
Summerfest 2015 Lineup | The World’s Largest Music Festival
Milwaukee’s Summerfest, also known as the World’s Largest Music Festival, recently revealed their massive lineup for 2015, and it’s one of the most diverse of any festival out there. It’s got everyone from major rock bands to country superstars to rappers to indie acts to…Paris Hilton? However you may feel about that last one, there’s surely something for you to enjoy during this 11-day festival, which takes place June 24-July 5 (excluding Monday, June 29). The lineup is HUGE, but lucky for you, we’ve done the work and scoped out the details on every performer. Check out our detailed look at this year’s lineup, and leave us a comment below letting us know which acts you’re most excited to see at Summerfest 2015!
Note: If you’re looking to attend any of the headlining shows at Marcus Amphitheater, you will need a separate ticket, as a general admission pass will not grant you entry.
2015 Lineup
The Rolling Stones *
It’s fitting that the World’s Largest Music Festival will commence with a performance by the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band. That’s right, none other than The Rolling Stones is scheduled to kick off the festivities for Summerfest 2015. The long-running lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood will be playing a spectacular headlining show at the Marcus Amphitheater on Tuesday, June 23 as the first stop on the band’s upcoming Zip Code tour. The bigwigs at Summerfest say that this is without a doubt the biggest show they’ve ever done, and it’s bound to sell out completely very soon, so don’t miss your chance to see these rock & roll legends live in concert. Be sure to act quickly and get your tickets on TickPick now! (We won’t charge you fees like all those other marketplaces.) And, for a little added “Satisfaction,” every Stones ticket comes with a free general admission pass to the rest of Summerfest 2015.
Show Details: Tuesday, June 23 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Florida Georgia Line *
Though having emerged only a few years ago, Florida Georgia Line has become of the biggest country groups of the last decade. The duo, which features Southern natives Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, released their debut full-length in 2012, selling over 2 million copies and achieving double platinum certification. The record, titled “Here’s to the Good Times,” soon reached the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart in the United States and produced several #1 singles, including their career-launching hit “Cruise.” Florida Georgia Line came back strong in 2014 with their sophomore record “Anything Goes,” and as of this year they are touring with support from Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard. Their headlining performance at Summerfest is a stop on their Anything Goes tour, which has been reported as one of the hottest tours for 2015.
Show Details: Wednesday, June 24 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Kings of Leon *
The Followills (brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared and their cousin Matthew) were born and bred in the South, so it’s no wonder their band Kings of Leon does Southern rock right. Formed in 2000, the band moved to Nashville to get their start, where they were quickly noticed and signed by RCA a year later. Their first album was moderately successful in the U.K., but their sophomore effort, 2004’s “Aha Shake Heartbreak,” made them European rock superstars. Success in the U.S. followed with the release of their third album, “Because of the Times,” in 2007, but their real mainstream break came a year later with the release of “Only By the Night,” which spawned some of the band’s best-known hit singles like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” Now with six successful albums out there, Kings of Leon are one of the biggest rock acts of today and they have been headlining some the world’s largest music festivals for the last few years.
Show Details: Thursday, June 25 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Keith Urban *
Australian country musician Keith Urban is more than just a successful recording artist; he’s a true celebrity. In addition to being a popular country singer, Urban has appeared as a judge on American Idol and the Australian version of The Voice, not to mention he’s also Mr. Nicole Kidman. After having taken the Australian country music scene by storm and achieving a few number one hits there, he moved to Nashville to be in the birthplace of the music he loved. It didn’t take long for America to catch on, and since his relocation Urban has had several multi-platinum albums and radio hits, cementing his position as a country superstar.
Show Details: Friday, June 26 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Stevie Wonder *
Headlining the Marcus Amphitheater on Saturday, June 27 is American R&B icon Stevie Wonder. With over 30 top ten hits and several platinum albums, he is one of the most commercially successful artists of all time. In addition to his impressive album sales and chart popularity, Stevie Wonder holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won by a male solo artist, with 22 wins to date. Over the last fifty years, Stevie Wonder has left a lasting legacy on the music industry. Some of his other awards and recognitions include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an Academy Award, and inductions into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Show Details: Saturday, June 27 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Zac Brown Band *
The three-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum-selling Zac Brown Band is ready to release a fourth studio album titled “Jeckyll + Hyde” on April 28. The band has earned astounding critical and commercial success, which has led them to work with many big-name artists like Dave Grohl, Jimmy Buffett, and Alan Jackson. Over the years, the band has released 16 singles, ten of which made it to number one on the Billboard country charts, solidifying their status as country superstars.
Show Details: Sunday, June 28 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Linkin Park *
Linkin Park made a name for themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 2000s with hits like “Numb,” “In the End” and “What I’ve Done.” Their rock-meets-rap sound earned them a humongous fan base, millions of albums sold, and two Grammy Awards among other achievements. Linkin Park is not only renowned as one of the greatest rock bands of recent years, but they are also known for their thrilling and memorable live shows. Last year, the band released their sixth studio album, “The Hunting Party.”
Show Details: Tuesday, June 30 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Kendrick Lamar *
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, better known as Kendrick Lamar, is a rapper and songwriter from Compton, California. He rose to popularity in 2010 with the release of his mixtape “Overly Dedicated,” and the following year his album “Section 80,” which he released exclusively through iTunes, ranked as one of the best digital hip hop releases of the year. His major-label debut “good kid, m.A.A.d city” debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. He received seven Grammy nominations in 2014, including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Best Rap Song.
Show Details: Wednesday, July 1 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Ed Sheeran *
English singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran recorded his first two albums when he was only a teenager before moving to London to focus on his music career. Through extensive touring and internet exposure, Sheeran built up a following and earned the support of artists like Elton John and Jamie Foxx. After appearing on Taylor Swift’s 2012 album “Red” and penning songs for popular boy band One Direction, Sheeran was suddenly an international star. Now, he’s all over the radio and selling out huge arena shows. His 2014 album “x” reached the #1 spot in several countries, and was recently nominated for two Grammy awards.
Show Details: Friday, July 3 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Neil Young and Promise of the Real *
The one and only Neil Young is scheduled to close out this year’s Summerfest with a headlining show on July 5 at Marcus Amphitheater. Young has joined forces with LA rock band Promise of the Real, and they will be releasing a new album together called “The Monsanto Years” in June. Promise of the Real is the band of Lukas and Micah Nelson (the sons of country legend Willie Nelson), both of whom have performed with Neil Young in the past. Although their show is the last performance of Summerfest 2015, it is Young and Promise of the Real’s first stop on their Rebel Content Tour, which will run through the month of July and includes ten more North American cities.
Show Details: Sunday, July 5 @ Marcus Amphitheater
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Thomas Rhett *
Thomas Rhett Akins, Jr., better known by his stage name Thomas Rhett, has made a name for himself as more than just the son of country singer Rhett Akins. In only the last couple of years, he has proven himself with five charting singles as well as songwriting credits for artists like Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. He released his self-titled debut EP in 2013, followed by a proper full-length titled “It Goes Like This” later that year. Currently, Thomas Rhett is touring with Florida Georgia Line on their high-grossing Anything Goes tour.
Show Details: Wednesday, June 24 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Florida Georgia Line)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Frankie Ballard *
Country musician Frankie Ballard got his big break when he won Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star competition back in 2008, earning him the opportunity to open for Chesney in Michigan. Two years later he signed with Nashville label Reprise Records, which issued his self-titled debut album in 2011. In 2014, Ballard made the move to Warner Bros. Records for the release of his successful sophomore album “Sunshine & Whiskey,” and as of early this year he is on tour with Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett.
Show Details: Wednesday, June 24 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Florida Georgia Line)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Kongos *
Kongos is a South African alternative rock band centering around the talents of brothers Johnny, Jesse, Daniel, and Dylan Kongos. After the rather quiet release of their eponymous debut album back in 2007, Kongos’ popularity really took off with their sophomore effort “Lunatic,” which came out in 2012. The record spawned two massive hits in South Africa, and in 2013 the band self-released “Lunatic” in the United States, where they gained recognition with the explosive single “Come With Me Now.”
Show Details: Thursday, June 25 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Kings of Leon)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Phillip Phillips *
Best known as the winner of the 11th season of the popular competition show American Idol, vocalist Phillip Phillips (yep, that’s his real name) released his debut single “Home” in 2012. The single became the best-selling debut from any Idol winner, selling over 5 million copies in the United States. Later that year, he set out to record his debut album, “The World From the Side of the Moon,” which saw release that November. Phillips put out a follow-up record titled “Behind the Light” in the spring of 2014.
Show Details: Friday, June 26 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Keith Urban)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Dan + Shay *
Dan + Shay is a country music duo comprised of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. The two musicians met in Nashville in 2012 and soon began writing and performing together. They quickly earned a deal with Warner Bros. Nashville, who released their hit debut single “19 You + Me” in 2013. Following the success of their single, Dan + Shay released a debut album called “Where It All Began” in 2014.
Show Details: Friday, June 26 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Keith Urban)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
A Day To Remember *
A Day To Remember formed in 2003 in Ocala, Florida. The band’s current lineup features vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, guitarists Neil Westfall and Kevin Skaff, bassist Joshua Woodard, and drummer Alex Shelnutt. Early on, A Day To Remember built up a strong fanbase with their accessible blend of pop punk, emo, hardcore, and metal, and over time their albums earned more and more commercial success. After a dispute with their former label Victory Records, the band self-released their fifth studio album, “Common Courtesy,” in 2013.
Show Details: Tuesday, June 30 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Linkin Park)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Schoolboy Q *
Before making it big, Schoolboy Q spent several years releasing underground mixtapes, the first of which caught the attention of none other than Kendrick Lamar and scored him a deal with Top Dawg Entertainment. Soon, Lamar and Schoolboy Q formed the group Black Hippy along with Jay Rock and Ab-Soul. In 2011, Schoolboy Q released his solo debut, “Setbacks.” He has since released two more albums and received three Grammy nominations.
Show Details: Wednesday, July 1 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Kendrick Lamar)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Rixton *
Last month, British pop rock quartet Rixton delivered their highly anticipated debut album, titled “Let the Road,” as a follow-up to their wildly popular “Me and My Broken Heart” EP. Rixton can be described as a younger, British version of Maroon 5. The band features vocalist Jake Roche along with guitarist Charley Bagnall, bassist/keyboardist Danny Wilkin, and drummer Lewi Morgan, all of whom share backing vocal duties.
Show Details: Friday, July 3 @ Marcus Amphitheater (with Ed Sheeran)
* MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Get yours HERE.
Kaskade
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:15 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Kaskade is the stage name of DJ and record producer Ryan Raddon, one is one of the busiest artists in the San Francisco house music scene. In addition to his career as a DJ, Raddon also juggles the role of A&R director for OM Records. As Kaskade, he’s seen enormous success, including four Grammy nominations within the last three years.
Bastille
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
For a band that has only really put out one album so far, the popular English rock outfit Bastille is doing pretty well to say the least, having sold millions of records internationally. Bastille began as the solo project of frontman Dan Smith (whose birthday is on Bastille Day, hence the band’s name), but it became a full band in 2010 with the addition of Chris Wood, William Farquarson, and Kyle Simmons. Their debut record, “Bad Blood,” came out in 2013 and quickly became an international success with a number of including the title track as well as the anthemic singles “Pompeii” and “Flaws.” Bastille has since earned a number of accolades, including a 2014 BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2015.
The Flaming Lips
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Three-time Grammy winners The Flaming Lips formed in Oklahoma in 1983. Although they have really only had one “hit” in the United States (the 1993 single “She Don’t Use Jelly” peaked at #55 on the charts), they eventually became bona fide superstars in the U.K., with a multitude of hit singles there over the years. Despite their lack of mainstream success here in the U.S., The Flaming Lips have received overwhelming praise from critics over the years. Albums like “The Soft Bulletin” and “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” have appeared on countless best-of lists and earned almost universal praise from reviewers. Now over 30 years into their career, The Flaming Lips have just released the album “With a Little Help From My Fwends,” a track-by-track tribute to the Beatles classic “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Though the band has undergone several changes to its lineup over the years, ever-eccentric frontman Wayne Coyne and bassist Michael Ivins have remained with The Flaming Lips to this day.
Sheryl Crow
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
With her laid-back, well-crafted songs, singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow was a staple on ’90s mainstream radio. With nine Grammy Awards to her name, Crow has undoubtedly proven her worth as an artist. In addition to her solo career, she has performed with the likes of Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Sting, and Stevie Nicks, to name a few. Crow has recently forayed into the world of country music, leaving Interscope in 2011 in favor of Warner Music Nashville. She released the song “Easy” in 2013, earning her first country radio hit and highest-charting single since 2005. Her latest album, “Feels Like Home,” followed later that year and debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200.
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros was formed in Los Angeles in 2007 by Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert. The band features a rotating lineup of 10+ musicians, and their upbeat, communal music style evokes the positive vibes of 1960s and 1970s hippie culture. They released their debut album, “Up From Below,” in 2009, and the record contained the popular single “Home,” which earned the band commercial and critical success. They followed their successful debut with a sophomore album titled “Here” in 2012, and subsequently released a self-titled third album in 2013.
Lecrae
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 10:00 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Christian rapper Lecrae has achieved a lot over the last decade, breaking the barriers between hip hop and Gospel music. His 2008 album “Rebel” became the first hip hop album to reach #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart, and in 2013 he became the first hip hop artist to receive a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album. His latest record, “Anomaly,” dropped in 2014 and debuted at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200. “Anomaly” earned Lecrae his second Grammy Award earlier this year.
Jane’s Addiction
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 10:15 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
During the band’s beginnings in the late 1980s, Jane’s Addiction piqued the interest of several record labels before signing with Warner Bros. in 1988. That year they released their debut studio album, “Nothing’s Shocking.” The album did well enough, but its 1990 follow-up, “Ritual de lo Habitual,” was the band’s real commercial breakthrough. After releasing the record, the band went on an extensive tour, which included a headlining performance at the first-ever Lollapalooza festival, which was co-founded by the group’s frontman Perry Farrell. Jane’s Addiction has had its ups, downs, breakups and reunions over the years, but nonetheless came back strong in 2011 to release their latest album, “The Great Escape Artist.” Though they have only released four studio albums to date, Jane’s Addiction has still established a lasting legacy as one of the most inflential alternative rock bands of the 1980s/1990s.
Santigold
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 10:15 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Vocalist Santi White made her musical debut to the world as Santogold with a self-titled album in 2008. “Santogold” was the subject of much critical acclaim, and the album received rave reviews from publications like Entertainment Weekly, Spin, and Rolling Stone. Catchy singles like “L.E.S. Artistes” and “Lights Out” helped make her a huge commercial success. The next year, she changed her name to Santigold due to potential legal issues and released her sophomore album, “Master of My Make-Believe,” in 2012.
Aloe Blacc
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc entered the international spotlight in 2013, when he co-wrote and sang on Avicii’s smash hit single “Wake Me Up.” The single was a huge success all over the world, charting at #1 in over 20 countries. In addition to “Wake Me Up,” Blacc has had several solo hits as well, including his U.K. #1 single “The Man” and “I Need a Dollar.” His major label debut, “Lift Your Spirit,” came out in late 2013 and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
Buddy Guy
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 9:45 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
As one of the most celebrated blues guitarists of all time, Buddy Guy has influenced guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He began his music career in Chicago, and though he didn’t see immediate success, he was eventually performing with legendary blues artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Guy’s lasting legacy includes six Grammy Awards and an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Though now in his late seventies, he is still able to put on an impressive live performance.
The Doobie Brothers
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 9:45 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
The Doobie Brothers established themselves as one of the biggest acts of the 1970s. Over the last few decades, the band has sold millions of albums and to this day they continue to put out new music and tour extensively. The Doobie Brothers released their latest album, “Southbound,” in November 2014. The album contains country versions of their greatest hits and features guest appearances from big-name country artists like Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Zac Brown Band.
Sammy Hagar and the Circle
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 9:45 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Hard rocker Sammy Hagar rose to prominence in the 1970s as the frontman of the band Montrose. After that, he earned even more success as a solo artist, particularly with his 1984 hit “I Can’t Drive 55.” Though he was undoubtedly already successful, Hagar became a genuine rock star in 1985 when he officially replaced David Lee Roth as the lead singer of Van Halen. Over the years he has started several side projects and fronted many bands, and nowadays plays with a group called The Circle.
Halestorm
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 10:00 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Halestorm was formed in Pennsylvania in the late ’90s by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale. With Lzzy on vocals and Arejay on drums, the Hales soon added guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith to complete Halestorm’s lineup and the group released an eponymous debut album in 2009. Their sophomore album, “The Strange Case Of…” followed in 2012, with its single “Love Bites (So Do I)” earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance the following year. As of this month, Halestorm has just released their third studio album, titled “Into the Wild Life.”
The Kooks
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
British rockers The Kooks came onto the scene in 2006 with the release of their debut album “Inside In/Inside Out.” Though somewhat overshadowed by the overwhelming success of fellow Brits Arctic Monkeys’ smash hit debut “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” which was released on the exact same day, The Kooks still managed to quietly achieve success with their first record. The album peaked at #2 on the U.K. charts and spawned several successful singles, including the top ten hits “Naive” and “She Moves in Her Own Way,” and was eventually certified quadruple platinum. The Kooks have since released three more albums, and although none of them have seemed to reach the same height of popularity as their debut, they have all still been quite successful.
Lindsey Stirling
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 9:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Violinist and performance artist Lindsey Stirling got her start as a YouTube star, with a series of popular choreographed performance videos that garnered millions of views. In addition to her YouTube fame, she also became known as a finalist on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent in 2010. Her unique music style combines classical violin with genres such as hip hop and EDM. Stirling released her self-titled debut album in 2012, followed by her sophomore record, “Shatter Me,” in 2014.
Timeflies
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
The Boston-based duo Timeflies consists of producer Rob Resnick and vocalist Cal Shapiro. Their music settles somewhere between pop and EDM, along with elements of hip hop and R&B. The duo released their debut album, “The Scotch Tape,” in 2011, followed by their “One Night” EP a year later. Both the album and the EP did well on the charts and earned Timeflies praise from critics. The group came back with another full-length album, titled “After Hours,” in 2014.
Flogging Molly
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 10:00 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
The Los Angeles-based seven-piece Flogging Molly is known for their signature blend of traditional Irish music and rowdy punk rock that provides a perfect soundtrack for swigging down a Guinness at your local Irish pub. The band was formed by vocalist and Dublin native Dave King, and includes fiddle player Bridget Regan, guitarist Dennis Casey, accordion player Matt Hensley, bassist Nathan Maxwell, drummer George Schwindt, and mandolinist Bob Schmidt. Flogging Molly started out playing regular shows at local bar Molly Malone’s (deriving the band’s name from it as well) before taking their show outside of the Los Angeles city limits and expanding their fan base. The band is currently working on a new album, to be released later this year.
AWOLNATION
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
AWOLNATION is the solo electronic rock project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Bruno. AWOLNATION’s debut album “Megalithic Symphony” was a worldwide success, specifically with the multi-platinum hit single “Sail.” The overwhelming commercial success of “Sail” helped propel the electronic rock genre into the popular sphere. Now, AWOLNATION has just released a sophomore record, titled “Run.”
Sublime with Rome
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 10:15 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Ska-punk band Sublime was without a doubt one of the biggest acts of the ’90s, but the band unfortunately met an early demise with the untimely death of frontman Bradley Nowell. The group’s surviving members initially carried on by forming the Long Beach Dub All-Stars, but returned to the Sublime catalog in 2009 when they collaborated with singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez to form what is now called Sublime with Rome. The group originally just played Sublime songs before signing with Fueled By Ramen and releasing their debut album, “Yours Truly,” in 2011. The band’s live shows now feature a mix of new, original material and old Sublime favorites.
Coheed and Cambria
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 9:45 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
New York’s Coheed and Cambria is regarded as one of the leading bands in progressive rock. The band originally formed in 1995 and called themselves Shabutie, but officially changed their sound, and their name, in 2001, which marked a real turning point for the group. They released their debut album as Coheed and Cambria in 2002, and have released seven total albums to date, all of which are highly conceptual. Their most recent release is the two-part album “Aftermath,” the two halves of which came out in 2012 and 2013, respectively. However, the band is said to be working on an eighth studio album this year.
Motion City Soundtrack
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 5:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
One of the biggest bands of the early 2000s pop punk scene, Motion City Soundtrack hit it big with songs like “The Future Freaks Me Out” and “Everything Is Alright.” At the height of their career, they were touring with likeminded bands such as blink-182 and Fall Out Boy.The band’s current lineup consists of vocalist Justin Pierre, guitarist Joshua Cain, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew Taylor, and drummer Claudio Rivera. Motion City Soundtrack has been a staple in the Vans Warped Tour lineup over the years, and they join the tour again this summer. The band also toured earlier this year to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their hit album “Commit This to Memory.”
Walk the Moon
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Upbeat indie rock band Walk the Moon formed in Cincinnati in 2008. The group features vocalist Nicholas Petricca, bassist Kevin Ray, guitarist Eli Maiman, and drummer Sean Waugaman. They independently released their debut album, “I Want! I Want!,” in 2010, and their single “Anna Sun” became a big hit and officially put the band on the radar. They released their self-titled major label debut two years later, which earned them huge commercial success. In September 2014, they released the catchy top 40 single “Shut Up and Dance” before coming out with their third full-length, “Talking Is Hard,” a month later.
The Isley Brothers
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Formed in the early 1950s, The Isley Brothers have had a career that spans half a century. The band initially consisted of brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, Vernon and Ronald Isley, and later expanded to include their younger brothers Ernie and Marvin after Vernon’s death in 1955. They first gained recognition with their single “Shout” in 1959, and over the years had a multitude of hits and sold millions of records. Today, Ronald Isley and Ernie Isley still represent the band and perform live shows.
Dirty Heads
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Dirty Heads is a band from Huntington Beach, California that mixes hip hop, ska, and rock styles. The group formed in 2003 as a collaboration between Dustin Bushnell and Jared Watson. In 2010, they released their most successful single to date, the #1 alternative hit “Lay Me Down,” which featured Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The band released their latest album, “Sound of Change,” in 2014.
Mavis Staples
WHEN: Wednesday, June 24
As the lead singer for the iconic The Staple Singers, Mavis Staples is recognized as a leading voice in rhythm and blues and Gospel music. She first began recording as a solo artist in 1969, releasing a self-titled debut album that year. In 2011, Staples won her first Grammy Award for her album titled “You Are Not Alone,” produced by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. Two years later she teamed up with Tweedy again and released her latest album, “One True Vine.”
Billy Currington
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Billy Currington has released five studio albums on Mercury Nashville Records since 2003, and he has had eight No. 1 hits in the last decade. His fifth and latest album, “We Are Tonight,” came out in the fall of 2013. Last year, Currington released a new single called “Don’t It,” which is off his upcoming sixth album.
Gogol Bordello
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
New York City’s Gogol Bordello uniquely blends gypsy music with punk and other genres. Their music explores a vast array of cultural styles as diverse as the city they come from, and they are known for their lavish live sets and fantastic costumes. Formed in 2009, they initially built up a loyal following in NYC, eventually gaining more and more popularity to become as internationally popular as they are now.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Andrew McMahon has made himself known as the lead singer of the bands Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin. Nowadays, he’s performing solo as Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, and released an album under that name in 2014. His latest album spawned the successful single “Cecilia and the Satellite,” a song named for his newborn daughter. McMahon toured North America in late 2014, playing songs from his new project as well as busting out some fan favorites from his previous bands, which he’s sure to do again at his festival performances.
Brand New
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Brand New is one of those bands that you may have listened to if you went through a punk/emo phase in high school. Formed in Long Island in 2000, the band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jesse Lacey, guitarist Vin Accardi, bassist Garrett Tierney, and drummer Brian Lane. Although they haven’t released an album in six years, Brand New has been keeping fans happy by touring here and there since 2011. They are rumored to be working on new material, but the band has not yet made any official announcements nor provided any sort of timeline for release.
Magic!
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Magic! rose to fame with their 2013 debut single “Rude,” which became an international hit and reached the top ten on the charts in several countries. Formed in Toronto in 2012, Magic! consists of lead singer Nasri, guitarist Mark Pellizzer, bassist Ben Spivak, and drummer Alex Tanas. The band has gained popularity with their unique sound that fuses reggae with traditional pop rock. They released their debut album, “Don’t Kill the Magic,” in 2014, and earlier this year toured as the opening act for Maroon 5.
Public Enemy
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Public Enemy is without a doubt one of the most influential rap groups of all time, challenging conventions and stirring up controversy with their politically charged and socially conscious brand of hip hop. Their music has influenced countless artists, including many outside of the hip hop genre. Today the group still features longtime members Chuck D and Flavor Flav, the latter of whose reality television career we are still trying to forget. Public Enemy released their latest album, “The Evil Empire of Everything,” in 2012, and the group was subsequently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the next year.
Phil Vassar
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 9:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Like many country musicians, Phil Vassar got his start as a successful songwriter before earning a record deal and making a name for himself as a solo artist. He began gaining recognition in the late 1990s by writing hit songs for artists like Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson. Vassar was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999, and the next year released his self-titled debut album. The album produced the hit single “Just Another Day in Paradise,” which rose to the top spot on the country charts and cemented his status as a bona fide country star.
Delta Spirit
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1
Indie rock band Delta Spirit is comprised of vocalist Matthew Vasquez, multi-instrumentalist Kelly Winrich, guitarist William McLaren, bassist Jonathan Jameson, and drummer Brandon Young. Since their debut in 2006, Delta Spirit has released four studio albums and two EPs. Their latest effort, “Into the Wide,” came out in September of 2014.
Trampled By Turtles
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Trampled By Turtles formed in 2003 in Duluth, Minnesota. The folk and bluegrass band, consisting of Dave Simonett, Tim Saxhaug, Dave Carroll, Erik Berry, and Ryan Young, has performed at a multitude of national festivals, and has seen more and more success with the release of each of their albums. They released their latest album, “Wild Animals,” on July 15, 2014.
Gary Clark, Jr.
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 10:00 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Austin-based musician Gary Clark, Jr. has been compared to guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix. His sound is an innovative mix of blues, soul, and hip hop, incorporating both modern and classic elements of blues style, and accompanied by smooth vocals. The Texas native recently collaborated with the Foo Fighters on their track “What Did I Do? / God As My Witness” from their latest album “Sonic Highways” and in September 2014 he released a live album of his own.
Kip Moore
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Like most country artists, Kip Moore began his career in Nashville, where he signed with MCA Nashville to record his debut album. He released his first record, “Up All Night,” in 2012, and his single “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” hit number one on the country charts. In the last two years, Moore has released several singles from his upcoming sophomore album, for which a title and official release date have yet to be announced. The new album is, however, rumored to come out sometime this year.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Pat Benatar was just getting her career as a recording artist going in 1979 when she met Neil Giraldo, who would become her band’s longtime guitarist as well as her future husband. The pair have been making music together for the last few decades, and they are still touring alongside one another to this day.
The Faint
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
The Faint is an indie rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The group has undergone many lineup changes over the years, and in its founding days included Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. Today, the lineup consists of vocalist Todd Fink, guitarist Dapose (real name Michael Dappen), keyboardist Jacob Thiele, and drummer Clark Baechle. Over the years, The Faint has released six studio albums. Their latest, “Doom Abuse,” came out in April 2014.
Lupe Fiasco
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 10:15 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Rapper Lupe Fiasco rose to fame after the release of his successful debut album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor” which received three Grammy nominations and featured his breakout single “Kick, Push.” He is praised for his lyrical style and is known for his outspoken political views. He just released his new album, “Tetsuo & Youth,” in January.
Chase Rice
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Country singer/songwriter Chase Rice has achieved success as both a recording artist and songwriter. In 2012, he earned recognition for co-writing Florida Georgia Line’s hit single “Cruise.” The next year, he released the EP “Ready Set Roll,” the title track of which became a top 5 country hit and is certified platinum. Rice made his major label debut last year with the release of his latest album, “Ignite the Night.”
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:00 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
New Orleans native Troy Andrews, otherwise known as Trombone Shorty, was born into a musical family and began performing at a very young age. He started playing trombone when he was just six years old, and it soon became his primary instrument. Throughout his career, he has worked with artists like U2, Green Day, Lenny Kravitz, and Cee Lo Green, and has even performed at the White House. As a solo artist, he performs with his longtime band, Orleans Avenue. Trombone Shorty’s latest album, “Say That to Say This,” came out in 2013.
Paris Hilton
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 10:00 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Ah, Paris Hilton. The celebrity socialite everyone loves to hate. Reality television’s gift that keeps on giving. The record industry’s most confusing output of the last decade. However you view her, she’s ubiquitous in the world of pop culture, and she’s releasing a second album soon as a follow-up to her recorded debut “Paris.” Don’t lie, you totally loved her 2006 single “Stars Are Blind,” or at least pop radio stations tried to make you love it with incessant airplay that summer. Like it or not, starpower goes a long way in the music industry, and the single did well on the charts worldwide. Hilton has already released two singles off her new album, including “Good Time,” which features rapper Lil Wayne.
Vance Joy
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy used to play at open mic nights in Melbourne while working on completing a law degree. He ultimately decided to abandon the legal profession and wholeheartedly pursue a music career. His debut single “Riptide” was an immediate hit in Australia and led him to sign a multi-album deal with Atlantic Records. “Riptide” eventually became an international smash hit played in heavy rotation on radio stations all over the world, pushing him further into the limelight. He released his debut studio album, “Dream Your Life Away,” in 2014.
Martina McBride
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 9:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Vocalist Martina McBride is known for her style of music that blends country with pop. After signing with RCA Nashville in 1991, she made her debut a year later with the release of her first album, “The Time Has Come.” Her second album, “The Way That I Am,” came out a year later and earned McBride two top ten singles, but she didn’t have her first No. 1 until 1995’s “Wild Angels.” She has been consistently putting out albums over the last two decades, with her most recent, titled “Everlasting,” appearing in the spring of 2014.
The New Pornographers
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
In some ways, The New Pornographers can be considered a “supergroup,” with indie rock heavyweights like Carl Newman, Dan Bejar, and Neko Case as members. Formed in Vancouver in the late 1990s, the group has released six albums to date and their music has been the subject of much critical acclaim for the last 15 years. Their latest release, “Brill Bruisers,” was released in 2014 via their longtime label, Matador Records.
Gaelic Storm
WHEN: Thursday, July 2
Before even recording an album, Santa Monica-based Celtic band Gaelic Storm was featured as the steerage band in the blockbuster film “Titanic.” The film earned them enough recognition to tour, and they soon attracted the attention of the label Higher Octave, who issued their eponymous debut record in 1998.
Whitesnake
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 9:30 PM – Uline Warehouse
Whitesnake was formed in the late 1970s by former Deep Purple frontman David Coverdale. The band’s first few albums sort of got lost among all the other countless glam metal bands out there, but by 1984 they were appearing on the charts. Their self-titled 1987 album, however, is what really put them on the map. It contained their two most commercially successful singles, “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love.” The band is said to be releasing a new album later this year.
Blind Boys of Alabama
WHEN: Friday, June 26
Gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama has been around since the 1930s. They first sang together in 1944, performing at the Alabama Institute for the Blind. Still active to this day, the group released their latest album, “I’ll Find a Way,” in 2013.
Punch Brothers
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Punch Brothers is a progressive bluegrass band consisting of Chris Thile, Gabe Witcher, Noam Pikelny, Chris Eldridge, and Paul Kowert. They formed in 2006 and went through several names before deciding on Punch Brothers, which is a reference to a short story by Mark Twain. The band just released their new album “The Phosphorescent Blues” earlier this year.
Mat Kearney
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 9:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Singer/songwriter Mat Kearney debuted in 2004 with his first album “Bullet.” Two years later, he made his major label debut with his sophomore record, “Nothing Left to Lose,” the title track of which peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold. Kearney’s latest album, “Just Kids,” came out in February of this year.
Phox
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 8:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Wisconsin-based indie pop band Phox formed in 2011 in the wacky circus town of Baraboo. The band, which is comprised of a group of longtime friends who met in high school, describes their sound as something of a mix between Feist and Monty Python. Following a successful 2013, the band signed with Brooklyn-based indie label Partisan Records and released their eponymous debut album in 2014.
Blackberry Smoke
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke debuted in 2004 with their album “Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime.” Early on, they were opening for acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Zac Brown Band. The Atlanta-based band, which features vocalist Charlie Starr, guitarist Paul Jackson, bassist Richard Turner, drummer Brit Turner, and keyboardist Brandon Still, just released their latest record, “Holding All the Roses,” in February.
Sheila E.
WHEN: Saturday, June 27
Sheila Escovedo, better known by her stage name Sheila E., is a singer and drummer from California. Throughout her impressive career, she has collaborated with music superstars like Prince, Ringo Starr, and Beyonce. She was discovered in 1983 by Prince, who had her sing on the b-side to his 1984 #1 single “Let’s Go Crazy.” After that, she secured a record deal with Warner Bros. and released her debut album, “Sheila E. in the Glamorous Life.” The album’s title track, written by Prince himself, reached the top ten on the charts in the United States.
Matt Nathanson
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 10:00 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Although San Francisco’s Matt Nathanson has been putting out music since 1993, he did not come to mainstream attention until a whole decade later. After making his major label debut in 2003, he enjoyed mild success and gained exposure through licensing his music to several popular television shows. Nathanson’s big commercial breakthrough, however, came in 2008 with his hit single “Come On Get Higher,” which reached #9 on the U.S. Top 40 chart and has since been certified platinum by the RIAA. The singer-songwriter released his latest album, “Last of the Great Pretenders,” in 2013, which he followed with a national tour.
Third Eye Blind
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 10:00 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Third Eye Blind secured their place in the pantheon of ’90s alternative bands with their debut single “Semi-Charmed Life.” Formed in 1993 in San Francisco, the band has been fronted by vocalist/guitarist Stephan Jenkins ever since. They have released four albums to date, though none have been quite as successful as their self-titled debut. Third Eye Blind is currently at work on a fifth and final record, but the band has not yet provided any information on a release date.
Andy Montanez
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 9:30 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Andy Montanez is a salsa singer from Puerto Rico. After playing in bands for nearly 20 years, Montanez decided to go solo in 1980, and released his debut album “Salsa Con Cache” that year.
“Weird Al” Yankovic
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
With what is unquestionably the most successful career as a musical parodist, Alfred “Weird Al” Yankovic is somewhat of a national treasure, with numerous charting hits, film and television appearances, and hordes of fans. Over the years he has become a household name and pop culture icon with his satirical renditions of popular songs. Weird Al has been a presence on the Billboard charts since the late ’70s, and to this day he still retains a high-profile status and continues to put out new music.
New Politics
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Originally formed in Denmark in 2009, New Politics’ lead vocalist David Boyd and guitarist Soren Hansen moved to Brooklyn after signing with RCA. Now based in New York, they recruited American drummer Louis Vecchio to form the high-energy trio they are today. Their latest album, “A Bad Girl in Harlem,” came out in 2013 and produced the alternative radio hits “Harlem” and “Tonight You’re Perfect.” While their music is good, their live shows are even better, as frontman Boyd is known to show off his impressive breakdancing skills onstage.
Robert Delong
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Los Angeles-based electronic musician Robert Delong mixes electronic dance music with singer/songwriter and indie rock influence. His live performances are always interesting, during which he plays drums and keyboards and often uses game controllers like Wii remotes to create his music. Delong released his latest EP, “Long Way Down,” in November.
Brett Eldredge
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Country singer Brett Eldredge signed with Atlantic Records in 2010. Later that year, he released his debut single “Raymond,” which reached number 23 on the Billboard country charts. His first full-length album, “Bring You Back,” came out in 2013, and soon Eldredge had three number one singles.
Atlas Genius
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 8:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Atlas Genius centers around brothers Keith and Michael Jeffery. The band is a shining example of how effective the internet can be these days, as their big break came when their self-released first single, the super catchy “Trojans,” was discovered on Soundcloud and featured by Neon Gold before the guys had even recorded anything else. Soon enough “Trojans” was getting airplay on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation and the Jefferys found themselves being courted by major record labels having only released one song. After signing with Warner Bros., Atlas Genius released their debut EP, “Through the Glass,” in 2013, followed by a proper full-length titled “When It Was Now” later that year. They are expected to release their second album sometime this year.
Shakey Graves
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 8:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Actor-turned-musician Alejandro Rose-Garcia performs under the alias Shakey Graves as a one-man alt-folk/Americana band. The Texas native released his debut album “Roll the Bones” in 2011, which was a success with its ragged blend of country, folk and blues. He followed that up with the release of 2014’s “And The War Came,” which was generally received as favorably as his first album.
Kansas
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 9:45 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Formed in Topeka in 1970, the aptly-named Kansas became one of the most popular rock bands of that decade. Over the last 40+ years, the band has produced such timeless hits as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” and has had several multi-platinum albums. To this day they are still a staple on classic rock stations and their music has been covered by countless artists.
Charles Bradley
WHEN: Sunday, June 28
Charles Bradley dreamt of being a musician ever since his sister took him to see James Brown perform at the Apollo theater in 1962. He overcame a multitude of obstacles before he made it, including homelessness, stage fright, and his band members getting drafted during the Vietnam War. Despite all the hardships and setbacks, Bradley was determined to accomplish his dream of being a musician, and performed in local clubs as a James Brown impersonator under the name Black Velvet. His hard work paid off as he eventually caught the attention of a record label. Throughout his career he has released several singles with a number of different bands, and he has released two studio albums.
OK Go
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Known for their creative and innovative music videos, alternative rock band OK Go rose to fame by taking advantage of the growing popularity of YouTube in the mid-2000s. Their first video, for their single “A Million Ways,” quickly became the most-downloaded music video of all time back in 2006. The band even took home a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2007 for their brilliant treadmill choreography in the now-iconic video for their single “Here It Goes Again.” Recently, OK Go released their fourth studio album, “Hungry Ghosts,” for which they have already released two music videos, both of which garnered millions of views within mere days of being uploaded.
Kellie Pickler
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 10:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Country singer Kellie Pickler got her start as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. Although she finished in sixth place, she is arguably doing better than some of the past winners, having carved out a comfortable niche for herself in the country music scene. She has released four successful albums to date, her latest being 2013’s “The Woman I Am.” After releasing her fourth album, Pickler returned to reality television as a contestant on the sixteenth season of Dancing With the Stars. This time around she won the competition, more than making up for her sixth-place finish on Idol.
Sylvan Esso
WHEN: Friday, July 3
Sylvan Esso is an electro folk-pop duo consisting of singer Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn. The group formed in 2013 and soon signed with Partisan Records. The next year, they released their eponymous debut album, which includes their hit singles “Coffee” and “Hey Mami” among others.
Manchester Orchestra
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 8:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Atlanta-based indie rock band Manchester Orchestra formed in 2004 when its members were still attending high school. Frontman Andy Hull opted for home schooling for his senior year, so as to have more time to write and record music, and eventually he ended up forming Manchester Orchestra with friends. The band created a lot of buzz around Atlanta, and eventually beyond that as they earned spots to play at festivals like SXSW and Lollapalooza before even releasing a full-length album. Now the band has released four albums and achieved a great deal of mainstream success. They issued their latest album, “Cope,” in 2014, soon followed by the companion album “Hope,” which features stripped-down versions of the same songs.
Toad the Wet Sprocket
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 8:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Taking their name from a Monty Python comedy sketch, Toad the Wet Sprocket became one of the most successful alternative bands of the 1990s. Since their formation in 1986, the band has retained the same lineup, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning, and drummer Randy Guss. Toad the Wet Sprocket has released six studio albums to date, two of which have been certified platinum in the U.S. Their latest effort, “New Constellation,” came out in 2013.
Mates of State
WHEN: Sunday, June 28
Mates of State is the husband-and-wife duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel. Since their formation in 1997, they have released seven studio albums and three extended plays. Mates of State released their latest record, “Mountaintops,” in 2011.
The Romantics
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 9:30 PM – Uline Warehouse
Formed in Detroit in 1977, The Romantics released their debut full-length three years later. The eponymous 1980 album included their best-known single to date, the power pop anthem “What I Like About You.” The Romantics have released five more studio albums since then. Their latest, titled “61/49,” came out in 2003.
Dark Star Orchestra
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 8:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Dark Star Orchestra is a Grateful Dead tribute band from Chicago. Having been performing since 1997, Dark Star Orchestra has played over two thousand shows to date.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 9:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Blues rock musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd began teaching himself guitar at a very young age, inspired by the greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Muddy Waters. He has experienced tremendous success for a blues artist, with five Grammy nominations over the years and four of his seven studio albums having been certified platinum. Shepherd released his latest record, titled “Goin’ Home,” in 2014.
Foghat
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 5:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
English rock band Foghat formed in London in 1971. Best known for their hit single “Slow Ride,” the band steadily put out several commercially successful albums throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. They continued making music afterward, although their output became far less frequent. Foghat’s latest album, “Last Train Home,” came out in 2010.
Kristian Bush (of Sugarland)
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 8:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Kristian Bush is best known as one half of the Grammy Award-winning country duo Sugarland. Bush stepped out as a solo artist in 2014 and debuted his single “Trailer Hitch.” The song is the lead single off his newly-released debut album, “Southern Gravity.”
Meg Myers
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 8:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Singer-songwriter Meg Myers moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career when she was just 20 years old. There, she met producer Doctor Rosen Rosen, with whom she signed a production deal and recorded her first EP, 2012’s “Daughter in the Choir.” She soon scored a contract with Atlantic Records and released a second EP called “Make a Shadow.” Myers is ready to embark on her first headlining tour this spring, and she is expected to release a full-length album later this year.
Leftover Salmon
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 9:30 PM – Uline Warehouse
Colorado-based jam band Leftover Salmon formed in the early 1990s as the union of two groups from the area: The Left Hand String Band and The Salmonheads. Fusing their names together, Leftover Salmon was born, and the newly created band began to make music they self-describe as “polyethnic cajun slamgrass.” They released their latest studio album, “High Country,” in 2014.
Keller Williams
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 7:30 PM – Uline Warehouse
Keller Williams has made a name for himself as a “one man jam band” by creating his own backing loops live onstage with a multitude of instruments. He has toured with well known jam bands like Umphrey’s McGee and The String Cheese Incident, the latter of whom he released a collaborative album called “Breathe” in 2000 as the Keller Williams Incident. Williams’ latest album, “Funk,” came out in 2013.
Pepper
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, June 26 @ 10:00 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Pepper is an alternative rock/ska trio originally from Hawaii. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams. Since 2000, Pepper has released five studio albums. Their latest is an eponymous effort that saw release in 2013.
Tommy Castro
WHEN: Tuesday, June 30
Blues musician Tommy Castro has been releasing music since the mid-’90s, beginning with his 1994 debut album “No Foolin.” Since then he has steadily put out new material, with his latest album, “The Devil You Know,” appearing in 2014. Nowadays, Castro tours with a stripped-down, four-piece band called The Painkillers.
Otis Clay
WHEN: Sunday, July 5
Otis Clay is regarded as one of the leading figures of Chicago soul. Originally coming from a Gospel background, Clay began to make secular music after signing with Chicago label One-derful Records in 1965. The result was a style of Gospel-influenced soul and a number of hits that made the national R&B charts. His legacy still stands, as he has a huge international following and was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Smash Mouth
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 10:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Few bands scream ’90s nostalgia like Smash Mouth. We all remember jamming out to “All Star” whenever it came on the radio. You totally still know all the words. For those of you who still can’t let go of that decade, this is the show for you. Although it’s unlikely that they’ll ever return to their former glory, Smash Mouth is still an active band. Some may be surprised to know that these guys released an album as recently as 2012. Regardless, they’re still bound to bust out the old favorites, so you can (literally) party like it’s 1999.
The Infamous Stringdusters
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, July 1 @ 5:30 PM – Uline Warehouse
Bluegrass jam band The Infamous Stringdusters formed in 2006 and released their debut album, “Fork in the Road,” a year later. They have since released five more studio albums. Their latest effort, “Let It Go,” came out in 2014 and reached #38 on the U.S. country charts. The band’s current lineup consists of Andy Hall on Dobro, Andy Falco on guitar, Chris Pandolfi on banjo, Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, and Travis Book on upright bass.
Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily’s D+Evolution
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 7:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Grammy-winning jazz singer Esperanza Spalding has just unveiled a new persona she calls Emily. According to Spalding, Emily is a character born out of her mind, and she will be touring the persona as Emily’s D+Evolution. Spalding has stated that the live performances as Emily’s D+Evolution will have theatrical elements, with characters and staging that will come together as “musical vignettes.”
J. Roddy Walston & The Business
SHOW DETAILS: Tuesday, June 30 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Formed in 2002, J. Roddy Walston and The Business plays southern roots rock and Americana music. Besides J. Roddy Walston on vocals, piano, and guitar, the band also consists of Billy Gordon on lead guitar and vocals, Logan Davis on bass, and Steve Colmus on drums. They have gained a considerable following through touring, and have made several festival appearances and toured in support of artists like Deer Tick and Drive-By Truckers.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
WHEN: Friday, June 26
Dirty Dozen Brass Band was established in 1977, and has since been credited with revitalizing the New Orleans brass band tradition. The band has been highly influential over time, and their success paved the way for the reemergence of New Orleans brass band music nationwide. Furthermore, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has been featured on popular albums from artists like Modest Mouse, Widespread Panic, and Elvis Costello.
Sloan
WHEN: Wednesday, June 24
Sloan is regarded as one of the most successful Canadian bands of the 1990s. Their pop sound was an instant hit in Canada, but the band had a hard time breaking into the U.S. market, especially since their music didn’t conform to the rising popularity of the grunge trend at that time. Sloan has impressively maintained the same lineup since the band’s inception, with founders Chris Murphy, Andrew Scott, Patrick Pentland, and Jay Ferguson all still active members. In 2014, the band released a double album titled “Commonwealth,” which features songs written by all four bandmates.
Cowboy Mouth
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 10:00 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
New Orleans-based rock band Cowboy Mouth formed in the early 1990s with the intention of making album-oriented alternative and roots rock music. The band’s current lineup consists of Fred LeBlanc on vocals and drums, John Thomas Griffith on lead guitar and vocals, Matt Jones on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Brian Broussard on bass. Cowby Mouth released their most recent album titled “Go!” in 2014.
The Mowgli’s
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 10:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
The Mowgli’s is an alternative rock collective from southern California. In 2013, they released their major label debut, “Waiting for the Dawn,” which yielded their hit song “San Francisco.” The album’s success brought the band opportunities like television appearances and touring in support of bands like Walk the Moon and Manchester Orchestra. Their cheerful attitude and messages of love and positivity resonate with audiences everywhere, leaving concertgoers happy and feeling good. The band’s sophomore album, “Kids in Love,” just came out this month.
Mother Mother
WHEN: Saturday, June 27
Mother Mother is a Canadian indie rock band based in Vancouver. The group is a five-piece that centers around the talents of siblings Ryan and Molly Guldemond. Mother Mother has released five albums to date, the most recent of which, called “Very Good Bad Thing,” came out in 2014.
Sam Llanas
WHEN: Thursday, June 25
Singer/songwriter Sam Llanas is perhaps best known as one of the founding members of the roots rock group BoDeans. However, he left the band in 2011 and put out a solo record titled “4 A.M. (The Way Home)” that year. In 2014 Llanas issued a follow-up record called “The Whole Night Thru.”
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
WHEN: Sunday, June 28
Nigerian musician Seun Kuti is the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun now leads his father’s former band, Egypt 80. He released his debut album with Egypt 80, titled “Many Things,” in 2008, followed by a sophomore album in 2011 called “From Africa With Fury: Rise.” Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s latest effort, called “A Long Way to the Beginning,” arrived in 2014.
Tonic
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, July 5 @ 6:00 PM – Miller Lite Oasis
Alternative rock band Tonic was formed in 1993 by vocalist/guitarist Emerson Hart and guitarist Jeff Russo, both of whom are still active members. The band’s current lineup is a trio, with Dan Lavery joining them on bass. Tonic has released four studio albums thus far, and the band has received two Grammy nominations to date.
Big Smo
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, June 25 @ 8:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Country rap musician John Smith goes by the stage name Big Smo. Some may know him by his A&E reality series of the same name. His musical style has been described as falling somewhere between that of Kid Rock and Run-D.M.C. Although he has been putting out music since the early 2000s, Smo’s latest album, 2014’s “Kuntry Livin’,” is his major label debut. The album made its way to #31 on the Billboard 200, and cracked the top ten on both the country and rap albums charts.
Field Report
WHEN: Sunday, June 28
Field Report is a folk band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin led by singer/songwriter Chris Porterfield. After the breakup of his former band DeYarmond Edison, which he played in with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Porterfield went solo and chose to name the project Field Report, an anagram for his surname. He recruited a number of musicians and recorded his eponymous debut album, which he released in 2012. Field Report followed that up with the 2014 release of “Marigolden,” which became the subject of much critical acclaim.
Taylor Dayne
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 5:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
80s pop star Taylor Dayne (born Leslie Wunderman) scored a major hit in 1987 with her debut single “Tell It to My Heart.” Through the next few years, she had several more successful hits, including her Billboard #1 “Love Will Lead You Back.” Although she hasn’t released a proper album since 2008, Dayne has put out a few singles over the last few years. In 2014, she released her first single in three years, called “Dreaming.”
Elvin Bishop
WHEN: Tuesday, June 30
Blues guitarist Elvin Bishop has been releasing solo music since 1969, when he debuted with an album titled “The Elvin Bishop Group.” Bishop has issued a multitude of records since then. His latest, called “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right,” was just released last year.
MisterWives
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, June 27 @ 8:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
MisterWives is an indie pop band based in New York City. They have garnered a lot of buzz lately, and have opened for acts like Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers, and American Authors. They released their debut EP, “Reflections,” in 2014 through the New York indie label Photo Finish Records.
Willy Porter
WHEN: Thursday, June 25
Wisconsin native Willy Porter kicked off his music career in 1990 with the release of his album “The Trees Have Soul.” His next album, 1994’s “Dog-Eared Dream,” earned him praise from critics and produced the hit single “Angry Words.” His rising success led to support slots for artists like Jeff Beck, Paul Simon, and The Cranberries. Porter released his latest album, “Cheeseburgers & Gasoline,” in 2012.
Saint Motel
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 8:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Saint Motel is an indie pop band formed in 2007 by pianist/vocalist A.J. Jackson and guitarist Aaron Sharp. The duo met while both studying film at Chapman University in Orange, California, and soon recruited bassist Dak Lerdamornpong and drummer Greg Erwin to round out their lineup. Using their film school knowhow, the band put together appealing videos for each of the six tracks on their debut EP “ForPlay.” Saint Motel’s 2012 debut full-length was met favorably by critics, earning the band more popularity and the chance to tour with acts like Imagine Dragons, Arctic Monkeys, and Weezer.
Big Data
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 8:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Big Data recently came to attention with their hit single “Dangerous” (featuring Joywave), which was a number one single on the U.S. Alternative charts in 2014. The group is an electronic music project led by Brooklyn-based producer Alan Wilkis. Big Data has released three EPs: “1.0,” “1.5,” and “1.6,” and the band just released their full-length debut, titled “2.0,” on March 23.
Vinyl Theatre
WHEN: Thursday, June 25
Milwaukee’s own Vinyl Theatre is an indie rock quartet that makes electronic-oriented rock/synthpop. Formed in 2012 by vocalist/guitarist Keegan Calmes and keyboardist Chris Senner, the band later expanded to include drummer Nick Cesarz and bassist Josh Pothier. In 2014, Vinyl Theatre signed with Fueled By Ramen and released their debut album “Electrogram.”
The Wind + The Wave
WHEN: Sunday, June 28
The Wind and The Wave is a duo based in Austin, Texas. The group is comprised of good friends Dwight Baker and Patricia Lynn, both of whom were involved in the Austin music scene before coming together in 2009. As The Wind and The Wave, they signed to RCA in 2013 and the duo released their debut album, titled “From the Wreckage,” in 2014.
Angaleena Presley
WHEN: Friday, June 26
Country singer-songwriter Angaleena Presley is known as one-third of the country trio Pistol Annies (along with Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe). After gaining recognition thanks to the Annies’ success, Presley earned herself a solo recording contract in 2014. She subsequently released her debut album, “American Middle Class,” which debuted at #29 on the country charts.
Ximena Sarinana
WHEN: Friday, June 26
Mexican singer-songwriter and actress Ximena Sarinana debuted her first solo album, “Mediocre,” in 2008. The following year, she received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album as well as two Latin Grammy award nominations. She returned in 2011 with a self-titled record, sung primarily in English. Her latest effort, “No Todo lo Puedes Dar,” came out in late 2014.
Amanda Shires
SHOW DETAILS: Sunday, June 28 @ 7:30 PM – Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard
Singer/songwriter Amanda Shires released her first solo album, “Being Brave,” in 2005, after which she relocated to Nashville. She has since released four more studio albums as a solo artist. Her latest effort is a two-song covers EP, in collaboration with her husband Jason Isbell, called “Sea Songs.”
Kaleo
SHOW DETAILS: Thursday, July 2 @ 8:00 PM – U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Icelandic rock quartet Kaleo formed in 2012, after which they quickly became a big hit in their home country. They released their eponymous debut album in 2013, which rose to the #1 spot on the charts in Iceland. Their mellow sound evokes artists like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes.
Clare Dunn
SHOW DETAILS: Wednesday, June 24 @ 7:00 PM – BMO Harris Pavilion
Clare Dunn is a country musician from Colorado. Her career has really taken off in the last few years, as she has earned opportunities to tour with country greats like Florida Georgia Line and Keith Urban. She has yet to release a full-length album, but she has issued two successful singles within the last two years.
Failure
SHOW DETAILS: Saturday, July 4 @ 8:00 PM – Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
90s alt-rock band Failure called it quits in 1997, but the group announced their reunion in 2013. In 2014, they performed their first show since 1997 at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre, after which they went on tour supporting Tool. Failure recently announced that a fourth album is in the works. The record, their first in nearly two decades, will be called “The Heart Is a Monster” and is slated for release this June.
Logan Mize
SHOW DETAILS: Friday, July 3 @ 6:00 PM – Uline Warehouse
Logan Mize came onto the scene in 2009 with his independently released, self-titled debut album. His second album, “Nobody in Nashville,” came out in 2012 and charted on both the Billboard Country Albums and Billboard Heatseekers Albums charts. Soon, he was touring with big names like Blake Shelton, LeAnn Rimes, and Dierks Bentley. He was further thrust into the limelight when he appeared opposite actress Hayden Panettiere in a national commercial for Cotton in 2013. Mize recently dropped his latest single, “Can’t Get Away From a Good Time.”
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