(If you’re looking for the complete 2021 Summerfest daily schedules, you can find them here.)
Marcus picks: Dave Chappelle @ American Family Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.
I don’t even know where to begin if you’re not stoked to at the very least be within earshot of a comedian who for me is the best ever. That alone is funny to me. Trust me, I’ve seen Dave Chappelle, it’s worth it; he’s funny even when he’s breaking the really real stuff down. Worth the price of admission on his own, especially as he hits the top of his game and gives zero… well, you know.
Marcus's reggae picks: Iration (4 p.m.), Iya Terra (6 p.m.) and 311 (10 p.m.) @ Generac Power Stage
Today the Generac Power Stage becomes the unofficial reggae stage for the fest. The wattage on these artists might lack a bit for star power, but I think it’ll be a sneaky good idea to get all the way into night where on one night and on one stage, all the artists sort of make sense playing back-to-back-to-back. Though it’s not the most Jamaican lineup one might expect from a reggae show, all these bands are decent and have cross-appeal and good vibes to say the least.
Justin's From The Music Desk Pick: The Weather Station @ Briggs and Stratton Backyard, 8 p.m.
The Weather Station released one of the most creatively complex albums of the year with “Ignorance.” One of my friends who works in music texted me after it came out and said, “Are you playing new Weather Station? There is a lot of music coming out right now, but that is Art.” And I agree. Sometimes such a delicate production can be drowned out by the noise of Summerfest, but maybe we can all get close enough, lean in, and hear the beauty of The Weather Station.
Kenny Perez recommends: Tank and the Bangas @ Johnson Controls World Sound Stage, 8 p.m.
What is left to say about the Tiny Desk famous Tank and The Bangas?! They are fun, have so much talent and will make any crowd smile with their witty style. My I eyes and ears were glued to their Tiny Desk-winning performance and now I get to see them in the flesh!
Today's pop pick: Kesha @ BMO Harris Pavilion, 10 p.m.
Kesha has come a long way from the party-girl routine of her early '10s pop radio hits. On her recent albums the singer has demonstrated newfound range, touching on rock and even country as she sings about the abuses she's survived. You can still expect a lot of glitter and dancing at her shows, but also expect some big tear-jerking emotions, too.
Today's Milwaukee music pick: Reyna @ BMO harris Pavilion, 8 p.m.
Who better to open for Kesha than Milwaukee's sister-sister pop duo Reyna, who have been producing some of their slickest, catchiest singles yet over the last couple of years, including 2020's irresistible "Coachella."
Here's the complete Summerfest schedule for Saturday, Sept. 11
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30 p.m. – Dave Chappelle
Miller Lite Oasis
6 p.m. – Bobby Friss
10 p.m. – Brett Eldredge
BMO Harris Pavilion
4 p.m. – Betty Who
6 p.m. – Frederic Yonnet
8 p.m. – REYNA
10 p.m. – Kesha
UScellular Connection Stage
4 p.m. – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
6 p.m. – Nikhil Korula Band
8 p.m. – Koch Marshall Band
10 p.m. – ZZ Top
Generac Power Stage
4 p.m. – Iration
6 p.m. – Iya Terra
10 p.m. – 311
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
4 p.m. – Toad the Wet Sprocket
6 p.m. – The Gufs
8 p.m. – The Weather Station
10 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra
Uline Warehouse
4 p.m. – Filter
6 p.m. – Living Colour
8 p.m. – Hinder
10 p.m. – Buckcherry
Johnson Controls World Sound Stage
6:45 p.m. – Klassik
8 p.m. – Tank and the Bangas
JoJo’s Martini Lounge
1 p.m. – Jake Warne
4 p.m. – Marcel Guyton
8 p.m. – Rhythm Kings
Klement’s Sausage & Beer Garden
Noon – Jim Olschmidt/Steve Cohen Duo
2 p.m. – Big Al Dorn
5 p.m. – Mighty Ms. Erica and the Sound Production
7 p.m. – Johnny Burgin
Here's today's promotion/how to get in free for today: SUMMERFEST MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY WITH GENERAC
All active-duty military personnel and veterans, along with up to four (4) family members, who present their Military ID at the designated turnstile at any gate will be admitted for FREE. Please attend the Military Appreciation Ceremony featuring representatives from each branch of the military at 3:15 p.m. at the Generac Power Stage, produced in partnership with the War Memorial Center.