The Final Weekend At Summerfest Was Full Of Musical Diversity & Memorable Moments!
As the sun set over Milwaukee's scenic lakefront, the third week of Summerfest was primed to deliver a mosaic of musical experiences, from heart-thumping metal to evocative indie-pop and high-octane hip-hop.
All Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
The festival, renowned for its genre-diverse lineup, exceeded expectations and provided attendees with an unforgettable weekend of music, camaraderie, and celebration. Below is a comprehensive review of the highlights and standout performances that graced the stages of this iconic event.
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Headlining the Am Fam Amphitheater for the first time, AJR marked their ascendancy from humble beginnings in The Rave basement to commanding one of Milwaukee’s premier stages. The three brothers—Adam, Jack, and Ryan—delivered a performance rich in both musicality and showmanship, demonstrating their evolution as artists. The set list spanned their discography, blending early hits like I'm Ready with recent chart-toppers like Bang! The crowd's enthusiastic response echoed AJR's journey from a small audience of 100 to thousands of adoring fans, proving their lasting appeal and musical versatility.
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Carly Rae Jepsen faced some technical hiccups—an unfortunate recurrence of the sound issues that plagued Motley Crue a few weeks earlier. Despite the glitches, Jepsen’s infectious energy and timeless hit Call Me Maybe ensured the crowd remained engaged and supportive. Her resilience in overcoming the challenges set the tone for the rest of the evening.
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Brian Kelly, formerly of Florida Georgia Line, stepped into the spotlight at the US Cellular stage. His solo career may still be in its infancy, but Kelly’s command over the crowd was unmistakable. His set featured exclusively new material, eschewing any Florida Georgia Line songs. This decision may have left some fans yearning for familiar tunes, but it showcased Kelly’s commitment to carving out his own musical identity. The crowd, though unfamiliar with much of his new work, remained invested, likely holding out hope for a rendition of Cruise, the smash hit he co-wrote.
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Abby Anderson and Dylan Marlowe each brought their unique flavors to the stage. Anderson’s vibrant performance served as a fitting introduction, while Marlowe turned up the heat with a mix of his own tracks and hits, he penned for other artists, including Jon Pardi’s Last Night Lonely.
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The Uline Stage saw a range of performances, from the underwhelming to the extraordinary. The Wallflowers, a seasoned band with a rich history, delivered a set that felt disappointingly lackluster. The energy seemed to dissipate as quickly as it appeared, leaving fans yearning for the dynamism the band is known for.
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In stark contrast, Del Water Gap, the indie pop solo project of Samuel Holden Jaffe, provided one of the most memorable performances of the day. His stage presence and emotionally charged delivery resonated deeply with the audience. The origin of his project’s name, inspired by the sight of Delaware Water Gap scrawled on a box truck, seemed to add an extra layer of intrigue to his performance.
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For metal enthusiasts, Bodysnatcher delivered a relentless 60-minute set that solidified their status as a must-see act. The American deathcore band from Florida brought an intensity that reverberated through the grounds, paying homage to the metal gods who paved the way for them. Their performance was a visceral experience that left fans exhilarated and craving more.
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Setting the pace earlier in the day was Set It Off, whose lead singer Cody Carson performed with a broken hand. Despite the injury, Carson's boundless energy and enthusiasm radiated through the crowd, proving that nothing could slow him down. His resilience and passion were infectious, creating an unforgettable experience for the attendees.
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Lil Tecca’s performance was a festival highlight, drawing perhaps the largest crowd to a ground stage. His set was a non-stop barrage of hits, each song performed with infectious energy. Notably, Tecca paused mid-set to remove his boots, continuing the performance in his socks, a move that seemed to increase his stage agility and endear him even more to the crowd. His ability to keep the energy high and the audience engaged was impressive, making for an unforgettable experience.
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Among the hidden gems of the festival was Milwaukee’s own H1Z1. This nu-metal band turned a side-stage into a scene of musical mayhem, climbing picnic tables and delivering a high-energy performance that belied their local roots. Their show was a testament to the vibrant local music scene and was well worth the detour between main stages.
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Idaho-born Colby Acuff took the Miller Lite Oasis stage and left an indelible mark on the audience. His near-flawless 12-song set, culminating in the poignant If I Were The Devil, showcased his talent and ensured that he will be a name to watch in the coming years.
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Nikki Lane, often referred to as the first lady of Outlaw Country, brought her unique blend of country and blues to the same stage. Hailing from South Carolina and now a Nashville native, Lane's set was an amalgamation of her Southern roots and her rebellious spirit, further enriched by her entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of High-Class Hillbilly, a clothing store. Her performance was soulful and rich, embodying the spirit of outlaw country.
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However, the weekend’s pinnacle was undoubtedly Tanner Usrey’s performance on the Miller Lite Oasis stage. Usrey seized control of the stage and delivered an unforgettable set, demonstrating why he is one of the most exciting up-and-coming artists in country music. One of the set’s highlights was Blackberry Wine, a track featured on the new Twisters movie soundtrack. Usrey’s deep, soulful voice and raw emotional delivery left a lasting impression, making his performance the highlight of the weekend.
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As the weekend drew to a close, it became evident that Summerfest remains a vibrant tapestry of musical talent, offering something for everyone. From the high-energy antics of Lil Tecca to the soulful melodies of Nikki Lane, the festival once again proved its reputation as a premier destination for live music. Each stage told a different story, and each performer brought their unique flair, making for a weekend full of memorable moments. Whether you were there for the established acts or discovered new favorites, Week 3 of Summerfest was a testament to the enduring power of live music to bring people together and create lasting memories.
