grew up in the House of God church. The pedal steel was a big part of our church tradition. I grew up watching older guys play, and I started playing when I was fifteen. When I was nineteen, someone gave me tickets to a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert. After that, I wanted to play pedal steel like Stevie Ray played his guitar. I wanted to take another path than the people who played traditional pedal steel to take it to a whole new level.We started playing and touring around New York City in 2000, playing clubs like Wetlands, and things started to take off. We were selling out large New York clubs with no record deal, and it started to spread to Philly and Boston. Soon, we signed to Warner Brothers, and word began to get around about us nationally. Great artists like Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews and B.B. King accepted us. Young artists, too: we toured with the Roots and Pharrell and John Mayer. We have been fortunate to be accepted by a wide range of fan bases, and we have been able to build from there. I definitely feel as if everything has been working up to this moment, to this record. Where We're Going I'm very excited to play these tracks live. Those people who have been our fans and followers should see the progression from our last record to this one, and the road we've taken won't seem too foreign to them. When people come to see us, they know that it's really about the message, about making them feel good. Hopefully, this record will inspire them in the same way. It certainly makes me feel happy. I can't see myself recording depressing lyrics, lyrics that leave people without a sense of hope. It's not in me to use the power of the microphone to makemusic like that. That's why this record is uplifting - it's got great messages. It's all there.My goal is to open the door for people, in the same way that musical doors have been opened for me. I want to take this musical history and make it relevant to give people a better idea of who I am and where I came from. I think even though I'm a young guy who was born into the era of hip-hop and contemporary gospel, I can help bridge the cultural gap between people who are seventy-five years old and kids who are fifteen years old by reaching back into this history of music.We Walk This Road was done in our belief in what we all need right now: young voices saying something positive without preaching in hopes of inspiring people. When you stick to what you believe in, and with the roots of where you come from, things will always work out.

The Steepwater Band

Performances

September 2 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Diamond Day Records is very excited to announce the release of The Steepwater Band's 6th full-length studio album SHAKE YOUR FAITH. The LP features 11 brand new TSB tracks, and is slated for release on Friday, April 1st via Double 180 Gram Vinyl, Compact Disc and Digital Download. The album was recorded last winter at Crushtone Studios, in the shadows of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in Cleveland, Ohio. Shake Your Faith was produced by the band along with seasoned rock studio veteran Jim Wirt, who has also worked with the likes of Fiona Apple, Incubus and the Buffalo Killers. As with most TSB albums, the sound and songwriting on Shake Your Faith has grown and expanded, yet retained the true nature of the band. It's the first TSB studio record in over 4 years and the first to include "new" guitarist Eric Saylors.

With the additional band member, the songwriting approach for this record was different than it was on past TSB albums, when they were a 3-piece. Singer/Guitarist Jeff Massey comments on the TSB songwriting process…"Each song was different. I had a few totally finished songs, or Tod would bring a complete piece of music that would need melody & lyrics. And there were also a bunch of other musical ideas coming from both Eric & Joe, which we would all hash out together." Drummer Joe winters states "Everyone really brought ideas to the table, collaboratively, more so with Shake Your Faith, than with any other of our records. That really created a special vibe around the songs."

The arctic Lake Erie air made for a secluded and quick session, as it was all recorded and mixed within 12 days. "What better circumstances to record in?" says Eric Saylors, "There weren't any outside distractions!" The band entered the studio with a group of songs, but with very loose arrangements. Bassist Tod Bowers elaborates, "It really allowed everyone in the band to be inspired by the moment. Sonically inspired by what sounds you were hearing coming out of the speakers… what was happening in the room, musically between the 4 of us. And you can hear that in the recording."

Shake Your Faith has a wide range of sounds from straight ahead rock n roll to a psychedelic samba, and lyrical direction that extends from love to murder. This album is the true meaning of just that. An album – a collective piece of music that's meant to be heard front to back. Saylors adds "The way the whole record flows, it's like one long song… takes you on a little journey."

Formed in Chicago back in 1998, The Steepwater Band's signature sound is a nod to early British blues, combined with a modern, raw and gutsy musical approach. Founding members Massey, Bowers and Winters have a synergy that comes from years of playing together. Then in early 2012, the long-time trio was joined by Saylors, from Indianapolis, IN, who brought an added depth to the TSB LIVE sound. Although the band got their start as devotees of delta blues, they have since been expanding on their influences, absorbing everything from Psychedelia to Americana, from Jazz to 50's Rock n' Roll Music.

The Steepwater Band has maintained a grueling schedule throughout the last 18 years, averaging about 140 shows per year. They have toured and shared the stage with acts such as Gov't Mule, Buddy Guy, Wilco, Taj Mahal, Marc Ford, ZZ Top, T-Model Ford, North Mississippi All Stars, Leon Russell, Drive-By Truckers, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Cheap Trick, Bad Company and Heart. In 2005, the band made its European debut, performing at the Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. In the following years, the band has returned to the United Kingdom and Europe for multiple club and festival tours, increasing their loyal overseas fan-base.

Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy

Performances

September 9 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 9 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Mark Hayward has been a variety arts performer since 1990. He is a World Yo-yo Champion, a member of a World Champion Juggling Team, and a Spintop Champion. His mom is proud. Mark has traveled the world with a yo-yo on his finger (well, mostly in his pocket), and has made appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, America's Got Talent, and the NBC Nightly News (without committing a crime). Someday Mark hopes to perform for both the President and the Queen. Not being a convicted criminal should help with that.

Wayne & Wingnut - Red Hot Chilli Puppets

Performances

September 9 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 9 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 2 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 3 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 17 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 17 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Play me some mountain music! Let Colorado's premier ventriloquist Wayne Francis and Wingnut barnstorm their way into your heart. The perfect cross over act. Solid rhythm and vocals wrapped around delightfully playful comedy.

The Stephen Hull Experience

Performances

September 16 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Experience the Blues through the heart and soul of Stephen Hull, self taught blues artist since age 14. Dubbed a young B.B. and Albert King.

Willy Porter

Performances

September 4 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Searching for the shaman that lives inside the guitar has led Willy Porter on a musical and personal odyssey spanning over two decades, 10 albums, and multiple continents. His journey remains defined by an independent drive to evolve as a musician and human, affording him the freedom to create the next song on his own terms. Equally accomplished as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Porter's songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence. His live shows are guitar-driven events--equal parts grit, soul, and muscle--that are electrifying, dynamic, and wholly original in the way that Porter's voice blends and fuses with his virtuoso fret work.

A largely self-taught musician, Porter began treating audiences to his brand of guitar playing and wry storytelling in the late '80's while living in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1990, he released his first full-length independent album, The Trees Have Soul, and the touring life has flowed steadily ever since. Porter has literally logged millions of miles across America, Canada, the UK, and Europe, touring solo, as well as with various incarnations of the Willy Porter Band and in support of artists like Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, Sting, and Jeff Beck.

Porter's breakthrough album, Dog Eared Dream, was released in 1994, and the song "Angry Words" quickly became a staple at the burgeoning AAA radio format. This led to a major label deal with BMG/Private Music in 1995. Unfortunately, Private was dismantled by BMG just as Porter was preparing to release his follow-up. With contractual freedom in 1998, Porter quickly signed with the San Francisco-based label Six Degrees. There he released three albums beginning with the studio gem, Falling Forward (1999), produced by multiple Grammy-winner Neil Dorfsman (Dire Straits, Sting). The eponymous Willy Porter (2001) followed featuring great guest performances by Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull and Tony Levin. His fan-favorite solo disc, High Wire Live (2003) was co-produced with Grammy-winner Ben Wisch (Marc Cohn, Shawn Colvin).

In 2005 Porter left Six Degrees and launched his own imprint, Weasel Records. Together with longtime keyboardist/ collaborator Dave Adler, Porter produced the atmospheric album Available Light in 2006. His work with Guild & Fender guitars over the next several years would result in the manufacture of the "Willy Porter Signature" acoustic guitar. Porter then took time to record and produce singer/songwriter Natalia Zukerman, on her whip-smart Weasel debut, Brand New Frame (2008). Porter released his next disc, How to Rob a Bank in 2009, the heavily Americana- flavored record featuring the contributions of the LA-based quartet, Raining Jane. Bank was followed with a live disc recorded with the Carpe Diem String Quartet in (2010). This collaboration produced a gorgeous EP featuring several of Porter's most enduring tunes ("Breathe," "Paper Airplane," "Watercolor"), elevated and reinterpreted against a backdrop of lush string arrangements. In 2011, Porter produced the second Weasel release for Natalia Zukerman, the driving Gas Station Roses. A partnership with Milwaukee-based singer/ songwriter Carmen Nickerson resulted in the album, Cheeseburgers and Gasoline (2013). This spartan production illuminates themes of life-longing and relationship repair, all while balancing the dream of self-actualization on the axle of a carnival's Tilt-a-Whirl. The record also includes Porter's brilliant cover arrangement of Peter Gabriel's "Digging in the Dirt."

On his latest disc, Human Kindness (2015), Porter brings all of his acoustic, electric, and multi-string chops to bear in service of a great collection of songs. This album is a driving, tuneful return to the pop sensibilities of his best work that also showcases Porter's growth as a writer, musician, and producer.

In addition to making a life in music, Porter finds ways to make an impact on local and international levels. He is an active supporter of Advocates of Ozaukee, a shelter and treatment facility for victims of domestic violence and abuse in Mequon, Wisconsin. His annual benefit concerts have raised more than $90,000 for this organization to date. Porter also gives his time and talents to helping behind the scenes at First Stage, a world-class Milwaukee-based children's theatre company. His recent involvement with Kids4Peace International works to bring kids from Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East together with American kids to work towards a dialogue of mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding in hopes that the next generation will have leadership comprised of strong, peaceful voices.

Willy Porter lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife, two children, and their Beagle/ Terrier, Charlie.

Wes Tank

Performances

September 3 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 3 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Wes Tank is a multimedia performing artist and content creator based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tank's self-produced YouTube series—Dr. Seuss Raps Over Dr. Dre Beats—became a viral sensation, elevating him to a worldwide fanbase of children, families, and schools. During quarantine, Wes gave parents suddenly faced with homeschooling a fresh way to teach and connect with their children. The Internet's heartfelt response inspired Tank to expand his catalog by developing Wes Tank's StoryRaps for Kidoodle TV and led to an artist residency at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. As a live performer, Wes levitates imaginations with magnificent rhymes, rap-along tongue twisters and boogie-down beats.

Now a YouTube-verified "Creator on the Rise," Tank's work has been featured in Variety, Oprah Magazine, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN.com, Upworthy, The Official Dr. Seuss YouTube Channel, The Today Show Australia, The Try Guys YouTube Channel, Ozzy Man Reviews, and Huffington Post. With his production company, TankThink, Wes continues to create uplifting, educational content and live experiences for a growing global audience.

Follow @wes_tank on social media and become a Patreon member at patreon.com/westank for exclusive content and special live performances!

GGOOLLDD

Performances

September 16 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

The day after GGOOLLDD frontwoman Margaret Butler graduated from art school in Baton Rouge she packed a Uhaul and headed west. "I was like, yeah, I'm not going to live here anymore," she recalls, laughing. Her first stop was Portland, Oregon, where she subsisted mostly on "ramen noodles and pumpkins people stole for me from Home Depot," she remembers. "You sauté them down and add lots of black pepper and curry powder and soy sauce. It's actually pretty good!"

Butler was riding high on that particular sense of freedom that comes when you've decided your life plan is to just say yes to pretty much everything. So you don't really care that you're broke and subsisting on stolen jack-o-lanterns, because you're not in your suburban high school anymore, hiding your disdain for the cheerleaders. You're in a weird and cool new town, hanging out with musicians and designers and artists. You're free to mess around. Explore. And just when you're starting to get a little over living "four people deep," as Butler puts it, in your tiny apartment, another friend says, hey, come out to Wisconsin for a while. So you do. (Because: say yes!) And a while later, when, boozy in a bar one night, you hear some beats you think you'd like to write lyrics to, even though you've never so much as held a microphone in your life, you go for it. (Say. Yes.) And the next thing you know, you're fronting a dynamic, dirty, synth-pop carnival of a band, hearing your single on the radio, and touring the country.

That's Margaret Butler's story. And that's the story of her band, a group as inspired by the shimmery decadence of Queen as they are by the primal yowl of Black Sabbath as they are by the madcap joy of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. GGOOLLDD is one of the most resolutely celebratory rock acts to emerge in years.

It's not hard to understand how someone like Butler, a woman with seemingly limitless natural charisma and an obsession with dressing up in outrageous costumes (Halloween is her favorite holiday) would eventually find her way onstage, but the singer insists that rock stardom was never part of her plan. "I never even considered being a musician, I always wanted to be a clothing designer, or a chef," she says. "I've always created with my hands." Butler's father is jeweler, and technically that's what she was studying to be as well. But she learned all her really important college-years lessons bartending at the Spanish Moon, a legendary venue in Baton Rouge. "It was the only cool place to go and watch music in the city," she says. "I got to see every amazing band as they were coming up, from TV On the Radio to Of Montreal to Dirty Projectors."

Even though Butler's always loved music (she's an obsessive of the first order) aside from the one time she "got really stoned and watched a John Bonham documentary then went right out and bought a pair of blue 1970s Ludwigs," she never tried to become a serious musician. "I have great internal rhythm, I'm just too A.D.D. to sit down and actually play," she says. "I own eight different instruments and I've gotten as far as like a week on each of them." But her culture, her people, her tribe has always been connected to music. The people she met in and around the Spanish Moon were the ones she moved to Portland with, and it was through that world that she wound up, one random early fall afternoon in 2013, recording vocals, in the foyer of her house in Milwaukee, to what would become GGOOLLDD's breakthrough debut single. "It was the first song we ever wrote and it was called 'Gold,'" she recalls of the soulfully grimy track, on which bassist Nick Ziemann, guitarist Thomas Gilbert also played. (They added drummer Mark Stewart and synth player Nick Schubert soon after). "We were like, 'Oh we need a name for the band - I guess it should be the same thing as the song title." A quick Google search revealed "eight other bands named Gold," but they were all basically unsearchable because the word is so widely used, "so we just decided to double letter it."

Thinking nothing of it, they threw the song up on Bandcamp, planning to go back to their day jobs, but that's when the serendipity hurricane began. "Somehow college radio picks it up," Butler recalls. "And it starts getting really good responses. And then it's on their list of top-ten-plays list, which is just insane." So they figured, why not keep this going for a while? "We were like, this is fun! Let's write like three more songs, do a cover, and throw a party for Halloween where we can all wear gold costumes!" The Halloween party is now the stuff of GGOOLLDD legend. "I was Santigold, but instead of dressing up like the singer, I made an all gold Santa costume," Butler recalls, laughing. "We played a terrible show to eight-some people crammed into our attic and it was one of the funnest nights ever! After that, people just kept asking us to play."

Butler, who had by this time opened a vintage clothing business with her friends, initially thought of the band mostly as a good excuse to express her most playful sartorial impulses. "We had our next show two weeks later so I made this weird tassled vinyl gold overlay on top of a crushed velvet gold romper," she remembers, but it wasn't long before they all realized this band had become more than an excuse to dress up. After that second show, CMJ picked up "Gold," from the local Milwaukee radio station, 91.7, and from there, other college radio stations around the country began playing the track as well. The same un-mixed, un-mastered version they had made on Garage Band. "After about a year I was like, people like this a lot better and they want to pay me a lot more than they do for vintage clothing, so I think I'm just going to do this instead," Butler recalls. "It's been three years and we have ten songs that are out right now, and we're working on the next album."

GGOOLLDD isn't like other bands. They formed on whim, decided to play their first show mostly as an excuse to host a killer party, and they eschew the traditional gotta-get-a-record-deal game in favor of playing a lot of shows and releasing their own material. That sense of whimsy blended with resolute autonomy is all part of the signature GGOOLLDD aesthetic. And it feeds into their sound, especially lately. "Undercovers," their new single, is a soaring banger that conjures wind-in-your-hair glittery romanticism. Co-produced and mixed by Ben H. Allen (MIA, Animal Collective) it reflects that core tension in GGOOLLDD between winging it and great artistry. "I'm not going to lie, I'm great at writing a hook," Butler says, and is quick to point out that her bandmates are "amazing," musicians. "But if you ask me what I do, I'm going to tell you that I'm a performer before I tell you that I'm a musician." She pauses and cracks up. "Unless you don't know me at all," she continues. "Then I'm going to say I'm a musician, because if I say I'm a performer, you're going to automatically think that I'm a stripper, which is totally ok too but not my current profession."

It's not hard to understand how someone like Butler, a woman with seemingly limitless natural charisma and an obsession with dressing up in outrageous…

Wade Fernandez

Performances

September 10 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Since beginning his career opening and performing with Jackson Browne & The Indigo Girls, Wade Fernandez now has well over 60 international tours and continues to deliver music that knows no bounds. He has taken home multiple national & international awards and been a finalist in many musical genres from Blues/Jazz, Instrumental, Folk, Rock, Pop, Country, World, Guitarist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Native American Flute, Best Male Artist, etc. Both his music and his message are firmly grounded in his Menominee Nation roots and his love for the land, animals and people. His national and international work with youth, the disabled, the elderly, and the environment have been recognized in various ways including the Community Spirit Award and a Medal Of Honor from the Menominee Nation.

Neal Francis

Performances

September 18 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

"I just wanted to be honest about everything, from my musical influences to my story," muses Neal Francis. After years of dishonest living—consumed by drugs, alcohol, and addiction—such sincerity is jarring from the Chicago-based musician. Liberated from a self-destructive past and born anew in sobriety, Francis has captured an inspired collection of songs steeped in New Orleans rhythms and early 70s rock n' roll. His music evokes a bygone era of R&B's heyday while simultaneously forging a new path on the musical landscape. Ohio-based Karma Chief Records (a subsidiary of rising soul label Colemine Records) released his debut LP Changes in September 2019.

There is a deep connection between Francis's childhood—his obsession with boogie woogie piano, his father's gift of a dusty Dr. John LP—and the songs he's created. The result is an astonishing collection of material without parallel in the contemporary funk and soul scene. The influences are unmistakable: the vocal stylings of Allen Toussaint and Leon Russell; the second line rhythms of The Meters and Dr. John; the barroom rock 'n' roll of The Rolling Stones; the gospel soul of Billy Preston; the roots music of The Band. Francis pays tribute to the masters but has his own story to tell: "It's the life I've lived so far."

And what a life it's been. Born Neal Francis O'Hara, the piano prodigy found himself touring Europe by the age of 18 with Muddy Waters' son and backing up other prominent blues artists coast-to-coast. In 2012, Francis joined popular instrumental funk band The Heard. With Francis at the creative helm, The Heard transformed into a national act, touring with boogaloo progenitors The New Mastersounds and chart toppers The Revivalists and appearing at Jazz Fest and Bear Creek. As The Heard's star rose, however, Francis sunk deeper into addiction. Once a promising sideman, by 2015 he had been fired from his band, evicted from his apartment, and was perilously close to self-destruction. "When you get close to death like that you can feel it," Francis recalls. An alcohol-induced seizure that year led to a broken femur, dislocated arm, and, finally, the realization that he needed to get clean.

The journey from a hospital bed to launching his solo career was neither predictable nor straightforward. There were musical fits and starts, relapses, and broken relationships. Yet the overwhelming passion driving Francis in this second act has been an abundance of creative energy. "Drinking held my music in a half-cocked slingshot. I was always so consumed by drugs and alcohol that I didn't have the time, money, or creative energy to do it. Sobriety let it loose."

Determined to realize the songs swirling in his head, Francis assembled a crack team of musicians, calling on bassist Mike Starr (The Heard) and drummer PJ Howard (The Revivalists, The Heard). He linked up with producer and analog-obsessive Sergio Rios (Orgone, Cee Lo Green, Alicia Keys) and self-funded a trip to Killion Sound in Los Angeles to record the initial batch of material. "I learned to trust my instincts in that room," says Francis. Buoyed by classic horn arrangements and Rios' fierce guitar work, the resulting tracks illuminate a lifetime spent studying the masters of rock and soul music.

From the RMI electra-piano riff that kicks off "She's A Winner" to the screaming organ swells of "This Time," Francis and company let it all hang out. This is fun music, dance music. Yet verse after verse and chorus after chorus, Francis wrestles with his past in a straightforward manner: "It's 5 o'clock in the morning, but I'm not home/ I'm surrounded by people, but I'm really alone." Like Toussaint and Russell before him he's married the upbeat rhythms of New Orleans R&B with the lyrical approach of a confessional singer/songwriter. The refrain on "This Time" serves as a foxhole prayer for a better future: "Let me get it this time/I won't let you down/Let me get it this time/I won't fool around."

Francis finished recording basic tracks for Changes in Los Angeles in February of 2018 and spent the following months doing overdubs in Chicago with engineer Mike Novak (who also recorded demos for the project). Soon after he was eager to begin his touring career. After signing with Paradigm Talent Agency, Neal played shows across North American supporting Australian band The Cat Empire. He has received praise on several notable radio outlets including KEXP, KCRW's The Morning Becomes Eclectic, and BBC Radio 6. Francis and his four-piece band recently performed during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, sharing the stage with The Meters and other legends. In 2019 alone he hit the road with Black Pumas, Steel Pulse, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Dumpstaphunk and others. Francis pledges to tour relentlessly to promote his own music. "I'm doing this to fulfill a drive within myself, but also to pay tribute to the gifts I've been given. And it comes from a place of immense gratitude."

Fousheé

Performances

September 2 - 8:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

JAHMED

Performances

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Raised in Pomona, CA, upstart rapper JAHMED obtained his unique sound growing up immersed between two of the most fertile cultures in the post-2000 hip hop movement. JAHMED has already carved out an authentic lane backed by an even more authentic voice. In 2020, JAHMED released debut project "THEBOOFMOBILE" to critical acclaim. JAHMED followed it up in March 2021 with his EP "ARMANI," narrated by Suga Free and featuring the single "GLIMPSE (feat. Freddie Gibbs)." With co-signs from Mozzy, D Smoke, G-Eazy, Sway, Anthony Fantano, Freddie Gibbs and more, JAHMED is already showing promise as one of the hottest new rappers to come out of Southern California. JAHMED has been covered by press including HYPEBEAST, Pigeons & Planes, LA Weekly, MTV, Sway's Universe, HotNewHipHop, Consequence of Sound, and more.

Mother Mother

Performances

September 17 - 4:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Alt-rock band Mother Mother, comprised of Ryan Guldemond, Molly Guldemond, Jasmin Parkin, Ali Siadat and Mike Young, has had a whirlwind decade; over 830 million streams and views, more than 14 million monthly listeners and counting on digital platforms and 2 million Shazam searches. After over a decade of releasing music, a new global audience discovered the band via TikTok, resulting in rapid growth across all platforms and a Rolling Stone feature on this unique artist development story. In November of 2020, the band's 10-year-old song "Hayloft" was the most searched set of lyrics in the US, and second most searched in the world, and the band have made several appearances on Billboard's Top 10 Emerging Artists chart. The band currently have over 1M followers on TikTok and Spotify and counting.

In Mother Mother's home country of Canada, they've had many top 10 singles on the alternative radio charts, including #1's for weeks on end and the crown of most airplay for any alternative act at radio for multiple years running. The band has also found success on the road; their most recent pre-pandemic tours include sold-out headline dates across North America, selling out the historic Massey Hall in Toronto, Gramercy Theatre in New York, and a record-breaking five consecutive sold-out shows at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver (almost 6000 tickets), as well as sold out shows including London, LA, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Boston, Santa Ana, Minneapolis, all across Canada, and more.

Mother Mother is:
Ryan Guldemond: Vocals, Guitar
Molly Guldemond: Vocals, Synth
Jasmin Parkin: Vocals, Keys
Ali Siadat: Drums
Mike Young: Bass

Velvet Starlings

Performances

September 17 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

60s infused garage rock 'n' roll band Velvet Starlings announce the forthcoming release of their debut album, Technicolour Shakedown on August 27 via Sound x 3 Records/AWAL/The Orchard. That same day sees the vinyl release by Kitten Robot in the US.

Hailing from Los Angeles and the beach cities of Southern California, the band was founded by guitarist and organ player Christian Gisborne. And while known for his concert attendance record and impressive Lego collection, it is his musical prowess as a performer, writer, recording artist and producer that is putting him on the map. Gisborne not only tracked all of the instruments, but also engineered, mixed and produced the LP.

Today the band shares the first single off the album, "Back of The Train," which premiered via Flood Magazine who call Velvet Starlings "2021's answer to psychedelic, gritty garage rock that sparked elation in the 1960s." Gisborne told them, "The song is about struggling as a musician while taking nothing for granted. 'Back Of The Train' centers around a sneaky low note 60's guitar riff and drums so over-compressed it would make The Sonics cringe. I think it's awful in the best way possible." He further describes it as the story of "paying dues and making sacrifices, while making sure to enjoy the ride along the way." The video for the single was directed by Megan Blanchard. Listen to the track here and watch the clip here: https://youtu.be/rGOXwJQIyxQ

After winning the "Emerging Stage" competition at Milwaukee's Summerfest 2019, Velvet Starlings was invited to return to perform on September 17 on a main stage at this year's festival, which also features the Black Pumas, the Struts, Pixies and Cold War Kids. Watch this space for more touring news.

Technicolour Shakedown is the follow up to 2019's EP Love Everything, Love Everyone. Christian - who turned 18 in May - released his debut self-titled EP Velvet Starlings when he was 15. Both EP's charted in the top 5 at Specialty Radio and hit #1 on KROQ's "Locals Only." Gisborne also caught the attention of, among others, BBC Radio, Shepard Fairey, and The Kinks' Dave Davies who all count themselves as fans of Velvet Starlings.

Gisborne wrote, produced, engineered and mixed Technicolour Shakedown himself - in the middle of his living room. While it reflects influences that range from early Jack White, to Thee Oh Sees to Arctic Monkeys, the album showcases Velvet Starlings own take on neo-60's-garage - best described as beach-fuzz-psych with a big cheeky nod to the UK Invasion.

Speaking about the album Gisborne says "in the doom and gloom of Covid I found myself reminiscing all the time about the days when we would wait in line for hours to see our favorite bands. The songs on the first album reflect everything I felt I was missing out on."

With a bevvy of new songs written and ready to unleash, Gisborne was craving the comradery of a band. He turned to brothers Foster and Hudson Poling who play drums and bass respectively. They first met in line outside of a 2019 Cage The Elephant show and, discovering a shared love of The Who and SpongeBob, quickly found themselves making a plan to meet up at a rehearsal space to jam. Gisborne had previously used session musicians to augment his live set but as his friendship with the Polings grew, so did his realization that they were the perfect fit for this new era of Velvet Starlings.

Looking to 2021 and beyond Christian says, "I think a Rock n Roll renaissance is coming after this crazy year of lock down. We're hoping that a full front-to-back of Technicolour Shakedown will evoke the feeling you get at a rock n roll house party - wherever the listener may find themself."

Past praise for Velvet Starlings

"60's soaked indie rock band Velvet Starlings 'Kids in Droves' (is) reminiscent of The Doors, the track oozes with 60's inspired instrumentation from start to finish." Earmilk

"Wunderkind Christian Gisborne's has squeezed out two seven-song EPs in two years, both tall tumblers of British Invasion-flavored psychedelia with garage-rock immediacy and reading-room sophistication." Buzzbands LA

"So amazing! My mind is blown! See them live. It's like going to the Cavern Club in the 60s." - Rodney Bingenheimer - Sirius XM

"At last, America has a great, exciting, relevant new guitar band.

I defy you to listen and not be blown away." - BBC Radio

"Authentic and fresh... "This is the real deal." - Brian Lucey (Grammy Award Winning Mastering for Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood, The Black Keys)

"I love the music and the message and am especially inspired by his ability to appeal emotionally and provoke intellectually." - Shepard Fairey

Jayx

Performances

September 17 - 10:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Breaking Cadence

Performances

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ JoJo's Martini Bar

Rock and Roll - Modern Hits - and much, much more!

Thurston Moore

Performances

September 18 - 8:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Thurston Moore started Sonic Youth in 1980. Since then Thurston Moore has been at the forefront of the alternative rock scene since that particular sobriquet was first used to signify any music that challenged and defied the mainstream standard.

With Sonic Youth, Moore turned on an entire generation to the value of experimentation in rock n roll – from its inspiration on a nascent Nirvana, to Sonic Youth's own Daydream Nation album being chosen by the US Library of Congress for historical preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2006.

Thurston records and performs in a cavalcade of disciplines ranging from free improvisation to acoustic composition to black/white metal/noise disruption. He has worked with Yoko Ono, John Zorn, Bobby Gillespie, David Toop, Cecil Taylor, Faust, Glenn Branca and many others. His residency at the Louvre in Paris included collaborations with Irmin Schmidt of CAN and Stephen O'Malley. Alongside his various activities in the musical world, he is involved with publishing and poetry, and teaches writing at The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, Boulder CO, a programme founded by Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman in 1974. Thurston also teaches music at The Rhythmic Music Conservatory (Rytmisk Musikkonservatorium) in Copenhagen.

Presently he performs and records solo, with various ensembles and in his own band, The Thurston Moore Group (with mbv's Deb Googe, Steve Shelley, Jon Leidecker and James Sedwards). In 2014, the band released THE BEST DAY (Matador) which critics described as "optimistic and sun-drenched in beauty" and "[has] experimental attitude dovetailed with instantly accessible pop melodies." THE BEST DAY was a record defined by positivity and radical love.

In 2017, Thurston Moore Group's released a full-length album, ROCK N ROLL CONSCIOUSNESS which was recorded in The Church studios in London with producer Paul Epworth. The songs are expansive, anthemic and exploratory with lyrics that investigate and herald the love between angels, goddess mysticism and a belief in healing through new birth. Ranging from opener "Exalted", an unfolding and emotional journey in homage to sacred energy and exaltation, to "Cusp" a charging, propulsive piece with a feeling of Sonic Youth mixing in with My Bloody Valentine. "Turn On" is a pop-sonic poem to holy love both intimate and kosmiche to the contemplative mystery of life-defining time travel in "Smoke of Dreams". The record concludes with "Aphrodite", a strange and heavy no-wave rocker in salutation to the idol of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation.

Thurston Moore's SPIRIT COUNSEL release (with new member, electronic musician, Jon Leidecker) was a box set of material recorded between 2018-19, including epic tracks such as "Alice Moki Jayne" dedicated to Alice Coltrane, Moki Cherry and Jayne Cortez "8 Spring Street" an homage to his late teenage mentor Glenn Branca and "Galaxies" a symphonic masterpiece constructed of twelve musicians playing 12-string electric guitars.

His latest work from his seventh solo full-length album BY THE FIRE has already been described as "Mesmerizing" (Rolling Stone) and "Righteous" (The Independent). Released on 25 September 2020, Thurston offers songs as "flames of rainbow energy, where the power of love becomes our call. These are love songs in a time where creativity is our dignity, our demonstration against the forces of oppression."

Tyler Boone

Performances

September 4 - 5:30 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Tyler Boone grew up in the Lowcountry of Charleston, SC. Boone first became enamored with the small club rock scene and slowly started making his way headlining major music venues & gaining traction on the radio waves all across the United States. These past few years have led him to open for some incredible talent and becoming an official Taylor Guitars endorsed artist, with his non-stop touring schedule in the southeast, midwest & west coast as both a solo performer or with his band.

Bringing a perfect marriage of both Americana & Blues Alt Rock & has been self releasing music since 2012. Whether it's a blistering full band performance or an intimate songwriter showcase, Tyler's music catalog is well equipped to over deliver the two. He's never been the one to stick to trends and plans on always making it about his music first before being concerned about being told what to sing & perform about.

"LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD" TYLER'S NEW ALBUM IS NOW AVAILABLE - PREMIERed ON ROLLING STONE

He's had the pleasure of opening up for such acts as Grammy award winning artist Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Sublime with Rome, Christopher Cross, Hootie and the Blowfish, Old Crow Medicine Show, & others such as The Silversun Pickups, Robert Randolph, Will Hoge, Canadian songwriter Donovan Woods, Platinum selling artist Edwin McCain, Zach Myers of Shinedown, The Revivalists, The Marcus King Band, Sean McConnell, Dr. John, Rayland Baxter & also American Idol Winners David Cook & Lee DeWyze, just to name a few.

Tyler also is the co-founder of Artist Formula (record label, artist services) & his own Gold award winning "Homegrown" Boone's Bourbon ( named Top 6 in the World in Forbes ) & the Charleston Songwriter's Festival (over 40 #1 top writers)

Tyler has previously performed at Firefly Music Festival , Americana Festival, and Summerfest.

Featured in the HBO series Vice Principals and his single "Paper Wings" featured on the new series "A Night With My Ex" on Bravo TV.

Runner up for Best Musician in the Charleston City Paper Awards 2019

Singer/Songwriter of the Year Charleston City Paper Music Awards 2017.

Runner up to Darius Rucker for Best Musician & Best Vocalists for the Best of Charleston City Paper Awards 2017.

"LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD" TYLER'S NEW ALBUM IS NOW AVAILABLE - PREMIERed ON ROLLING STONE

John Waite

Performances

September 4 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Countless musicians of far lesser accomplishment have probably made similar statements regarding their own personal creative process, but when the confession comes from John Waite – whose been successfully writing, recording and performing some of the most listenable, enduring and appreciated popular music for more than 35 years – one cannot help but both recognize and marvel at the shimmering legacy of this British born rock star.

The ride began when Waite was tapped as bassist and lead vocalist for the Babys who rocketed to Top 20 chart positions with a pair of infections hits, "Isn't it Time" from the band's sophomore LP, Broken Heart in 1977 and the monster ballad, "Every Time I Think of You" off 1978's Head First. But it was the album's rhythmically aggressive and seductive title track where fans got their first glimpse of the authentic John Waite, a no-holds-barred rock n' roll performer devoted heart and soul to live performance and making sure every fan in the audience left the concert hall just as elated and exhausted as the band they'd paid to see.

After John Lennon's assassination, December 9, 1980, a bizarre thing happened during one of those furious Baby's performances when John was pulled from the stage by an overzealous fan during an encore. The freak event seriously injured his knee and the group disbanded shortly thereafter. From the ashes of the Baby's, however, rose an abundant and prodigious solo career, ignited by the well-received release, Ignition, that featured the single, "Change," which rode the AOR charts for weeks in 1982, the year a new cable channel that would alter the course of popular media culture called MTV launched. At the forefront of its early play list was the video for the Holly Knight-penned track that in 1985, was included on the platinum-selling Vision Quest soundtrack.

John's next solo effort, 1984's No Brakes, did exactly what the title inferred, barreling at runaway train speed to international acclaim and U.S. platinum success thanks to the smash hit, "Missing You," which did not stop until it reached Number 1 on the Billboard's Hot 100 Singles, Album Rock Tracks and Adult Contemporary charts. The following up single, "Tears" was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.

Continuing to evolve as both a songwriter and formidable stage presence, Mask of Smiles was released in 1985, possessing a pair of muscular hit melodies, "Every Step of the Way," and "If Anybody Had a Heart," which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1986 motion picture, About Last Night starring Demi Moore. John's fourth solo LP, Rover's Return, highlighted by the superlative, "These Times Are Hard for Lovers." The same season that Bon Jovi was urging two lovers to live on a prayer, John delivered an aortal anthem of timeless resonance. "Baby we can make it 'cause our love will pull us through/ these times are hard for lovers its down to me and you/Nothing's gonna break us if we hang on to what's true, these times are hard for lovers, I believe I you."

"I don't have a plan and most of the songwriting is a knee jerk reaction of being alive. I try to speak from an honest place where the listener can both hear and feel where I'm coming from; the job is mine, to help them understand me. There's a real need as an artist to express who you are and where you're coming from."

A long and prodigious career often combines composition and interpretation, like in 1990 when John recorded the Martin Page and Bernie Taupin-penned track, "Deal for Life" for the Days of Thunder soundtrack. But two years prior to that cinematic adventure, superbly performing another songwriter's work led to one of the biggest hits on John Waite's illustrious resume. In 1988, a reunion with former Baby's band mates, Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips –along with uber-guitarist Neal Schon from Journey and drummer Deen Castronovo –resulted in the John Waite fronted supergroup, Bad English. And in 1989, the group's ballad, "When I See You Smile," – penned by Grammy-winning songwriter, Diane Warren – went to Number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and was certified Gold. The album reached Top Five and sold more than two million units in the U.S. alone. Bad English released two albums before breaking up in 1992.

Since returning to the recording studio and concert trek as a solo artist in 1995, John has produced a string of solid, existentially eccentric, courageously eclectic and blisteringly electric rock n' roll records, including 1995's Temple Bar, 1997's When You Were Mine, 2001's Figure in a Landscape, 2004's The Hard Way, 2006's Downtown: Journey of a Heart and 2010's In Real Time –an extraordinary live recording that featured burning in-concert realizations of the Baby's "Change", "Back on My Feet Again" and "Head First", not to mention Bad English's "Best of What I've Got" as well as a mind-blowing cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll." It was this lifelong passion for original Country that inspired John's sensational 2006 duet with bluegrass legend, Allison Krauss, where the two combined honeysweet vocal forces to remake his international hit, "Missing You." On February 5, 2007, they performed the song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

John teamed up with Matchbox 20 lead guitarist and songwriter, Kyle Cook in 2011 and their creative chemistry birthed the exhilarating Rough & Tumble, a long form exercise in raucous riffs and bloody truths highlighted by "Further the Sky," "Shadows of Love" and the Classic Radio chart topping title track, a remarkable feat for any musician to reach number one airplay after three and a half decades in the music business trenches.

All-Access Live hit the streets in 2012 and delivered on all stages of John's career–solo, The Babys and Bad English. Bearing a dynamic, stripped down sound which shows off his talented three-piece band, Waite demonstrates why he's considered one of the great rock and roll singers, imbuing the timeless material with saber toothed vitality and kinetic power.

In 2014, Waite returned with Best. Navigating raucous rock, gut bucket blues and country, Waite's new greatest hits album is a thrilling snapshot representing the inspired artistic breadth of this legendary artist's entire career tallying more than 40 years on the rock and roll highway featuring re-recorded versions of signature classics, "Back on My Feet Again," "Isn't It Time" and "Missing You," hard-hitting live renditions of "Head First," "Saturday Night" and "Change" to the more introspective fare of "Suicide Life," "Downtown" and "Bluebird Café."

The Wooden Heart-Acoustic Anthology Volume 1 and Volume 2, released in 2015 and 2017, respectively, found Waite exploring yet another dimension to his artistry, his deep rooted appreciation of acoustic flavored music. "The Wooden Heart thing was something I'd wanted to attempt since I started making records. I wrote just about anything that was any good on the acoustic; I always had an acoustic with me wherever I went. It's actually more of a surprise that I didn't do something like this sooner." Framed against stark and stripped down production showcasing only vocals and acoustic guitar, the Wooden Heart records highlighted the core essence of the songs themselves, threading newly penned original compositions, reworkings of some of Waite's favorite material from his solo career and The Babys alongside smartly chosen covers by the likes of Bob Dylan ("Girl From The North Country"), Donovan ("Catch The Wind") and Richard Thompson, into an authentic and soul stirring musical statement. "The first release (Volume 1) was done on the spot, a day of recording and a day of mixing. It just happened! I didn't stop to think too much about anything but feel. It's what I do best. It was the most natural I'd felt in a recording studio. Two years later, I wanted to record Volume 2 but this time touch on the past. We were playing Wooden Heart shows across America to sold out crowds and I wanted the new release to reflect that with songs like "Isn't It Time" to In "God's Shadow" and "Downtown." I included some of the original masters to make it what it became, an anthology. The Donovan song, "Catch The Wind" was recorded in a converted cowshed in deep winter in Wales five years ago; Hawkwind's bass player turned it into Foal Studios. The studio was miles from anywhere at the end of a lane so that's another song I always wanted to try. The Wooden Heart-Acoustic Anthology will continue. There's endless possibilities to it now the ice is broken."

With more live shows and new music in the offing, John Waite continues to forge his own singularly personal path, celebrating the present and engaged by the promise of the future. The story is far from over for the Lancaster, England-born rock star/balladeer/storyteller who was inspired onto his musical path by blues, soul and country along with a deep connection to the Celtic folk music of his homeland.

John's next solo effort, 1984's No Brakes, did exactly what the title inferred, barreling at runaway train speed to international acclaim…

J Torres

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

The Grass Roots

Performances

September 16 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

DUSTY HANVEY: (Lead Guitar , Vocals)- For more than 27 years this Cherry Valley, California native has been an integral part of one of the most iconic bands of it's time. Along with his skills as a lead guitarist and vocalist, Dusty also takes on the title of The Grass Roots' Road Manager. "Great compositions stand the test of time. These songs will always be considered some of the best pop rock songs ever recorded and it's a pleasure to perform them with this great band."

LARRY NELSON: (Keyboards, Vocals) – Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Larry has been performing The Grass Roots' memorable keyboard lines in countless venues across North America for more than 27 years. "It may be a cliché, but it really is all about the songs. It never gets old performing great songs and enjoying the immediate feedback from the audience. The first few notes of Temptation Eyes or Midnight Confessions never fail to elicit a response, and are always a joy to play."

JOE DOUGHERTY: (Drums) - For more than 26 years, this Evansville, Indiana native has been pounding out some of Classic Rock's greatest hits with one of the genre's most accomplished bands. " It's always great to see the fan reaction when we perform these great hits. Our fan base spans from 15 to 75 years old. It's pretty amazing that the songs appeal to such a wide audience."

MARK DAWSON: (Lead Vocals, Bass) –Mark has been a part of The Grass Roots for 6 years. This Chicago, Illinois native who now calls Orlando, Florida home has made a big impression on die-hard fans and audiences everywhere. Mark's vocals bring to life the classic Grass Roots' sound that America has loved for almost 50 years. " It's hard for anyone to deny that The Grass Roots are one of pop music's most memorable bands. If there is any doubt, take a listen to the band now; still playing all of the great hits from 1966 on up…and playing them the way YOU remember them."

In 1965, Rob Grill and 3 others teamed up with mega-hit producer Steve Barri (The Mamas & The Papas, Tommy's Roe, Four Tops, and Dusty Springfield) to form The Grass Roots. Since their formation The Grass Roots have gone on to chart 29 singles; 13 of which went gold followed by 2 gold albums and 1 platinum album. In the entire history of Rock n' Roll, only 9 bands (including The Beatles) have charted more hits on Billboard's Hot 100 than The Grass Roots. For almost 50 years one of the most recognized groups on "Classic Rock" stations has continued to be The Grass Roots. During that time, the Grass Roots have averaged over 100 live performances each year. They have appeared on over 50 national television shows including, "The Tonight Show," "The Today Show," "Ed Sullivan," "Andy Williams," "Sonny & Cher," "Good Morning America,"VH1 Hit-Makers," "MTV," and a record 16 times on "Dick Clark's American Bandstand," and they have sold over 20 million records worldwide. Along with these impressive accolades, The Grass Roots have also accomplished many more amazing feats including:

-Holding the all-time records for a one act, US concert by performing for 600,000 people on July 4th, 1982 in Washington, DC.

-Setting a record between 1967 and 1972 by being on the Billboard charts an unbelievable 307 straight weeks.

MARK DAWSON: (Lead Vocals, Bass) –Mark has been a part of The Grass Roots for 6 years. This Chicago, Illinois native who now calls Orlando, Florida home has made a big impression on die-hard fans and audiences everywhere. Mark's vocals bring to life the classic Grass Roots' sound that America has loved for almost 50 years. " It's hard for anyone to deny that The Grass Roots are one of pop music's…

Steve Meisner Polka Band

Performances

September 18 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

STEVE MEISNERis a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger. He began playing the accordion at the age of 5 and has been earning a living in the music business since he was 16. Steve's family has a rich musical heritage and he is a second-generation full-time working musician. His father, the late Verne Meisner, had a successful music career for over 57 years. Steve's brand of music is extremely versatile and appealing to a wide audience. He has made a name for himself by taking the music he grew up with from his father and adding his own imagination and feeling. He has brought his brand of traditional American polka into the 21st century with a fresh spark and swing while retaining the roots of this music.

From a young age, Steve has been on-task to promote quality music that can be accepted by all ages. His main goal has been to persuade the general public's stereotypical view of polka music to bring a new awareness to the masses. "I believe that good music is simply good and I believe people know the difference. They may not always understand what the mechanics of it are, but they feel it. And that is where I've always placed my faith in people. They too feel that good music is simply good and it makes them feel good."

In Steve's 40-year musical career he has performed with the nation's top accordionists, polka icons & musicians including Myron Floren, Frank Yankovic, Joey Miskulin, & Verne Meisner. He has amassed 22 LP/CD credits, 6 Single, and 7 Video releases with full production credits. He has performed nationally coast to coast and internationally averaging as many as 250 performances annually including performances at the Lawrence Welk Theater in Branson MO, Stardust-Monte Carlo-Hacienda-Orleans & Plaza Casino's in Las Vegas. He has performed at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington DC. He and the Meisner brand of music has filtered into television broadcasts and motion pictures including TNN's Crook & Chase Show and the ABC Network 4th of July broadcast of "In Search of America, a 4th of July Celebration" hosted by the late Peter Jennings and folklorist Nick Spitzer. He and his music are featured a full-length motion picture "Chump Change" released internationally by Miramax and he has been heard and seen on the film festival circuit in a short film called "The Pick Up Polka". He has an original composition in the independent full-length feature "Red Betsy". Writer/director/actor Steve Burrows from Hollywood CA call's Steve "the Mozart of Polka".

Steve has received numerous awards and nominations including "Musician, Vocalist, and Band of the Year", "Favorite Polka Artist", "Lifetime Achievement award" by the Maryland Accordion Club, he resides as the 29th inductee to the Ironworld Polka Hall of Fame, and in 2005 an "Honor Roll" induction to the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, he is the first of his generation to reside alongside his father as a "Lifetime Achiever" in the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and most recently the International Polka Association (IPA) Hall of Fame. He, and his father's, original compositions are included on many best selling polka recordings, Grammy-nominated recordings, and can be found in the archives of the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institute, and Wisconsin state libraries in both textbook and music categories. His recordings are used in preschool and kindergarten classes to teach the young and enjoyed by many generations bringing back memories of care-free days.

"Music is a large part of the soul of our society and I want to touch that part of people's souls...that part of their soul that makes a difference in their lives and show's them that music and dancing can excite, motivate and heal. There is nothing more gratifying than meeting a new fan who has just discovered my music for the first time. The expression on their face is like a child's on Christmas morning...its priceless!"

MYSO Calypso Steel Drum Band

Performances

September 11 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Since 1956, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has been nurturing, challenging, and inspiring generations of students, profoundly changing lives and our community for the better. MYSO has grown from one orchestra and 30 students to become the largest after-school youth orchestra in the country, and one of the most respected. We serve 1,000 of the area's young musicians who come from more than 200 schools, 60 communities, and as many as 14 counties throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. We reach an audience of 22,000 annually through the more than 80 concerts we perform.

The importance of MYSO as a catalyst for youth development and community change has not gone unnoticed. In our 2015-16 season, MYSO received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the country's highest honor for after-school youth arts and humanities programs, presented by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. MYSO is the only youth orchestra in the country ever to have received this recognition.

Today we offer more than 40 ensembles and supplemental training options, ranging from symphony and string orchestras, and jazz and steel pan bands to music theory, composition, and international tours, providing quality musical experiences for a wide range of skill levels.

For more information about MYSO and its many programs, please visit myso.org.

MYSO is a proud founding member of the United Performing Arts Fund.

For more information about MYSO and its many programs, please visit myso.org.

MYSO is a proud founding member of the United Performing Arts Fund.

MYSO Jazz Combos

Performances

September 2 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 2 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 2 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 9 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 9 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

MYSO Bronzeville Jazz Faculty Ensemble

Performances

September 17 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 17 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 17 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Division BMX Stunt Team

Performances

September 2 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 3 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 4 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 9 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 10 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 11 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 16 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 17 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 18 - 9:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

The Division Stunt Team is formed from an elite group of professional athletes who have come together to promote action sports and show the world that it can lead to a fulfilling life through first hand demonstrations.

Third World

Performances

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Celebrating 45 years, 'Reggae Ambassadors', THIRD WORLD is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica's most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World's style has been described as "reggae-fusion".

With 10 Grammy nominations and catalogue of charted smash hits (including "Now That We Found Love" , "96 Degrees in the Shade" and " Try Jah Love" ) spanning over four decades, sold-out tours, a vibrant and loyal fan base and inspirational messages, one may wonder, "Where did it all begin? What gives Third World the staying power so rare in the music industry?" Third World is more than just one of the top Reggae bands of all time, it is an institution that stands for producing and performing music that, while holding firm to the cultural and ancestral roots of its members, still pushes forward the cutting edge of music worldwide. It is an institution whose themes are positive, progressive and internationally relevant: an asset to any size festival / event.

Third World has performed to thousands of music fans on 6 of the 7 continents: TW toured & recorded with late great Bob Marley, including opening for Marley's first world tour in 1978, TW recorded and toured with master blaster Stevie Wonder, who produced 2 of their albums in the 80's released with CBS, they toured America with legendary guitarist Santana, opened for the Jackson 5's first concert in Jamaica, shared stages throughout the world with the Bono of U2, Sting, The Police, Whitney Houston, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony and more.

Third World's hit songs have reached top 40 on the Billboard charts in the US, UK, Europe and Japan and received a platinum award in Japan. In 1986, Third World received the United Nations Peace Medal for their contribution of music and their lyrical prose. They performed on the MTV Amnesty International Concert at a sold out Giant Stadium in 1986 , performed at the Rose Bowl with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Welcome Home Nelson Mandala concert in 1990, and have been featured at major sporting events including the Lord's Cricket Grounds in the UK in 2000, and Opening Ceremony for Cricket World Cup in 2007, America's Cup Bermuda 2017. TW has entertained millions over the television with performances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, Top of the Pops, Shirley Bassie show and more!

2018 not only marks the 45^th Anniversary of Third World, but also the 40^th Anniversary of the classic LP "Journey to Addis" which contains the hit single "Now That We Found Love". Third World is currently on a new studio album to be released by summer 2018 with producers, Damian and Stephen Marley.

We invite you to be entertained by the Reggae Ambassadors, THIRD WORLD!

Emily Blue

Performances

September 2 - 5:30 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Emily Blue (she/they) is a rare flavor of pop. Provocative, dynamic, and constantly evolving, the Chicago artist draws from a wide range of influences (80s rock, hyper-pop, glitch pop). Blue's last EP *69 was described by PopMatters as "patriarchy-blasting, feminism-championing tunes that are unapologetically fun," a shift that paved the way for adventurous singles like 'I Want It.' and their cover of Gaga's 'Rain on Me.'

With a new record on the way and this summer's 'The Afterlove' Tour, Blue promises to be a trailblazer in indie-pop. Catch their latest single '7 Minutes' in VICE's Best of February, and on the road this August celebrating 'The Afterlove' LP.

Brew City Wrestling

Performances

September 9 - 6:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 10 - 6:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

Brew City Wrestling provides wrestling entertainment forall ages. We are a"family friendly" promotion that strives to be thebest in wrestling entertainment with past, present and future stars from USA, WWE, TNA and GLOBAL.

Founded in 2004, wrestler/promoter Frankie DeFalco based his promotion with an "Old School" tradition. Watching professional wrestling since the age of 5, watching AWA legends like the Crusher, Dick the Bruiser, Mad Dog Vachon, Verne Gagne, Wahoo McDaniels, "Superstar" Billy Graham and his idol, the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.

As time went on, Frankie learned to appreciate the history and tradition of the "Old School" way. So in May of 1979, Frankie was trained by Al "King Kong" Patterson and had his 1st match on May 8, 1979. In 1980, inside the storied Milwaukee Auditorium, Frankie wrestled in a tag team match with Jeff May against the Slaughterhouse Brothers. They won that match in front of 3,000 screaming fans to capture the UWA Tag Team Championship.

After several years with Patterson, he went on to wrestle for Tom "Rocky" Stone's IAW promotion. He held several titles including as a 5 time Tag Team Champion and 3 time Heavyweight Champion.

At that time, Stone was involved in getting talent for AWA and WWF. Frankie wrestled there on and off for for both companies for nearly 10 years, being on TV & wrestling on house shows throughout the country. He got to know and competed against many wrestlers including Curt Henning, Scott Hall, The Road Warriors, Hulk Hogan, Larry Zbyszko, Nick Bockwinkle, Shawn Michaels, Marty Jannetty, The Big Boss Man, The Honky Tonk Man, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant and a host of others.

Carrying over that tradition, Frankie started up Brew City Wrestling in January 2004. Matt Winchester, ROH star Steve Corino, Chase McCoy, Dysfunction, and Psychotic Rage just to name a few, are the heart and soul of every Brew City Wrestling show. When you attend a Brew City Wrestling show, you will not be disappointed with the "Old School" tradition. Many superstar Legends have wrestled in BCW like Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, WWE star Kevin Owens, Tito Santana, Larry Zbyszko, Greg Gagne and The Honkly Tonk Man.

The wrestlers are always willing to give a high five, an autograph, take a picture and most importantly, spend time with the fans.

After several years with Patterson, he went on to wrestle for Tom "Rocky" Stone's IAW promotion. He held several titles including as a 5 time Tag Team Champion and 3 time Heavyweight Champion.

Joywave

Performances

September 17 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

"Anxiety caused by feeling too content" is just the first aspect of the double-pronged paradoxical rumination that isContent, the sophomore full-length album by Rochester,

NY-based indie quintet,Joywave,slated for release July 28 with a tour supporting Young the Giant and Cold War Kids to follow. The title,Content,sees Joywave apply their trademark irreverence and humor to two large yet interrelated ideas springing from the dual meaning of the word, "content", and signaling a move into a deeply personal terrain for Joywave frontman Daniel Armbruster.

About the duality reflected in the album's title (CONtent the noun versus conTENT the adjective), Armbruster says:"I loved that the two words were associated with completely opposite feelings for me (one pure, one not), and that only a human hearing the two words in the English language could tell the difference between the ideas represented. To a search engine, they are identical. How can you explain to Google that one of these things makes you happy and helps fill the void in your soul, and the other is just flooding your senses?"

Three years have passed since Joywave's "Tongues"and their collaboration with Big Data on the hit song "Dangerous" first put the band on the map. Creating their own imprint Cultco Music via Hollywood Records, the five members of Joywave—Daniel Armbruster (vocals), Joseph Morinelli (guitar), Sean Donnelly (bass), Benjamin Bailey (keyboards), and Paul Brenner (drums)— embarked on an intense tour schedule in support of their debut album, sharing the stage with Foals, The Killers, Brandon Flowers, Metric, Silversun Pickups and Bleachers. They played at Coachella, Lollapalooza (US & Berlin), Reading & Leeds, Okeechobee, Osheaga, Hangout and Bumbershoot, with appearances on Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers' shows. Glowing reviews followed inRolling Stone,Billboard,SpinandEntertainment Weekly.

This success enabled Armbruster to seriously adult on a whole new level, and this year he finally moved into a place of his own, a few blocks away from his childhood home. For Armbruster, who sold stationery and paper goods at Staples before Joywave took off, the musical dream born when he started writing songs aged fifteen was finally coming true. The single"It's A Trip!"began with two basic ideas in mind: "Haunting" versus "haunted"."I wanted to make something undeniably beautiful that would outlast me, but at times verged on the absurd and snapped the listener out of a dreamy haze. "It's A Trip!" moves pretty far in the absurd direction, juxtaposing a pretty friendly arena-sized chorus against versus straight out of a haunted house. The song is a little disorienting, much like the past few years of our lives have been".The music video for "It's A Trip!" features the band slowly aging as they ride jet skis in

Miami and underscores the sense of endlessly being on tour, just getting older while the girl on the back of the jet ski stays the same age.

Touring—which Armbruster describes as "an episode ofLouiewhere it's funny but somewhat soul crushingly sad at the same time"—took its toll on the band both physically and emotionally but had an upside. "Playing our instruments was second nature at that point," notes guitarist Joey Morinelli, that allowed us to focus and interact with crowds, and each other on stage, in ways that we never had before."

Post tour, Armbruster who had been dealing with chronic illness was diagnosed with pancreatitis, and had to stop drinking on doctor's orders. Sobriety "really affected the sound of the record," he says. In contrast to Joywave's playful debut, the tone ofContentis more confessional, sometimes combative, as it questions how connected we really are in this hyper-connected world—which brings us toContent's second theme, stemming from the collective angst of a generation whose art (and very lives) are now merecontentfor the Internet. Sonically,Contentis more cohesive than Joywave's LP1,How Do You Feel Now?It's focused and deliberate, loud and cinematic featuring a more prominent vocal throughout LP2.

As a clear example of conscious, positive content; the title track"Content"is accompanied with a video shot on vintage Super 8 on location atKodak Towerin Rochester. The building, once the global epicenter of film photography, is a monument to the pre-Internet world in the Rochester skyline and a place that's close to the hearts of all bandmembers, as most of their parents worked there before Kodak filed for bankruptcy. In addition, Kodak has afforded the band the opportunity to utilize some of their iconic equipment which inspired Daniel to take up film photography to help fill the existential void."Film is slower and more deliberate, and that's calming in a way. It's not disposable, it's not easy, which in turn, forces you to care. I like that."

At the end of the day music is at the core of what Joywave is and drives the creativity in every aspect. Brenner sums it up, "We're always working on new music and new ways to make our live performance better and better. Joywave will not be confined to a certain genre or niche. We do what we want."

Content i sp r o d u ce dby Joywave's Daniel Armbruster & Sean Donnelly and mixed by Rich Costey (TV On The Radio, The Shins, Interpol) and will be released on Hollywood Records/Cultco Music on 7.28.

"Anxiety caused by feeling too content" is just the first aspect of the double-pronged paradoxical rumination that isContent, the sophomore full-length album by Rochester,

Soul Asylum

Performances

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

"A friend asked me what kind of records I want to make, and my answer was that I always want to make a record that I want to hear that's not already in my record collection," says Dave Pirner. "I think we got that on this one."

Pirner is referring to Change of Fortune, Soul Asylum's eleventh studio album, and its first for Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). The dozen-song set embodies the band's trademark balance of rocking abandon, infectious melodic craft and raw-nerved emotional depth, boasting a compelling set of new Pirner compositions while showcasing the strength and versatility of Soul Asylum's current lineup, which teams founding singer/guitarist Pirner with guitarist Justin Sharbono, bassist Winston Roye and drummer Michael Bland.

Three and half decades down the road from the band's indie-punk origins, Change of Fortune — co-produced by the band and longtime studio collaborator John Fields — is classic Soul Asylum, with such musically and lyrically pointed new tunes as first single "Supersonic," "Can't Help It," "Doomsday," "Make It Real," and the title track packing a familiar sonic and emotional punch, while carrying a hard-won sense of survival and perseverance that honors Soul Asylum's storied history while pointing towards the future.

"It's more honest than any record I've made in a very long time, just because there was no one looking over my shoulder and editing me, which was very liberating for me," says Pirner. "It sounds like the vision that I had in mind a really long time ago. When I listen to it, I think, 'That sounds like Soul Asylum,' and that's as good as it gets for me."

Change of Fortune — which features an appropriately arresting cover image by world-renowned wildlife photographer TK — marks the recording debut of the current Soul Asylum lineup, which has racked up a considerable amount of roadwork and honed its combustible musical chemistry since Sharbono and Roye joined in 2012. Drummer and multi-talented right-hand man Bland joined Soul Asylum in 2005 with an extensive resume that includes work with fellow Minneapolitans Prince and Paul Westerberg.

"I would say, without reservation, that my band is probably the best band on the planet," Pirner asserts, adding, "That always gets me in trouble, but it's not because of me; it's because of Michael and Winston and Justin. It's incomprehensible to me that the elements have fallen into place the way they have, but it's driving me nuts how much I love this band."

Soul Asylum has been inspiring that level of passion since 1981, when the band, initially known as Loud Fast Rules, formed in Minneapolis. The band's raucous live sets and early releases on the hometown indie label Twin/Tone — including the albums Say What You Will, Made to Be Broken and While You Were Out — earned it a loyal fan base and widespread critical acclaim.

Soul Asylum's indie success led to the band entering the major-label mainstream with 1988's Hang Time and its 1990 follow-up And the Horse They Rode In On, and achieving a platinum-level commercial breakthrough with 1992's Grave Dancers Union and 1995's Let Your Dim Light Shine. Grave Dancers Union featured the international hits "Runaway Train," which won a 1994 Grammy as Best Rock Song, and "Black Gold," while Let Your Dim Light Shine spawned the hit "Misery." The band went on hiatus after 1998's Candy from a Stranger, during which time Pirner released his first solo effort, Faces & Names. Soul Asylum returned to action in 2006 with The Silver Lining and released Delayed Reaction six years later.

"When I was a kid, I wanted to be in a band, and I decided that's what I was gonna do, and that hasn't changed," Pirner notes. "This whole thing is an act of faith, and the worse the music business gets, the more of an act of faith it becomes. But I don't give a f---, I'm gonna keep doing this until the day I die. We're always struggling to figure out how we're gonna make this work, but I'm not going to waver.

"People who feel disenfranchised tend to identify with Soul Asylum," Pirner observes. "I'll look out at the crowd and see people singing along with my songs of frustration and insecurity, and the irony is not lost on me. There's a part of me that's never gonna fit in, but I love being around people who love music, and I'm very loyal to the idea of whatever Soul Asylum is. The future is bright, everything is good, and if there's something in this record that can make people feel like things are gonna be OK, then it's mission accomplished."

Jefferson Starship

Performances

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

The members of Jefferson Starship past and present have been exploring the mysteries of music for more than 1000 collective years. Give or take. But who's counting? Jefferson Starship is one of the most successful arena rock groups of the 1970s and 80s, earning 3 platinum and 8 gold records, as well as numerous Top 40 singles. While Jefferson Starship continues to tour today, the band has experienced numerous lineup and personnel changes, and each of those members have contributed to the magic and alchemy that make Jefferson Starship iconic.

The legend of Jefferson Starship begins in 1970, when Paul Kantner released an album titled BLOWS AGAINST THE EMPIRE under the artist name "Paul Kantner and the Jefferson Starship". The story, however, begins with the coalescence of the band Jefferson Starship itself, in 1974. That collection of talent included John Barbata, Craig Chaquico, Papa John Creach, David Freiberg, Paul Kantner, Peter Kaukonen, and Grace Slick. They first toured as Jefferson Starship in 1974, and released the album, DRAGON FLY which was certified gold in 1975. Kaukonen departed the lineup after that initial tour and the remaining members welcomed Pete Sears on bass. Shortly thereafter, Marty Balin joined the Jefferson Starship lineup. Balin had co-founded Jefferson Airplane with Paul Kantner, and the Airplane roster also included Grace Slick, David Freiberg, and Papa John Creach at various points during that band's existence. Balin's addition to the Jefferson Starship lineup resulted in a reunion of sorts for all those players under a new banner. The new collection of personnel returned to the studio to record RED OCTOPUS, which was released in June of 1975. The record reached #1, propelled by the success of the hit singles, Miracles and Play on Love. It has sold over two million copies. Papa John Creach quietly left the band after this whirlwind success. Jefferson Starship's hit-making streak continued with 1976's SPITFIRE, which featured the hit, With Your Love, and 1978's EARTH, powered by the hits, Count on Me and Runaway. ?

The band evolved again in 1979. Marty Balin and Grace Slick departed by choice, and John Barbata had to leave due to a serious car accident. Mickey Thomas stepped in on lead vocals and Aynsley Dunbar picked up the sticks. This latest incarnation of Jefferson Starship produced the band's fifth consecutive hit record, FREEDOM AT POINT ZERO, thrust to gold status by the hit single Jane. MODERN TIMES followed in 1980, finding its way to gold certification on the wings of hit single Find Your Way Back, which appropriately described Grace Slick, who sang background on the album and returned to tour with the band in 1981. In 1982, Aynsley Dunbar left the group, and Donny Baldwin assumed drum duties. The band's 1982 release WINDS OF CHANGE would also produce two top 40 hits, Be My Lady and Winds of Change. 1984's NUCLEAR FURNITURE kept the band's streak alive, planting No Way Out on the top 40 and selling over 500,000 records.

Paul Kantner left due to creative differences in 1985, and after some acrimony with the remaining band members, the name "Jefferson Starship" was retired. The remaining members of Jefferson Starship at that point morphed into "Starship" and enjoyed continued success.

In 1992, Kantner returned to touring life and revived the name "Jefferson Starship". True to its legacy, the members have changed over time, but the heart and the magic of all those hits remain. Paul Kantner died in 2016.

Currently, the Jefferson Starship lineup features founding member David Freiberg, along with Donny Baldwin, Jude Gold, Cathy Richardson, and Chris Smith. ?

Joan

Performances

September 17 - 6:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Beloved Arkansas duo joan have released the catchy second single " don't say you love me" TODAY from two upcoming EPs set to hit later this year via Photo Finish Records. Following their recent single "so good " released last month, ' don't say you love me' is a song about letting a relationship go when a partner is no longer fully in it, set over an ever-irresistible melody. joan have also announced the titles of their two forthcoming EP's, which will be hi and bye , each EP weaving the story respectively about the beginnings and endings of a relationship.

Of 'don't say you love me', the band say, "this song was in demo land for about 6 months. we loved the chorus that we had a lot, but could not find a verse that felt right for the life of us. one day last month we met and wrote with michelle buzz and hit it off right away. she's the first person we've ever let in as far as writing lyric and melody to a song - she's an absolute rockstar, and was the perfect partner to make this song what it came to be."

"With this project, we're shooting a proper music video for each song with our favorite director in the world, brandon waddell. while thinking on the concept for this song, brandon brought up the idea of doing a chatroom type performance from a bedroom. we've been thinking of a way to incorporate fans for a video shoot, and this one felt like the perfect opportunity to do so. we put out a casting call on social media, had thousands of fans reach out, and put the quickest responders in the video. this song and video is extremely special and important to us - it feels like a milestone we'll look back on and remember when we've been a band for 50 years :)"

joan's new chapter 'wave era' will see new singles from two EPs landing on the first Thursday of each month, soundtracking the rest of 2021 with their trademark alt-pop bops, tinged with the sweetest hint of 90's R&B influences. Today announced to be titled hi and bye, joan add "after we released "cloudy/partly cloudy", we got straight to work, writing so many new songs. we found that the songs were naturally falling in two different camps. so, we decided rather than trying to force them to work together, it would be more interesting to release two ep's over the course of the year. welcome to the wave era - here comes a new joan song each month through the end of the year :)"

joan (Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford) have spent the past few years building their musical empire, single by single, tour date by tour date, with the past two years being landmarks for them; their debut EP, 2019's portra, and last year's EP cloudy have been streamed well over 90 million times, with over a million listeners a month across streaming platforms.

The guys spent much of 2019 on the road with major US and international tours supporting the likes of The Aces, COIN, Bloc Party and Jeremy Zucker, as well as playing to fans across Asia with headline shows and festivals in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. Early 2020 saw them playing to sold out crowds across the US on their first headline tour, including having to add additional shows in LA to accommodate ticket demand. Their virtual cloudy release show in August 2020 boasted thousands of ticket sales from fans who tuned into their livestream. 2021 is going to be an incredibly exciting year for joan, they're only just getting started.

joan's new chapter…

Them Coulee Boys

Performances

September 9 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Them Coulee Boys are known for a brand of Americana that blends punk, bluegrass, and rock & roll. They sing songs in 4 part harmony, sometimes conversational and often with a banjo stomp and rhythm section punch that drives the audience to tap their foot before being swept onto the dance floor. Their trusty van has propelled them thousands of miles across the country and into the hearts of people who tend to leave with a belonging after even one show. It's music created by close friends feeling something deep and inviting their new friends to sing along.

The story is true. Soren Staff and Beau Janke met as counselors at a bible [summer] camp in northern Wisconsin in 2013. During the week they played songs with the kids around a campfire and during the weekend they tried to figure out all the Trampled By Turtles and Avett Brothers songs they could muster. They both grew up amidst an amazing stretch of land full of glacial melt-carved river valleys in the upper Midwest that the early French trappers called coulees.

Another camp counselor took to teasing them, "here come them coulee boys." In 2014, they added Soren's brother Jens on mandolin, and a rough-around-the-edges, stomping 3-piece folk band, played their first show as Them Coulee Boys. Four years later Neil Krause joined to play acoustic and electric bass, and in 2019 when Stas Hable joined on drums, TCB evolved into a full-on americana rock band. The live band straddles the line between pure and genuine ballads and a sweaty, leaping take on countrified rock-n-roll.

With three full length albums and an EP behind them, including 2019s, Die Happy (produced by Trampled By Turtles' Dave Simonett on Lo-Hi Records), the band has garnered international attention and earned press in American Songwriter and The Bluegrass Situation, as well as tours with TBT and a "band to watch" spot on the Cayamo Cruise. In 2020, they were named Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Band to Watch, and were nominated for band of the year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry. When the world stopped in early 2020, the band holed up in their practice space and began writing, and the result is their brand new effort entitled Namesake.

Namesake was recorded at The Hive in the band's hometown of Eau Claire, WI, a small Wisconsin city infamously blessed with a wealth of musical talent. The record was produced by Grammy-winner Brian Joseph, who has worked with the likes of Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, Ani Difranco, The Indigo Girls, and earned his Grammy producing and engineering Bon Iver's Bon Iver. The Hive itself is an intimate room, with ceilings draped with nautical rope, and bookshelves adorned with all manner of things antiquarian, living and dead. Joseph's fingerprints are everywhere on the record, and the warm feel of home left the band trusting further expansion of their sound. The result is a record that feels like a bear hug at a farm party in the hills.

Taking inspiration from the intimate nature of the space after a long period of quarantine, Namesake feels familial, like good friends with no need for small talk speaking heart to heart from the get go. There are moments of power and punch, balanced with an intimacy only felt between the ones we love. The banjo stomp that personifies TCB is still there on the title track "Namesake", but now it's paired with the raw power of electric guitar, mandolin, and banjo on "Phil's Song" and "1st Team All-American". The mood is dialed way back for "Hallelujah" and "4/1", to let the lyric shine. There's a nod to Petty and Springsteen in the expanse of "Given Up", and a Dylanesque troubadour's longing behind the sweet tale of "Knuckleballer". Namesake is Them Coulee Boys following a new trajectory, combining their take on a punched up version of folk-grass/americana with a comfort in electric instruments and rock & roll. The record lives and breathes, is both intimate and bombastic, it's your sweet aunt who makes delicious pies and your wiley uncle not afraid to hit a bit of the hooch. At bottom is the acceptance that comes with family and old friends, none of us are perfect, but at bottom we all shine.

Chicken Wire Empire

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Bluegrass style from the northern middle-west, with heartfelt harmonies and earthy acoustic tones that feel like home.

Contemporary tones blend with traditional roots in Milwaukee's unparalleled Chicken Wire Empire. Since their formation in 2014, the Chicken Wire Empire has wasted little time establishing themselves as one of the hottest up and coming bands in the local and regional music scene. Ryan Ogburn (mandolin), Jordan Kroeger (upright Bass), Greg Brundage (Guitar), and Jon Peik (banjo), Ernest Brusubardis IV (fiddle) Together these individuals deliver their bluegrass inspired song to audiences of any age.

Bluegrass style from the northern middle-west, with heartfelt harmonies and earthy acoustic tones that feel like home.

TORRES

Performances

September 10 - 6:45 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

TORRES' fifth album Thirstier pumps the miraculous into the mundane. It is in open revolt against the gray drag of time, a searing and life-affirming eruption of an album that wonders what could happen if we found a way to make our fantasies inexhaustible. What if we got whatever we wanted and still wanted it, endlessly, with no threat of boredom and no danger of depletion? What could we become if we let ourselves grow incandescent with eternally renewing desire?

Since releasing her self-titled debut album in 2013, TORRES—the stage name of Brooklyn-based rock musician Mackenzie Scott—has used her pointed lyricism and disarming vocal presence to seek openings in the everyday, prying apart the walls of the real in search of escape. After a pandemic year that toggled relentlessly between numbing dread and active terror, Thirstier explodes the borders of imaginative possibility. It is Scott's most exuberant and daring record to date, showcasing her in thrilling freefall.

Recorded in the fall of 2020 at Middle Farm Studios in Devon, UK, Thirstier marks a turn towards a bigger, more bombastic sound for TORRES. The anxious hush that fell over much of Scott's previous music gets turned inside-out in songs tailored for post-plague celebration. Scott co-produced the album with Rob Ellis and Peter Miles, drawing on her experience self-producing the acclaimed 2020 LP Silver Tongue to push her music onto an even broader scale. Guitar-driven walls of sound, reminiscent of producer Butch Vig's work with Garbage and Nirvana, surge and dissipate like surf in high winds, carrying Scott's commanding voice to the fore.

"I wanted to channel my intensity into something that felt positive and constructive, as opposed to being intense in a destructive or eviscerating way," Scott notes. "I love the idea that intensity can actually be something life-saving or something joyous."

From the sparkling country romp of "Don't Go Puttin Wishes in My Head" to the sour grunge bite of "Keep the Devil Out" and the unabashed, overflowing devotion of the album's title track, Thirstier clasps together love songs from all angles. Romantic love, platonic love, familial love, self-love, and freeing spiritual love all commingle, all feeding one another and vaulting toward the horizon. Scott sings of love that never knows scarcity. "The more of you I drink / The thirstier I get," she pronounces on the title track's chorus—a thesis statement for the album as a whole, and its resolute striving toward abundance. "Keep me in your fantasies / Even though you live with me," she sings at the song's climax, enclosing transportive, alchemizing desire inside the pedestrian without dulling any of its glow.

"We're always fantasizing about something that's out of reach. That's what a fantasy is. It's something you can't have. But I wanted to turn that idea around and ask, 'What if your fantasy was the thing that you have, this endless loop of fantasy?'" Scott says. "It's a way to be in this fantastical, magical realm forever. I want to make that space for myself. I want to create a reality where my day-to-day is actually my fantasy. That's what I want more than anything."

With Thirstier, TORRES clears the way to that wellspring and invites others to follow her there. "I've been conjuring this deep, deep joy that I honestly didn't feel for most of my life," she says. "I feel like a rock within myself. And I've started to feel that I have what it takes to help other people conjure their joy, too."

From the sparkling…

Better Than Ezra

Performances

September 3 - 4:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

The best songs, records, and bands transport you back to the first moment you heard them each and every time they play.

Whether you caught a house party gig after Better Than Ezra formed in 1988 at Louisiana State University, heard "Good" on the radio once it hit #1 during 1995, became a fan following Taylor Swift's famous cover of "Breathless" in 2010, or saw them headlining sheds in 2018, you most likely never forgot that initial introduction to the New Orleans quartet founded by Kevin Griffin [lead vocals, guitar, piano] and Tom Drummond [bass, backing vocals].

Those hummable melodies, unshakable guitar riffs, and confessional lyrics quietly cemented the group as an enduring force in rock music. How many acts can boast being the inspiration of a classic Saturday Night Live skit?

Very few.

Speaking of incredible accomplishments, they occupy rarified air with spots on Billboard's "100 Greatest Alternative Songs of All Time" and "100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time" as of 2018. Additionally, 2018 also marked 25 years since the arrival of the breakthrough album Deluxe. Maintaining a steady pace forward, the new single "GRATEFUL" garnered acclaim from Billboard who praised its "highly commercial, anthemic sheen that certainly pairs nicely with the approach of Deluxe."

The story of Better Than Ezra began before the nineties explosion they remain so often associated with ever even happened. Griffin and Drummond comprised the core of the band at its onset as they hit the road and won over one fan at a time beginning in 1989. This fan base would go on to be known as "Ezralites" by the time the first pressing of Deluxe landed independently in 1993. As the audience dramatically grew, Elektra signed the boys in 1995 and officially released Deluxe. A fixture on radio and MTV, "Good" captured #1 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks Chart and went multi-platinum. 1996's Friction, Baby yielded definitive anthems such as "Desperately Wanting" and "King Of New Orleans." A string of fan favorite albums followed, including How Does Your Garden Grow? [1998] and Closer [2001].

2005's Before The Robots represented another creative high. Its lead single "A Lifetime" peaked in the Top 15 of the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart as "Juicy" went on to famously soundtrack a Desperate Housewives campaign. Paper Empire followed in 2009 and then the band released their latest album in 2014, All Together Now. Produced by Tony Hoffer [M83, Beck,] it spawned the hit "Crazy Lucky," which notched 10 million-plus streams.

At the same time, their touring presence burgeoned year after year as Better Than Ezra continue to sell out amphitheaters and arenas worldwide. A force of nature on stage, the group consistently deliver on tour as countless fans sing along to every word nightly. Their gigs further uphold a growing legend.

Outside of Better Than Ezra, Griffin established himself as a sought-after hitmaking songwriter, having songs recorded by the likes of Taylor Swift and Train. He also penned #1 hits for Howie Day and Sugarland in addition to writing with The Struts and Moon Taxi. In 2015, Griffin co-founded the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, which counts Justin Timberlake among others as partners.

Along the way, they launched the Better Than Ezra Foundation (www.BTEFoundation.org) in order to support their hometown. Chaired by Drummond, its charity endeavors span coastal restoration projects, after school programs for underprivileged kids, and more. Since 2008, it has raised over $1.7 million for causes throughout greater New Orleans.

Celebrating 25 years of Deluxe in 2018, the guys reissued the record on double vinyl. Detailing the release, Forbes summed up the group's influence beyond the nineties scene it helped define.

The outlet wrote, "So many of that decade's most influential, like supernovas, burned up fast... New Orleans alternative rock trio Better Than Ezra defied those odds."

In the end, you'll never forget the songs on Deluxe or any other release from their discography—and that's better than anything.

The best songs, records, and bands transport you back to the first moment you heard them each and every time they play.

Very few.

Kurtis Blow

Performances

September 2 - 4:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Innovator and Originator - Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow is one of the founders and creators of recorded rap. A timeless artist and hip hop legend, Kurtis Blow blazed the trail for early Hip-Hop artists, and he will soon carry the torch for Hip-Hop music into new arenas.

Kurtis is credited with many firsts, including: • first rapper signed to a major label • first certified gold rap record ("The Breaks) • first rapper to tour US and Europe (with The Commodores, 1980) • first rapper to record a national commercial (Sprite) • first rapper to use the drum machine, sample, and sample loop • first rap music video (Basketball) • first rapper to appear in a soap opera ("One Life to Live") • first rap millionaire

In 1979, at the age of twenty, Kurtis Blow became the first Rapper to be signed by a major label. Mercury released "Christmas Rappin," and it sold over 400,000 copies and it became an annual classic. Its gold followup "The Breaks" helped ignite an international "Rap Attack." He released 10 Albums over 11 years -- The first entitled "Kurtis Blow", his full length debut and his second, a Top 50 Pop Album "Deuce," a big hit across Europe; "Party Time" which featured a pioneering fusion of Rap and GoGo; "Ego Trip," which includes the hits "8 Million Stories", "AJ", and "Basketball" and in 1985, "America." "America's video innovation received a MTV Monitor Award. From this album, the song "If I Ruled the World" became a top 5 hit on Billboard's R & B chart. Columbia/Sony recording artist Nas debuted at # 1 on the Billboard's Pop Album chart with a cover of the song in 1997.

He was honored to coordinate "King Holiday", along with Dexter Scott King, a song to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday. The Mercury/Polygram single co-produced by Kurtis Blow includes the collaborative efforts of Whitney Houston, New Edition, Stephanie Mills, El Debarge, James "JT" Taylor of Kool & the Gang, The Fat Boys and Run DMC among others. It has become an annual Holiday Classic.

Besides his own work, Kurtis has been responsible for Rap hits by The Fat Boys and Run DMC. Run began his career billed as "The son of Kurtis Blow." Love Bug Starski, Sweet Gee, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Full Force, Russell Simmons and Wyclef Jean all have been produced or have worked with Blow in the past. Additionally former label mates Rene & Angela had their chart topping debut "Save Your Love for # 1" gift wrapped by Kurtis Blow.

Kurtis Blow's acting performances and music coordination in several movies including Leon Kennedy's "Cry of the City" and the hit film "Krush Groove" has won him continual praise. The New York Daily News called his cinematic works "Noteworthy, A Dynamic Presence." As host and coproducer for "Das Leben Amerikanischer Gangs" an international film production's focus on the West Coast gang scene, Kurtis Blow crossed international waters for inner city justice (1995). As host and associate producer for "Rhyme and Reason" a Miramax film, KB gives an informative account of the present status of HipHop (1998). "The History Of Rap" Produced and written by Kurtis, is soon coming to a theatre near you.

Kurtis Blow has become known as somehwat of an activist, speaking out against racism and drug use. His innate ability to reach people is also evident in his selection as spokesperson for The National Ad Counsel. He is an integral part of its youth campaign and can be seen and heard in print, radio and television nationwide as the first to "Say No To Drugs." He has also been involved with Phoenix House of California, a substance abuse organization with Black community emphasis.

In 1995 Kurtis Blow started working on-air in radio. Power 106, the #1 CHR Radio station in Southern California, had Kurtis on-air Sunday nights with The Old School Show, a highly rated specialty show that features Blow spinning the hits from the past. The show was rated # 1 for 4 years. Kurtis later worked for Sirius Satellite Radio on the Classic Old School Hip Hop station Backspin 43.

In 2002 after 9/11, Kurtis went overseas to the Middle East to tour the Armed Forces Bases for 17 shows to bring a little bit of back home to the troops stationed there. The tour consisted of shows in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Krgystan, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman "It was a tour I will never forget," Blow says, "I did the Bob Hope thing."

Since then, Kurtis Blow has kept busy. He has completed multiple world tours since the turn of the new millennium, and continues to work on other creative endeavors in the music and film arenas.

Kurtis Blow helped legitimize Hip Hop, and now, he intends to help redeem it. Having made a deep commitment to the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ, Kurtis went back to school studying theology at NYACK College - he became an ordained minister in 2009. As Co-founder of the Hip Hop Church, Kurtis serves as rapper, DJ and worship leader . There are several Hip Hop Churches around the country and Kurtis is involved with many of them. "Don't get it twisted, God has always existed," says Kurtis, "and in terms of these young people out here who love God but do not like to go to church, only Hip Hop can bring them back to the church."

Innovator and Originator - Kurtis Blow

Big Daddy Kane

Performances

September 16 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

The Moon City Masters

Performances

September 18 - 6:45 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

The Moon City Masters are a neo-classic rock band with a contemporary edge and more than a hint of soul and funk. The band, consisting of twin brothers, Jordan and Talor Steinberg, brings together the whole package, with virtuosic playing and singing combined with excellent songcraft and an aesthetic that is all their own. It's the unique MCM vibe that makes outlets like Classic Rock Magazine say that their music is full of "heart, harmonies and rays of California sunshine."

Ever since they first picked up their instruments at the tender age of 12 after their dad took them to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the brothers have been cranking out riffs and tunes with preternatural ability. Initially, they both picked up guitars, but Jordan soon switched to bass. Over the course of the next several years, they honed their singing and playing chops to a fine edge.

The band kicked their songwriting into overdrive when they started working with Grammy-nominated producer, Justin Craig. The band released their debut E.P., "The Adventures of the Moon City Masters" in late 2019. Since then, they've been hard at work recording and releasing singles. They will be playing dates around the country as the world opens up again. They can't wait to see you there.

Wait for Morning

Performances

September 10 - 7:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Wait For Morning began in Chicago as a duo in 2011 playing a mix of original music and covers. The band quickly grew from small wine bars in the suburbs to playing the House of Blues and Navy Pier in Chicago, eventually performing in Los Angeles as well. In 2014, the band moved to Milwaukee, WI and recruited 3 more members, all from Milwaukee. Since then, the band has performed as a duo, a trio, and a full 5-piece ensemble performing 25+ shows a year. Wait For Morning has been a favorite choice of the Milwaukee Bucks for pre-game entertainment, and has appeared at Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair, and the Waukesha County Fair. Wait For Morning was invited to perform at both the groundbreaking and the grand opening of the FISERV Forum, the new home of the NBA team. The band has become a preferred pick of the Kohler Company, appearing regularly at the American Club in Kohler and various private events in the surrounding area. Wait For Morning is also available for weddings and private parties as a duo, trio, and full band.

Kentucky Headhunters

Performances

September 9 - 4:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

A Short Story and Biography in the Words of The Kentucky HeadHunters.....

Once upon a time, in a deep and dark forest, in the Bluegrass state of Kentucky, not far from the village of Edmonton, stood a psychedelic shack where the only rock and roll band in Metcalfe County rehearsed.

The year was 1968, and the band was called Itchy Brother. The shack was really a farmhouse now known as the infamous Practice House. And the deep and dark forest was a place on Richard and Fred Young's family farm.

Together, with cousins Anthony Kenney and Greg Martin, armed with a pickup-truck load of amps, drums, and guitars, and a stack of American and English rock records, they set out to conquer the world by creating their own brand of rock and roll.

As the years went by, they made good on their promise to each other, and the record companies came. First, from Cincinnati, then Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, California, New York, and England, but something always stopped them from leaving the rock club circuit and becoming a national recording act. Presidential elections, plane crashes, the death of a record executive and disco, but most of all, their ages. The train hauling the heyday of Southern rock had come and gone. Itchy Brother got caught in the changing of the guard. They never got to ride the train, but they never gave up.

In the early 80s, we started to hang out in Nashville. Because it wasn't known as one of the rock and roll cities, we had always avoided it like the plague. Our only bout with Nashville was a TV show called Young Country, said Richard Young. Itchy Brother played Robert Johnson's Crossroads on the show in 1970 and though it was fun. "It opened our eyes and pointed our hearts in a different direction," he recalls.

Nashville was only 85 miles from Edmonton, but it seemed a million miles from where we started. Greg, then Fred, later took jobs as sidemen where their Southern rock skills proved to be handy and exciting to those acts who wanted to follow in the footsteps of Charlie Daniels and Hank Williams, Jr. Richard took a different route by hanging around writing houses. In 1981, with the help of their longtime friend and manager, Mitchell Fox, the boys were signed as writers to Acuff/Rose Publishing Company. Nashville didn't know it, but there was a roots movement starting to happen, and the "No Depression Era" was just over the hill. "It was during this time that we learned a lot about the music business and that Nashville was really only three streets wide," said Fred Young.

In 1986, Greg introduced Richard and Fred to Doug Phelps. Prior to this, the plan had been to record an Itchy Brother album and go for it again, but Anthony declined.

Doug Phelps was asked to join in Anthony's place.

We couldn't see using the Itchy Brother name without Anthony. At the time, I was reading a book called Deep Blues by Robert Palmer. It spoke about the head chopping ritual and the fact that Muddy Waters band was nicknamed the Headhunters. I told the other guys about the story and it struck a nerve with all of us, said Greg Martin.

The HeadHunters started rehearsing in March of 1986 in Greg's basement, then moved to the Practice House when the weather warmed up.

"We were determined to create a whole new sound just like Itchy Brother had in the 70s. I knew there was a true passion from the first rehearsal and the fact that the other three were relatives, and had spent their whole lives playing together, made it like a fast-drying glue. For me, it was magic from day one," said Doug Phelps.

The mid-to-late 80s were very special. If you go back and look at the musical diversity going on, especially the roots and college music scene, even country music was allowing things to happen. Their guards were down. This spilled over into the local scene around here. Bowling Green, KY, Louisville, and Nashville were all hopping, as well as the rest of the country. This had a huge impact on us and helped fuel the formation of the HeadHunters, observed Greg.

"We are who we are and that's what makes us what we have become. From our life experiences and how we approach and interpret music is how we became a band that tells real life stories. We are a band of many styles: rock, blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, rockabilly, and other roots music. That is the foundation of our sound. Johnnie Johnson once told me "Music has no color. If I had to color the HeadHunters, I'd color us music with a feeling. says Fred.

"It started to gel from the first rehearsal. When you can't put a label on it, even when you create it, you know you've got something special," says Richard.

Doug had a brother who also loved music. Ricky Phelps was a wandering soul, West Coast-type folkie who had a knack for bluegrass and a love of the Beatles.

"He had moved to Nashville to try his hand as a country songwriter/performer, and like the rest of us, wasn't having much luck. I suggested he should ride up to Kentucky with me and jam with our band, the HeadHunters, for kicks," says Doug.

"You know, Doug and Ricky had never really had a chance to sing together in a band. When he came up and jammed with us the first time and we put those brother harmonies
together with our rock and roll music, the room literally went neon," observed Richard.

"Ricky joined the band, and the very next month, we had a great opportunity presented to us to record in Acuff/Rose''s Hickory Records Studio. They were literally dismantling the studio around us, but we still managed to record a demo of Walk Softly, Dumas Walker and Oh Lonesome Me, the latter being in recognition of all the help Wesley Rose had been to Richard over the years. After that, we started playing more and more gigs locally, but it was really our live radio broadcast, The Chitlin' Show, on WLOC in Munfordville, KY, and the Practice House that brought it all together," remembers Greg.

In the earlier part of 1988, the HeadHunters met a very interesting fellow by the name of Jonathan D. W. Lyle. He was a huge blues music fan and fell in love with the HeadHunters music. He had a history of helping struggling bands, and ended up giving us $4,500 to go into the studio and record our music. We booked time at the Sound Shop with Mike Bradley and had just enough money to record for three days. We recorded eight tracks and called it Pickin' On Nashville, Doug remembers.

In late 1988, after much coaxing from Tom Long at ASCAP and song publisher Larry Shell, the HeadHunters agreed to do a record company showcase at Do
uglas Corner, a local Nashville hangout.

"Lee Roy Parnell was showcasing that night and we were a last minute tag on. After Lee Roy played, we sat up and kicked off with Walk Softly on this Heart of Mine. It was like someone had said there's a bomb in this place! The room cleared out in about two minutes, except for the sound man, waitresses, Tom, Larry, Harold Shedd and a few hangers-on," remembers Richard. "Lee Roy later told us that when he heard us that night, he thought, 'Oh my God, Heavy Metal Bluegrass!'" Greg recalls.

Harold was the President of Mercury Records and had a reputation and success record for taking chances on the unlikely. He called us the next day and said we may be cooking hamburgers next year, but I've got to try this. The HeadHunters signed with Mercury in July of 1989. We added the Kentucky part of our name at this point, because Herbie Hancock was already using it as a stand alone.

Pickin' On Nashville came out in October 1989. It blew up like an atom bomb, and changed our lives forever. The rest is history. Well, almost, says Richard.

After the release of the HeadHunters' second album Electric Barnyard, all hell broke loose. On June 2, 1992, Doug and Ricky Phelps left to start a duo career.

Longtime friend and cousin Anthony Kenney came to their rescue to play bass, and buddy Mark Orr was recruited for vocals. "It felt good to have Anthony back in the band, and we were proud to have a great blues rock singer like Mark Orr," say Fred, Richard, and Greg.

Mark should have been one of those great Southern rock singers of the early 70s, but he missed the boat because of Vietnam. "When we were listening to the Beatles White Album in the Practice House, Mark was fighting on Hamburger Hill with the 101st Airborne Division," says Fred.

During this time, the Kentucky HeadHunters returned to their blues-rock roots. They released two albums in 1993. The first entitled Rave On, on Mercury, and the critically acclaimed blues record That'll Work on Elektra-Nonesuch, with legendary blues pianist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Johnnie Johnson.

"Recording and playing with Johnnie Johnson has been one of the highlights of our musical journey. He was like your old uncle, laid-back and cool offstage, but when he sat down at the piano, he was in charge and anyone who ever played with him became a better musician." said Richard Young.

In 1994 and 1995, there were a lot of changes in store for the HeadHunters. Mark Orr left the band, Harold Shedd left Mercury, Luke Lewis came in as president and, during this time, Mercury released a greatest hits package called Still Pickin.

"When Mark left, I called the Phelps boys and asked if they would like to make another go of it. You gotta love Ricky. He said "!*?^* yeah! Let's change the name and start all over!" Now the HeadHunters have big balls, but I don't think anyone (including Doug) wanted to risk losing the HeadHunters brand," says Richard.

In the end, it was Doug who came back. He has and always will be our friend, band mate, and a team player. Ricky will always be our friend, and we love him for who he is.

In 1996, the HeadHunters were signed by Joe Galante at BNA in Nashville after hearing what they had been up to since Doug's return. "Joe had always liked the HeadHunters and he had us record a song for Roy Roger's last album early on. We will never forget him for that opportunity," said Fred.

The BNA record was called Stompin' Grounds. It was a trek back to the HeadHunters more country roots. Joe heard the record in his office and signed us on the spot. To set it up at radio, he and Connie Bradley at ASCAP got us on the New Faces Show. In 1989, we had blown the roof off of the place. We didn't get the same reaction the second time around. "When we kicked in, it reminded us of Douglas Corner in 1988. If the doors had been locked, those radio folks would have knocked them down to get out! Joe walked up at the end and said "Boys, that's one of the best shows I've ever seen. What a class act!"

In 2000 and 2003, the HeadHunters came back with two of their best ever. Grass String Ranch was a rebel rouser's dream that saw the band dig deep into their Southern rock bag of tricks. Then came Soul, lauded by many to be the Heads at their best since Pickin' On Nashville and That'll Work. The record was an experiment to re-create the vibe, sound, and style of the early Muscle Shoals recordings. Once again, the rub of being from Kentucky created something all together different. Both records were on Koch Records.

2005 saw the release of Big Boss Man. Sony music's Tom Long called us and asked if we would take the Sony catalog and "HeadHunterize" a bunch of classics for movie tracks. Once they heard it, they put it out as a record. "We had a lot of fun messing with all those old songs, and it was great working with Tom, who was first to discover our talents back in the 70s," said Fred.

In 2006, Flying Under the Radar was released. "This CD was a mixture of album cuts that we hoped would get a second chance to be heard, from the previous three CD releases. We're glad we put the record out. A lot of folks come up and say, "Oh, I like this song or I like that song." That's proof that if you put a great song on a record when the times and the way people are 0Athinking are off, it will go right over their heads," said Doug.

2007 saw our cousin, and life-long bandmate, Anthony Kenney retire from the Kentucky HeadHunters. Anthony is truly one of the greatest musicians and songwriters we have had the honor to share the stage with. We will always miss his talent and quick wit.

Fred, Doug, Greg and Richard found themselves right where they were when the HeadHunters started... A four piece band. They made a pact with each other that this was the way the Heads would stay.

Back in 1990, a landmark live album was recorded, at the legendary Agora Ballroom, in Cleveland, Ohio. While the heads were writing on a new album, they decided to also use this time dust off the live multi-tracks, mix them, and present them to Universal Records. Luke Lewis heard the concert, made a call to California, and in 2009, the album was released on the prestigious "Live Bootleg Series," that had previously spawned great live albums from the likes of Muddy Waters, Kiss, Cinderella, and many others.

2010 saw The Kentucky HeadHunters take two giant and much needed steps. Finally, after many years of recording in large studio's, for major labels, the boys formed their own record label, "Practice House Records," and headed to the farm to record, for the first time in the "practice house." The result was "Dixie Lullabies," released October 19, 2011.

Being in the old farm house with no restrictions and no time limits allowed the heads to be themselves, in the truest form. For an inside look at this adventure, Google "Kentucky HeadHunters epk". The Kentucky HeadHunters are currently working on two exciting new album projects.

Stay tuned.. You know this bunch is pretty unpredictable.!

A Short Story and Biography in the Words of The Kentucky HeadHunters.....

Nashville was only 85 miles from Edmonton, but it seemed…

Ohio Players

Performances

September 17 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

The Ohio Players came into musical prominence in the 1970's as pioneers of street funk and underground R&B. After signing with Mercury Records in 1974 through 1977 The Ohio Players landed three consecutive platinum albums "Skin Tight, "Fire", and "Honey". Two number one singles on the billboard pop charts "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster" and five number one R&B singles "Funky Worm","Fire","Sweet Sticky Thing", "Love Rollercoaster," and "Who'd She Coo". The Ohio Players traveled the world and produced more than a dozen albums and received 14 gold and platinum awards for their labors. They also appeared on many national television programs from Dick Clark, Don Kushner, to David Letterman. Since then there is a long list of Artists who have sampled or re-recorded their material to list a few: Snoop Dogg, Puff Daddy, Salt & Pepper, Too Short, Sound garden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul Jackson Jr., and Alex Bugnon.

Currently the band consists of 9 members 3 of which are original members. James "Diamond" Williams (Drums), Clarence Willis (Lead Guitar), Robert Kuumba, (Percussion). One might think the band members could now sit back, and count their gold and platinum records, enjoy the memories and fade into an easy retirement. Nothing could be further from the truth. These guys have maintained to keep busy and have been entertaining crowds of people all over the world who sing their songs and dance to the melodies and funky grooves. The summer of 2009 the group played several engagements just to mention a few: In Louisville KY- Fourth of July with a crowd 40,000 (+) that endured the rain and stayed to listen despite the weather, Washington D.C. at the Carter Barron, Several Casino's, and also the Indianapolis 500 Ball, and also the Indianapolis 500 Parade with over 300,000 in attendance.

The Ohio Players today are one of the few bands from the 70's era who still currently performs all of their music using no computers or samplers to enhance their musical production. The Ohio Players are thankful for still having a large loyal fan base that come to the shows and are still enthusiastic to hear the original sounds from the 70's.

The Ohio Players are enthusiastic and eager with the dawn of their new release. "This is your Night" the group's first new release within 13 years being released on the internet through Tune Core. We currently have a website www.Loverollercoaster.com where you can stream footage of the band listen to old songs, order merchandise, and also follow the bands tour dates.

After 38 years in the business this group is still setting stages on "Fire" and riding their own "Love Rollercoaster".

The Ohio Players today are one of the few bands from the 70's era who still currently performs all of their music using no computers or samplers to enhance their musical production.…

Gina Brooklyn

Performances

September 10 - 5:30 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Gina Brooklyn is a unique singer-songwriter whose style combines a multitude of influences that transcend through genres. By creating a captivating ambiance for her distinctive vocals, soul-gripping melodies and engaging lyrics, she can lure even the most demanding listeners into her world. The Ohio-born singer started her music career at the tender age of 15, when she co-wrote and recorded a song that led her to becoming a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest (2017). A Year after, she was nominated for "Best Pop Song" in the Roundglass Music Awards.

Gina signed a pub/admin and distribution deal with INgrooves Music Group, under which her single "Butterfly" was released in 2019 and attracted an overwhelming response from music press and online sites. Throughout her career, Gina has performed at multiple prominent venues across the U.S., from The Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, The Hotel Café in LA, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH, to the world's largest music festival, Summerfest, in Milwaukee, WI, where she was voted the Best Emerging Artist amongst those who performed that day. In 2020, Gina was the first Global Djooky Awards winner, where in March of 2021, she recorded at the world renowned Capitol Studios in LA with legendary producer Brian Malouf (Michael Jackson, Madonna, Queen).

Gina's single "Selfish Air" is the follow-up to the Djooky winning song "No More Hiding" which was also co-written and recorded with Dan Epand (formerly of Nico Vega). Since its 2020 release, "No More Hiding" has grown to over 234K streams on Spotify averaging 20,000 streams per month. Gina's career has been highlighted in numerous publications and podcasts including her most recent feature in "American Songwriter" that discussed her latest release "Selfish Air".

Caley Conway

Performances

September 16 - 6:45 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Caley Conway's inventive style ranges from jazz to post-rock, hints at the familiar, and embraces a dissonant beauty. Her breezy voice and disarming wit belie a deep complexity, bringing a new set of rules to the singer-songwriter paradigm. Across her career, Conway has shared stages with Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Lomelda, and more. This spring saw the release of EP Bliss or Bust; a 3-song collection produced in Nashville with longtime friend and collaborator, James Paul Mitchell. As a companion to each song, Conway created a trilogy of dream-like music videos showcasing the seemingly effortless creativity that flows from her deft hand.

Starlifter - USAF Band of Mid-America

Performances

September 2 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Bad Boy

Performances

September 2 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Since 1977 and the release of their first United Artists LP release, "The Band that Milwaukee Made Famous", Bad Boy has been rocking Midwest audiences. A Summerfest staple, Bad Boy was elected 1994 to the WAMI Hall of Fame. Current band members include guitarist / vocalist / founder Steve Grimm, former Cheap Trick vocalist and guitarist Randall "Xeno" Hogan, drummer Scott E. Berendt and bassist Craig Evans. Their music has been heard worldwide and includes stand out songs like "Cheat on Me" and "Thunder and Lightning." Each Christmas, members of Bad Boy and other local Milwaukee musicians pool their talents for a great night of music as "The Sleighriders." Proceeds from these events go to raise money for worthwhile local charities.

Bobby Way & The Fabulous Wayouts

Performances

September 4 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Rarely do you come upon such a powerful combination package as that delivered by the dynamic group, BOBBY WAY & THE FABULOUS WAYOUTS. Their onstage ambiance captivates the audience with a variety of musical and vocal virtuosity, from Prince to Frank Sinatra to the latest and newest Divas. A huge variety of over 800 musical arrangements in their repertoire are performed with their excellent vocals, style, fun, personality and professionalism. Simply put...."they have music for everybody". Private Functions make up over 60% of the bands engagements. They are the definitive #1 choice for Weddings and Corporate events. BOBBY WAY & THE FABULOUS WAYOUTS have performed at over 700 successful Weddings and hundreds of Private Parties. The band has headlined at most of the major festivals, fairs and events in the Midwest; including Milwaukee's Summerfest, an 11 day annual run at the Wisconsin State Fair, Green Bay Packers pre-game shows and many public festivals too numerous to mention. In addition to local Wisconsin area and Illinois shows they have performed for many national events outside of the Midwest. For the ultimate in live entertainment, you won't want to miss the dynamic music of Bobby Way and the Fabulous Wayouts.

Bad Medicine

Performances

September 4 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

BAD MEDICINE`s goal has always been to bring back the awesome memories that the music of the '80s had given us, and to also bring back an era to the younger generation to experience and have a great time with as well. Besides performing the best of BON JOVI as no other, BAD MEDICINE has also added 80`s heavyweights such as JOURNEY, POISON, MOTLEY CRUE, VAN HALEN, STYX, and RICK SPRINGFIELD to their arsenal...Along with other numerous hits from the best the '80s had to offer. The bottom line is...When you attend a BAD MEDICINE party you will be experiencing a professional, high energy show, a few memories will be jarred,a few friendships will have been made, and you may have difficulty speaking the next day as a result of singing to the songs that made the 80`s such a great decade for music...We hope to see you out soon!!!

Steely Dane

Performances

September 4 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Winner of the MAMA award for best cover band, Steely Dane is dedicated to not only faithfully reproducing the Steely Dan and Donald Fagen songbooks, but to bringing an energetic live-show experience to the crowd. 16 of Dane County's (Madison area) best jazz and rock musicians have banded together around their passion for Steely Dan music, playing in the same configuration as the Steely Dan touring band including a four piece horn section, two background singers, two guitars, two keyboards, bass, drums and percussion. Shows consist of hits and deep cuts and sometimes even complete albums and are sure to have you out of your seat singing along.

Boomer Nation

Performances

September 9 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Boomer Nation is a blend of experienced musicians that have been performing for decades in a variety of music circuits. You can expect to hear powerful renditions of a diverse selection of classic rock and roll that spans multiple generations all performed with a polished degree of precision. From the Stones to Zeppelin, and GnR to Collective Soul, you will enjoy dancing or kicking back and watching the show concert style. Boomer Nation is not just your average classic rock cover band. It's their attention to detail that separates them from the rest. Material is performed not played. Come on out and experience the music that you grew up with, Classic Rock for All Generations!

If its a guitar anthem whether from the 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s, desalinated to be heard for decades likely Boomer Nation is on it.

The Whiskeybelles

Performances

September 9 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Three Chords and the truth!
Roots Country Music, Born of Gin Halls and Juke Joints –
Hank Williams passion, Carter family harmonies, with a little Hee Haw mixed in for good measure. The WhiskeyBelles are an all-female traditional country and Americana trio based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Belles are widely known for captivating shows featuring their own take on classic and obscure vintage-country, Americana, folk-revival and roots-country tunes, with their own witty originals sprinkled in. They've been compared with the Pistol Annies, Dixie Chicks and The Trio (Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris & Linda Ronstadt). The 'Belles have personalities as big as the Texan skyline - they have a great time on stage, and love to share the fun with their audience.

Line up:
Chrissy Dzioba - Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Sara Moilanen - Vocals and Bass Guitar
Kimberly Unger - Vocals and Fiddle

They released their debut album, Whiskey Woman, on July 29, 2012 kicking off a full schedule of shows including coveted opening slots for country stars Montgomery Gentry, Kentucky Headhunters, Lost Trailers and Cadillac 3.

They followed up their first album on November 30th, 2013 with the release of a raucous Christmas album aptly titled, Nothin' Says Christmas Like Whiskey!

Both albums have garnered praise from Milwaukee Magazine, naming Whiskey Woman in their list of "Best Local Albums of 2012" and ranking Nothin' Says Christmas Like Whiskey in their "Top 10 Picks for November 2013".

Then in June, 2015 they released their third CD, a live album titled Tales from the Bootleggers' Ball. A fun-filled, larger than life album that gives the listener a taste of what it's like to hear the WhiskeyBelles in their element, performing live.

"One band that makes their performance look like more fun than legally allowed is the WhiskeyBelles. Blessed with decent chops, excellent harmonies and outstanding camaraderie and charisma the WhiskeyBelles delight audiences every night out."
- Paddy Fineran - Scene262.com

The WhiskeyBelles have been nominated and awarded several WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) awards: Most notably they won the award for Americana/Bluegrass Artist of the Year and the coveted Peoples Choice Award.

Both of their studio albums (Whiskey Woman & Nothin' Says Christmas Like Whiskey) have received wide-spread radio play across the U.S. and as far away as France and The Netherlands. The title track from their debut album, Whiskey Woman, recently climbed to #8 on the monthly Freeform American Roots Chart (FAR). The chart is assembled of reports from 130 radio stations world wide. FAR is compiled by John Conquest for 3rd Coast Music Magazine, the essential eNewspaper for American Roots music.

While working on a new album, the WhiskeyBelles have kept a busy schedule performing over 65+ shows a year. They've performed live on Fox 6 News for their local segments, "Wakeup" and "Studio A" and on NBC TMJ4 "Morning Blend" as well as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's online video music series, "Sound Check". They were also thrilled to be a part of the WISN Channel 12 annual Christmas special, "Season to Celebrate".

"The WhiskeyBelles is not your typical Milwaukee band. Not even taking into account the band's entirely female populace, the outfit expertly toes the line of talented original act and more than capable cover band. Its upbeat and experienced melding of country, folk and Americana proves a welcome resident to dive bars and massive outdoor festivals alike. And at the tender age of two, the trio has managed to garner growing consideration from local promoters… not to mention a few Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards along the way." - Tyler Maas, Milwaukee Magazine.

Line up:
Chrissy Dzioba - Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Sara Moilanen - Vocals and Bass Guitar
Kimberly Unger - Vocals and Fiddle

They followed up their first album on November 30th, 2013 with the release of a raucous Christmas album aptly titled, Nothin' Says Christmas Like Whiskey!

"One band that makes their performance look like more fun than legally allowed is the WhiskeyBelles. Blessed with decent chops, excellent harmonies and outstanding camaraderie and charisma the…

Ronnie Nyles

Performances

September 9 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Singer / Songwriter Ronnie Nyles has long been revered as one of the premier women entertainers of the mid-west. Her career has taken her on many musical journeys throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. These tours have Ronnie headlining concerts and festivals engagements as well as opening for National and International recording artists. With a wide dynamic and expressive range, Ronnie can belt out a raspy Rod Stewart roots rock sound or slip into a smoky, torrid blues with her voice. Ronnie's distinctive voice blends a variety of songs and styles that include rock, country and acoustic folk leaning on the musical influences of Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge, Heart, Joni Mitchel, John Mellencamp, and Janis Joplin just to name a few.

Consistent staying power has earned Ronnie a strong, dedicated following. That same staying power and dedication has won her multiple nominations and eight WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) awards which include four "Female Vocalist of the Year" awards, two "People's Choice" awards and two "Contemporary / Pop Artist of the Year" awards.

In addition, Ronnie stays true to her own material having released two CD's, "Building Rome" and "January Weather" and a holiday EP "It's Christmas". Which includes a song dedicated for the service men and women.

U2 Zoo

Performances

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

U2 Zoo, America's #1 Tribute to U2, is a concert caliber band that celebrates the full U2 Concert Experience. Founded in 2003, the band has performed with many legendary bands including Huey Lewis, Styx, Cheap Trick, Steve Winwood, The Yardbirds, Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult, etc along with being the feature headline act at large festivals throughout. The band is a special concert group of professional musicians and technical crew that owns and operates all of the essential vintage musical gear, state of the art concert lighting and sound- delivering at every show, an "over the top"concert experience.

St. Oshun

Performances

September 16 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Deliciously Stanky. Dynamically Funky. Recklessly Hopeful. Grounded in soul, the Charles Walker Band has been compared to Prince, Bruno Mars, The Brand New Heavys, and James Brown. The Milwaukee based band has refined their sound into Neo-Funk, a fusion of funk infused rhythms with pop melodies. The three-piece band rehearses tirelessly in Charles' basement, amidst couches and low ceilings, Charles having to stoop the entire time. Surprisingly, at the band's shows, there are no fans. There is only family. The question posed at the beginning of the first song is,Are we family or not? The band evokes positive energy to their family members, who say they always feel better than when they arrived. The Charles Walker Band isDeliciously Stanky. Dynamically Funky. Recklessly Hopeful.

Charles grew up literally in the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by dairy farms and apple orchards, the closest town ten miles away, he found music in six grade. After being presented with various instruments, he desperately wanted to play trombone. However, his music teacher declared he had the perfect mouth for saxophone, and his career was started. Walker, now also keyboardist and vocalist in the band, started the Charles Walker Band 15 years ago, initially as a blues band. When Porsche Carmon joined, a Columbus, OH native and female vocalist, bassist, and hand percussionist in the band, the sound begin to shift towards funk. Eventually, Charles and Porsche became a couple, and together laugh, cry, and argue about how best to plan shows that compete with cell phones and tablets. As a testament to their ability to create an engaging show, one of the band's family said at Milwaukee'sSummerfest, "I had to go to the bathroom for two hours but held it because I didn't want to miss a minute!"

The core of the Charles Walker Band is a three piece band. Besides Charles and Porsche, Paris Howard nails down the drums.

The group has opened for national acts including Earth Wind & Fire, the Commodores, BB King, Cameo, Aaron Neville, and Richard Marx. They have been featured on Fox News, NBCLive in the Morning, The Morning Blend, Discover Wisconsin,were the featured artist on theBlues Review andSoul Bag sampler CD's, being nominated five years in a row for best soul/R&B act by WAMI, winning in 2013.

Counting Ghetto Prophet, the band has released eight albums, each an evolution of sound while retaining roots in positivity. Walker says of Ghetto Prophet, released on Ehlona Records, "One in a Million, where the album's title originates, tells the story of an impoverished child becoming a success. This child ignores his circumstances because his vision is strong. He holds onto the belief that his dream is possible. That he could be that one in a million. Ultimately he represents the greatness in us all."

The core of the Charles Walker Band is a three piece band. Besides Charles and Porsche, Paris Howard nails down…

TommyGunn and Fast Company

Performances

September 17 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

TommyGunn and Fast Company was founded by T. Ford who is the brains of the group. TommyGunn and Fast Company has backed up artists such as The Dramatics, Michael Henderson, and a host of others. The band has also opened for acts that include Chaka Kahn, Baar Kays, Kool and the Gang, Morris Day and the Time, The Temptations, and many other acts. In 1995, TommyGunn co-wrote half of the Scotti Brothers album on Ms. Tina Moore, a Milwaukee native. The album produced a Billboard top 20 single which was titled"Never Gonna Let U Go." Also, in 1997 the remix to the single went up the charts in the UK reaching #1 on the Hot 100 chart, as well as #1 on the dance chart. The song is a classic now. As for Fast Company, TommyGunn formed the band because of his love for live music. He recruited the daughters of Alvis Moorer, an original member of the world famous Esquires. The ladies are currently being produced by TommyGunn. Working on a new album, and last but not least, Mr. Gunn recruited some of Milwaukee's musicians to finish the band. Stay tuned...much more to come.

The Terry Sims Band

Performances

September 17 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

The Terry Sims Band is one of Milwaukee's finest funk bands. The band (started in 2003), enjoy undiluted jazz/bebop funk in 2015. Keyboardist, composer and arranger Terry Sims is the aural architect of the band. Musicians include Alvin Turner & James Dallas/sax, Kenny Garrett/Bass, with Olen Franklin /Drums and John Moss /Guitar, they bring similar jazz//funk styles helping to develop a sound that is unique in the level of originality & quality. Vocalist Kenza Dawn, improving the dynamics of the band from high energy to the smooth styling of jazz & contemporary. Playing modern, grooves fringed with Latin, funk, smooth jazz and jazz, buoyed by guest appearances of local faves The Terry Sims Band has traveled & opened some great venues in and out of the Midwest, with two successful studio albums and an opening for Earth,Wind & Fire at Summerfest 08, Frankie Beverly /Maze 09, and many others. The band enjoys active support collaborating with the best local musicians to make the Terry Sims Band one of the great stories of the Milwaukee music

Rockonsin

Performances

September 18 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

September 18 - 12:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

ROCKONSIN, a not for profit program, is a statewide garageband competition for 7th – 12th grade musicians of all musical genres, that form a group outside of school.

ALL band members must be attending a Wisconsin public, private, charter, virtual or home school during the current school year. This is the 17th year that Dennis Graham Associates has produced a statewide garageband styled program, the only one of its kind in the nation.

ROCKONSIN, a not for profit program, is a statewide garageband competition for 7th – 12th grade musicians of all musical genres, that form a group outside of school.

Eric Look Band

Performances

September 4 - 12:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

A Milwaukee-based band specializing in 60's, 70's, and 80's, pop and rock covers, as well as performing original songs written by autistic recording artist, Eric Look.

The Incorruptibles

Performances

September 4 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

The Incorruptibles are a vocal-driven trio from Milwauke playing roots rock & roll, rockabilly and blues.

Abraxes

Performances

September 9 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

NOT A ONE TRICK PONY The members of Abraxas have performed with dozens of regional, national and international acts, covering every genre of music. This is what gives Abraxas the rhythms and grooves they project.

The band is also available to perform rock/classic rock in combination with our Santana tribute when needed, or for a complete night of rock and roll (aka High Wire). This saves the expense of hiring two complete bands. We ARE two complete bands! Alex Ligertwood (formerly of Santana) is also available to perform with Abraxas • The Santana Experience for a truly memorable Santana experience. He sang for Carlos for 16 years and sang, wrote or co-wrote numerous Santana hits on over a dozen albums.

Victor Manuel Campos

Performances

September 9 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Hell on Heels

Performances

September 17 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Hell on Heels was just awarded the first place in the Battle of the YPO Bands in Los Angeles of six top contenders. The jury, among them Scott Page (Pink Floyd, Brian Wilson, Supertramp, Toto) and Kenny Lee Lewis (Steve Miller Band) unanimously voted Hell on Heels the best performing band.

Vocals & Keytar: Renee K. has a voice as "down and dirty" as her shimmy. She punctuates the fast-driving Euro-inspired tracks like "Checkin' Out" while giving a sensitive touch to ballads such as "Beast of Burden". She was known in Germany as an "energy bomb" for ability to send a vibration through a room. In her book, life is to short to stay seated, so be ready to get out of "park" and had guest appearances with Gene Simmons and Billy Idol live on stage.

Bass: Andy Brienen ensures that the groove hits the spot. His full tone resonates through instrumentals and he and Rene have "fine-tuned" into each other over the years and the result is a tasteful musical experience.

Keyboards: Julian Herzing-Burkardstudied classical piano and jazz for years and loves classic rock.

Drums: John Calarco , who started drumming at age 10, has received seven WAMIs and played in many local bands including Big Bang Theory, Greg Koch and the Tone Controls, Common Faces (from Madison), Tony Jarvis, Daryl Stuermer Band, NC-17 (Gabriel-era Genesis Tribute band featuring Todd Sucherman from Styx ), "H," Chasin Mason, Kirk Tatnall Trio, Mike Standal, Dan Trudell Trio, The String Station, The Willy Porter Band and many other side projects. Calarco also worked with Andy Summers of The Police, Bruce Springsteen guitarist Nils Lofgren, Pat Travers, The B-52s' Kate Pierson and Frank Zappa's guitarist Mike Keneally.

Guitar: Rene Burkard has been playing guitar for over 52 years and was in 1984, 1985 & 1986 repeatedly quoted as being one of the best rock guitar players in Germany. His band "Broomstick Dusters" won two prestigious award competitions among several thousand qualified rock bands and they were touring all over Germany. Rene also played with greats like Luther Allison in Germany and France and Helge Schneider and Eelco Gelling (Cuby & the Blizzards/Golden Earring). Besides touring and production Rene worked for many years in the music industry as a product development specialist and sales manager for a large multinational musical instrument distributor.

Vocals: Claudia Johnson , a New York City native has been a professional singer for over 20 years with a successful career in and around NYC. She is currently also working as a professional vocal teacher.

Keyboards: Julian Herzing-Burkardstudied classical piano and jazz for years and loves classic rock.

Guitar: Rene…

5 Card Studs

Performances

September 17 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Holding the title of 'the hardest working lounge band in the Midwest' is no easy task…unless you are the 5 Card Studs. the 5 Card Studs are an entertainment experience. The 5 Card Studs live show is a unique blend of big-time Las Vegas attitude and 70's TV game show schmaltz, all glossed over with a washed-up lounge/wedding singer veneer. It may sound like a strange brew at first, but it's a winning combination that truly works, whether it's at a wedding, corporate event, in front of a few thousand people at a summer festival or a few hundred in an intimate lounge.

Musically their performances feature many recognizable 60s & 70s AM Gold classics – hits from artists such as Neil Diamond, Engelbert Humperdink, Tom Jones, Santana; soul classics from Al Green, Smokey Robinson, The Spinners, Wilson Pickett; one-hit wonders like Brandy (You're a Fine Girl), Hooked On A Feeling, Green Eyed Lady, Hot Child In The City, and The Love Boat; disco hits by the Bee Gees, The Ohio Players, ELO…the list is too huge to mention. All of this is delivered by the expert musicianship of the five seasoned veterans in the 5 Card Studs, making for an unforgettable experience in entertainment.

Black Star Drum Line

Performances

September 4 - 12:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Black Star Drum Line was created and founded in 2008 by award winning drummer/percussionist Joey B. Banks, to give kids in the Madison community an opportunity for creative expression through the "Percussive Arts". Director Joey B. Banks incorporates diversity, respect for self and others, unity and mastery as the core elements of the youth development model he developed working as a youth development professional for over 20 years in the Madison area. The group has done over 600 performances in the State of Wisconsin and Madison community to date. Black Star Drum Line has performed and collaborated with many local groups and performers, which include,The Handphibians, Rob Dz, Keon Andre, Pretty Boy Hefner, Lucas Koehler,Jeff Weiss,Stefan Truesdell, Gabe Burdulis, A. N. T. Anthony Lamarr, and Bradley Thomas(DLO),Trilogy and the band Mascot Theory. Some past performance highlights were playing for 25,000 people at "Lifest" in 2012, opening for Rapper B.O.B. at a UW-Whitewater "Welcoming" event in 2014, 12 "standing room" only performances at Overture Center's "Kids In The Rotunda" the last 4 years the group has performed at the show and most recently competed in their first "DCI Drum Battle" at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis in August 2017. During 2016-2017 NBA season Black Star Drum Line became the first junior drum line in the NBA as the Milwaukee Bucks "Mini Beats" Drum Line where they performed at 7 home games this season, and recently opened for the national touring act "Drum line" at Overture Hall on March 1 2017. In 2017, Black Star Drum Line became a partner with newly founded Forward Performing Arts (Formerly, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps Association). The partnership will allow for more youth from the Madison and surrounding area to be involved with Black Star Drum Line and other "percussive arts" and youth music ensemble programs.

Leroy Airmaster with Junior Brantley

Performances

September 9 - 2:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

In the 1980s, Leroy Airmaster was the dominant blues band in a vibrant live blues music scene in southeastern Wisconsin. They performed constantly, and released 4 well received recordings. They received numerous WAMI awards for best blues group. The members of the most popular version of the group reformed in 2010, and continue to perform their unique blend of blues jazz and rock music. Not content to rehash classic blues licks, Steve Cohen (harmonica) and Bill Stone's (guitar) solo styles rely heavily on a jazz approach, but never lose the gutsy blues framework that made the band so popular. With powerhouse drummer Marc Wilson and original bassist Dave Kasik , Leroy continues to satisfy audiences with their musical prowess, tasteful song selections, and dynamic delivery.

Band History

The bands origins grew from Whitefish Bay high school class mates Bill Stone, Dave Kasik, Marc Wilson & Steve Cohen then known as the Stone-Cohen Blues Band . They were inspired by blues/rock bands like Cream and Jimi Hendrix, and later by seminal Chess artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and Little Walter, as well as local bands The Ox, The New Blues, and later Short Stuff.

A chance jam in Cedarburg in1978 with Kasik, Cohen and Wilson's brother, Tom, set things in motion. The name Leroy Airmaster refers to a West Allis manufactured air compressor jackhammer. No one in the band was ever named Leroy. Within six months of playing local gigs at places like Dr.Feelgood's Bluenote, Stone once again joined the band. In 1982, drummer Vodie Rhinehart replaced Wilson, and was with the band until his sudden death in June of 2014. Bassist Dave Kasik left the group from 1980-83. His replacements were Jamie Sheldon and Jack McKenty . Kurt Koenig was his substitute from 2009-2012. Dave returned in 2013.

The band was constantly active throughout the 1980's. Most memorable were the weekly jam sessions that the band hosted at the Up & Under Pub on Brady Street from 1983-89.

When Short Stuff broke up in the mid-1980's, keyboardist and vocalist Junior Brantley joined the ensemble for 3 years, before he was hired to play with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and eventually Roomful of Blues. Junior continues to fly into Milwaukee from his home in Las Vegas to play reunion gigs with Leroy every summer. Denny Geyer, Greg Koch and Jim Liban also occasionally perform with the group.

Band History

Something to Do

Performances

September 18 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Some of the best rock & roll & ska in the Midwest. Really!

Gabe Burdulis

Performances

September 18 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Gabe Burdulis is a singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. His roots began in Madison, WI where he spent most of his time playing at bars, staying out way too late for school nights. Burdulis began teaching himself guitar after he first picked up his fathers guitar in 7th grade. Writing and performing became a passion very early on, he started playing in multiple bands locally including playing guitar for drum legend, Clyde Stubblefield. Before graduating high school, Burdulis had already become a two-time recipient of the "Les Paul Launchpad Award" and won multiple "Madison Area Music Awards".

After declining a scholarship to Berklee School of Music he moved to Nashville at the age of 18 without knowing a soul.

Since then, he has played iconic venues like the Bluebird Cafe, performed with Grammy Winning band Los Lobos at The Ryman Auditorium, and even caught the attention of Sheryl Crow when she attended his bands show in Nashville, TN followed by a post on her social media saying "They blew me away! Check them out!!".

Burdulis has toured the country playing major festivals including the world's largest music festival, Summerfest, and shared stages with Acts like X Ambassadors, Sylvan Esso, Cheap Trick, B.O.B. and Wynona Judd. He spent most of 2017 on the road with his duo, Future Stuff, opening for acclaimed guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II who went on to produce their record full length record (soon to be released).

Mixing bluesy roots and a love for pop melodies, Burdulis' music sits somewhere in a more folk/americana based style. Picking up on early influences like Cat Stevens and James taylor and some more contemporary influences like John Mayer and The Weepies, his lyrics are meaningful with a strong acoustic driven feel. His live shows are energetic yet intimate whether it be solo or with a band.

"Gabe's music has the acoustic pop power of an Ed Sheeran song with better guitar playing and a bit more country thrown into the mix. There's something in the subtle finger pickings and vocal flourishes that wears both his Midwest roots and his new southern home proudly. Despite his songwriting power, Gabe doesn't let his ego get in the way; he is an incredibly sympathetic songwriter, with songs about his grandmother and the failings of the modern dating age." - Landon Kuhlmann of Daytrotter.

Burdulis is set to release a new solo record this summer along with a string of national tour dates!

After declining a scholarship to Berklee School of Music he moved to Nashville at the age of 18 without knowing a soul.

"Gabe's music has the acoustic pop power of an Ed Sheeran song with better guitar playing and a bit more country thrown…

Jon Dietz & The Twin Lakes Trio

Performances

September 18 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

We've been known for a long time that we are a small band with a big sound! We are so lucky to be able to travel around the area and play great polka music for our fans! We have many fine musicians who join the band from time to time, so let's meet the members that are part of the band.....

Our band varies between 4 or 5 pieces and sometimes just Jon playing solo. When we play out as a 4 piece band, many times we call on one of the premier Polka musicians in the state, Laurie Krueger. Her musical talent and experience are unmatched. She has played for many of the best bands in the Midwest on several instruments, including keyboard, saxophone, clarinet and trumpet, and with her great vocals. If we're lucky, her husband Gus will tag along and join in on banjo and guitar.

We wouldn't be able to keep doing what we love if it wasn't for the fantastic members we've had along the way. In addition to Laurie, we have also had some help from other great musicians. Playing drums for us in the past we have had Polka legends Ralph and Denis Thull, Merlin Schwartz and Bill Schmidt. Also in the back, on tuba we've had Greg Laabs, Andy Hacker, and Dave Heuer. In the front row we've had Danny Jerabek Jr, Gary Beal and Mark Wenzlaff. All of these fine musicians have played at least one engagement with the band in the past, they still play with us from time to time, and all have said it's great fun being a part of us!

Funky Chemist

Performances

September 3 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Funky Chemist is an organ trio that fuses funky grooves with scorching guitar to add a strand of psychedelic rock into what would otherwise be categorized as a jazz act. Inspired by the music heard in New Orleans at Jazzfest and on Frenchman Street, the influence of Stanton Moore Trio and Anders Osborne is apparent.

The band features Jeno Somlai on Hammond Organ, Daniel Nathan on Guitar (and Flute), and Andy Blochowiak on Drums. The members have a lengthy resume and continue to be very active in other projects nationally and internationally. Daniel currently tours with the Guns N' Roses tribute Nightrain International and has recently performed in Ecuador, Guatemala, Southwest Asia, and the Dominican Republic. Jeno has toured North America with various acts, and can currently be seen with The Donna Woodall Group, La Chazz (Chicago Jazz Fest), Abraxas, Dan Dance, Wade Fernandez, Steve Cohen and Luis Diaz. Jeno released the "Let it Go" full length album with Jeno Somlai Sextet, a Latin Jazz group influenced by a variety of styles in the Afro-Cuban Latin genres. Andy has a Bachelor's of Music Degree from UW-Milwaukee, and has performed for venerable dignitaries such as Former President George W. Bush, Governor Scott Walker (at the Governor's Mansion), Governor Jim Doyle, and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Barb Stephan & Peter Mac

Performances

September 2 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Barbara Stephan and Peter Mac have both been constant figures in the Milwaukee music scene for well over 15 years. Peter was the staff guitarist for The Milwaukee Bucks house band, Streetlife, for twenty three years which gave him exposure to thousands of people. Peter has recorded eleven solo CD's and played on over three hundred radio and TV spots. He has opened for Chicago, INXS, KIngs X, Robin Trower and so many others. He fronts Peter Mac And The Fighting Fish, and is also the guitarist for the new Milwaukee rock group, Uprising. Barbara has been a favorite regular singer with many local bands but has also performed with national recording artists Susan Tedeschi and Jon Paris. She's recorded her own original music as well as being staff songwriter for Full Moon Productions composing film/TV music. Currently she sings for Chicago's blues/soul band Tabasko Sound Kitchen, North Coast Management's, Livin The Dream, and also co-fronts Milwaukee's Eddie Butts Band. Peter and Barbara have now teamed up performing as a duo that is getting RAVE reviews!! You will be hearing more from these two soon!

Vixen

Performances

September 2 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

THERE'S ONLY ONE ALL-FEMALE HARD ROCK BAND FROM THE 80'S WHO:

• Sold over a million albums.
• Had six #1 videos on MTV.
• Had four songs in Billboard's Top 100.

Vixen was founded in St. Paul, MN by high-schooler guitarist Jan Kuehnemund. The desire to achieve the rock star dreams like so many before her, Jan took her group to Hollywood but soon retooled the line-up, which included; vocalist Janet Gardner, drummer Roxy Petrucci and bassist Share Ross (Pedersen).

In 1987 a pair of big brass balls at EMI Records decided to roll the dice with Vixen, despite all the stereotypes regarding bands fronted by chicks was then initiated into the male dominated club of hard rock. EMI released their self-named debut album "Vixen" featuring the groups' first hit "Edge of a Broken Heart" penned by Richard Marx and Fee Waybill (The Tubes). MTV became Vixen's playground and so coupled with exhaustive touring Vixen embarked on their ride.

Piling on more hits the band charted Billboard at #22 with ballad, "Cryin'" and "Love Made Me" at #36. The road continued to call opening for Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Eddie Money and many others. Vixens had firmly distinguished themselves as a premiere rock act to be taken seriously.

With the pistons still popping, Vixen released their second album; "Rev It Up" was a success with "How Much Love" as the prized single performed live on The Arsenio Hall Show. The group Vixen-ize their fans on worldwide tours with heavyweights KISS and Scorpions, which fueled the International frenzy. The ballad, "Love Is A Killer" rose on the charts along with the rocker "Not A Minute Too Soon" once again establishing Vixen as not just performers but hit songwriters.

It was Nirvana's sound out of Seattle that helped fuel the winds of change and underscored the decision to disband Vixen in 1992. Separately band members dabbled in various side projects but it was 1997 when Gardner and Petrucci released "Tangerine" teaming up with live-wire guitarist Gina Stile under the Vixen moniker. In 2002 Kuehnemund once again regrouped Vixen fronted by Jenna Sanz-Agero (vocals), Lynn Louise Lowry (bass) and Kat Kraft(drums). This line-up then went on to tour and release "Live and Learn" and "Extended Versions" from a live performance in Sweden.

The bond they shared could never be broken but who would have imagined their joy would be short-lived when in 2012 Kuehnemund reached out to Gardner, Pertrucci & Ross for long awaited reunion. Sadly, only days before officially announcing the news, Kuehnemund was diagnosed with cancer and the reunion was put on hold. Jan Kuehnemund, the founding member and lead guitar player for Vixen passed away October 10th of 2013.

Veni, Vidi, Vici

(I came, I saw, I conquered) by Julius Caesar

Realizing that a band belongs to its fans, Gardner, Petrucci and Ross have carried on the Vixen legacy since 2013. Rocking theaters, casinos and major festivals including M3, The Moondance Jam, Monsters of Rock Cruise, FireFest, Hard Rock Hell, The Halfway Jam, Rockin' the Rivers, Iowa State Fair, every nook and cranny of the USA, Canada and Spain, Vixen is revvin' the engines once again.

In 2017, guitarist Britt Lightning (Alejandro Sanz, Rachel Platten) signed on to round out this extraordinary line up. Vixen consistently delivers high energy top notch performances that leave fans breathless and wanting more at every show.

In 2019 a new chapter begins with the addition of Lorraine Lewis (Femme Fatale) stepping into lead vocals and Janet Gardner pursuing other ventures. Lewis rounds out the finely tuned lineup bringing notable Femme Fatale MTV video hits "Waiting for the Big One" and "In and Out of Love" to Vixen's catalogue of crowd pleasers.

Onward and upward the Vixen legacy shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon!

THERE'S ONLY ONE ALL-FEMALE HARD ROCK BAND FROM THE 80'S WHO:

• Sold over a million albums.
• Had six #1 videos on MTV.
• Had four songs in Billboard's Top 100.

Cache Milwaukee

Performances

September 4 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Riley's L.A. Guns

Performances

September 2 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

L.A. Guns got their start on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip. The band was formed in 1986 and signed with Polygram Records in 1987, recording their first album that summer. This first album, titled "L.A. Guns", went on to sell over 1,000,000 copies giving the band its first platinum award. Tours with AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Def Leppard followed. A compilation of the videos made from this first album also earned the band a gold video award. L.A. Guns went into the studio to record their second album, "Cocked and Loaded", in the spring of 1989. It was a hit right away with the release of "Rip and Tear" as the first single and video. "Never Enough" and "The Ballad of Jayne" followed, pushing the album toward platinum status once again. The video compilation from this album earned the band its second gold video award. A successful world tour followed. The band's third album, "Hollywood Vampires", was recorded in the fall of 1990. With the release of "Kiss My Love Goodbye" as the first single and video, and another successful world tour, the album gave L.A. Guns its third platinum in a row.

The band went back into the studio in 1994 to start work on their next album "Vicious Circle". It was released in early 1995 and was followed by another successful world tour. Between 1996 and 1999, the band's members branched out recording and working on outside projects. In late 1999, L.A. Guns went into the studio to record a greatest hits package titled "Black Beauties" that also included five new songs written for the album. The band toured with Poison, Ratt, and others throughout the summer of 2000. In 2001, the band released its sixth studio album, "Man in the Moon". The band also changed Bass Guitarists with Adam Hamilton joining the band. A successful world tour followed. The reviews of the album were great and the band was determined to follow this up with an even stronger set of songs for the next release.

L.A. Guns entered the studio for their seventh album in early 2002 with veteran producer Andy Johns, who had worked with the likes of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen , to record "Waking the Dead". The album was released in late 2002 and garnered L.A. Guns some of the best reviews the band had ever received. It was also when Tracii Guns decided to quit the band to do "Brides Of Destruction" with Nikki Sixx. That same year, L.A. Guns acquired Stacey Blades to handle the guitar slot. Blades had been around the L.A. music scene for many years recording and playing lead guitar in both Roxx Gang, Supercool & S.M.A.C.K. He fit the bill perfectly, coming from the same school of rock that L.A. Guns are from. When the US tour to support "Waking the Dead" ended, Tracii announced that he was "officially" leaving L.A. Guns. The band continued to tour despite his untimely departure.

After a 2003 world tour to support "Waking the Dead", L.A. Guns went into the studio in January of 2004 to record "Rips the Covers Off" with producer Andy Johns. This was a collection of 70's rock songs. Once again, the band went on a full world tour to support the new CD. In May of 2005, L.A. Guns began work on "Tales from the Strip" with Andy Johns again producing. The "Tales" CD was released August 2005. Reviews were great with many saying it was some of the best music out today. L.A. Guns hooked up with WASP for an early summer through September tour. In early 2006, L.A. Guns did some local L.A. shows and recorded them for a new live CD. This new live CD, "Loud and Dangerous", was released late August 2006 with the band again supporting it with a world tour.

In Early 2007 long time Bassist Adam Hamilton decided to do song writing and producing full time. The guys acquired Hollywood Veteran Scotty Griffin, but in Mid 2009 Griffin left the band to do a residency in Las Vegas. Kenny Kweens from Beautiful Creatures quickly came aboard as the new bass guitarist. 2011 sparked the triumphant return of Scotty Griffin on Bass.

In November 2011 the band signed their latest record deal with Cleopatra Records, releasing their tenth studio album "Hollywood Forever" in June 2012. The album was produced once again by veteran music producer, Andy Johns.

The new record debuted at #25 on the Billboard Rock charts with the title track "Hollywood Forever", and it was considered one of the best Hard Rock albums of 2012 by fans and critics alike, proving once again that L.A. Guns were on top of their game with additional tracks "You Better Not Love Me" and "Sweet Mystery".

In December 2012, guitarist Stacey Blades announced his departure after serving the band for almost ten years, to follow a different musical direction.

In January 2013, the talented guitarist Michael Grant - frontman of his own band, EndeverafteR - crossed paths with singer Phil Lewis. His dynamic performance complimented Guns' raw rock n' roll energy, and he hit the ground running as the new lead guitarist.

In September of 2014, Kenny Kweens replaced Scotty Griffin as the band's bassist.

After some time down, the band has been reborn with the return of Kelly Nickels on bass, Steve Riley on drums, Scotty Griffin on guitar and Kurt Frohlich on lead.

With more than 30 years' worth of noteworthy material, the band have proved to be true warriors of the 80's genre and are geared to tear it up across the world giving audiences the high octane Rock-n-Roll that is L.A. Guns.

L.A. Guns entered the studio for their…

Chayce Beckham

Performances

September 4 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Julie Sobanski: Princess Of Magic

Performances

September 2 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 2 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

There is one thing that tops two of a kind, in the magic business and that's one of a kind. Magicienne, Julie Sobanski is unique and outstanding, and there is no one else quite like her. She is the only performing female magician in Wisconsin.

Caricatures & Comedy by Bill Begos

Performances

September 3 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 3 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Bill Begos has been entertaining for over 20 years at all types of events. The Caricature & Comedy Show combines standup, improv and extra large caricatures for a uniquely fun experience. So the next time you are looking for some celebratory fun. Bring in Bill Begos for caricatures, comedy or more.

Storytime Fun with The Milwaukee Public Library

Performances

September 3 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

First Stage-Adventures with the Three Pigs

Performances

September 4 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

ADVENTURES WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS is an interactive 35-minute performance where the actors need the audience's help to tell this beloved fairy tale. Best suited for young people ages 3-6 and their families, audience members are encouraged to sing and dance along with us, become different characters and act out moments in the story, and share their ideas to be used in the story telling.

First Stage - Adventures with the Three Pigs

Performances

September 18 - 4:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 3:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Matthew Magic Morgan and Liliana

Performances

September 9 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 9 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Try wiping the smile off your face as Magic Morgan & Liliana perform for you!

Prepare for eye-popping illusions, dazzling balloon sculptures, stunts with live animals along with seemingly impossible tricks in an unusual and incredible display of magic when deaf entertainer. Back by popular demand, two-time recipient of the World Deaf Magician Award Matthew "Magic" Morgan and Liliana truly keep the audience at the heart of the show by inviting kids and parents onstage to be a part of the magic. Come and be amazed as this husband and wife act combines magic, miming and comedy while communicating in the universal language of fun!

Try wiping the smile off your face as Magic Morgan & Liliana perform for you!

Amy Lowe & King Katz

Performances

September 10 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Accompany Of Kids: Song and Dance Troupe

Performances

September 18 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Accompany of Kids is a group of young, gifted singers and dancers, and a non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide young people the opportunity to gain self-confidence, leadership skills, and grow into productive and successful adults through the use of the arts. Our Kids, ages 8 through 18, sing and dance to all kinds of music such as Swing, Patriotic, Broadway, Oldies, Rock & Roll, current music and more.

Gypsy Geoff - Fire Circus Show

Performances

September 9 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 10 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

A showman who is devoted to expanding upon the wonderment of children, Geoff Marsh: juggler, physical comedian, international champion street performer and variety entertainer is both mesmerizing and enchanting. Come witness and be part of the master of mayhem and manipulation. The flurry of fire that is Gypsy Geoff the Vaudeville Circus Showman!

Milwaukee Community Circus

Performances

September 4 - 11:30 AM @ Childrens Fest

September 4 - 12:45 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Milwuakee community circus is a circus talent agency and circus school established in 2012. We provide unique one of a kind circus entertainment for any event and also offer one on one circus workshops. We will have a performance and workshop everyday at the Kohl's captivation station, two circus variety stage shows on kids day, and providing the majority of circus entertainment for the summerfest parade. Come on down and don't just watch the circus, be apart of it.

Doo-Wop Daddies Gold

Performances

September 16 - 12:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

A phenomenon was witnessed when The Doo-Wop Daddies took the stage and made us all feel young again. No longer were we "Grandma" and "Grandpa", we became teenagers, dancing our cares away. For a few magical hours, we were back at the old "Dairy Bar", Rockin' and Rollin'. For one glorious night we were fifty years younger and alive like "The Wanderer" and "Peggy Sue". The gray hair, no hair and sagging muscles were gone for the moment. And when a pretty girl walked by, maybe she would see the studs we once were, and for a moment have a glimpse of the handsome guy with a great D.A., who was a great catch fifty years ago. Come listen and dance to The Doo-Wop Daddies again this year.

Roll Train

Performances

September 4 - 3:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 18 - 3:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

Roll Train is a roller dance class for exercise and FUN! We teach beginner through advanced levels, from people who have never had wheels on their feet to those who are ready for choreographed routines. Not only will this workout give you fierce abs, glutes and legs, it will bring a JOY to your life like nothing else. Roller dance is an art form, an expression of individuality as unique as each skater, but at the same time it is a unifying force among the many different people who all have one thing in common – a pure love for skating. Anywhere you go in this country, or the world, you will find "skate family" who welcome you to their wood, concrete, or cement to enjoy a session of unapologetic bliss with strangers who you suddenly feel know you better than your actual family. That's because you are united with others who feel the same sense of freedom and release every time a groove starts their wheels turning. The exercise is real, and the skate love is pure magic! Roller dance didn't die with disco, its alive and well and we want you to experience it, all while getting in fantastic shape. Whether you are a derby girl or someone who has never had wheels on their feet, this can be your happy place. It's a great workout, a way to forget about anything that's bothering you for an hour or more, a place to be with like-minded joy-seekers, a way to let music fill up your soul and make your wheels flow, a way to express yourself creatively even if you don't think you have a creative bone in your body. We promise, you do. You might have just needed 8 wheels to feel it!

We teach proper form/posture, balance, weight shifting, and basic moves, then move on to transitions, combinations and routines all while jamming to great, soulful, inspiring music. No skates? No problem. We have rentals, just tell us your size and we'll get you set to go for class! Our hope is to keep classes together so you can roll with your sk8 family weekly and eventually add in your own routines! No one is left behind as we will build our levels and repeat classes around our students for maximum learning and experience. We can promise fun, a great workout, and some truly happy moments.

Roller skating will make you physically stronger than you ever imagined but more than that, you'll feel this roll in your soul …you may never NOT want wheels on your feet again. Get your groove on and get fit in the process – see you in class!

Bella Beauties Dance Company

Performances

September 3 - 1:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 4 - 1:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 11 - 6:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

Dance studio for all ages

The Noize

Performances

September 16 - 1:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

The Noize entertains with a wide spectrum of popular, crowd pleasing songs, incorporating their own unique style and interpretations, in a high energy presentation that includes Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Pop, Country, and Motown hits that connect with all audiences, both young and older. Members of The Noize have experience in gospel, progressive rock, blues, and jazz. It's this fusion of diverse musical backgrounds which culminates in a sound that is entirely their own.

Nikhil Korula Band

Performances

September 11 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Blending the sounds of Calypso, Rock, Reggae, African and Latin grooves, the Nikhil Korula Band weaves them intricately with extraordinary musicianship creating unstoppable beats and irresistible dance jams. Due to its ever-increasing fan following, this vibrant musical act has traveled all over the globe playing festivals such as BONNAROO (2008 & 2009), SUMMERFEST (2007-2014), the PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL (2011) and more while gathering worldwide attention one fan at a time. After headlining venues like the House of Blues and performing at the Apollo Theater, the response quickly led the NIKHL KORULA BAND to open for such esteemed artists as the Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Gavin Degraw and countless others. With dedicated fans, exceptional live shows, and consistently remarkable songwriting, the Nikhil Korula Band continues to have an unbelievable effect and amazing impact on audiences globally.

Koch Marshall Organ Trio

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

A brand new collaboration of renowned guitarist Greg Koch, his son Dylan Koch on drums and Hammond B3 organ specialist, Toby Marshall.

Zumba Demonstrations

Performances

September 2 - 6:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 11 - 3:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

Bobby Friss

Performances

September 11 - 6:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Although his career began in Central Michigan in 1975 with a band called Force, the forming of the Bobby Friss Band in 1983 started his rise to national acclaim and success.

Having earned the reputation as one of the hardest working and most popular musicians in Florida, Friss broke the regional mode for the first time in 1988 with the release of Cut Loose. The independently recorded, self-produced LP found its way onto several Florida AOR stations with the single 'You Can't Come Back' and eventually sold nearly 10,000 copies in Florida alone.

In addition, the band's fever-pitched live shows attracted the attention of the Miller Genuine Draft Band Network, a national sponsorship program known for promoting the best bands in the country.

After spending most of 1989 on the road in support of 'Cut Loose', Friss returned to the studio to begin recording his second album. Filled with eight Friss-penned originals, 'Fate' highlights Friss' optimistic outlook on life.

"Cut Loose was a compilation of songs I had been playing for 10 years," said Friss in reference to his debut LP. "Fate reflects a much more personal view. The songs are all very story-oriented. My philosophy is that optimism always overpowers tragedy, and I think that message comes across on this album in a way that is entertaining."

So far, critics have agreed. At Florida's 1991 Jammy awards - where Friss was named the Top Rock Vocalist - 'Fate' won honors for Best Album. The Gainesville Sun called it "...diverse, incredibly well played and downright enjoyable." The Courier Journal in Louisville, KY., stated that "Fate has infectious energy, a cross between Seger, Henry Lee Summer and Bon Jovi.

In addition to the critical acclaim, the album attracted the attention of program directors across the US. The single 'A Month of Sundays' found its way into rotation on several AOR stations, and the band's first video - for the song 'Welcome Home' - received national exposure.

2003 was a big year for the band with the release of two CD's. 'The Ballads of the Cherry Republic' a tribute to the farmers, people, and places of Northern Michigan, especially the Glen Arbor Area with the emporium called the 'Cherry Republic' the home capital. This is a different side of Bobby's writing with a more scaled down, acoustic sound, including violin, mandolin, and even banjo. 'Live from Bike Week' was recorded in Daytona Beach, FL and really captures the feel of the band onstage. Jerry Riggs performance on guitar solidifies his reputation as one of the world's best.

The release of the 'Best Of Bobby Friss' in 2005 included 16 tracks from Bobby's previous CD's including a bonus track 'The Only Way' that was recorded for a country project back in 2000. Over an hour and a half of great music all re-mastered to really bring out the best of the band's performances.

Bobby Friss will continue his touring, recording, and entertaining into the millinium with the same exhausting energy as the first night he set foot on stage many shows ago.
Bobby Friss has appeared in concert with: Ringo Starr, Train, Trace Adkins, Goo Goo Dolls, Sara Evans, Common, Everclear, David Crosby, Todd Rundgren, Hall and Oates, B-52s, Eddie Money, Kentucky Headhunters, Molly Hatchett, America, Beach Boys, NERD, Pat Travers, Edgar Winter, Head East, Foghat, 38 Special, Jeff Healy, Dixie Dregs, Smithereens, Blue Oyster Cult, Bad Company, Joan Jett, Rick Derringer, Georgia Sattelites, Joe Cocker, John Cafferty, Pure Prarie League, Leon Russell, Saigon Kick, Bangles, Helix, Grassroots, Guess Who, Grand Funk Railroad, Dokken, Billy Squier, King's X, Lou Gramm, Gene Simmons, Wierd Al, Bullet Boys, Autograph, American Hi-Fi, Survivor, Steppenwolf, Little Feat, Otis Day and the Nights, Jerry Seinfeld, and many more.

Although his career began in Central Michigan in 1975 with a band called Force, the forming of the Bobby Friss Band in 1983 started his rise to national acclaim and success.

In addition, the band's fever-pitched live shows attracted the attention of the Miller Genuine Draft Band Network, a national sponsorship program known for promoting the best bands in the country.

Vella

Performances

September 4 - 4:15 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

At just 17-years-old, Gabriella Valdes, better known as Vella, is already making waves on the internet and is positioning herself to be a household name. Vella recently went viral on social media and now boasts millions of followers on her social media accounts. Featuring a dynamic voice that can go from a roaring belt to a sweet and soothing falsetto in a matter of seconds, Vella naturally displays the kind of vocal control that is sought after by even the best of singers.

Hailing from Tampa, FL, Vella is all things rock & roll, blues, and soul. She describes herself as the love child of Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin, and after one listen, it is easy to hear why. Being authentically true to herself, Valdes empowers listeners with her booming vocals and truthful grittiness.

After Vella shared her gift with the world, she was quickly discovered by L3V3L Music and signed a record deal with them. Since then, Vella has continued to blossom into an artist to watch. She has been featured on top-tier media outlets like SweetyHigh, YSBNow, GirlsLife Magazine, and more. In total, her music and covers have been played/streamed nearly 100 million times across platforms.

Now, together with L3V3L Music, Vella is honing in on her sound and preparing to release her highly anticipated original music in 2021. Follow along for what will surely be an incredible and notable year for Vella.

Armchair Boogie

Performances

September 9 - 3:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Rising from the forests and rivers of central Wisconsin, Armchair Boogie's high-energy take on the Jamgrass genre fuses intricate arrangements of acoustic guitar and banjo with the funky back beats of electric bass and drums.

Augie Dougherty (banjo, vocals) and Ben Majeska (guitar, vocals) started playing together in the fall of 2014 while attending the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and within a year their musical collaborations led to the formation of Armchair Boogie. Eager to expand their sound for a bigger stage, Augie and Ben recruited bassist Eli Frieders and drummer Dan Waterman to fill out the band's four-piece configuration.

Armchair Boogie solidified their current line-up in the spring of 2017 when Denzel Connor took over for a departing Dan Waterman on drums. In conjunction with the release of their debut, self-titled album, the band moved to Madison, WI, a jumping off point from where Armchair Boogie has become a regular on the upper

Pat McCurdy

Performances

September 4 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Pat McCurdy is a cabaret singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He regularly tours the upper midwestern part of the United States with regular stops in Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, Green Bay, and Minneapolis. His shows usually consist of just him and his guitar and include improvised interaction with the audience. While the majority of his audience is made up of a college-age crowd, McCurdy appeals to a large number of people of all ages. Performing well over 300 shows a year, his large catalog of original songs (over 600 and growing) covers a variety of topics such as lost loves, politics, family vacations, and how the world can't live without Sex & Beer.

Los 3 Amigos

Performances

September 9 - 12:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

H2-OH

Performances

September 10 - 4:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Performing individually for more than 30 years, Henry Lewis, II and Kevin O'Toole have come together as H2-OH and created a contemporary folk/rock duo that combines original music with select cover tunes that share their real life experiences in a soulful and passionate way. Our focus on high quality show production has resulted in our becoming a Milwaukee favorite as a live act. We have had the honor to share the stage in support of national headliners Lindsey Buckingham, Don Felder (the Eagles), Los Lonely Boys, Lowen & Navarro, John Hiatt, The Gin Blossoms, Dan Navarro, Jesse Dee, The Jerry Garcia Band, Sammy Llanas, Janis Ian, Tom Chapin, Shawn Phillips, the Bodeans, The Family Stone Band, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, Heidi Newfield, Phil Stacy, Heartsfield, Foghat, Moonalice, Carbon Leaf, Bucky Covington, and Shannon Curfman.

Cerfus Project

Performances

September 17 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

CERFUS PROJECT is a live, high-energy, variety band that plays pop, rock and country songs from the 60's through today with a focus on top 40 hits. The band's versatility includes performing as a five-piece classic rock show (singer, keyboard, lead guitar, bass guitar and drummer) and expanding to an eight- or nine-piece variety show (adding rhythm guitar, saxophone, trumpet and a second singer). The band performances have been at large venues like Summerfest and at smaller venues such as corporate events, private celebrations and wedding ceremonies.

Beatallica

Performances

September 18 - 8:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Boney Fingers

Performances

September 10 - 2:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Boney Fingers is a band that draws on three decades of Rock & Roll to make the music that moves you! They are driven by mooth Grooves, Tasty Vocals, Raw Energy, and a Powerful Rhythm Section. With three original albums and an open minded chemistry, they have been able to keep the music flowing for the last 21 years. Boney Fingers is made up of 5 members and a free flowing songlist of time proven classics, as well as their own High Energy Originals which will keep the party rolling all night long!

Steve Jennings-Frisbee Exhibition

Performances

September 16 - 6:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 17 - 6:00 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

STEVE JENNINGS has been entertaining and educating crowds with his Frisbee knowledge and amazing skills for decades. He's been the Wisconsin state Freestyle Frisbee Champion 14 times. In past tournaments he's placed 3rd nationally, and 4th in the world championships. Steve has a vast array of flying disc event championship wins, and top tier finishes in freestyle, disc golf and ultimate. The first frisbee show that Steve performed at Summerfest was in 1979. His solid skillset and tenacious attitude allows him to excel across the gamut of frisbee games.

PATRICK MARRON is a freestyle player of world class caliber from Minneapolis, MN. Pat came out of nowhere in 1992 to win the U.S. Open with Team Side Out. Pat is strong with both clock and counter spin, and is as fast as anyone when it comes to spinning catches. Pat's game is based on his versatility, agility, and quickness. He's been playing for awhile and says, "My high school friend, Rico Schneider, gave me my first set of plastic nails and told me to go and checkout the 1986 Sky of 10,000 Frisbees FPA Worlds tournament. I've been hooked on the game since then."

ORBIT the "flying wonder frisbee dog" has passed on after 15 years of performing at a very high level. She is probably cruising through the Galaxy chasing flying saucers now. Changing of the guards now and introducing for his debut performance Steve's new puppy Santa. Another Border Collie just 14 months old now but ready to Delight the crowds at Summerfest.

Tae & The Neighborly

Performances

September 9 - 5:30 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

TAE & The Neighborly is an all-original band that doesn't stay within the margins of any particular genre. With their soulful and sultry sound, they hope to create a celebratory environment of life and all of it's intricacies and vastness. Based in (but not limited to) Wisconsin, The Neighborly has been working at bringing the show to you! If you are in for a meaningful exchange, this is where you will want to be.

Klassik

Performances

September 11 - 6:45 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

"More than nearly any other musician in the Milwaukee scene, Klassik wears many hats: rapper, soul man, producer, collaborator, mentor, keeper of the American songbook. His modernist, jazz-saturated compositions are unlike anything else coming out of the city, but he has a gift for more traditional styles as

well…Regardless of which side of the booth he's on, he's a force." (Evan Rytlewski, Shepherd Express, citation on winning the 2018 Shepherd Express' Best Of Milwaukee Rap-Hip Hop Producer for the third consecutive year) This is the sonic realm of Klassik, the multi-instrumentalist producer and performer. He is as dexterous a rapper as he is an impassioned and soulful singer, often highlighted by his intense and incisive falsetto. All of this is intertwined with his own unique, personal and unbridled storytelling. With a penchant for curation and collaboration, which he likens to that of one of his biggest inspirations, Quincy Jones, Klassik's production is crafted with intent, beauty and depth of musicality.

At the age of 10, he began studying saxophone with the Milwaukee jazz legend Berkeley Fudge, whose teachings provided the musical foundation that informs his work to this day. Klassik's development continued through years of public arts schools, a (very) brief collegiate trip, and throughout all of this, an evolution from jazz saxophonist to producer, emcee, singer and all-around entertainer. His debut EP, DEATH OF A BEATMAKER (2010), established him within the local scene, and his subsequent full-length, IN THE MAKING (2012), introduced him to a national audience. Quickly garnering numerous awards over the next few years, Klassik took advantage of his momentum by stepping up to huge opening performance opportunities for highly-acclaimed and established artists, including Ludacris, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Banks, DJ Premier, Bone Thugs-N- Harmony and Rakim. Following the critical success of his 2015 album, "SEASONS", Klassik spent time continuing to broaden and refine his production skills. In 2017, he curated TRIBE UNCOVERED at Turner Hall, where he led 20+ of the city's most exciting musicians in a re-imagining of the work of Tribe Called Quest. He followed this in 2018 with curating, recording, and releasing his first live album, AMERICAN KLASSIKS: a reinterpretation of classic hymns, anthems and spirituals, re-imagined with deep 808s, lush strings, and deft lyrical and musical improvisation, delivered as both social commentaries and declarations of hope and resilience. His most recent album (QUIET, 2019) was named the #1 album of 2019 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and garnered awards for Best Solo Artist and Critic's Choice for Album of the Year at the 2019 Radio Milwaukee Music Awards, and his continued artistic output and collaboration throughout the pandemic the following year earned him the prestigious honor of being named the City of Milwaukee's Artist of the Year. A true class act, Klassik works to stir the souls of listeners into action with empathy, passion, and purpose through his own self-reflective sonic art.

Phillip Michael Scales

Performances

September 11 - 4:15 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Phillip-Michael was born in metro Detroit, forged in Chicago and lives in Nashville. He is the nephew of B.B. King and calls his sound "Dive Bar Soul" blending, the passion of the blues with indie rock storytelling. He won a spot on The Rock Boat (2021), placed second in Lightning 100's Music City Mayhem (of 250 bands), and he will release his debut full-length on October 29th on the historic Blues Record Label, Dixie Frog Records (Paris, France).

Raine Stern

Performances

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Raine Stern is a 23-year-old queer singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Madison, WI. Raine was a contestant on season 20 of The Voice, has been featured on PBS's 30 Minute Music Hour, and most recently was featured in NPR's "Best 2021 Tiny Desk Contest." When Raine first picked up a guitar at 11 years old, she found a home for the stories she had always felt the need to tell. Her lyricism is potent and poetic, and her arrangements succeed at filling the cracks that language can't. As a teenager, she spent her evenings playing her heart out at blues clubs with musicians three times her age. Now, she writes and arranges all the parts for her own 9-piece band. Raine's timeless pop sound paired with guitar skills well beyond her years have earned her comparisons to music icons such as Prince. Whether writing, producing, or performing live, her impressive talent is met head-on with an undeniable sense of purpose. Raine's lifelong mission is to inspire devotion to causes such as environmentalism and equality.

Eyedress

Performances

September 16 - 3:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Spiders from Milwaukee - Music of David Bowie

Performances

September 10 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Altered Five Blues Band

Performances

September 11 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Altered Five Blues Band makes music with a swaggering stomp of bruising, barrelhouse grit. According toDownbeatmagazine, frontman Jeff Taylor "sings powerfully" and "Jeff Schroedl's live-wire guitar reaches the high bar of mixed invention and fluidity."Blues Bytesmagazine declares the group features "the funkiest rhythm section outside of Memphis."

A 2018 Blues Music Award nominee, the Milwaukee-based quintet will release its new album,Holler If You Hear Me, September 3 on Blind Pig Records. Recorded over five days in Nashville, TN and produced by three-time Grammy winner Tom Hambridge, the 13 original tracks showcase the band's deft songwriting, Taylor's mighty baritone voice, and the intuitive musical interplay of the longtime bandmates. Harmonica ace Jason Ricci also joins the group on five tracks. The pre-order begins July 23, 2021.

The new album arrives on the heels of three award-winning records.Cryin' Mercywon "Best Self-Released Album" at the International Blues Challenge in 2015.Charmed & Dangerousscored Song of the Year at both the Independent Music Awards and Wisconsin Music Awards in 2018.Guitar Worldmagazine called the song "Charmed & Dangerous" a "menacing, swampy blues," and the track has been in regular rotation on SiriusXM's Bluesville along with many other programs and playlists. The album's third track, "Three Forks," was inspired by legendary Delta bluesman Robert Johnson and features music, adapted with permission, from the seminal classic "Crossroads." Then in 2019,Ten Thousand Wattsreached #10 on theBillboard Blues Chart, hit #1 on both the iTunes and Amazon blues charts, and the song "Great Minds Drink Alike" won first place in the blues category of the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. The album's opening track, a burning boogie entitled "Right On, Right On," has received significant airplay on satellite and terrestrial radio.

Altered Five Blues Band now have five studio albums to their name, includingGotta Earn It(2012) andBluesified(2008), both on Cold Wind Records. The group has performed at many renowned festivals and venues such as: Lucerne Blues Fest (Switzerland), Grolsch Blues Fest (Germany), W.C. Handy Blues Fest (Kentucky), Ann Arbor Blues Fest, King Biscuit Blues Fest, Baltic Blues Fest (Germany), Milwaukee Summerfest, Magic City Blues Fest (Montana), Fargo Blues Fest, B.B. King's Blues Club (Memphis), and Buddy Guy's Legends (Chicago).

Bassist Mark Solveson anchors the rock-solid rhythm section with drummer Alan Arber, who joined the band in 2017, and Raymond Tevich melds his crafty keyboard work to top off the group's signature sound. It's been said that "the blues is a feeling," so when theMinneapolis Star Tribune states that the band is a "righteous blast," you know they play it right.

The Cuz

Performances

September 11 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Long ago, there was a glorious time in rock and roll. A time of guitar-driven rock with hooks that would have lighters high in the air. A time with guitar slingers who not only owned the stage, they owned the audience with adrenaline-filled marathons of what was good and right about the power of music.

While stadiums are now filled with synth, auto-tune music, there are still a few brave keepers of the light prowling backroad bars with Les Pauls and Stratocasters…serving up righteous rock to the faithful.

There is where you will find Distant Cuzins. Hailing from the farmlands of southern Wisconsin, Distant Cuzins is a band that carries on the mission of their rock forefathers – leave the audience breathless with amazing riffs and pounding drums.

With their third studio album set to be released this summer, six Madison Area Music Association awards, and having shared stages with bands including Ryan Adams, Kansas, and Smashmouth, Distant Cuzins have established themselves as one of the premiere rock bands in the Midwest.

Get your lighters out.

Derrick Procell & The Redeemers

Performances

September 16 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Derrick's been singing since he was a kid. He was in bar bands before he was legal. He did his first recording as the lead singer in a band, Mothers Worry, when he was 16, and ever since then he's been Mr. Studio Guy.

Originally hailing from Milwaukee, he was always a sought after front man. This led him to a lengthy stint with Midwestern faves, Arroyo. His energy and talent together made him irresistible to audiences. Always in great demand, he has logged over a million hours on stage and in the studio, including providing vocals for advertising giants like McDonald's, Chevy, Budweiser, Coca-Cola and Kellogg's.

Of course, an incredible singer who's also a smokin' musician is going to write songs. Some earlier stuff that he wrote for the bands he was in won all kinds of awards. Derrick's songs have been recorded by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Logan Daniels and Melissa Manchester.

You have heard Derrick's songs on My Name is Earl, TrueBlood, Criminal Minds, Boston Legal, Saving Grace, The Office, True Blood, and King of the Hill. And the Oscar nominated film, Lady Bird, was home to one of Derrick's co-written songs, Back To His Girl.

Derrick's songs have been included in projects by The American Cancer Society, Music From the Heart and The Children's Heart Foundation. He has also been the recipient of songwriting awards from the Wisconsin Area Music Institute, Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase and Billboard Magazine.

The last several years have seen Derrick teamed with Grammy winning lyricist Terry Abrahamson, co-writing a vast catalogue of hits. While a growing number of artists are finding out about their amazing collection of songs, their current success with the release of their tune, In The Blood of the Blues, on Grammy nominee Shemekia Copleland's new record, America's Child, is bound to open many new doors for them.

Reilly

Performances

September 10 - 1:30 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Voted Celtic band of the year by Wisconsin Area Music Industry for 2019 and 2015, Reilly have garnered a reputation for being an interactive, get-off-your-chair act. The band's travel circuit around the Midwest continues to grow along with their reputation for being a highly respected and professional level group. National programs such as Good Morning Ireland, Blarney on the Air, and Paddyrock internet radio have featured Reilly and Celtic Radio Music Network rates them as five out of five stars. Their ability to adapt Celtic music to an American rock audience, and include unexpected rock favorites into their set, makes them the perfect eclectic choice in today's watered down and predictable Celtic scene.

Reilly's latest release, Revelry and Regret, is their strongest effort to date and showcases their vibrant tongue-in-cheek humor along with musical chops and four-part vocal harmonies. Original tunes, and their lyrics, serve as a sort of confessional—perfect for an Irish band. See "Fireflies" and "One Can Never Be Overly Prepared" for these episodes. Traditionals, such as "Paddy Works on the Railway", are given a new coat of rollicking musical paint. Though lyrically wistful at times, the band wastes no time to make a live show truly pop with energy.

Reilly's partnership with national label Oglio Entertainment features a holiday record: A Kick Ass Celtic Christmas. This collection of irreverent originals, classic favorites, and traditional tunes features the Reilly penned "Dear Santa (I Can Explain)" which was selected for both the Daybreak Entertainment and Fine Gold Productions compilations and is in rotation for seasonal nationally syndicated morning show air play. USA Today rated the recording as one of the most stellar and original holiday releases they have ever reviewed.

Being a strong part of the Irish and non-Irish musical community throughout the Midwest, Reilly have appeared regularly at Milwaukee's Irish Fest, The Irish Cultural and Heritage Center in Milwaukee, Manhattan, IL Irish Fest, Will County, IL Celtic Fest, Bastille Days in Milwaukee, City of Indianapolis events, Harley-Davidson festivals, River Rhythms in Milwaukee, countless St. Patrick's parades and activities, Bradley Center events, and at far too many Irish pubs and non-Irish locales around the Midwest to mention. They've shared the stage with Gaelic Storm, Flogging Molly, Enter the Haggis, The Prodigals, Barra MacNeils, Seven Nations, The Bridies, Luka Bloom and more. Members of Reilly are also involved with community and social outfits such as the Wisconsin Area Music Industry and the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin—Milwaukee Chapter.

Reilly celebrates Celtic musical heritage and their own American upbringings in both the live setting and on record. They provide a lively musical feast for those who enjoy a bit of nostalgia, a dose of modernism, and a full pint of fun and good will.

Being a strong part of the Irish and non-Irish musical community throughout the Midwest, Reilly have appeared regularly at Milwaukee's Irish Fest, The Irish Cultural…

Spoof Fest

Performances

September 10 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

September 10 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Spoof Fest is far more than cover bands with decent chops. Spoof Fest is about fun and flaunting, playing and pushing the envelope, audacity and outrageousness. When being held at Club Garibaldi's, the show has been sold out with lines of hopeful patrons clamoring to get in. At Turner Hall, the crowd size doubled and the show broke Spoof Fest records. At the Bay View Bash, Spoof Fest attendance dwarfed the size of crowds for shows playing during the same hours. This installment is held at Summerfest on Sunday, July 7^th. Featuring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Missing Persons, the show is sure to do more than just entertain. The anticipation is rising for this Milwaukee institution as Spoof Fest is a celebration of music and the unexpected.

Derek Joseph

Performances

September 18 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

DEREK JOSEPH was born and raised in the rural farming community of Phelps, New York. He loved music from a very young age. "I've always loved music and was always listening to it! Remembering the lyrics to each song always came easy to me." His parents encouraged their young son to further his love for music, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of eight. He soon took a liking to drums and started lessons on the instrument until he discovered his voice – and that's when Derek's true musical journey began!

From there, he moved on to performing with several successful local bands around town.

Music has no doubt been an integral part throughout Derek's life. In fact, he hails from a musical family. "My mother always played piano when I was growing up; she was very good at it. She was also a good singer. My brother was a drummer, my sister played the flute and my dad played guitar."

Growing up, one artist who truly impressed the budding musician was country music superstar, Garth Brooks. "I really loved how Garth took country performance from just standing and singing to running around and being animated on stage. He really gave a show and was entertaining!" Derek is also a self- proclaimed "huge" Brad Paisley fan, and he is equally as much so a fan of Jason Aldean. "The influence of my country style has come from mostly those three artists for sure." In addition to country music, Derek also loves classic rock and 80s hair band music, and according to him, there might not be as large a gap between those genres as people might think! "I think many of today's new country listeners who relate to that type of music are switching over to country and finding that it has some undertones of that 70s-80s rock in many of its new artists coming up. This, of course, is growing the country fan base even bigger!"

Given his early appreciation for music, one might have guessed Derek would choose to pursue a career in music. He didn't, however, actually start thinking about making music a full-time career until a few years ago. "I sang backup for many years, but I didn't have the courage to get out front and be lead singer until about six years ago." Thankfully, he has emerged from his shell and absolutely enjoys singing and performing these days!

Once Derek made the decision to give it a go as a solo artist, things fell into place very quickly for him! "I was playing locally and it seemed that more and more people were coming up to me after my shows and saying that I belong in Nashville. At first, I took that with a grain of salt. But after a few months, I decided to try and see if maybe I had a chance." As it turns out, Derek was rewarded with a welcoming reception from Nashville. "It seemed like the stars aligned just right with things happening very fast and then, I had a recording contract!" That contract opportunity came from Nashville-based Little House

Records. The label helped Derek record and release his debut single, "No Cool Way," which quickly found its way up the Music Row Breakout Chart, hitting the Top 75 within a few weeks; and peaked in the Top 40s! Now in the process of finishing his debut album, Derek has utilized a basic gauge when choosing songs for the project. "I like well-written music with great lyrics that tell some sort of story," he says, "not just words fit to a melody or some basic melody built around words." He'll know he achieved his goal for the album when he has ten solid songs where any one of them could be released as a single. "My whole goal for my album is to not have any 'filler' songs. That's giving people their money's worth. I don't want to put only two great songs on there that people want to listen to; I want ten solid songs that make people take notice."

Being that he secured a recording contract pretty quickly and is enjoying success with "No Cool Way" right out of the chute, the fact of realizing how much goes on behind the scenes has been a big learning curve for Derek. He recaps some of the things he's learned so far. "Once you sign a record deal, the hard work has just begun. You don't simply record a song and send it to radio for them to spin. The promotion of a single as a new artist is never ending. I have five of Nashville's top promoters promoting my single, plus a friend from New York. In addition, I make calls and follow up calls to thank the ones who are playing it. I've learned that every little bit helps and how valuable airtime is, so I've come to really appreciate every station that takes time in their extremely valuable programming time to play my song. Also, just because you have a song on the radio doesn't mean the gigs are going to roll in or that booking agents are going to be knocking down your door! There's just so much to know and learn about the music business!"

Having learned a few things from his predecessors – including Garth, Brad, and Jason – Derek has refined his own stage show to be a high energy, up-tempo party! "Anyone who knows me can tell you I'm not a very serious guy! I like to have fun on stage, and I want my fans to have fun too! I want to make sure people come away from my shows feeling like they got their money's worth, and they want to come back again and again." Though he prefers singing ballads, he makes sure to include many high- energy songs in his set lists that make the audience want to get out of your seat and dance! Derek describes his own musical style as being country southern rock. "I love traditional country, but I love contemporary country and southern rock as well. I am equally comfortable singing in any of those three styles, so I try to mix them and give people what they want to hear!" One thing he is not interested in is making "cookie cutter" music. "I want to stay true to myself and the music I create."

Since his debut release, Derek has gradually transitioned from holding a 9-to-5 day job to making a full- time career out of his music. Part of that transitional process included leaving his home state of New York and moving to Music City. "The plan is to continue to get my music career rolling, but it isn't cheap. Everything takes money, and it's hard as a new artist to line up enough gigs to call it making a living.

Booking agents don't want to sign you unless you've already had some road success, have a steady stream of gigs, or have a big name already working, so a lot of times it is frustrating." Then again, Derek realizes, "If it were easy, everyone would be doing it."

If you asked Derek whether he ever thought he'd really get this far, his answer is 'no.' Realizing that success can be fleeting in the music business, Derek is even more grateful for the success that he has already enjoyed. He admits, "I want it so bad, but so do so many other artists. There's no rhyme or reason as to who gets noticed and who doesn't. For some, it's talent; for others, it's luck of the draw; and for others still, it's as simple as being at the right place at the right time. I thank my lucky stars that I have been fortunate enough to find a record label willing to take a chance on me, that believe in me and my voice, and that thinks people will want to hear my music. So far, so good! I couldn't ask for more."

His early success has only motivated him to continue learning about the music business and creating music that he and his fans can be proud of! "EVERYTHING about what I do is about trying to be top- notch. From the music we play, to the songs we select for my album, to the quality of shirt we produce for the fans to purchase, I never want someone to feel they got short-changed!" Derek believes this philosophy also extends toward the people who are buying his music, and therefore makes sure to let each of his fans know how much he truly appreciates their support. "People tell me I'm a very likeable person and that my personality alone is going to take me a long way. I love meeting and talking to my fans! It's not unusual for my wife and I to go out to dinner with fans or hang out with them. Like everyone else, we like to have fun. I take time with every fan that wants to talk to me." His approachability coupled with the type of live show he gives has helped tremendously in gaining supporters as quickly as he has.

As far as the future is concerned, Derek would eventually like to be invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage as well as be one of the artists featured on the Nightly Stage at a future CMA Music Festival event!

As long as he continues to create tiptop quality projects for his fans, we should be hearing a LOT more from Derek Joseph in the coming years!

From there, he moved on to performing with several successful local bands around town.

Given his early appreciation for music, one might have guessed Derek would choose to pursue a career in music. He didn't, however, actually…

Mascot Theory

Performances

September 18 - 2:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

A high-energy dose of toe-tapping Americana folk-country rock drenched in tight harmonies spewing lyrics of love, loss, regret, death, and hope. With groups like Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, and Dawes setting the tone, the sub-genre of acoustic folk rock made its way to mainstream radio and captured an incredible and very loyal fan base. With the release of their Nashville-recorded album Hand Me Down Miracles, the Esperanto EP, and the most recent Trust and Bones album, The Mascot Theory is set to be the next band in that category to make a major impact, as they have quickly moved up the popularity ranks of Madison's music scene with their infectious songwriting and energetic live shows. They balance on an alternative folk influence and pull it together with a rootsy bluegrass blended Americana feel to give something that fits alongside their counterparts, but also has enough freshness to it to give it a unique spin and create their own sound as well, with a sonic backbone of 4-part harmony swells. Along with a 2017 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) win for Best Male Vocalist (Erik Kjelland) and a nomination for Best Americana/folk artist, The Mascot Theory has won 18 MAMA (Madison Area Music Association) awards including back to back 2016 and 2017 Artist of the Year awards. They have played major festivals throughout the Wisconsin including Summerfest, Freak Fest, and Mile of Music Festival, and have shared the stage with BoDeans, Vance Joy, Frank Turner, Gin Blossoms, Chase Rice, Kaleo, The Wild Feathers, Guster, Blitzen Trapper, Cory Chisel, Andy Frasco and the UN, Don McLean, and Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.

The Liam Ford Band

Performances

September 10 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Liam Ford Band won the 2008 and 2009 Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards for Best Rockabilly Band. Nominated for the 2010 and 2011 award for best band in the Americana Category. Front man Liam Ford is no stranger to local music scenes in both the Milwaukee area and in L.A. where he spent the last 10 years making a name for himself in and around southern California. During the 80's, he earned local recognition as the hard-rockin' leader of "Big Bang Theory", as well as other regional bands.

Besides his dynamic vocals, Liam also delivers a high energy guitar performance and on-stage moves thatget the crowd up on their feet, dancing or singing along, at every show.

Southbound

Performances

September 9 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Southbound is a Milwaukee-based band, which specializes in classic rock with a jam-based groove. With a twenty-year history of producing authentic renditions of the best rock music in history, Southbound maintains the integrity of music they cover while adding a touch of their own originality. Southbound has enjoyed much success in the Midwest performing in front of large audiences and high-profile gigs such as Summerfest, Harley Anniversary headlining shows and the Wisconsin State Fair. Southbound has built an extraordinary following which appeals to a wide range of music lovers who appreciate great rock and roll. The focal point of the Southbound experience involves strong vocals and stunning instrumentation. Southbound is comprised of Stan Lukasz (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Dan Hanson (Guitar, Vocals), Tony May (Keyboards, Vocals), Tim Schulz (Drums, Percussion), and Drew Rittgers (Bass, Chapman Stick, Vocals).

Milwaukee Admirals Hockey

Performances

September 2 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 3 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 4 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 9 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 10 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 11 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 16 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 17 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 18 - 4:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

Milwaukee's very own AHL Hockey team.

Cathy Grier and The Troublemakers

Performances

September 16 - 2:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Cathy Grier is celebrating her 4th year at Summerfest at the Generac stage performing Blues+Grooves with her band The Troublemakers. Cathy Grier's undeniably powerful voice accompanied by tasty Blues guitar stylings electric and 4 string Cigar Box, affirms her place on the world stage.

The band will represent Paramount Music Association, and the State of Wisconsin at the International Blues Competition January 19-23, 2022 in Memphis, TN

On the heels of their 2020 release "I'm All Burn," Cathy Grier + The Troublemakers will hit the stage sizzlin'. Their album has received wide range airplay nationally and internationally having been on the blues and blues contemporary charts worldwide.

Cathy Grier - Guitar/Vocals + the Troublemakers band: Larry Byrne - Keys Jamey Clark

- Drums, Deirdre Fellner - Vocals, Tony Menzer - Bass, Jim Ohlschmidt - Guitar.

A professional musician since 1978, Cathy has written hit songs in France, formed a record company, produced artists in multiple languages, toured extensively, supported important causes and even honed her craft in the subways of New York City as a busker.

Part storyteller, part blues traveler, Cathy is committed to representing Women in the Blues worldwide. She presently calls Sturgeon Bay, WI her home.

The band will represent Paramount Music Association, and the State of Wisconsin at the International Blues Competition January 19-23, 2022 in Memphis, TN

Cathy Grier - Guitar/Vocals + the Troublemakers band: Larry Byrne - Keys Jamey Clark

- Drums, Deirdre Fellner - Vocals, Tony Menzer - Bass, Jim Ohlschmidt - Guitar.

Part storyteller, part blues traveler, Cathy is committed to representing Women in the Blues worldwide. She presently calls Sturgeon Bay, WI her home.

Velveetatones

Performances

September 3 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Ken Saydak Band

Performances

September 4 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Delmark and Evidence recording artist Ken Saydak has enjoyed an over forty-year career as
a musician, writer, vocalist, and producer. His work as a pianist and organist on over sixty
albums is well known in the national and international blues scene. His latest project is the
Delmark release Back To Chicago, as part of The Rockwell Avenue Blues Band, an allstar
lineup of Delmark veterans including Steve Freund, Tad Robinson, Harlan Terson, and
Marty Binder. His most recent solo albums, Live In La Veta, Volumes I and II are on the
Snailworx label and were released in 2013 and 2016 respectively. His 2005 release It's My
Soul, on Evidence Records follows his two previous CDs on the Delmark label, Love Without
Trust and his solo debut Foolish Man. All of his recordings showcase his instantly
recognizable vocal and piano styles as well as his insightful and engaging songwriting. A
coproducer of the two Rounder Records CDs with his 1990's American roots band, Big
Shoulders, Big Shoulders and Nickel History, he continued his growth as a producer on both
of his own Delmark CDs as well as the label's critically embraced 2000 release, Learned My
Lesson, for Chicago blues singer Zora Young. He also was a co-producer and performer for
renowned bassist Bob Stroger on his Crosscut solo debut In The House, recorded live at the
2003 Lucerne Blues Festival.

Ken's career as a performer has taken him to concert and festival stages on four continents,
including tours and appearances in Israel, Japan, South Africa, France, and Switzerland. The
list of artists who have enlisted his talents for recording and touring include Johnny Winter,
Otis Rush, Willie Kent, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, John Primer, Mighty Joe Young,
Big Bill Morganfield, Billy Boy Arnold, Sam Lay, Dave Specter, James Wheeler, Tad
Robinson, Lurrie Bell, Johnny B. Moore, and Karen Carroll.

Dirty Deuce

Performances

September 11 - 12:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Big Bang Theory

Performances

September 3 - 2:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Formed in Milwaukee in 1986, BBT has been electrifying audiences with their unique blend of high energy "Funk N' Roll - Midwestern Soul" for decades.

Lead singer Billy Staff's alter ego, Liam Ford Band's rockabilily revue has been "Bringin' The Swing" around Wisconsin for years. They just finished a new record and are releasing it this summer.

All of BBT's members are seasoned veterans of the Milwaukee and national music scene. Bassist Damian Valentine has a successful music production company based out of Los Angeles.

2019 sees BBT doing a series of local summer shows and releasing the "Most Encompassing Pot Roast & Songs From the Vault" album. A collection of new tracks and a couple previously unreleased gems from the vault.

The boyz are back in town and ready to throw down! Do not miss this show! Kickin' off day one of the fest with a BANG!

Formed in Milwaukee in 1986, BBT has been electrifying audiences with their unique blend of high energy "Funk N' Roll - Midwestern Soul" for decades.

Lead singer Billy Staff's alter ego, Liam Ford Band's rockabilily revue has been "Bringin' The Swing" around Wisconsin for years. They just finished a new record and are releasing it this summer.

All of BBT's members are seasoned veterans of the Milwaukee and national music scene. Bassist Damian Valentine has a successful music production company based out of Los Angeles.

The boyz are back in town and ready to throw down! Do not miss this show! Kickin' off day one of the fest with a BANG!

Military Appreciation Day Ceremony

Performances

September 11 - 3:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Rondini

Performances

September 3 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 3 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Rondini is an award winning magician and hypnotist from Appleton and will be presenting his MAGIC AND FAMILY FUN SHOW.. He has been performing since 1977 and has appeared on British TV, the Travel Channel and History Channel. He has performed for the Green Bay Packers and was a featured entertainer for the Governor's conference on tourism. Visit his website www.abramagic.com

Dancers in Motion

Performances

September 11 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Dancers in Motion is a traveling not for profit Dance Company from Kay's Academy of Dance in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. This group has been performing throughout the United States for the past 20 years. Previous performances include: The Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Gator Bowl. In the past they have also performed in New York City, Mall of America, Disney World and on a Caribbean cruise. Local performances include Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest, Great America, Milwaukee Admirals, and many charity and community events.

The Spoon Man

Performances

September 16 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 16 - 6:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

An inspiring musician, comedian and keynote speaker. He plays with 2 ordinary houshold tablespoons using music & interacive comedy.

Bryan O'Donnell

Performances

September 18 - 3:30 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Joe 2.0

Performances

September 10 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Joe 2.0 was founded by violinist Joseph Ketchum in 2011. The group formed to answer one simple question: Can a string quartet truly rock?

In the past, many string groups have transcribed pop and rock songs and performed them as a kind of novelty to keep audiences awake or try to seem "hip". These attempts are usually amusing for a while but have no lasting musical validity in that the performers invariably "miss the mark" musically. It is interesting to note that when string players perform works from various eras of the "Classical" genre,(i.e.- Baroque, Romantic, etc.) they vary their musical approach to suit the style of the music. However, when it comes to pop or rock music, virtually no thought is ever given to exactly what the music is about and what gives it its power. Rock music is viewed by classical performers as a simple folk art form that presents little or no challenges intellectually or musically.

While in regards to harmony and structure this sometimes might be the case, what these musicians miss is that rock music is powerful and challenging in different ways. There are a variety of colors of sound in rock music that come from the experimentation of countless performers with electrical effects, instrumentation that most string players simply ignore.

Joe 2.0 has decided to jump with both feet into this world, electrifying the instruments, using a drum set, and adding the world class vocals of original "Cheap Trick" front man, Xeno. The attempt is to create a totally new pop sound without the use of traditional "rock" instruments such as guitars, keyboards, basses, etc.. On cover songs, using the electrified strings to emulate the original sounds and capture the essence of what made these songs work in the first place. With their original music, Joe 2.0 aims to produce something totally unique, yet accessible, creating sounds not heard before from a string quartet blended seamlessly with the lush sounds the instruments naturally produce.

Since forming, Joe 2.0 has grown a large and passionate fan base with their unique and powerful arrangements of music by artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Who, and others as well as their debut Original CD "Better Living Through Strings".

They are the world's original "rockestra" and they are looking forward to spreading their unique brand of savage and sublime music to people everywhere.

Joe 2.0 was founded by violinist Joseph Ketchum in 2011. The group formed to answer one simple question: Can a string quartet truly rock?

Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altar Boys feat. Westside Andy on Harmonica

Performances

September 2 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Born and raised on south side of Chicago, the Reverend has been playing the blues since 1971 when he first saw Freddy King play at the Kinetic Theatre in Chicago. After 15 year hitch in the Navy, Chief Raven moved to Milwaukee where he began a long friendship and collaboration with Madison Slim, long time harmonica player for Jimmy Rogers. Since 1990 he has opened for B.B King, Gatemouth Brown, Pinetop Perkins, Koko Taylor Band, Junior Wells, Billy Branch, Magic Slim, Elvin Bishop, Sugar Blue, Lonnie Brooks, William Clarke, Lefty Dizz and numerous others at festivals and at Buddy Guy's Legends. Locally he has performed with Billy Flynn, R.J. Mischo, Perry Weber, Piano Willie, Stokes, Jon Paris, Clyde Stubblefied, Bryan Lee and the Lamont Cranston band. The Reverend was the Wisconsin Music Industry (WAMI) award for best blues band in 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008 and again in 2010. They also received the People's Choice Award in 2006, 2008 and again in 2010 and nominated Artist of the Year and best blues band of the year in 2011, 2012 and 2013. They were nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007 for Bamfest 2007. They were nominated by Blues Blast Magazine for best blues band of the year and song of the year in 2011.

Marlavous Marla's Children's Music

Performances

September 11 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 11 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Marla Rothenberg has been entertaining young children for over 25 years. She was the Music Specialist for the Harry and Rose Sampson Jewish Community Center for over 17 years, teaching multiple "Mommy and Me" style interactive music classes, utilizing rhythm instruments, puppets, parachutes, creative movement, bubbles and most importantly, traditional children's songs. Always included on stage are the children in the audience to participate in songs such as "The Wheels on the Bus", "The Hokey Pokey",or be "nibbled" on by her beloved frog puppet "Galump". They are also invited to join the line of the train for an original steam train song, complete with wooden train whistles. Additionally, Marla was a member of "Mark Shurilla and the Greatest Hits", an oldies tribute band, performing the hits of the "Ronnettes", "Chrystals" and the "Shirelles" and "June Carter Cash", however, since the untimely death 3 years ago of Mark Shurilla, the band now performs only as "The Greatest Hits", she also is a member of "The Mud River Lee Bluegrass Orchestra" as one of Lee's River Belles. She can also be found around town, or out, as a special musical guest with any number of popular Milwaukee Bands. During the day Marla also has a regular job working as an Examiner for life insurance companies, performing Wellness Screenings for corporations and research projects for the National Institute of Health. In conclusion, she is a wife, mother of 3 and family and has a dog.

Kohl's Wild Theater

Performances

September 4 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 4 - 2:15 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 12:00 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 18 - 1:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Kohl's Wild Theater provides conservation-themed theater performances using drama, songs and puppetry to children and their families both at the Milwaukee County Zoo and within our community. Kohl's Wild Theater is made possible by a partnership among Kohl's Cares, the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Throughout the year, Kohl's Wild Theater brings shows to schools, libraries and various community events within a one-hour radius of the Zoo, free of charge. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, performances take place four times daily at the Kohl's Wild Theater stage. You also can enjoy the spontaneity of a shorter skit during the day at various exhibit throughout the Zoo.

Annie B & Jahmes

Performances

September 3 - 12:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

Peter Neumer

Performances

September 3 - 5:00 PM @ Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden Stage

2010 WAMI Award Winner for Wisconsin "Reed / Brass Player of the Year".
Saxophone performance major from Berklee College of Music.
Featured saxophonist with Sly and the Family Stone (1983-1985), featured performer with the jazz group Venture at the Curacao Jazz Fest (1993-1996), member of Daryl Stuermer Band (1988).
Currently can be seen performing with 52nd Street Band, Fast Company, Foreigner Forever, Kris Crow Band, Derrick Procell & The Redeemers , Alter Ego.
Keilwerth endorsed saxophone artist.

2010 WAMI Award Winner for Wisconsin "Reed / Brass Player of the Year".
Saxophone performance major from Berklee College of Music.
Featured saxophonist with Sly and the Family Stone (1983-1985), featured performer with the jazz group Venture at the Curacao Jazz Fest (1993-1996), member of Daryl Stuermer Band (1988).
Currently can be seen performing with 52nd Street Band, Fast Company, Foreigner Forever, Kris Crow Band, Derrick Procell & The Redeemers , Alter Ego.
Keilwerth endorsed saxophone artist.

Gypsy Geoff - Circus Fire Show

Performances

September 17 - 5:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

September 17 - 7:30 PM @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Past Curfew

Performances

September 4 - 1:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Rebecca and the Grey Notes

Performances

September 17 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

The motto of Rebecca and the Grey Notes is "Bringing back the art of playing music," and the band hopes to accomplish this by being one of three bands performing Sept. 17 on the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage led by a woman.

The idea for the band began in June 2011 when Rebecca asked her father, lead guitarist Tyler Famularo, on Father's Day if he would be interested in forming a band with her. His answer: "I've been waiting for you to ask." Rehearsals began soon thereafter with the addition of Michael Juley on bass. The trio first performed in April 2013 in Waukesha, and after a successful first year and with festivals beginning to call, including Bastille Days in 2014, the band added drummer Jeff Franks.

The father-daughter band released its first CD in 2015 and immediately began getting airplay on two radio stations in southeastern Wisconsin. The EP was recorded at Third Ward Records in St. Francis and featured five songs written by Tyler and a cover of "End of the World" by Skeeter Davis.

A second CD, "Volume Two," was released in 2017 and contained seven songs written by Tyler. In its first year of release, the album received airplay on five radio stations in southeastern Wisconsin, including FM 106.1, the most popular country music station in the Milwaukee area and a contributing sponsor of the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage. A Kenosha County station, WGTD-FM, called one of the album's cuts, "Picture of You," the best locally produced song ever played on the station. And in August 2017, the band recorded two videos for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's "Sound Check." It also recorded two of its songs for WUWM-FM's "Lake Effect" program.

A review of "Volume Two" in the Shepherd Express stated:

"Any band whose motto is "Bringing back the art of playing music" has set a lofty critical bar for themselves. On their second release, Milwaukee's Rebecca and the Grey Notes perform increasingly assured chin-ups on that bar with a smart, sincere amalgam of unassumingly sweet acoustic country, light blues-rock swagger and a hooky sort of Americana. The familial bond of lead singer Rebecca Famularo and the presence of her lead guitarist-father among her three Grey Notes put them in the city's parent-child lineage of The Spanic Boys, an act whose rootsiness aptly parallels their sound, too."

In addition to its 12 original songs, the band fills out its set lists with covers of artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Ann Peebles, Patsy Cline, Led Zeppelin, the Byrds, Tom Petty, B.B. King and more, covering a wide range of styles and genres.

The band includes:

Rebecca, the heart and soul of the band. She has been singing her whole life. Her voice has been compared to Norah Jones, Susan Tedeschi, Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt, and her musical influences include bands such as Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers. In addition to her sweet and soaring vocals, she plays rhythm guitar. She lives in Wauwatosa.

Tyler, one of Wisconsin's finest guitar players and Rebecca's father. He began playing guitar at age 11, and by 14 he had his first real guitar and amp, a 1965 Fender Telecaster and '65 Delux Reverb. He has played as a lead guitarist in the Larry Lynne Group, the Balloons, Sky Harbor, the Bandits and the Brandon James Band, which was led by his son. Tyler, who has written all of the band's original music, also is lead guitarist for the Smooth Blues Band and the Differentials. He is proud to say that he has played at Summerfest more than 20 times. He lives in Pewaukee.

Michael, who has played bass since 1982. After taking piano lessons in grade school, Michael switched to clarinet in high school, then didn't pick up another musical instrument until 1982, when he taught himself to play bass guitar and joined a Milwaukee '50s-'60s group, Granite. Since then the retired newspaper journalist has recorded and played with several Milwaukee-area pop, rock, country and blues bands, including the Brandon James Band, which was led by Rebecca's brother. He plays a 1978 Fender Jazz bass, a 1963 reissued Hofner bass and a Warwick fretless bass. He lives in Greendale.

Jeff, also known as Circus Jeff. He played his first gig in 1978 and in college toured the U.S. with the 25-piece brass band Dimensions in Brass, led by his father, legendary trumpet player and music educator Jerry Franks. Jeff earned his nickname "Circus Jeff" after many years touring the world with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and many other circus bands. Formerly of Nashville, Jeff has played with several national artists and has a passionate style of playing that anchors the Grey Notes' sound. He just moved to Tennessee but has been commuting back to Milwaukee for gigs.

A review of "Volume Two" in the Shepherd Express stated:

REYNA

Performances

September 11 - 8:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Before they were churning out glossy '80s-inspired electro-pop as REYNA, Milwaukee sisters Vic Banuelos and Gabby Banuelos, formerly known as the duo Vic and Gab, were on the indie-pop fast track as one of the city's fastest-rising independent bands. In 2015, they decided that it was finally time to graduate from their signature Vic and Gab sound and, the following year, Reyna — a play on the Spanish word for queen — was born, ushering in a new (and poppier) era for the siblings under a regal name that "represented their culture, where they come from and, of course, powerful women." - Billboard, Erica Russel ? Since taking on their new moniker the sisters have collaborated with producers Drew Pearson (Kesha, Lights,) Simon Oscroft (The Aces) John Feldman and Derek Furhmann. REYNA has independently released a series of singles which have so far garnered over 9 million combined streams on Spotify to date. Featured on Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Indie Pop!, Young and Free and Feel Good Indie Rock. Opening for the likes of CHVRCHES, Death Cab for Cutie, The Naked and Famous, and have played festivals like Summerfest, SXSW, Lincoln Calling, Middle of the Map and Underground Music Showcase. Currently signed to Cosmica Artists, a label focused on LATINX talent.

Lauren Calve

Performances

September 9 - 4:15 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Lauren Calve has a lot to say. But not in an in your face way but subtlety, coolly. Her lyrics, intonation, and songwriting resonate with the listener leaving them to ponder what they've just heard and wanting more. On her latest EP, Wildfire, Calve delves into interesting territory as she uses memorable imagery and meter to write about complex issues too little found in popular music today such as the increased polarization and divisiveness prevalent in the US and around the world, corporate greed and their role in both the climate crisis and gun violence, women's' stories that are dominating public consciousness, and even the precarity of online dating. Her thirst for knowledge and understanding about the human condition feeds her creativity in a way that she can't get enough of.

Her musical compositions find their ground in the sounds of blues and Americana, guitar and lap steel, but their strength lies in how they go beyond tradition into innovative melodies, structures and arrangements that define their originality. "Blues music is probably my biggest influence. It moves me in ways hardly anything else does. I'm drawn to and try to emulate its simplicity, searing electric guitar lines, and emotive vocal style."

Calve started singing and playing guitar at the age of 15. Her family's love of getting together and telling the same stories over and over painted an Americana vision for her. They'd sit around her grandma's kitchen island drinking scotch as her uncles compete for the most raucous response to their stories of the cast of characters that worked and lived on the family farm, "the squat farmhand and his family, my grandpa 'Pup' and his accident-prone adventures." "It's because of this family tradition that I'm innately drawn to stories. My uncle calls me the archivist of the family. I genuinely love engaging with people to learn about their own family stories. It's with that same enthusiasm passed down to me from my family that I approach songwriting."

She attended "a very nerdy liberal arts college" where on bus rides to away field hockey games her teammates and she would be nose-deep in textbooks and spent Friday and/or Saturday nights at the library. "At my core, I love learning. I've always been a curious person. And my curiosity has extended beyond academics and into songwriting." After graduating from college with an art degree during one of the greatest recessions in US history it was difficult for her to find a job so when a college friend decided to teach English in South Korea, Calve jumped at the chance to join her. After she came home she went to Wyoming to work on a dude ranch to feed her love for the West. "I have a long-standing romance with the pastoral American Dream-- cowboys, horses, ranching, all of it." Now when she's not performing or writing songs, Calve is a design patent examiner for the USPTO (Patent and Trademark Office). "My job is to examine design patent applications and to decide whether applicants' designs are patentably distinct under U.S. statues."

All of these experiences and stories she's gathered along her journey have led her to where she is today with Wildfire. Stand out tracks include "Better Angels" which was inspired by Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address on the eve of the Civil War and a combination of a few Maya Angelou poems focusing on the strength of the human spirit. During one of the most divisive periods in US history, Lincoln was still hopeful that "the better angels of our nature" would unite the country once again. "His words still ring true, especially considering the current polarization and discord in society today. I've written several protest-y songs, but this is the first with an optimistic message. Writing this song was a practice in optimism, a state I'm not normally prone to feeling. I hope this song leaves people feeling similarly positive and inspired." "On And On" was inspired by the documentary Muscle Shoals. "The groundbreaking sounds of Muscle Shoals, Alabama in the 60's and 70's is part of my musical DNA." Intentionally mimicking Wilson Pickett's style, the song "pays homage to the classic soul music I love so much and is an anthem for anyone who has witnessed a loved one stuck in a vicious cycle." "She Loves Waterfalls" is a classic case of a song that comes together all at once: the music, the lyrics, the melody. "This song came together like that. It all started with a photo of my mom standing and smiling in front of a beautiful waterfall on a clear, sunny day that she sent to me while on a road trip with her husband. Now remarried, they both enjoy meandering through western Virginian backcountry roads in his F-150." The photo really moved her. It represented her mom's newfound and long overdue joy. "And the waterfall in the photo symbolized that joy and the past hardships that had made it that much sweeter."

Suffering from anxiety and OCD for "as long as I can remember," Calve hates failing and obsesses over minor details and imperfections. As a result, her songs take a long time to write. " I wrestle with them, think deeply about them; sometimes it takes years to complete them. Even though I bring all that into the writing process, songwriting has helped me open up. It's given me so much confidence." Which helps because she also suffered from terrible stage fright until about six years ago. "I'm a self-taught guitarist and singer; music was always a private activity. I could barely even muster the confidence to play in front of my family and friends." Curing her stage fright was a pretty painful experience for her. "Up until two years ago, after a performance I would inevitably wake up in the middle of the night in a panic over something I'd said or done on stage. It was simply through repetition that I eventually became more comfortable performing. And don't get me wrong, I still have my moments!"

A Northern Virginia native, Lauren Calve considers herself "a true DMV-er as I've lived in the three major DC Metro areas: DC, Maryland, and Virginia." Starting with her days attending the open mic nights at the well-loved, but now defunct Arlington, VA live music haven Iota Club and Cafe, Calve became known for her strong, soulful vocal style and skillful playing throughout the area. Seeing her perform, one thinks of Patty Griffin's dynamic voice, Bonnie Raitt's smoky aura, and Ben Harper's unique slide style. She released her debut EP, Between the Creek and the Tracks in 2014, for which she earned a Washington Area Music Association nomination for Best Roots Rock Vocalist followed by Light Dark in 2018. She has become a mainstay at prominent local and regional venues and is honored to have opened for artists like Justin Townes Earle, Rhett Miller, Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek, Cruz Contreras of The Black Lillies, Charlie Worsham and Wade Bowen. With Wildfire, it brings Calve into a further dimension in her songwriting.

Whether playing intimately by herself or with a rocking full band, Calve impresses audiences with her raw performances. And at the very least, Calve wants the audience to identify with her songs and to be inspired by the vulnerability exhibited in them. "I want people to know that my songs are a genuine reflection of me. My dad always says of my brothers and me that 'what you see is what you get,' My songwriting is no different."

Manchester Orchestra

Performances

September 11 - 10:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

The wait is over: following a cryptic, 7-day countdown initiated upon the completion of last Friday's live screening of A Black Mile To The Surface: The Global Concert Film, Manchester Orchestra today announced their new album The Million Masks of God will be released April 30^th, 2021 via Loma Vista Recordings. The Black Mile film—a front-to-back performance of the band's 2017 instant-classic album that saw over 7,000 viewers tune-in live and now has over 100,000 streams to date—culminated in the launch of TheMillionMasksOfGod.com, which revealed teasers of the album art as well as instrumental stems from the urgent and sweeping first single, "Bed Head." The song debuted last night via SiriusXM's Alt Nation 'Advanced Placement,' and can now be heard alongside the cinematic, Andrew Donoho-directed video that finds a home haunted by a spectral Andy Hull. "'Bed Head' is two old friends existing in two separate realities," explains Hull, who joined SiriusXM's ALT Nation yesterday evening to discuss the new album. "It's a conversation about the lives they lived, the consequences of life's decisions, and finding purpose in trying to be better." With special effects of Poltergeist-level proportion, the "Bed Head" mini-supernatural thriller film mirrors the song's howling close, and ranks among the best in the band's canon of celebrated visuals.

Produced by Manchester Orchestra's lead songwriting duo of Hull and Robert McDowell, Catherine Marks (PJ Harvey, The Killers) and Ethan Gruska (Phoebe Bridgers), The Million Masks Of God presents an even grander scale of the epic and re-focused approach to record-making that the Atlanta, GA-based band has forged in recent years. Their sixth album finds Hull, McDowell, Tim Very (drums), and Andy Prince (bass) relentlessly pushing themselves to create a work that breaks beyond the scope and limits of every previous release in an effort to create their most towering achievement to date, all while sorting through the aftermath of a devastating loss.

The Million Masks Of God can be seen, in a way, as the band's sophomore album following a rebirth with Black Mile (which featured the band's first #1 AAA and Top 15 Alternative radio hit "The Gold"), and Hull's early concept for it was a natural extension of the main theme of its predecessor. "If Black Mile was this idea of 'from birth to death,' this album would really be more about 'from birth to beyond, focusing on the highs and lows of life and exploring what could possibly come next,'" he explains.

Manchester Orchestra approached Masks with the intention of creating tightly-woven "movie albums" designed to be listened to in sequence and in a single sitting, with the songs working together to tell a bold, long-form narrative. The Million Masks of God explores the loose story of a man's encounter with the angel of death as he's shown various scenes from his life in a snapshot-style assemblage. Some moments he witnesses are good, some are bad, some difficult, some commendable—in other words, they depict an entirely normal life. Initially based on a fictitious character, Masks began to process real-time emotions as McDowell's father entered the toughest part of his fight with cancer, eventually losing the battle in 2019. "It started off really abstract, but as Robert's dad's fight with cancer got harder and harder those last couple years, I started making parallels in my mind to what I was actually writing about," Hull explains. "It became an examination of my own faith. While Robert's dad's story certainly influenced this album, it's equally about me coming to grips with the realness of adulthood and that there's an expiration date to all of this—and how you're going to live your life knowing that."

The Million Masks of God is a testament to the kinship of its songwriting duo—the bond that enables them to take something so tragically personal and turn it into limitless, compassionate, communal, revelatory art. "There's a decision we're faced with when experiencing loss and the inevitable grief that follows. Do we let it sink us? Try to ignore it and pretend it's not there? Or do we search and dig until we find signs of beauty in life and all of its experiences?" explains Hull. "In a way, the grief will always define you but being together and creating something meaningful from all of the hardships has been the most helpful tool I've found."

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Performances

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new album from Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available . . . in the 1950s.

But listeners won't find another album as relevant, electrifying and timely as Dance Songs for Hard Times.

Scheduled for independent release April 9, 2021 via Thirty Tigers, Dance Songs for Hard Times conveys the hopes and fears of pandemic living. Rev. Peyton, the Big Damn Band's vocalist and world-class fingerstyle guitarist, details bleak financial challenges on the songs "Ways and Means" and "Dirty Hustlin'." He pines for in-person reunions with loved ones on "No Tellin' When," and he pleads for celestial relief on the album-closing "Come Down Angels."

Far from a depressing listen, Dance Songs lives up to its name by delivering action-packed riffs and rhythms across 11 songs. The country blues trio that won over crowds on more than one Warped Tour knows how to make an audience move.

"I like songs that sound happy but are actually very sad," Peyton says. "I don't know why it is, but I just do."

Of course, the greatest front-porch blues band in the world found itself sidelined from a relentless touring schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic. Peyton says he was surprised when his mind and soul unleashed a batch of new songs in March and April of 2020.

"I think it was the stress of everything," he says. "At the time, we were watching everything we know crash down. I didn't know what was going to happen with our career, with our house, with food, with anything."

Peyton wasn't alone in uncertainty. It's a feeling that gripped the world. Added to Peyton's concerns were a lingering illness — perhaps undiagnosed COVID-19 — affecting "Washboard" Breezy Peyton, his wife and Big Damn Band member, as well as a cancer diagnosis for his father. A metaphorical wallop arrived when unpredictable weather in the rustic wilds of Southern Indiana knocked out power at the Peytons' 150-year-old log cabin. For multiple days.

While Breezy rested and recovered, Peyton crafted songs in near darkness.

"It's been a struggle the entire time," he says. "Nothing's been easy. Other than the music. The music came easy."

"Too Cool to Dance" might be interpreted as the album's centerpiece for its message of not taking things for granted. The seize-the-moment anthem offers the chorus, "We may not get another chance. Oh, please don't tell me you're too cool to dance."

"I was thinking about all the times where I've been somewhere and felt too cool to dance," Peyton says. "I didn't want to be that way. Not being able to do anything last year, I had this feeling of, 'Man, I'm not going to waste any moment like this in my life — ever.' "

Peyton, the cover subject of Vintage Guitar magazine's January 2020 issue, showcases his remarkable picking techniques on "Too Cool to Dance." It's rare to hear a fingerstyle player attack Chuck Berry-inspired licks with index, middle and ring fingers while devoting his or her thumb to a bass line. Yet the multi-tasking Peyton has made an art of giving the illusion he's being accompanied by a bass player, despite the Big Damn Band's roster featuring no one beyond himself, Breezy on washboard and Max Senteney on drums.

"Too Cool to Dance" heats up thanks to Peyton's 1954 Supro Dual Tone electric guitar. Once known exclusively for playing acoustic guitar in the country-blues tradition of Mississippi icons Charley Patton and Bukka White, Peyton has seemingly migrated north and plugged in with Chicago giants Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters.

"It's crazy," Peyton says of "Too Cool to Dance." "It almost feels like a song from the 1950s that's been lost. At the end of the day, it still somehow feels like us."

To document the livewire immediacy of Dance Songs for Hard Times, the Big Damn Band — including a healthy Breezy — made a pandemic road trip to Nashville to record with producer Vance Powell (four-time Grammy Award winner whose resume includes work with Chris Stapleton and Jack White).

Peyton embraced Powell's suggestion to turn back the clock and record no more than eight tracks of audio to analog tape. Minimal overdubs are heard on Dance Songs for Hard Times, and Peyton sang while playing guitar live in the studio.

"Vance likes the gear that I like," Peyton says. "And he has a bunch of cool gear I would only have in my wildest dreams."

Visually, Dance Songs for Hard Times is led by a video to accompany the song "Ways and Means." Defined by pastel colors and confident dance moves, the video was made at an old-school laundromat to match the song's Bo Diddley-boasting on a limited budget: "My knife is sharp, my guitar never flat … king of the laundromat."

As Peyton says, it's difficult to create blues music that isn't personal.

"The song 'Ways and Means' was written for all those folks who have the moves, the style, the substance, the talent, but maybe not the seed money or the famous last name," Peyton says. "All those people who had to work extra hard because they didn't get to start way ahead. Folks who have been playing catch-up since they were born and had to get really good just to make it to zero."

As 2020 progressed, Peyton's father was declared free of cancer following surgery. A new Patreon page (http://www.Patreon.com/bigdamnband) helped the band connect with fans and make up some lost wages.

And Big Damn Band supporters around the world check in monthly for pay-what-you-can livestream performances that originate at the Peytons' log cabin.

Conditions aren't ideal when compared to pre-pandemic adventures that allowed the Big Damn Band to play for audiences in nearly 40 countries. But those days will return, and in the meantime we have Dance Songs for Hard Times.

"Despite the hardships of this moment in history, it created this music that I hope will maybe help some people through it," Peyton says. "Because it helps me through it to play it."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new album from Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available . . . in the 1950s.

But listeners won't find another album as relevant, electrifying and timely as Dance Songs for Hard Times.

"I like songs that sound happy but are actually very sad," Peyton says. "I don't know why it is, but I just do."

Peyton wasn't alone in uncertainty. It's a feeling that gripped the world. Added to Peyton's concerns were a lingering illness — perhaps undiagnosed COVID-19 — affecting "Washboard"…

Reyna Roberts

Performances

September 3 - 8:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Harper and Midwest Kind

Performances

September 4 - 8:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

An amalgamation of blues, rock, funk, soul and world music, Australian singer/ songwriter "Harper" creates a heady mix of roots music through his creative use of the harmonica, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. By combining traditional and modern influences, borowing from Western and Aboriginal music, Harper has created a highly original take on the roots genre which many have labeled "World Blues". His innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback, breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. The powerful guitar sounds and the unique drone of the didgeridoo create raw yet eerie sonic textures, some how sounding primal and contemporary at the same time. No Depression Magazine,'s Rod Ames, adds that Harper " has written and arranged some of the most soulful blues rock filled music I've heard in quite sometime". .

Harper's new CD "Live at the Blues Museum" (Release date, April 16, 2012- PdHarp Records) was recorded on a cold wintery night on Saturday December 17, 2011 at Canada's only Blues Museum, Place, Concorde, Windsor, Canada. This was a very special evening for Harper as he was inducted into the Blues Museum Hall of Fame before a packed house of rabid music fans. This is also Harper's first live CD in 10 years and it has proven to be worth the wait. This new CD features 15 original tracks, over 75 minutes of playing from his three Blind Pig Releases "Stand Together" (2010), "Day By Day" (2007), "Down To The Rhythm" (2005) and his two independent releases: "Way Down Deep Inside" (2003) and "Glass On The Stepping Stone" (2000). "Live at the Blues Museum" gives the listener a portal to the magic that happens at a Harper concert. Rambles Magazine describes Harper as "a master Chicago-style harmonica player". His extraordinary harmonica skills demonstrate electric ferocity to gentle acoustic finesse. Harper's powerful soulful voice rips through this 15-song set with passion and integrity. His use of the deeply spiritual didgeridoo is definitely NOT a gimmick, but an extension of his song writing and arrangement skills. Harper's unique sound is reflected in his use of rhythms and a tribal spirit he experienced growing up in Perth, Western Australia. The listener also catches a glimpse of Harper's sense of humor and his depth of character. Harper loves to perform and we feel his joy! Harper's non-stop touring schedule is self evident in the tightness and ease of performance. He is backed by his incredible Michigan based band "Midwest Kind" which features: Matt Besey on Guitar, Chris Wiley Smith on Bass Guitar/ Djembe and Scott Key on Drums. Their familiarity with the arrangements and with each other's abilities allows them to elongate the groove giving Harper a great backdrop for his unique songs.

Harper's 2010 release "Stand Together" (Blind Pig Records) reached number 10 on the Billboard Charts and the US Roots Music Charts. "Stand Together" also reached number 2 on the XM/ Sirius Bluesville national Charts, USA. 2010. "Stand Together" was also nominated for "Most Outstanding Recording" by The 2011 Detroit Music Awards. Harper and his band Midwest Kind were listed in the "Top Concerts of 2011 for the City of Chicago" by Chicago Concert Goers Ezine. Art Tipaldi, editor of Blues Revue recently described Harper as "a singer with the deep soul of Motown, a harmonica player who can graft Sonny Boy II and Little Walter with John Popper, a songwriter who tells his own compelling stories in an unhurried, J.J. Cale-like manner, and a musical visionary who is unafraid to mix the didgeridoo, an important part of the Australian indigenous culture, with infectious modern percussive rhythms".

Born in the United Kingdom, Harper's musical journey began early, performing in brass bands playing the trumpet and euphonium. At the age of ten, his family moved half way the world to Perth, Western Australia, and his father introduced Harper to the harp. In Perth, one of the most isolated cities in the world, there was a thriving blues and folk scene. The blues had a rawness, an honesty and a passion of the soul which spoke to Harper deeply. Then, like every blues lover, Harper began his journey backwards to discover the deeper roots of the music.

"I think Muddy Waters really hit me hard. There was something incredibly special about his sound, his powerful voice and his songs. I would sing his songs constantly. I also really dug Sonny Boy Williamson II as well. I loved his rhythmic use of his harp. I was also inspired by a pretty wide range of players and styles like Little Walter, Sugar Blue and Stevie Wonder who guide me in my harmonica playing. "But Harper did not stop his search with the blues. It was a chance meeting with a Hopi "Dan Running Bear" in Silverton, Colorado, that led him down the path to rediscovering the music of his homeland. Fascinated with the spirituality and culture of the American Natives, he found the same qualities present in the Australian Aborigines of his homeland. On adding the native didgeridoo to his music, Harper says "It is a sound I grew up with, so it seemed natural to add it to my songwriting particularly when the lyrics related to the plight of the Aborigines in Australia. When I added the didgeridoo to the more traditional blues instruments, it worked. The deep woody qualities and its haunting drone seemed to enhance the emotional quality of my stories. The didgeridoo is a spiritual and healing instrument, and it seemed blues music accepted it with open arms."

Prior to his introduction to American audiences, Harper released six albums to great acclaim in his homeland of Australia. Harper received a Gold Record for "Sailing Australia" (America's Cup Theme). In 1994 he moved to Melbourne, Victoria and released his first album, "Tears of Ice". This was followed by "Yesterday Is Over" in 1996 with his band Blue Devil and "Live At The Soup Kitchen" in 1997 as a soloist. In 2000, he released "Glass on The Stepping Stone" and "Live At St. Andrew's" in 2002. In 2003 he released "Way Down Deep Inside", for which he received two harmonica awards and "Album of the Year" honor from US Magazine's Guide to the Best of the Blues Harmonicas & Beyond. Over the years Harper has received multiple Australian Blues Awards for "Male Vocalist of the Year," "Song of the Year," and "Acoustic Artist of the Year."Harper was also invited to perform at a Royal Gala Performance for the Queen of England in Perth, Western Australia.

His prolific recording career and memorable stage performances allowed Harper to take his music beyond Australia. He's played in the USA, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and France. He first started performing in the United States in 1996, and has toured here regularly since. It was on one of these tours that he caught the attention of Blind Pig, which made him their first international signing. With a home at a U.S. label and growing appreciation for his music from American audiences, Harper made the permanent move to the U.S. His animated shows have been well received at blues festivals, world music festivals, and by fans of jam band music.Harper has become a huge favorite on the world wide festival scene with an average of 20 to 30 festivals and 200 club dates per year. . It was during one of these recent festival appearances that Chip Eagle, Publisher for Blues Revue/ Blueswax enthusiastically offered "Harper is the most exciting act on the live scene today". He was also invited to perform harmonica on stage several times with US super group- "Journey".

Harper's first Blind Pig release and American debut, 2005's Down To The Rhythm, won accolades from the press for its unique sound and virtuoso performances, coupled with Harper's compositional skill. "Harper is a crack harp player and he plays the instrument with both speed and efficiency, but it would be a mistake to pigeonhole Harper as just an impressive instrumentalist. He is also a solid songwriter, and a soulful singer with a knack for impassioned sincerity," said All Music Guide. BluesWax noted, "There is much to enjoy here: clever songwriting, top-notch guitar, powerful rhythms, and some great Harper harp!

"Harper's second release from Blind Pig Records, Day By Day (2007), provided fans wih another prime example of why his unique roots music style occupies a category of its own. Ramble Magazine raved that Harper's harp and lyrics have " depth of feeling and thought that is unusual in today's music ..Harper's music is essential. It should be widely heard". Downbeat Magazine added "Harper uses his trump cards- a strong and direct singing voice, a stirring harmonica out of Sonny Boy Williamson 11 and Little Walter , a droning didgeridoo - to give his melodic tunes an excitement that suits his intelligent use of blues rock and soul forms". Blues legend John Mayall loved Harper's songs so much so, that he included " Just What Your'e Looking For" as track 2 on his new CD "Tough" (Eagle Records)

Harper is at the top of his game on "Stand Together" (2010) and his new Live CD "Live at The Blues Museum" (2012). Both CDs showcase his trademark powerful soulful voice, virtuoso harp playing, haunting didgeridoo, deeply, soulful grooves and unparalleled songwriting and compelling lyrics. With his chops at their best and his band "Midwest Kind" sharing his vision, Harper will continue to turn heads of audiences who are looking for orginality, honesty, passion and skill in modern roots music.

Taylor Bennett

Performances

September 3 - 5:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Chicago-born Taylor Bennett is not just the younger brother of Grammy-winning Chance the Rapper, but he's carving his own path as an independent music artist, entrepreneur and advocate. His career began in high school when he released his debut mixtape, The Taylor Bennett Show. While still prioritizing his studies over music, Bennett was next able to release his debut studio album in 2015 and sophomore album in 2017 which included a 13-minute short film.

Taylor's latest EP 'The American Reject' is a completion to his trilogy. In 2019, Taylor performed at diverse festivals including Governor's Ball, Hangout, Outside Lands, Music Midtown, Life is Beautiful, and Austin City Limits. He also headlined Chicago's Complexcon.

Bennett toured his 2nd album Restoration of an American Idol on a 29-city run that saw him headline and sell out rooms across the country. He has collaborated with A-List acts like Young Thug, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Yachty, and more.

Bennet made his Good Morning America debut where he was both interviewed and a musical guest. Taylor has had numerous late-night appearances such as The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Late Show. Taylor started his own record label, Tay Bennett Entertainment.

2019 was a very bright year for Taylor where he played over 15 festivals nationwide.

2020 saw the birth of his second child, Blake and thre beginning of a strong stretch of singles including "Be Yourself Pt. 2", "Don't Wait Up" and "Come Alive" (Ft. TheHxliday). Taylor was also featured alongside his brother as part of Facebook Watch's Black History Month feature.

2019 was a very bright year for Taylor where he played over 15 festivals nationwide.

SUSU

Performances

September 18 - 5:30 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

SUSU is a "one and only" type band. The smoldering New York City duo features firebrand female lead vocalists and songwriters Liza Colby of The Liza Colby Sound and Kia Warren of Revel In Dimes. Both are Rock and Roll provocateurs of the highest order. Currently they raise vibrations with their debut single - Let's Get High, an apt 4/20 release, on the heels of their premiere European tour. SUSU features Joey Wunsch (guitar), Ronnie Bruno (drums), and Connor McClelland (bass), of the raucous and energetic NYC trio Dry Clean Only.

The embers of this Rock n' Roll wildfire were first stoked four years ago when the Liza Colby Sound and Revel In Dimes emerged as Revel Sound for select NYC shows including a coveted residency at legendary haunt The Rose Bar at Gramercy Hotel, a jaw dropping performance at Webster Hall, and an exclusive appearance at sought after artist enclave The Surf Lodge. "So when NYC based Ilegal Mezcal granted us the opportunity to record, it just seemed like the logical next step," Kia says. Liza chimes in: "You don't know what you don't know, and we certainly didn't realize how much we needed each other."

"SUSU" is a Patois term loosely meaning to create "a chatter around something" . A tribute to Kia's Jamaican roots and Liza's West Indian heritage directly inspiring the movement of SUSU; a tribal sense that SUSU is USUS. The interplay of Kia and Liza as singers, songwriters, performers, and complementary contemporaries has been organic; super natural. "We kept growing as creative partners and continue to discover the duality in our power of working together. It's intuitive who takes the top and who takes the bottom harmony, so to speak."

Genre bending, supernatural, and shapeshifting sounds ooze from the grooves of each SUSU song. Ancestry, bold femininity, and explosive sexual energy course through sonic stories that span Nina Simone empowered heartbreak reflecting the times, Peter Tosh lucid freewheeling, and Tina Turner resilient alchemy. Liza's psychedelic sensibility and Kia's slow-burn aesthetic explore a variety of political, personal, and emotional arcs. "We aren't shy about being black women in Rock and Roll. There is an aliveness, an awareness, and a spirituality to these songs that are both timely and timeless."

SUSU brought New York City to Niles City Sound in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas to record 5-song EP, Panther City (to be released into the wild in 2020). Producer/engineer/drummer Josh Block (Leon Bridges, Nicole Atkins) along with his right hand Joel Raif, and a posse of ace musicians brought SUSU songs to life in the studio.

For Kia and Liza, SUSU is a powerful addition, a mantra for their lives both onstage and off. We wanna spread the SUSU and invite you to as well. Whether you are on the bus or not SUSU will always be USUS.

Kitty Soft Paw

Performances

September 17 - 3:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

The Kitty Soft Paw (KSP) is a 5-piece rock band that applies a creative punk twist on popular soulful songs. The covers are pulled from 5 decades of music and arranged in way that satisfies the rush of a familiar song but performed in a memorable way LIVE. Led by one of the most captivating front men performing today, Billy O'Neill (formerly of Oh My God) captivates, inspires and entertains. The two-guitar section weaves the necessary tone of crunch and whisper to faithfully deliver any song. KSP can harmonize. Harmonies make music rich and soulful. That is a KSP Special.

Song covers come from Canned Heat, Elvis Costello, Eddie Cochran, CCR, Leonard Cohen, George Harrison, and Snow Patrol. Throw in a Cartoon theme song, then a Canned Heat deep cut boogie anthem and you get the blender of The Kitty Soft Paw show.

Letdown

Performances

September 17 - 2:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Sub-Radio

Performances

September 10 - 3:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

USTA/Wisconsin Tennis Assoc.

Performances

September 10 - 1:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

September 11 - 1:30 PM @ Gruber Law Offices Sportszone

The Wisconsin Tennis Association (WTA) is a non-profit organization that is the governing body of all USTA tennis play in the Wisconsin District and our job is to promote, develp and service the game of tennis for all ages and abilities.

Frédéric Yonnet

Performances

September 11 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet plays an instrument many have owned, but few have mastered. Originally from France, Yonnet is regarded as one of the most talented and innovative harmonica players on the international music scene today. In 2019, Yonnet's sound will be lead voice on the soundtrack of Martin Scorsese's upcoming film, "The Irishman."

With each performance, stereotypical walls come tumbling down as Yonnet presents the harmonica in a refreshing and modern context. It's stylish. It's cool. It's brilliant. His impressive style and electrifying stage presence have led to recordings, tours and performances with a wide range of musicians including Grammy Award winners and music iconsStevie Wonder andPrince, award-winning songwriterDavid Foster, UK sensationEd Sheeran, pop-idols theJonas Brothers, soul singersJohn Legend,Erykah Badu,Anthony Hamilton, John Mayer andIndia.Aire, as well asThe National Symphony Orchestra andThe Dayton Philharmonics.Rolling Stone magazine referred to Yonnet as "Prince's killer harmonica player" and praise from other influencers affirm his mission to change the way music enthusiasts and the industry regard the "pocket" instrument.

Just listen to his sound. It funks. It rocks. It hips and hops. It grooves. It sways. It testifies. It prays. It has a reverence for gospel, blues and jazz while appealing to a generation bred on pop rock and hip-hop.

CitingStevie Wonder as a mentor and friend, Yonnet was honored when Wonder tapped him to perform harmonica parts on the Songs in the Key of Life Performance Tour, 2014-15 . Wonder performed the entire double album as part of the 43-city tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the most critically acclaimed album of his career. On the tunes, "Have a Talk with God" and "Mama's Call", Yonnet demonstrates his mastery of the diatonic harmonica by expertly mimicking the chromatic melody Wonder originally performed on the studio album. "He's so good at playing harmonica that another man good at harmonica hired him," saidDave Chappelleduring an introduction of Yonnet.

Born in Normandy, France to a Parisian father and French Guyanese Creole mother, Yonnet lived in and around Paris most of his life. As a child, he and his dad performed comedy routines in theaters throughout France and by 14, he decided to literally march to the beat of his own drum. After a short stint as a drummer, Yonnet revisited an instrument he had received as a child, the harmonica. "I got kicked out of bands because I kept trying to play the melody on the drums," says Yonnet. "On the harmonica, I can play both the melody and the rhythm. Plus it's lighter to carry."

These days, the U.S.-based Yonnet travels with pedal boards, mixers, amps, microphones and more than 50 diatonic harmonicas. "I'm pretty intense on the harmonica and I like to have the 'sharpest ax' at all times." To be sure, he's not afraid to wield it. There aren't many musicians who would go head-to-head with Wonder on the harmonica, but Yonnet has proved himself more than capable. "Frédéric Yonnet — a Wonder disciple — had a crazy harmonica duel that almost sent Stevie flying off the stage in a frenzy," said Fox News following their performance at Madison Square Garden. Without a doubt, Yonnet's friendship with Wonder has been his biggest musical inspiration.

At the same show in 2007,Prince first witnessed Yonnet's expert musicianship, exhilarating panache and inexhaustible stage presence. It would be months before their paths crossed again, but when they did, Prince seized the opportunity to have Yonnet jam with him and his band at a house party. "Genius recognizes genius," said saxophonistMike Phillips, who performed with them that night and witnessed the energy that Yonnet brought to the band. After that, Yonnet recorded with Prince and performed with him as a featured guest on tour and during several televison appearances, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and on Prince's 20Ten European tour.

While Yonnet enjoys the excitement of performing with some of the world's greatest music legends, he knows that it's the technical mastery of his instrument — along with innovative collaborations and solo projects — that will earn him recognition as one of the greatest harmonica players in the world.

Urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet plays an instrument many have owned, but few have mastered. Originally from France, Yonnet is regarded as one of the most talented and innovative harmonica players on the international music scene today. In 2019, Yonnet's sound will be lead voice on the soundtrack of Martin Scorsese's upcoming film, "The Irishman."

Just listen to his sound. It funks. It rocks. It hips and hops. It grooves. It sways.…

Almost Monday

Performances

September 2 - 6:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

After countless garage jams, D.I.Y. gigs in the back of a surf shop, and innumerable hours writing together, almost monday bottle California sunshine in their funky basslines, ecstatic choruses, and danceable grooves. It turns out the world needed some Cali rays during the pandemic as the band managed to emerge in 2020 with an unprecedented 30 million overall streams, uplifting audiences everywhere in the process. The San Diego trio -- Dawson Daugherty (vocals), Cole Clisby (guitar) and Luke Fabry (bass) -- crafted their 2020 debut EP don't say you're ordinary in Brooklyn and Los Angeles with producers Mark Needham (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac) and Simon Oscroft (The Naked and Famous, DREAMERS). don't say you're ordinary ignited a string of buzzing anthems, beginning with "parking lot view" and "come on come on." Meanwhile, the lead single "broken people," and the Sofi Tukker remix, crystallized their sun-kissed signature style with a bold bass bounce and empowering refrain as it's generated nearly 20 million combined audio and video streams so far and cracked the Top 20 at Alternative Radio. Along the way, they've attracted a growing fan base through a combination of danceable rhythms and uplifting hooks. In 2021, they set the stage for their second EP with lead track "live forever" receiving praise from Earmilk, Flaunt, Ones To Watch, and more right out of the gate. Additionally, Alternative Press included them among "40 New Artists You Need To Hear in February," and GQ Australia named them one of "21 Breakout Musicians to Know in 2021.

Betty Who

Performances

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

To understand where Betty Who currently stands in her career, it's best to imagine her as she often stood as a kid: solo, in front of the bedroom mirror, belting out hits, dancing like everyone's watching. Because as the Australian pop queen walked away from her record deal and into her first independent album, she had a single mandate: "I am going to be the most me I can be." That is, in part, why her third full-length statement is simply called Betty. It's pure her: a brilliant swirl of pop -- '80s, Y2K, and hyper-modern strains -- that encompasses everything from intimate artful fare to darkly sexy bangers to full-on wedding reception shout-alongs. What's more, these are songs about grown-woman emotions delivered by someone who rediscovered the drive and verve that fueled her rise through music in the first place. As Betty says, "It all came back to joy."

There's a reason Betty was tapped to remake the Queer Eye theme song for the uplifting series' second season. It's the same reason she's soundtracked Pitch Perfect and made the Glee cast swoon, and that a

certain legendary flash mob proposal video went viral to the tune of her 2012 debut single "Somebody Loves You." Joy has always been in the music, but for Betty herself the feeling had faded. "I didn't understand how damaging it was to feel like I was never living up to expectation," she says of her time on a major label. "When you're in the middle of it, you think it's driving you.

When I came out the other side I realized, no, I was devastated." She wanted to handpick her team, sink or swim by her own choices, and share music while it's fresh. With Betty, she did all of that and made an album that, as she puts it, "I'm more proud of than I could possibly say."

The world got a taste of that with Betty's first independent single "Ignore Me," an uplifting ode to moving on set to warm, indie-tinged electropop. Likewise, synth-streaked dance cut "I Remember" takes on something sad -- the dissonance that can bubble up in a relationship -- and finds the sweetness therein as Betty coos, "I don't want perfect, I want you." Our heroine not only split from her label in 2017, she got engaged, and the thrill of realizing you' could spend your life with someone rings out on "Marry Me." The song's exuberance was inspired by the unabashed pop (namely Katy Perry) Betty loved as a teen. Meanwhile, the vintage JT-evoking "All This Woman" addresses a would-be lover but is really about Betty's acceptance of her own body: "This is me saying to the man or woman I'm standing opposite, 'This is what I want and you're crazy if you don't want it too.'"

These songs spilled out with a similar assuredness -- among them, early teaser "Taste," which Betty has described as "a little rock 'n' roll with just a touch of vampire fetish," and Betty's first official single, the achingly up- close, acoustic-powered "Between You & Me." The process began in sessions between runs of her famously vibrant, intensely choreographed tour. She'd planned to write more when she came off the road, but instead realized she already had an album's worth of songs she adored. So rather than iron them out in high-profile studios around Los Angeles, she absconded to a rental in Palm Springs with her two of her best friends, artist/ producer Pretty Sister and decade-long collaborator Peter Thomas. They finished Betty in 10 days between shared meals and streaming sunshine. "It was one of the best times of my life," recalls Betty. "I swear I'll never make a record any other way."

But that setting conjures the beginning of Betty Who, when the woman born Jessica Newham studied cello at Berklee during the week, then took the first train out to Providence so she could spend all weekend inventing her sound at classmate Peter's family home. And that hustle itself mimics a theme of Betty's childhood in Sydney: while her classical training began at age 4, she devoted every free second to Britney, Christina, *NSYNC, and MJ. The voices, the moves, the lyrics, the spectacle -- she ate it all up, especially that feeling the best pop gives you: "When you hear it," says Betty, "and go, 'Oh my God, you literally wrote this about me.' I've wanted to make music like that ever since." In that spirit, Betty gives us what we need most right now: an excuse to dance in the mirror, license to trust our instinct, and knowledge that joy is never too far away.

The world got a taste of that with Betty's first independent single "Ignore Me," an uplifting ode to moving on set to warm, indie-tinged electropop.…

Marc "Skippy" Price - Revenge of the 80s

Marc

Performances

September 10 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Marc Price, loved by millions as Skippy from the hugely popular 80's sitcom, Family Ties starring Michael J Fox, is an actor, comedian, writer and producer. As a stand-up comedian, Marc has opened for Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. As an actor, he starred in the movie, Trick Or Treat with Ozzy Osborne and Gene Simmons. As a host he helmed late night talk shows (The Midnight Hour- CBS) and TV game shows (Win, Lose Or Draw - Disney Channel). Marc Price has been deemed "Refreshingly Bright" by the L.A. Times and "Wickedly Funny," by the Boston Globe.

Mindy Rickles - Daughters of Comedy

Performances

September 10 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Mindy Rickles, stand up comedian/actress, was recently featured in Jeff Garlin's theatrical release, Dealin' With Idiots. She made her comedic debut on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Mindy performs stand up at clubs around the Los Angeles area. Notably, those include: the Laugh Factory, where she often emcees, the Hollywood Improv, Ha Ha in Northridge, Flappers and even the Comedy Store in La Jolla. Not to mention, she was featured on episodes of "In the Heat of the Night" with Carroll O'Conner.

Mindy Rickles is the daughter of Don Rickles.

Camilla Cleese - Daughters of Comedy

Performances

September 10 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Camilla Cleese is a comedian, writer, and actor based out of Los Angeles. She began her career in comedy as a writer, then venturing in to the world of stand up. Camilla's most notable recent appearances include Comedy Central and America's Got Talent, two successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and multiple national and international tours. Additionally, she can be seen in the independent drama "High and Outside" currently on Amazon Prime and iTunes.

Camilla Cleese is the daughter of John Cleese.

Michael Winslow - Revenge of the 80s

Performances

September 10 - 6:30 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Michael Winslow is an American actor, comedian and beatboxer billed as The Man of 10,000 Sound Effects for his ability to make realistic sounds using only his voice. He is best known for his roles in all seven Police Academy films as Larvell Jones. He made a cameo appearance in the satirical 1987 Mel Brooks comedy film Spaceballs and played a small role in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!. He is also a skilled voice actor appearing in commercials for companies such as Geico, but also hit television series such as Family Guy and Robot Chicken. He has recently finished up a comedy special on the Starz Network with Jimmy Walker, but he also runs a podcast where you can hear his unique takes on life and comedy known as the Noize Podcast.

Check out Micahel Winslow on this season of America's Got Talent!

Iya Terra

Performances

September 11 - 6:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

As the genre of Reggae music continues to evolve, Iya Terra has remained distinguished in both sound and sustenance throughout their five-year journey. Combining messages of traditional Roots music in a modern-day version, the Los Angeles-based band demonstrates an original and refreshing approach to creating conscious soundwaves that has them bound for infinite possibilities.

The 2015 release of the band's first LP, Full Circle, began an upward trend of gaining momentum and fan acquisition across the map. In 2016, Iya Terra reached new heights as they began to tour heavily throughout the western U.S. Fast forward to 2017, which undoubtedly proved to be Iya Terra's breakout year. The release of their Billboard and iTunes chart-topping album Sacred Sound became a launching pad for a year full of massive growth. Since its release, the band's calendar had been filled with powerful intent as they spent the rest of the year touring in new markets such as the East coast and venturing internationally into Canada.

2018 kicked off full force with Iya Terra supporting Stick Figure on the Above The Storm Winter Tour followed by a blockbuster Summer Tour as the band performed alongside Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse and Tribal Seeds. Not to be overlooked, Iya Terra also managed to release 2 #1 chart-topping singles, "Stars", "Marching On", and "Wash Away" while journeying on 3 very successful headlining expeditions throughout the course of the year that spanned across the entire country.

The five-piece band has now made inspiring debuts in the last few years at several major festivals including the California Roots Music and Arts Festival, One Love Cali Reggae Fest and Reggae Rise Up held in both Florida and Utah. Iya Terra looks to carry the momentum through 2019, as they trod on some very promising ventures supporting big names such as Rebelution, Twiddle and SOJA. The band also plans to drop a new full-length album titled Coming To Light with a headlining run to promote its Release. Iya Terra continues to practice hard work and full passion with a loving connection to their ever-growing fan base. Their musical growth has earned them respect amongst an impressive resume of artists and after recently joining forces with Ineffable Music Group and Paradigm Agency, the sky is the limit moving forward!

Niko Rubio

Performances

September 9 - 5:30 PM @ Generac Power Stage

When creating her debut project, 20-year-old singer/songwriter Niko Rubio found a never-ending muse in the Pacific Coast Highway: the iconic stretch of road that runs along the ocean for nearly the entire length of California, including the Southern California South Bay area where she grew up. Expansive and euphoric, Niko's radiant form of songwriting perfectly echoes the pure sense of possibility that accompanies driving down the PCH. Drawing inspiration from the collage of artists she's come to admire throughout her life including Vampire Weekend, Lana Del Rey, Erykah Badu & twenty one pilots, as well as the mariachi & banda music her grandparents played at home, Niko's music is an amalgamation of these influences, but unique in its effervescent melodies and unpredictable textures. Using cinematically detailed references and her effortlessly untamed vocals, Niko is ready to take those who listen to her debut single, "You Could Be The One," and forthcoming EP on a sonic road trip along the highway where they became a possibility.

Shaggy

Performances

September 4 - 9:45 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Born Orville Richard Burrell and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Shaggy got his start as a club DJ in New York City's burgeoning dancehall scene soon after moving to Brooklyn in his teens. Not long after serving four years in the U.S. Marines (including two tours of duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Storm), he inked his first record deal and quickly scored a global crossover smash with "Oh Carolina."

As the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, Shaggy, managed by the Cherrytree Music Company, has sold more than 40 million album units to date, in addition to landing eight singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and seven albums on the Billboard 200 (including four in the top 40). He is among the top 3 streamed reggae artists of all time on Spotify (along with Bob Marley & Sean Paul).

Along with 44/876 (winner of Best Reggae Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards), his most recent projects include his twelfth studio album Wah Gwaan?!, a 2019 release that amassed over four million streams during its first week on Spotify alone and spent a chunk of that year in the Top 10 on Apple's iTunes Reggae chart. That was followed by the release of Hot Shot 2020, commemorating the 20th anniversary of his diamond-selling album, which included re-recorded, modernized versions of the biggest hits and most beloved fan favorites across Shaggy's catalog.

Last year also saw the massive success of his viral hit, "Banana" with fellow Jamaican artist, Conkarah which has amassed 2 billion streams and spawned 50+ million Tik Tok videos with over 5 billion video views for the #bananadrop challenge!

Shaggy finished out the year with the release of Christmas in the Islands -- a quintessential reggae Christmas themed collection that puts a Caribbean twist on traditional Christmas cheer featuring island-infused holiday songs with guest performances from Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Junior Reid, Ne-Yo, Romain Virgo, Ritchie Stephens, Conkarah, Joss Stone & others.

Shaggy's latest collaboration -- "Go Down Deh" with fellow reggae icon Sean Paul and the Queen of Dancehall, Spice -- is dominating the global reggae charts debuting at #1 on US and Israeli iTunes Reggae, #2 in the UK, Italy and Canada, and Top 10 on Apple Music, iTunes and Deezer in multiple countries including Japan, Jamaica (#1 on Apple Music), Germany and the Netherlands. The iconic Jamaican trio recently performed their smash hit on a trio of National television shows including Good Moring America's Summer Concert Series, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Wendy Williams Show. The track, produced by Shaggy, will be followed this summer by Spice's highly anticipated debut album, entitled TEN, which Shaggy is executive producing.

Beginning July 4, 2021, Shaggy will host a new weekly radio show, Shaggy's Yaad, on SiriusXM FLY. The new show will feature a wide range of contemporary, rare and classic tracks spanning the hip hop, dancehall and reggae genres with insights from Shaggy about the musical history of his Jamaican homeland and its global impact.

Not only a multi-award-winning songwriter and hitmaker, Shaggy has also long used his platform to strengthen his community and homeland. In 2009, he established the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and organized the first of many, Shaggy & Friends benefit concerts, which to date have raised millions for the Bustamante Children's Hospital (the Caribbean's only English-speaking children's hospital, located in Kingston).

"I always try to bring the fun when I'm performing, and keep everything very lighthearted and joyous," says Shaggy. "I think my purpose and my job is to bring joy to as many people as I can, and I want that to resonate within all of the music that I create."

Sky McCreery

Performances

September 3 - 6:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Sophia Messa

Performances

September 10 - 6:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Unusual Demont

Performances

September 2 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Unusual Demont was indoctrinated by the internet. He spent his formative years exploring cultural and musical nooks that fall slightly outside the comfort zones of most. Hailing from the vanilla, midwest state of Wisconsin, Demont is an accidental rebel and self-described "weirdo", who probably has tabs of ASMR, KPop, and Frank Ocean tracks slowed with extra reverb open at any given time. Not to mention the influence of his grandfather, who played drums and toured the world with the legendary Curtis Mayfield. This eclectic exposure to cultures and subcultures in lineage and online has manifested itself in his music. While no two tracks sound the same, all showcase a naturally beautiful singing voice and organic, experience-driven songwriting.

daydream Masi

Performances

September 16 - 6:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

JEFF The Brotherhood

Performances

September 18 - 6:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

JEFF The Brotherhood is an art project whose inception dates back to 2002. In an unassuming basement in Nashville, Tennessee, brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall began experimenting with a riveting blend of kraut rock, jazz, black metal, and the avant-garde. The Brotherhood began with one goal in mind: to do or create whatever they want with no rules or boundaries.Over the last 15 years, their experimental and expansive art has taken them to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Russia, spanning over a thousand live performances. They've created countless art objects in conjunction with music, including zines, puppets, videos, and twelve full-length albums. In the process, they've swept up countless allocates from the international music press."Squaring up with JEFF The Brotherhood at any time during its decade-long career has been mercifully simple: Come for the riffs, stay for the riffs. Not much more is asked of the listener; when you hit play, you enter into an agreement wherein they lay 'em down and you soak 'em up," raves NPR.Their latest offering sees the band deliver something different in the form of a sprawling double album dubbed Magick Songs. The record marks a departure from previous styles. Elements of '80s Japanese experimental music meld with Indonesian Gamelan forms, clever improvisation and abundant hand percussion, and synthesizer. Later, it's dreamy and ethereal, evoking psychedelic rock and '90s indie styles. Many of the compositions were written in collaboration with Kunal Prakash (Viva L'American Death Ray Music & Quintron's Weather Warlock Band) and Jack Lawrence (The Greenhornes & Raconteurs & The Dead Weather), and feature a host of guest collaborations including vocals by Jenna Moynihan (Daddy Issues & Fever Blush) and saxophone and clarinet by Reece Lazarus (Bully).Written and recorded by the band over six months at Jake Orrall's house in Nashville, the bare bones studio contributed to the relaxed, exploratory nature of the compositions and was a new and enlightening experience for the group. Repeated spins of the magical record will reveal its multi-layered secrets.

Nora Collins

Performances

September 17 - 6:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Nora Collins brings a confident and youthful originality to country music – a style she describes as "fun, flirty, relatable and honest." That individuality is evident in "Who Knows Who," a catchy single that captures her energetic spirit and her talent for songwriting.

Already her dynamic music has gained the attention of CMT, Radio Disney, and the iconic music festival Summerfest in Milwaukee. In 2016, Collins played 18 Summerfest sets across 11 days. The following year, she opened for Lee Brice on the festival's main stage, which remains a landmark in her career.

"Being a Milwaukee girl this was a dream come true for me," says Collins, who was born and raised in nearby Brookfield, Wisconsin. "That was the stage I grew up going to, to see my favorite bands play. In a way it made me feel like I am 'making it.'"

Indeed she is. Collins moved to Nashville in April 2016 after landing a publishing and artist development deal with MV2 Entertainment. She explains, "I had never moved in my life until I moved to Nashville. It means so much to have my Wisconsin friends cheering me on. They have been so kind to me over the years. Wisconsin is a proud state that really rallies behind their own. I want nothing more than to make my hometown proud."

Collins has claimed the Best of Milwaukee Award in the Female Vocalist category four times (2013-2016). She also earned recognition as Best Acoustic Musician in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In addition, she has received eight Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award (WAMI) nominations, leading to wins as Singer/Songwriter of the Year in 2014 and Rising Star in 2012 and 2013.

A frequent local performer from the time she was 14 years old, Collins has gradually accumulated a stack of independent albums to sell at her shows. After co-writing with several notable Nashville songwriters, she released a five-song EP with MV2 in 2016, followed by a Christmas project in 2017. She is currently working on new music with accomplished producer Marshall Altman (Natasha Bedingfield, Amy Grant, Frankie Ballard, Eric Paslay).

She notes, "Having a hit producer connect with my songs and want to help me bring them to life was a big honor. It's been so fun working with him. It's amazing to watch him work and learn from him." When Collins unveiled the uptempo single, "Who Knows Who," CMT premiered the video while Radio Disney added the song to rotation.

Collins says, "The message of this song is that two can play that game. I feel like it's a really relatable song about the games we all can be guilty of playing in relationships. You want the person to know that you could be anywhere, doing anything without them and you're having the time of your life. You want them to be dying to know what you're doing."

In concert, Collins often accompanies herself on acoustic guitar, fitting in seamlessly with top-notch musicians that she's met in Nashville. She believes that the lively attitude of "Who Knows Who" sets the stage for the upcoming EP. "A lot of the songs have a throwback feel, which showcases who some of my musical influences are," she says, citing Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Alison Krauss, and Miranda Lambert as personal heroes. Dedicated to a career in music, Collins hopes to join their ranks.

"I have many goals but my ultimate goal since moving here is to have a hand in writing a No. 1 song, earn a major label record deal, go on tour as the opening act on a major tour, and have my own #1 song as the artist," she says.

Yet, like these women, she knows she has to work hard to be heard. It's a lesson she discovered through her Midwestern upbringing: "I learned the importance of work ethic from my parents. They instilled in me that if you want something, you have to work for it. Always be the hardest worker in the room."

When she's off the road, Collins dedicates her time to co-writing sessions on Music Row. As she continues to garner new fans through performances and social media, the naturally outgoing singer-songwriter believes that she is forging new friendships, too.

"I am most looking forward to going out on the road and playing my new music!" she says. "When people hear my music, my hope is that they will connect to the songs. There is nothing more special to me than knowing that my lyrics moved someone. Music is the universal language that connects us all and it's so cool to see that in action."

Quinn Sullivan

Performances

September 10 - 4:15 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

A rare artist who's always sounded older than his years, Sullivan has been touring the world since he was 11-years-old, playing storied venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., as well as India's Mahindra Blues Festival, Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, and three Montreux Jazz Festivals. Quinn has shared the stage with his hero and mentor Buddy Guy, as well as Carlos Santana on several occasions. Quinn's performance experience includes appearances on leading national television programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Oprah Winfrey Show, to name a few.

This Massachusetts native has taken the abundant skills of his youth and now, as a young adult, is letting them blossom and steer him into new directions of artistry and creativity.

"I want to stay true to where I come from, and go from there," says Sullivan. "The artists that inspire me to do that are always hungry for the new. They never repeat themselves. They just grow and become more unique -- and that's what I aim to do as an artist."

Having developed genuinely jaw-dropping skills as a guitar player, Sullivan's more recent learning curve has been with pen and paper. "I've always considered myself a songwriter," he says. "On the last few records, it just wasn't something I was doing all the time. I was focused on other things, like my guitar playing and developing my vocals, both of which I continue to do." Since the release of 2017's MIDNIGHT HIGHWAY, Sullivan has evolved into the singer-songwriter genre while effectively highlighting his guitar mastery.

That's certainly evident on WIDE AWAKE, the new album recorded in Los Angeles with producer/collaborator Oliver Leiber. WIDE AWAKE revels in range and assurance while keeping Sullivan's guitar playing front and center on every track. The album is a musical spectrum, from the joyous reverie of the debut single "All Around The World," to the vulnerable, airy, sweet melodicism of "Jessica" and the gentle pop of "Real Thing."

This Massachusetts native has taken the abundant skills of his youth and now, as a young adult, is letting them blossom and steer him into new directions of artistry and creativity.

Early James

Performances

September 2 - 1:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

A few years ago, Early James stumbled home, "drunk, or in some kind of state" and started doing dishes. When he woke up the next morning, the young man did not have a clean kitchen, but, he'd soon realize, he did have a song. Almost immediately, James began writing "Dishes in the Dark," a sober self-reflection about trying, and failing, to clean your act up. "This dirt, this dust, this rust/It's what I'm all about," he sings over a sparse acoustic guitar. "I won't wash up/I'll just wash out."

Singing For My Supper, the debut album from Early James, is full of those types of poignant, straight-from-real-life-to-the-page stories. Early James has lived a long life for a 26 year-old, a life he can't help but end up turning into art. Songs keep spilling out of him: Songs about addiction, songs about familial reckoning, songs about mental health, songs about the ways adulthood can rob us of childhood wonder. For someone raised largely by the women in his family in Southeastern Alabama, Early James, whose mother worked 12-hour shifts as a traveling nurse during his upbringing, never expected that he'd get to become a professional artist, and he doesn't plan on wasting a second.

"I make sounds for a living," he says. "That's a weird thing to say."

James' first album is a riotous blend of styles and sounds, the type of wise-behind-their-years debut offering that makes one stop to wonder how a 22 year-old could possibly contain so much world-weary wisdom. "Blue Pill Blues" details a harrowing four-five month period when James, who was being treated for depression, quit his antipsychotic medication cold turkey. "High Horse" is a lament of the ways his adolescent excitement faded with the arrival of the vices of adulthood. "I can't remember the last time I climbed I tree," he sings with a world of despair, "Now when I'm high, there ain't much that I want to see." "Easter Eggs," meanwhile, finds the songwriter coming to terms with some of the darker sides of his familial inheritance, a prime example of James' ability to pack a lifetime of questions into a single couplet:

"Southern sadness from days of yore," he sings, "Jesus Christ, when it rains it really pours."

The album's wide-ranging ten songs span a blend of hard-charging blues, wistful folk and ages-old pop crooning anchored by the singer's once-in-a-lifetime voice, which can oscillate from gravel-gruff shout to honey-smooth whisper.

"Some people are good singers," says the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, who decided he needed to produce the singer's debut album at his Easy Eye Sound studio after watching just two seconds of a video of him performing. "And some people are better than good singers, they just have this great form of expression."

James' voice conjures a century's worth of American barkers and crooners, from Alan Lomax field recordings to mid-century iconoclasts like Billy Holliday and Howlin Wolf to ghostly late-century interpreters like Fiona Apple and Tom Waits. But James wasn't simply born with such a voice; he's entirely uninterested, in fact, in that myth. "I hated my voice for a long time," he says. "I didn't used to believe my voice when I heard it. It sounded like me, and I know I'm a liar, so I couldn't believe it."

Using prickly-poet heroes like Apple and Waits as inspirations, James realized he could arrive at a greater emotional truth if he just tried to conjure up the voice he heard in his head. Long before he ever discovered his own voice, though, Early James' soul was full of music. He can hardly remember a time when he wasn't obsessed with song. As a young child growing up in Troy, a small community in Southeast, AL that James says was plagued with "Walmart disease," he would start singing "Take It Easy" by the Eagles to strangers while waiting in the checkout line with his family at the grocery store. His life was changed forever when, at age six, he witnessed a local musician who'd been hired to play covers perform at a family function at his grandmother's house.

His life changed once again when, as a preteen, he discovered the music of Hank Williams Sr, whose music he began to sing in the shower every night. Then came the teenage years: grunge, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana. After asking for a guitar for Christmas several years in a row, his Aunt finally gifted him one at age 15. His uncle taught him how to play \"\Mary Had A Little Lamb," and James was off to the races. "I just didn't stop," he says of his high school years spent locked away in his room playing guitar.

As soon as he was old enough, Early James moved to Birmingham, where he's become an integral part of the city's thriving music scene over the past half-decade. "Everything in Nashville is so competitive and clique-ish and cutthroat," he says, "But Birmingham is the greatest fucking scene in the world. It's a weird melting pot." In town, James plays in "like five other bands": bluegrass outfits, folk collectives, alt-country groups. "I just try to convince people to let me play guitar for them."

James' diverse experience in the Birmingham scene has helped mold him into a singular talent, an artist whose sound remains entirely uncategorizable. "The biggest compliment we get," James says, "Is, 'I was confused by your set. I don't really know what genre to put y'all in.'"

Coming out of a local music scene as first-rate as Birmingham has also helped sculpted James into a songwriter who obsesses over the craft and texture of every word he's ever sung. "Every line has to mean something to him, personally," says Auerbach. "It's not good enough to just write a good song, it needs to have a deeper meaning. He's unlike any person I've ever worked with. He's not writing a song to be universal; he's writing a song for him."

"I make sounds for a living," he says. "That's a weird thing to say."

Pacific

Performances

September 10 - 1:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

Pacific is an alt pop band from Nashville, TN made up of Will Hunter, Nick Valdez, Cory Andersen, and Nathaniel Philbrick.

The four-piece began in 2018 when frontman Will met Cory (bass) and Nick (drums) aftehttps://twitter.com/theband_pacificr having released a solo EP under the name Pacific. The three began touring the southeastern part of the US growing a grass roots following before the release of their new singles, including the whimsical love anthem WYAF (Where You Are Forever), at the beginning of 2019. Keys player Nathaniel joined later that year.

At the beginning of 2020, Pacific opened for American Authors and released their self-titled EP including singles "you never know" and "falling for you" accompanied by a music video accruing over 100K listens in the first week.

Pacific has been compared to rising alternative bands like LANY, The 1975, and the band CAMINO, but won't put a cap on what they are inspired by, drawing influence from artists like Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, and Twenty One Pilots. They are the perfect blend of your favorite nostalgia bands and modern indie pop. Pacific is about establishing a real connection with people through music and hopes to be a voice of light and togetherness in a world that often seems dark and lonely. They hope to bring people together and play a small role in making the world more beautiful.

Pacific is an alt pop band from Nashville, TN made up of Will Hunter, Nick Valdez, Cory Andersen, and Nathaniel Philbrick.

Skylar Love

Performances

September 3 - 3:00 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

Skylar Love hails from Doylestown Pennsylvania and is an indie pop rock artist with 90's grunge vibes. Her music is whimsical with a dark twist to it. If Melanie Martinez and Rikki Lee Jones had a baby, it would be Skylar Love. She started writing original music at the age of eleven and since then people have described her lyrics as deep, compelling and passionate. Many people also say that she is an old soul because of her ability to write lyrics from another person's perspective. Her song "Racing against your Heart", can be heard on several radio stations around the world and "Drunk on Love High on Emotion" was a semifinalist in the international songwriting competition.

The band consists of her and her drummer Ed Packlalian, who plays the electronic drums like an animal. Ed brings a different and unique dynamic to what Skylar Love has to offer with her music.

Skylar Love's accomplishments over the past couple of years include Atlantic Records flying her out to L.A for a private showcase at the Roxy Theater and to record in APG Studios at only fourteen years old. She has played over 100 shows this past year and recently won Best of Bucks Musician of 2021. This 16 year old has a bright musical future ahead of her so keep an eye out for the name Skylar Love.

The band consists of her and her drummer Ed Packlalian, who plays the electronic drums like an animal. Ed brings a different and unique dynamic to what Skylar Love has to offer with her music.

Willow Hill

Performances

September 11 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Formerly fronting Rolling Stone's "Band to Watch", Lovebettie, the husband and wife duo of Alexandra Fields & C.T. Fields have embarked on a new musical journey, Willow Hill. Bringing their notorious high energy live show, quirky fun-loving energy, and a new level of songwriting craftsmanship; the duo has rebranded with a fresh new sound called "Funky Country".

Under their previous moniker, the duo toured over 200 dates for over 10 years, and developed an extremely dedicated national fanbase. They were a regular name at major festivals like Sturgis, Rocklahoma, Warped Tour, and Summerfest – where they supported the legendary Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, and won the Emerging Artist Series. They were voted in the top 3 out of 20,000 acts to perform at The Grammys, performed The Official Lady Gaga Afterparty for her Monsters Ball Tour, and has shared bills with multitudes of national acts including Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown, Aaron Lewis, Lifehouse, Carly Rae Jepsen, Hanson, and many more.

Willow Hill recorded their debut EP, Highway One at Nashville's historic Benchmark Studios, produced by Zach Abend and Jeff Cohen, who's credits include Sugarland, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry. The Ep immediately gained steam and the band began showcasing for major labels, talent buyers, agencies, and some of the industry's biggest tastemakers. Willow Hill is set to make their mainstream country radio debut in 2018.

The Gingers

Performances

September 11 - 1:00 PM @ Uline Warehouse Stage

These chicks rock! This all-female, redheaded, Chicago based classic rock band delivers a lively-fun-loving & high-energy performance with an arsenal filled with the greatest rock songs!

Their rough edge tackles traditionally testosterone-fueled tunes and is nicely bookended with plenty of layer-cake harmonies and melodic favorites that audiences know and love from the 70's 80's and beyond.

Their genuine love for fun is contagious! "The Gingers Rock!"

These chicks rock! This all-female, redheaded, Chicago based classic rock band delivers a lively-fun-loving & high-energy performance with an arsenal filled with the greatest rock songs!

Their genuine love for fun is contagious! "The Gingers Rock!"

Cannons

Performances

September 4 - 4:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Respect! A Tribute to the Queen of Soul

Performances

September 3 - 2:00 PM @ BMO Harris Pavilion

Almighty Vinyl

Performances

September 2 - 6:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Almighty Vinyl is a concert-style classic rock show performing the biggest hits of the 70s as they were originally recorded. With co-ed, duo lead singer front to the band and 3 additional singers with lead vocal qualities, Almighty Vinyl produces the big vocal harmonies that were the staple of the 70s rock sound. With no pre-recorded instrument or vocal tracks, Almighty Vinyl is a 100% live music experience paying tribute to bands like: Boston, Eagles, CSNY, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd Fleetwood Mac, and many more. We are suited for all ages; playing Summerfest, State Fair, Various Church festivals and Co. Fairs as well as private events and clubs. So dust off your bell-bottoms, put on your grooviest shirt, and come party with a band that you will never forget.

The First Wave

Performances

September 3 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

BRETT NEWSKI & THE NO TOMORROW

Performances

September 11 - 2:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Milwaukee's BRETT NEWSKI & the No Tomorrow channels the 90s alternative, playing alongside acts like Pixies, Violent Femmes, Courtney Barnett, Manchester Orchestra, Better than Ezra & New Pornographers.

Coming off recent sonic collaborations with Barenaked Ladies co-founder Steven Page, Nada Surf's Matthew Caws, and Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe, 90's influenced alt-rock outfit BRETT NEWSKI & the No Tomorrow launches eight new tracks, a soundtrack to his book titled "It's Hard to be a Person: Defeating Anxiety Surviving the World, and Having More Fun."

He has been featured on Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston Globe, and Paste.

Newski's podcast Dirt from the Road dives into strangest travel stories, mental health boosts, and how to navigate the hurdles of being a person in modern times. Guests include The Lumineers, All American Rejects, Dashboard Confessional, Guster, Heartless Bastards, Verve Pipe, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Frank Turner. Hear here: https://brettnewski.biglink.to/dirtfromtheRoad

He has been featured on Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston Globe, and Paste.

Thriftones

Performances

September 17 - 12:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Thriftones, based in Milwaukee, have been winning fans over with eclectic set lists and high energy performances that come to life on the stage. The four piece group draws it's inspiration from an endless pool of musical genres. You might feel a funky 70's jam end and a weird sonic freak-out begin. A spastic and aggressive rocker lead into a crooning waltz. They have played the outdoor festival stage, the cozy coffeehouse, the gallery night art opening and a lot of those clubs you find yourself in after midnight.

SACRED

Performances

September 2 - 2:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

SACRED is a progressively modern rock band from Milwaukee, WI consisting of artists who met by divine fortune, fueled by emotion & stories to share. The self-titled E.P. 'SACRED' & sophomore album titled 'Myths & Monsters' were recorded in Milwaukee by Kevin Arndt at the Exchange Recording Complex and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound. The 1st single from the new album called 'Berlin Wall' was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge (Shinedown, Blink182, Fall Out Boy, Santana, Green Day). SACRED's music can be found on all major streaming services.

SACRED was selected as one of NEXT2ROCK 2018's top 15 nationwide rock bands by Cumulus Media & Big Machine Records. SACRED received 2018-2020 nominations for "Best Alternative Rock Artists" by the WAMI organization, and have showcased their talents amongst industry professionals. SACRED tours regionally, plays larger festivals such as Summerfest and opened for national touring acts Foghat, Red Sun Rising,Sponge, Tony Macalpine, Enuff-Z- Nuff & Peter DiStefano (songwriter & guitarist from Perry Farrell's Porno for Pyros).

The Listening Party

Performances

September 2 - 12:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

A four piece band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Listening Party blends folk and rock through its unique instrumentation and diverse musical background. Comprised of soulful vocals, mandolin, piano, chugging acoustic guitar and the pulse of an upright bass the Listening Party provides an unparalleled energy in the acoustic/folk genre.

Initially created in Appleton in 2012 as an acoustic rock duo, the band has created it's largest following in the Fox Valley area, consistently packing local clubs. After relocating to Milwaukee in 2014, the band picked up momentum with a full schedule of shows including several local festivals, like Summerfest (2014, 2015 Briggs and Stratton stage), the East Side Music Festival (Taking place on MKE's historic Brady Street), and others.

Regarding composing, the band draws inspiration from several avenues. With the background of each musician being diverse you will hear influences from blue grass, jazz, classical, romantic to more modern, acoustic, and contemporary rock. Each instrument and voice finds their place in every piece, while still being clearly pop-driven and catchy.

Look for their new recording in 2015!

Blues Disciples

Performances

September 9 - 12:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

The Blues Disciples have been bringing their Blues to the people of the local clubs in the Milwaukee area and the Midwest region since 1990. Founded by "Barefoot" Jimmy Schwarz with the intent of remaining true to the influences of the Chicago electric blues era of the '50's and 60's. Influenced initially by the likes of Little Walter, and Muddy Waters, and then directly by Wisconsin Blues greats Jim Liban and Billy Flynn they forged a sound and band that rose to the top of the Milwaukee Blues scene. Their years of powerful shows every week at Milwaukee Blues fixture, The Up & Under, turned a whole new generation on to the Blues genre. Many years and changes have kept their music fresh, and relevant, while still remaining true to their Blues roots.

Twan Mack

Performances

September 16 - 2:00 PM @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage

Twan Mack is an adult contemporary hip-hop artist from Milwaukee. His performances enlighten, entertain and educate. His sound trakes audiences back to the golden era of hip-hop where subject matter and history are equally important.

Craig Omick's Third Coast Grooves

Performances

September 3 - 12:00 PM @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

Veteran Milwaukee Musician Craig Omick bringing Third Coast Grooves back to Summerfest. The popular talented group has performed all along "America's Third Coast," covering classic hits with original twists.

Experience the fun & positive vibrations, September 3rd at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage. Bring your dancing shoes for a variety of retro rock, reggae, funk, and soulful tunes.

Geoff Landon Show

Performances

September 16 - 12:00 PM @ Generac Power Stage

Geoffrey James Landon was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin in September 15th, 1975. (Birthplace of the guitar great Les Paul) As a child, music surrounded his home. Three generations of musicians, organists, piano teachers, high school choir and band directors litter his family tree. The eclectic mix of music in the household forged a musical background of The Andrew Sisters to Pink Floyd and John Mellencamp, and even to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. In 1982, his father bought Geoff his first guitar. And throughout the 1980's, Geoff listened and prepared himself for a career in music. Maybe not even knowing it at first. His musical background became more diverse as styles changed from the suburb grunge, to hip-hop to country roots. Watching his Uncle Mark's rock band in the early 90's gave Geoff a taste of bar and "honky-tonk" playing, and only fueled his fire to perform even more. Through it all, He graduated high school with band and choir honors, lettering in three sports.

Then came 1994 . . . Marine Corps . . . injuries would bring Geoff back home. Geoff recalls the day he left, " I saw this video, 'Don't Take The Girl' for the first time, and knew I was meant to be a singer!" , Geoff explains, "Tim McGraw has been a major influence in my choice of music."

In 1997, Geoff began a series of stints in Nashville. Performing in The Wildhorse Saloon, The Broken Spoke Saloon and Writer's Café, the "World Famous" Turf and Wade's Hall Of Fame Bar.Writing became more and more a part of his strength in music. He learned his blue-collar approach from performers many lower Broadway Ave. performers and Hit Nashville writers!

Geoff cut a demo CD with ADG Nashville in 2000 called "Clean Out Of Nashville". In 2001, Geoff created a band to perform around Wisconsin. Since then, Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack has become one of the top country bands in Wisconsin.

Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack Country - Top 40 Featuring powerful vocals and award winning musicians. Taking you on a roller-coaster ride of inspirational ballads to today's hot country hits! The Wolfpack is based out of Milwaukee. They have opened for numerous national acts and play anywhere from small honky-tonk bars to large country festivals throughout the Midwest. Their larger events include Summerfest, Germanfest w/ Gretchen Wlison, Wisconsin State Fair and the Milwaukee Harley Rally w/ Emerson Drive. Geoff Landon and The Wolfpack also play country music festivals: Lakewood , Porterfield, Hodag in Rhinelander and Country USA (Now in their 6th Year)

In 2008 ,Geoff has finished his long awaited 3rd album, A Little Faith. Featuring the songs 'Be Like Tim' and 'Caught In The Undertow' These Songs are available on itunes andamazon.com. Geoff is continuing a successful career in country music. Keep an eye out for new music and exciting features.

Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack…

Jay Stulo

Performances

September 3 - 12:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Greatest Hits Band

Performances

September 9 - 12:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Jonny T-Bird & the MPs

Performances

September 4 - 12:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Jonny T-Bird & the MPs belt out a soulful mix of blues and originality. The MPs stands for MARINATED PUPPETS, which was the name of a band that a few of its members were a part of before they gave birth to this Milwaukee combo. Since 2009, their performances included some of southeastern Wisconsin's well-known venues (Miramar Theatre, Cactus Club, Up & Under, The Domes, etc.). The band's founding members met while they were studying music at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Their CD "Let's Do This!" has been available for purchase since March 2013 and their newest release "True Story" has been available for purchase since June 2016. Jonny T-Bird & the MPs is also a proud member of the Grafton Blues Association.

Jon "Jonny T-Bird" Neuberger (guitar/vocals): The architect and bandleader of Jonny T-Bird & the MPs. Some say you have to be born with the blues to play the blues. That was the case when Jon was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at an early age. Known as the mild form of the autism spectrum. But that didn't stop Jon from picking up the guitar at the age of thirteen. Back then, Jon studied under two of Milwaukee's guitar legends, Jeff Dagenhardt and Greg Koch. Jon was given the name JONNY T-BIRD while he was a student at Wauwatosa West High School and one of his teachers (Bob Bathurst) called him that name out of the blue. The more he did it, the more that name stuck. Jon was learning classic rock songs and played with various bands during his teenage years. While he went to college at both MATC and Carroll University, Jon finally decided to pursue his music into blues and jazz. Jon can also be found giving private guitar and bass lessons if he's not performing on stage.

"Cadillac" Craig Carter (bass/vocals): Craig began his journey into the music world receiving his first bass guitar as a youngster. Craig excelled in his high school music program at West Division High school, while also joining his first band around the age 16. He later continued his studies in Instrumental performance at Berklee College of music in Boston, Massachusetts. Professionally trained in contemporary music Craig is able to play different genres of music from Blues, Reggae, Jazz and even Funk. He has played with bands such as the Misfits, Kojo Reggae Band, Wicked Long Day and many more. Craig's main interest is the Electric Bass Guitar and singing. He loves to put on a show while performing , which is how he received his nick name "Cadillac Craig" in the since that he's so smooth while playing on stage.

Anna Brinck (keys/vocals): Ms. Anna Brinck is a veteran to the Milwaukee and Midwest music scene with her ticklin' ivories ability. Lending her talents to The Elementals, The Best Westerns, Misha Siegfried, Dead Man's Carnival and now Jonny T-Bird & the MPs. Influences ranging from Oscar Peterson, John Medeski, Tom Waits and Allen Toussaint is what's to be expected when hearing Ms. Brinck's playing. When she's not on stage, Anna Brinck is teaching private piano lessons. Ms. Brinck is currently attending UWM studying for her Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering.

"Big Dad" Robert Keelan (harmonica/vocals): If there is such a thing as "the fifth MP", then it would have to be "Big Dad" Robert Keelan. A veteran to the Milwaukee blues scene. Robert started off as a drummer in his teenage years, before eventually switching to blues harmonica. Robert studied harmonica under two of Milwaukee's harp masters, Jim Liban & Steve Cohen. On rare occasions, Big Dad can be seen with Jonny T-Bird's side project, "The JONNY T-BIRD & BIG DAD blues duo".

Marcus "MG" Gibbons (drums):MG has toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in the US over the past 15 years of his professional career, including tours/gigs with Keyshia Cole, Aaron Moore, Tweed Funk, Harvey Scales, The Esquires and as part of BB King's House Band in Memphis. Whether if he's with the MPs or someone else, MG's drumming style can lay down a funky groove, sit in the pocket, or hit hyper-drive with a flurry of fills and high-energy, mesmerizing drum solos.

Ben Hans (drums): Ben Hans is a musician, music instructor, and Hal Leonard author who keeps a busy performance schedule throughout the Upper Midwest. In addition to leading his own jazz trio, Ben performs as a fill-in drummer for Jonny T-Bird & the MPs. He's also performed with a number of rock, jazz, and blues artists such as Jack Grassel, Kip Winger, Chuck Hedges, Barry Harris, Scott DuBois, and Tallan "T-Man" Latz. You can find out more about Ben Hans through his websitewww.benhans.com.

Kenneth Brian Band

Performances

September 9 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Since his first album release in 2002, Kenneth Brian's modern Southern Rock and Americana infused style, timeless song-craft, layered with gritty vocals and guitar prowess have helped earn him a loyal fan following and the respect of fellow musicians. Kenneth's musical styling and dynamic live performances also attracted the attention of some of his mentors like Lucinda Williams, Billy Gibbons and current bandmate Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Since 2013, he spent two years touring with multi-Grammy winner Lucinda Williams, who describes the sound of the live band as "somewhere between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Drive-By Truckers". He has also opened for ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, and Blackberry Smoke. Whether in intimate Honky Tonks or stately, sold-out theaters, Kenneth and the live band continue to captivate audiences with powerful, resonating guitar tones and a tight rhythm section.

Kenneth's sixth studio album 'With Lions,' released May 19th 2017, includes 11 songs all written by Kenneth and pays tribute to his mentors as well as his musically rich and culturally significant Southern heritage. The single "You're Not Mine" is an edgy anthem with heavy-hitting guitar solos and powerful vocals. "Beautiful Storm" is an emotionally evocative track that showcases Kenneth's spell-binding competency with a slide.

Rock 'n' roll royalty Steve Ferrone (Drums, Tambourine, Shakers) and Scott Thurston (Keyboards, Piano) of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers don't just lend their talents for the album but, Ferrone sits behind the drum kit when he's not touring with Tom Petty. Kenneth and Steve met a couple of years ago at a gathering thrown by a mutual pal. Not long after, he needed a drummer for a Hollywood gig and Steve sat in with the band. He has worked with Kenneth to hone the sound and helped him the right players. And as they say, the rest is history. Handpicked by Steve, drummer Chris Cano plays with the KBB when Ferrone is on the road with the Heartbreakers. Popular session bass guitarist and Disresputable Few member, Paul Ill, joined the band at Steve's urging and perfectly rounded out the Kenneth Brian Band sound. "Those two were the perfect combination for what I do," said Kenneth. "Their influence has helped elevate my playing and just being around Steve is a master class on how to be a successful artist and a decent human being," he continued. In true KBB form, the sound of the new album honors a distinctive blend of Southern Rock that is both progressive and rooted in tradition.

While Kenneth currently resides in Los Angeles, he originally hails from the South. Born in Virginia, he spent some of his formative years in Alabama before his family settled in the musically rich town of Gainesville, Florida. From a very young age, he realized his passion for creating music and has pursued it with vigor. He penned his first country song on an old guitar at the ripe age of 4 and became serious about the guitar at age 11.

After moving to Nashville in 2001, Kenneth hit the road with a new sound steeped in tradition.

'With Lions,' out May 19, 2017 on Robo Records, was recorded at Dave's Room Studio in Hollywood, California. David Bianco (Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Tom Petty) produced, mixed and engineered the album. It was mastered at legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California by mastering engineer Kevin Bartley.

Carolyn Miller

Performances

September 17 - 4:15 PM @ Johnson Controls World Stage

New York's rising country artist Carolyn Miller has been performing professionally since the age of eight. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music, Miller's background is in theatre, film and TV, as well as voice-overs and commercials. Influenced by country music artists like Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill, along with pop icons Kelly Clarkson and Adele, Miller has used her big, powerful voice to create her own style that captures the true essence of country-pop. She released her debut EP in 2018 independently and since then, Miller has not only headlined/sold out numerous shows around the northeast, but also shared the stage with country superstars like Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, Walker Hayes, and many more. Miller has been seen on an impressive list of outlets includingCMT, Hollywood Life, Taste of Country, Sounds Like Nashville, Country Rebel, American Songwriter, Country Now, The Boot and her songs/videos have been added into rotation onMusic Choice and TheCountry Network. Splitting residency between New York and Nashville, Miller has already begun to make a name for herself in Music City, being tapped "One to Watch" by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and named a Next Up Now artist byCMT.
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Miller is "poised to have a banner year" (Music Mayhem Magazine). She was recently announced to join theBarefoot Country Music Festival, Carolina Country Music Festival, Summerfest, Farm Jam, and other major music events this summer. Her self-penned viral single "When I Say I Do Today" achieved nearly 2 million views on TikTok, debuted on the iTunes Country charts at #3 and #4 in the USA, UK, and Australia (#19 all-genre), and the music video was supported by CMT. Whether you've heard Miller on the radio, Spotify'sNew Music Nashville or Fresh Finds, Apple Music'sBest New Songs, or Pandora'sRising Women of Country,you're bound to hear more from this "rising country star" (Hollywood Life).
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Stay tuned for new music coming next month.

Christopher's Project

Performances

September 2 - 2:00 PM @ UScellular Connection Stage

Since its inception, this group has put together quite an impressive

resume. The group has opened for national and legendary acts as diverse

as the Temptations, George Benson, David Sanborn, The Supremes and

Jennifer Holiday. They have also performed at corporate functions for

notable Corporations such as Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Wax, Quad

Graphics and Time Warner. They have also performed at The Grand

Opening Ceremony for The Midwest Express Convention Center and at

the political galas for The Governors National Conference and The

Mayoral Candidacy Party.

The group also performs for festivals, special events, weddings and

private parties. They are repeat performers at some of Milwaukee's

annual festivals, Riversplash, Summerfest, Rainbow Summer and Bastille

Days to name a few.

For a lighter side of music Christopher's Quartet would be the perfect

entertainment selection. The Quartet is a smooth, melodic infusion of

Jazz delivered by four soulful musicians. The Quartet is comprised of

keyboards, drums, bass and saxophone.

Christopher's Project is lead by saxophonist Chris Pipkins, a three-peat

winner at Showtime at the Apollo, a prestigious Theater in New York City

that showcases the best of up-and-coming talent. The groups lead vocalist

Ameerah Tatum is one of the best female vocalists in the business.

Ameerah has performed locally as well as nationally. Her national and

local credits include Janet Jackson and Eddie Butts, respectively. The

rest of the group rounds out with Del Bennet on drums (Sister Moon). Eric

Hervey on Bass (Darryl Stuermer). Theo Merriweather on keyboards and

Darryl Thomas on Guitar (Chameleon).

The group's best asset is its ability to perform a wide variety of music for

a wide age group. The group performs Classics like, "It Had To Be You",

"Unforgettable" and "Wonderful Tonight". Dance hits like "All I Do",

"Black Cow", "Celebration" and "I'll Take You There". And Originals

like "9:25", "Blu Mist", "Suite 3" and "Serenade". Their song list is vast

and their talent is endles