The fun doesn’t stop at one! The second weekend of Summerfest refreshed the city once again, securing major headlining acts such as Ed Sheeran, Cody Johnson and Post Malone to their Amphitheater stage. Their free stages were also not to be missed. Some of the newest and freshest acts laid their ground, such as breakout stars such as MARIS and Lamb, Tucker Wetmore and, the unforgettable, Subtronics.
The early day sets were cut this weekend, leaving less room for local artists, but opening up the stage to Chicago’s School of Rock to let young musicians get experience on the stage.
Here are Crave’s top picks for the second weekend:
Louis Tomlinson
Known for his vocal talent, signature rasp and die-hard fanbase; Louis Tomlinson has returned to the states for a North American tour. Headlining the BMO Pavillion on Saturday night, he had fans eager to see him IRL. Featuring expert lighting, LED walls, and confetti bursts, this show at the BMO Pavillion was so unforgettable and special for the long-time fans.
MARIS
The completely out of this world, over-the-top extravagance was MARIS, who shocked fans with her undeniable stage presence and dance moves at the T-Mobile stage. Crave even had the chance to sit down and interview MARIS before her stellar performance. TLDR? MARIS is the next big thing; if Chappell Roan needs an opener, I think MARIS would perfectly fit that bill.
Carter Faith
Opening up the show for Post Malone, Carter Faith mixed her country twang with melodic and deep folk tunes. Her presence was flirty, her outfit was studded and sparkling; the true signs of a pop queen (with just a hint of country).
DAY FOUR: THURSDAY
Boy Golden
This rising country act was not to be missed at the fest. Starting out, his mid-day crowd was humble, but as the foot traffic passed his stage, they eagerly started to fill in at the Aurora Pavillion stage. His sweet, southern twang made him a really smooth addition to the Summerfest lineup, and I was very pleased to have captured this set.
Halestorm
A female-fronted rock group, which is all I needed to hear. Halestorm’s energy and enthusiasm for performing was top-notch. At the ULine stage, their die-hard fanbase was hyped up, singing along to every word. In combination with their set design, this act is certainly tenured and experienced performers.
Subtronics
EDM music is a semi-new addition to Summerfest, rarely having legends such as Subtronics grace their stages. But Wisconsin EDM fanatics showed up for this one, packing the Generac stage to the brim. Walking past this crowd, I felt so welcomed; the fans were handing out bracelets and offering me trinkets. This crowd was not focused on being as close to the stage as possible because this type of music simply brings people together. In addition to the intricate light show and lasers, this set was completely unique.
DAY FIVE: FRIDAY
Harrison Gordon
This rising rock group hailing from Hopeless Records truly rocked the Miller Lite stage; I was shocked they didn’t headline. This rising rock act had one of the most packed mid-day stages I’ve seen for a chillier, foggy day. In combination with their mid-west emo and skater vibes, this stage was for the teens and young adults of Summerfest. Harrison Gordon rocks, and I can only hope he and his band make a return to Milwaukee again soon for a proper headline gig.
Alex Sampson
This new heart throb and TikTok creator Alex Sampson made a wonderful addition to Louis Tomlinson’s stage. His vocal ability and stage presence made him out to be very interesting and engaging to watch. Although he is just getting started as a young-gun, his fans who have found him through touring with Freya Skeye have continued to be loyal to him. Catch him back in Milwaukee this fall at Landmark Credit Union Live.
The Beaches
DAY SIX: SATURDAY
Lamb
While on tour with Louis Tomlinson, this all-female group was bodying empowerment, joy and pride during their set. Although the summer heat was beating down on this day, that didn’t stop this group from getting active on stage, constantly playing off their fellow band members and interacting on stage. Several show attendees at the barricade were singing along, and these rock chicks certainly gained some new fans over the course of their tour with Louis Tomlinson. Hopefully they will keep up with them as they continue to release new music later this year.
BØRNS
Making his 3rd return to Summerfest, BORNS is a seasoned pro. Opening up with his unique magic tricks, it shows off his unique personality along with his eccentric music. Fans were just in awe of his presence and so excited to sing the words to all his songs. Of course, this stage was sky high for “Electric Love” which was the perfect finale to the second weekend of the festival. Almost metaphorically, it’s happy; but just as bittersweet that it was over.
