I got off to a later start than normal on Thursday since Summerfest books all the stages with School of Rock for one/two days. I think it’s such a cool opportunity for these kids in nurturing their love for music and hopefully a really big inspiration in their journey. Every artist starts somewhere, and I’m sure it’s a defining time in their life being able to play such a large music festival. I loved watching them all walk around in their cool outfits and hearing iconic covers be played around the grounds. Nothing like two days of covers by artists like Wheatus, Linkin Park, or My Chemical Romance to start your day. Gotta warm up those vocal cords for later!

DAY FOUR

Like I previously stated, it was a slower day for me, and for most of the day I browsed the grounds. I walked around checking what else the festival had to offer me and what freebies I could earn. I managed to snag some free custard from a Culver’s booth, win a bucket hat from Dunkin’, some free sandwich coupons from Portillo’s, and a coupon for concessions from Marcus Theaters! Sargento Cheese was giving out Grilled Cheese samples, and for some incentives, they also had bucket hats. I swear bucket hats are so big when it comes to music festivalgoers, especially outside ones. They’re great to protect your head and face from the harsh sun with the brim. 

By 7 p.m., I was back in the photo pit for one of my husband’s favorite bands, The Mountain Goats. The Aurora Pavilion stage was packed in, and the ADA section was even short on space. I even met a big-time fan who was passing out handmade stickers and told me about how they were going to several dates on the run because that’s how much they loved their music. There was even an ASL interpreter for a few fans who were deaf, and I love to see the festival being accommodating for everyone and their needs. The interpreter was amazing and really did a stellar job immersing the vibes through their hands.

I also caught Walk Off The Earth who came out with a banging start on their drums and matching jumpsuits. Their name was the only one I hadn’t heard of, and I very much enjoyed the amount of their set I caught. The energy was stellar, and I did notice a theremin on stage; I did not stick around long enough to hear it used, but those things are neat. I think it’s so cool that something so simple-looking can make unique sounds without even needing to be touched.

Afterwards, I made sure to catch Chicago-based and Midwest favorite, Sincere Engineer! Way more content on her coming in our next print magazine issue, so definitely stay tuned. Her presence screams Midwest emo and pop-punk; she is truly an artist I love to see no matter how many times I’ve caught her before. To end the night, I watched and got blasted by the ever amazing Halestorm! Lzzy Hale came out full force, and lights flashed as she sang with the crowd. The band was jumping, the audience was screaming, it was definitely a perfect way to end day four. Halestorm truly knows how to own the stage and make sure everyone in the room is embraced by their energy to give their all into the performance. I love seeing the band interact with people alongside the barricade, even if for a brief second or quick eye contact, making sure they know they value their presence. 

DAY FIVE

Unlike the previous day, my schedule was much more packed in from the get-go. Local artist and friend Allison Mahal got my day started at the Johnsville Stage. We also received a special visit from the famous racing sausages that are at every home Brewer’s game. It was startling, but very soon the area was packed with people there to see Mahal play and those waiting in line to get a photo with the racing sausages. Yes, yours truly got a photo with them; who could resist the dudes?

After her, a handful of local Chicago area-based artists played. I watched Guardrail have some fun with beach balls and their crowd while they rocked out. Harrison Gordon also did not disappoint, as there were some two-steppers who showed up in the pit. I saw these guys play in a basement about two years ago, so getting to see this growth was amazing, and I loved it. Everyone went crazy for their set. Afterwards, local band Lake Drive, who are no strangers to Summerfest, came out and strutted their stuff on stage for their adoring fans. Vocalist Rayven Burdette danced around the stage like the diva that he is, and the crowd cheered him on. 

After a quick snack break and some chill time, I caught Alex Sampson on the BMO stage. I interviewed him earlier that day, so make sure to keep a lookout for that exclusive content. Sampson has been making quite the name for himself, and even though he was playing the stage first, there were some very dedicated fans ready for him to come out. He’s touring later this fall with Freya Skye, and word is that the tour is already entirely sold out. He’s going to be the Next Big Thing, so check him out now!

Next up was Jessie Murph, and she was such a joy to watch on the amphitheatre stage. She opened up for Cody Johnson, who I later went back to photograph. Both of them were amazing in different ways. She was more soft and quiet but still carried this presence that blew me away. Cody Johnson worked the crowd with his commanding voice and charismatic charm as he waltzed around the catwalk.

The Aces also made a return this year as I caught them last year as an opener in the amphitheater. This time they were the final opener on the BMO stage, and as I expected, they brought the energy.

Then, when the sun had already set, it was time for the headliner on the BMO stage, Louis Tomlinson. Tomlinson is well known for being a member of One Direction before the group broke up to go their separate ways. His demeanor was on the calmer side, but the excitement was clearly present as he sang to the fans. During the first song, there were confetti cannons that showered everyone in little pieces of yellow paper matching the aesthetic to the opening song, “Lemonade,” and the on-screen flashing graphics. The crowd was an eruption of frenzy, and I can’t think of a better act to have ended day five with.

DAY SIX

I was feeling the energy draining when I woke up, but I wasn’t going to let that slow me down. I went to the festival grounds as early as possible to catch another local band close to me, Alley Eyes. Their stage was at the mercy of the sun, and it beat down heavily, but that did not stop their fans from flocking to the stage. Vocalist Colton Schroetter wore sunglasses on stage during their set because of how bright it was. I can’t say I blame him; sometimes I think I need them for the pit because of the blinding strobes that artists use for shows.

After they rocked out, I had some downtime again to just cruise the grounds and hang out with some friends who showed up that day. I saw Sam Barone — aka Mikwaukey to the City spokesperson — hosting some Admirals Hockey fun with their mascot, Roscoe. Free shirts were thrown out, team-building happened, and it was all for the fun of the kids. I also made my usual runs to free samples of custard from Culver’s and Dunkin; refreshers because why not?

My next artist on the docket was Jean Dawson. I’ve seen him twice now, from playing The Rave Bar to opening for Linkin Park at Fiserv Forum to now, Summerfest! His energy was intoxicating as the fans were jumping for him and there was an older lady at the barricade who had a fun interaction with him between songs. His experimental sound is not usually my cup of tea, but every genre deserves a spot at a music festival.

After his set, I got my boy-band action and heart-throbbing reminders of my younger teen years with Soulidified. This four-piece band is basically Backstreet Boys, One Direction, Big Time Rush, and Jonas Brothers. They were put together thanks to the Netflix original series, “Building the Band,” and I was so excited to catch their set. They had everything you want from your boy band: vocals that’ll melt your heart, synchronized dancing, and flirting with the girls in the crowd. A very special fan at the barricade even got a moment with all four of them as they serenaded her. She was blushing, and it was clear that this group is the next heartthrobbers for the generation. 

After some boy band action, I got some more country girl time from Carter Faith, who opened up for Post Malone. She came out full of smiles as she twirled around that stage singing to the pit. She had the voice and made sure that the room was getting all warmed up for Posty, who would come out later that night. 

I got a hot coffee to wake me up as I still had three more artists I wanted to cover, but boy was I fading fast. The temperature had dropped comparatively to the past few days, and I was getting a little cold, so the hot beverage also warmed me up really nice.

MARIS came out storming that stage like a firecracker, and the amount of energy she gave off boosted me instantly. She was a superstar on the stage and got the whole pit dancing around. I watched some fans do the worm and even a cartwheel take place. She came to play and shout-out all the fans who did matching star makeup on their faces. She’s going places, so you better watch out because she’s going to shine so bright!

My last two artists were recommendations, and I had never listened to either before catching their sets. Both were phenomenal in their own way, and I’m so thankful to be introduced to other cool artists by friends who love music as much as I do.

First up was Wolfmother, who is a much older group, and their audience matched. One photographer told me that they only have one original, founding member, as the rest of them changed. Even being on the older side of things, Frontman and vocalist Andrew Stockdale just owned the stage, performing for the room. From his singing to the dancing and stage theatrics, the entire group of people was screaming for more. It was truly a visionary moment to see.

My last band of the night and of this weekend was BØRNS. Everyone who was there and told me to check him out said he gives off sultry vibes. I expected nothing less as he was indeed teasing the crowd with his hips and sensual dance moves that fit his overall sound. He even did this magic trick with loops of rope that represented his three years of being at Summerfest. I cannot even describe what I witnessed because it was more of a you-needed-to-be-there kind of deal, but he was definitely working the room, and it was clear they were into it. 

And with all this, my second weekend came to an end, and there’s only one more to go. Fingers crossed that the expected storms just blow right over, but unfortunately it’s shaping up to be a hot weekend as we’re in an extreme heat warning right now. Send me good vibes!