Every day of Summerfest, we’ll bring you a rundown of the headliners, hidden gems and Radio Milwaukee staff picks so you can catch the very best local, national and global artists performing across the nine days. Here’s what day two has in store, from dream-pop indie to blues-meets-soul-meets-R&B (see the full 2022 Summerfest lineup here and how to score drink deals every day here):
Today at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater: The absence of Justin Bieber
Following the superstar’s revelation that he’s been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which has caused paralysis on one side of his face, tour promoter AEG Presents released this statement:
“In light of Justin’s ongoing recovery, the remaining US Justice Tour shows scheduled for June and early July, including at Summerfest at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Milwaukee, WI on Friday, June 24, 2022 will be postponed. Justin continues to receive the best medical care possible, is upbeat about his recovery, and is looking forward to getting back out on the road and performing for his fans overseas later this summer.”
Staff pick from Salam Fatayer: Dayglow @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, 6 p.m.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Dayglow was an essential artist during the early stages of the pandemic. Every playlist had a Dayglow song on it. If someone gave me the aux cord, I would add “Can I Call You Tonight?” I gravitated toward their feel-good indie sound in a time of gloom and uncertainty. The dream-pop indie genre can be oversaturated, but Dayglow stands out with its lyricism and musical influence of the ’70s and ’80s. With high summer temperatures, Dayglow provides the perfect backdrop for your cooldown.
Staff pick from Dan Reiner: Son Little @ Generac Power Stage, 3:30 p.m.
Son Little, the stage name of Aaron Earl Livingston, first caught my ear with his self-titled debut album back in 2015. “Lay Down” and “The River” are still in my rotation off that record. What makes Son Little great is his ability to blend the sounds of old-school R&B with new-age bluegrass and blues by using just a little twang in his guitar and the rasp of his voice. His lyrics are poignant and full of emotion. This late-afternoon show is the ideal time to exercise the “Summer Friday” clause with your employer.
Local flavor: Violent Femmes @ Generac Power Stage, 9:30 p.m.
What more could we possibly say about Violent Femmes that hasn’t already been said? Their sound is singular, their songs are timeless, and they’re Milwaukee through and through.
Local flavor: DJ Kenny Perez @ Johnson Controls World Sound Stage, 9:30 p.m.
Our own Kenny Perez aptly brings his international flavor to the Johnson Controls World Sound Stage. The “In The Mix” host has a few sets planned for the three-weekend shindig, including earlier Friday at the Miller Lite Oasis. But you can close your Friday night on a high note with a dance party mix consisting of house, techno, Latin, hip-hop and more.
Summerfest schedule for Friday, June 24
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30 p.m. – Justin Bieber (postponed)
BMO Harris Pavilion
7:30 p.m. – Jimmie Vaughan
9:30 p.m. – Steve Miller Band
Miller Lite Oasis
8:15 p.m. – Flosstradamus
10:15 p.m. – Dillon Francis
UScellular Connection Stage
6:15 p.m. – Alexandra Kay
8:15 p.m. – Ben Gallaher
10 p.m. – Dustin Lynch
Generac Power Stage
3:30 p.m. – Son Little
5:30 p.m. – The Ike Reilly Assassination
7:30 p.m. – The Breeders
9:30 p.m. – Violent Femmes
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
4 p.m. – The Wrecks
6 p.m. – Dayglow
8 p.m. – Sadie Jean
10 p.m. – Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Uline Warehouse Stage
3:30 p.m. – Quiet Riot
5:30 p.m. – Lita Ford
7:30 p.m. – Warrant
9:30 p.m. – Skid Row
Johnson Controls World Sound Stage
3 p.m. – LO/ST
4:15 p.m. – Wildermiss
5:30 p.m. – Katerine Duska
6:45 p.m. – Leon of Athens
8 p.m. – Vertical Horizon
9:30 p.m. – DJ Kenny Perez
JoJo’s Martini Lounge
8 p.m. – Totally Neon
Klement’s Sausage & Beer Garden
5:30 p.m. – Brian Dale Band
How to get in free today: Lou Malnati’s Children’s Fest Day with TMJ4 and 99.1 The Mix
Every patron who arrives between noon and 3 p.m. gets free admission to the festival courtesy of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Children’s Fest activities include the Lou Malnati’s Map of Fun, the Family Fun Package drawing, and discounts on food-and-beverage items from select vendors.