Opening Weekend For Summerfest Brings Hair Bands, Kardashin’s, Storms & Wyatt Flores To Milwaukee’s Lakefront!
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
Milwaukee's Summerfest kicked off with a bang this year, igniting the lakefront with an unparalleled blend of music, energy, and communal joy. Held from noon to midnight, Thursday through Saturday for three weekends across June and July, the festival saw a staggering 600 artists grace 12 stages over nine sun-soaked days. The first weekend of Summerfest 2023 didn't just set the bar high—it redefined what an opening weekend could be.
Day 1: Kane Brown and Kameron Marlowe Set the Tone
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The American Family Insurance Amphitheater was the epicenter of excitement as the gates opened for the festival. Headliner Kane Brown took the stage just days after welcoming his third child, Krewe. His 18-song setlist was a masterclass in hip-hop-infused country, showcasing why he’s a dominant force in the genre. Brown's performance was both electric and heartfelt, punctuated by hits like Heaven, Lose It, and What Ifs. His ability to effortlessly blend country storytelling with hip-hop rhythms kept the audience spellbound from start to finish.
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Opening for Brown was Kameron Marlowe, a burgeoning star in his own right. Marlowe's vocal prowess and stage presence were immediately evident. His rendition of Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue was a high point, particularly poignant with the Fourth of July just around the corner. It wasn't just a cover; it was a powerful moment of American pride that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Ground Stage Highlights: Wyatt Flores Steals the Show
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While the amphitheater attracted large crowds, the ground stages were equally vibrant, brimming with both emerging and established talent. Wyatt Flores at the BMO Pavilion was a revelation. The Oklahoma-born troubadour brought authenticity and raw emotional power that left a lasting impression. His song Milwaukee felt like a love letter to the city and the festival, creating an intimate bond with the audience that was nothing short of magical. Flores’ authenticity and raw emotion made his set one of the standout performances of the entire weekend.
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Latin Mafia closed out the Miller Lite Oasis with a high-energy set that blended Latin rhythms with contemporary beats, turning the venue into a massive dance party. Other notable performances included Brittany Howard, whose soulful voice and eclectic mix of genres captivated the crowd, and Taking Back Sunday, who delivered a nostalgic yet invigorating set that had long-time fans singing along to every word. David Kushner, Gin Blossoms, and Three Dog Night also delivered standout performances, each bringing their unique flair to the opening day of Summerfest.
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Day 2: Bryce Vine and Hanson Elevate the Festival
Day 2 brought the heat—both literally and figuratively. Bryce Vine was the day's standout performer, captivating the audience with his infectious energy and charisma. His set was a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly blending high-octane tracks with more introspective numbers. Hits like Drew Barrymore and La La Land had the crowd bouncing, while his stage presence made it impossible to look away.
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Hanson headlined the BMO Pavilion, proving once again that the three Oklahoma brothers are far from a '90s relic. Their loyal fan base packed the venue, and from the first chord to the final bow, Hanson had everyone on their feet. Classics like MMMBop were met with thunderous applause, while newer tracks showcased their evolution as artists. The loyalty and enthusiasm of their fans were evident, making it a truly special experience
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Other ground stage headliners included Toosii, who brought a gritty and emotive performance, and Chelsea Cutler, whose ethereal voice and heartfelt lyrics provided a beautiful contrast. EMF, O.A.R., En Vogue, and Lily Rose also delivered exceptional sets, each contributing to the diverse musical tapestry that makes Summerfest so special.
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Amphitheater Buzz: Motley Crue's Rock 'n' Roll Spectacle
Night 2 at the amphitheater was all about rock 'n' roll, with legends Motley Crue taking center stage. While Vince Neil's vocals may have shown signs of wear, the sheer spectacle of the performance more than compensated. Guitarist John 5 was a standout, his shredding solos elevating the set to new heights. The energy was electric, and the crowd’s enthusiasm never waned.
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Seether and Buckcherry opened the night, and both bands left a significant mark. Seether's rendition of Broken, even without Amy Lee, was a hauntingly beautiful moment that had the entire amphitheater enraptured. Josh Todd of Buckcherry proved that charisma knows no age, moving across the stage with a vigor that belied his years and brought the crowd to a fever pitch.
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Day 3: Weather and Unforgettable Moments
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Saturday saw some unexpected thunderstorms that briefly halted the festivities and sent festival-goers scrambling for cover. Just before the skies opened up, I managed to catch a set by Happy Landing, a band hailing from Mississippi. Their performance was nothing short of electrifying, delivering a blend of rock and soulful melodies that resonated deeply with the audience.
Day 3 also featured an array of other notable headliners that kept the momentum going throughout the weekend. The Goo Goo Dolls took to the stage with their timeless hits, evoking a wave of nostalgia that had the crowd singing along to every word. Umphrey's McGee brought their unique blend of progressive rock and improvisation, captivating the audience with their intricate musicianship and dynamic live show. AWOLNATION's set was a high-octane affair, complete with powerful vocals and pulsating rhythms that had the crowd bouncing from start to finish. Black Pumas rounded out the weekend's headliners, delivering a soulful and passionate performance that showcased their rich musicality and emotive songwriting.
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SZA's Stellar Headlining Performance
One of the weekend's most anticipated performances came from R&B sensation SZA, who headlined the amphitheater on Saturday night. Her soulful voice and poignant lyrics captivated the audience, creating an intimate yet powerful experience. Adding an element of surprise, reality TV star Kim Kardashian was spotted in the crowd, causing a stir among attendees. Despite the earlier weather woes, SZA's performance was a masterclass in artistry, leaving fans in awe.
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For music fans, Summerfest's opening weekend was a vibrant reminder of the power of live music to bring people together, rain or shine. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this year's Summerfest promises to be an unforgettable journey through the sounds of summer.
