Every morning throughout Summerfest 2023, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2023 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amphitheater
James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, 7 p.m.
We dodged a bullet, people. On Monday, the legendary James Taylor announced he had to reschedule three shows this week — but not Milwaukee. Whew. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was dealing with a nasty case of laryngitis but has sufficiently recovered for tonight’s show to go on.
Joining him at the Amp is yet another RnR Hall of Famer, Sheryl Crow, who booked her ticket to the hallowed Cleveland institution earlier this year. More importantly, Crow is a very big Milwaukee Bucks fan and sported the team’s jersey during her last Summerfest appearance opening for Chris Stapleton on the big stage back in 2021.
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Noah Kahan @ UScellular Connection Stage, 10 p.m.
The number of artists with whom I’ve fallen in love through TikTok is probably more than I’d like to admit. But, hey, it led me to Noah Kahan. His voice gives me Hozier, Marcus Mumford and The Lumineers vibes, and his lyrics are pure poetry. After missing out on his crazy sold-out show earlier this year, I knew I had to be there the next time he came to town. Tonight, you best believe I’ll be screaming, “I love Vermont, but it’s the season of the sticks,” at the top of my lungs when he plays “Stick Season.”
— Kiri Salinas
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
Santa Fe Klan @ Miller Lite Oasis, 10:15 p.m.
Santa Fe Klan — the talented 23-year-old rapper-songwriter from Guanajuato, Mexico — is going to be the surprise hit of the festival, mark my words. He has been putting on amazing shows all over the place, but when he hits the Miller Lite Oasis Stage tonight, the city will be in for a musical treat and a cultural experience. To the folks who are fans of Latin hip-hop, Cumbia, Norteños and the like, this is a big deal, and I can’t wait to feel the crowd’s reaction. The stage’s full lineup is going to be incredible as well, so enjoy!
— Kenny Perez
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
David Seebach @ Northwestern Mutual Community Park, 7:30 p.m.
When I was a kid, maybe 9 or 10, I had the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of being asked on stage to “assist” Milwaukee illusionist David Seebach at his Halloween show at the Mojeska Theater. I was a big fan of stage magic at the time, and the excitement must have been visible on my face because as folks were taking their seats, a producer picked me out and asked if I wanted to be part of the show. They gave me a rundown of the illusion and told me to come on stage when called up, but not to make it obvious I was in on the gag.
When the time came, I helped Mr. Seebach rotate a case with an assistant locked inside. Then, when the illusion was revealed, I was to flee the stage in terror, a role I happily played. For my assistance, I got a signed photo of Mr. Seebach and a Polaroid of my appearance on stage, plus memories that would last a lifetime.
I didn’t know how he did the illusion — he didn’t let kid “assistants” in on the secret — but every year when I see him perform at Summerfest, I’m reminded of the decades of wonder Mr. Seebach has gifted generations of Milwaukee kids. The show is perfect for both young audiences and parents, with family-friendly illusions and humor. If you’re on the grounds during one of his sets, be sure to stop by to pass on the magic to a kid in your life.
— Nate Imig
How to get in free today
Briggs & Stratton Mary Lou’s Closet Supply Drive
The first 1,500 people who arrive between noon and 3 p.m. with a donation of NEW deodorant, socks and/or menstrual hygiene products (minimum value of $10, and deodorant is a particularly big need) will receive a free admission ticket valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donated products benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and community schools.
Summerfest schedule for Friday, June 24
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
AmFam House Stage
- 4 p.m. — The Brook & The Bluff
- 2 p.m. — Kidd G
BMO Pavilion
- 9:30 p.m. — Elvis Costello & The Imposters
- 7:30 p.m. — Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets
- 5:30 p.m. — Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound
- 3:30 p.m. — Vanilla Fudge
- 1:30 p.m. — Bobby Way & The Fabulous Wayouts
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:15 p.m. — Santa Fe Klan
- 8:15 p.m. — Tornillo
- 6:15 p.m. — MC Davo
- 4:15 p.m. — Browns Crew
- 2:30 p.m. — Maria Del Pilar
- 12:45 p.m. — Caravanchela
Generac Power Stage
- 9:30 p.m. — NLE Choppa
- 8 p.m. — Destroy Lonely
- 7 p.m. — Homixide Gang
- 6 p.m. — NilexNile
- 3:30 p.m. — Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Brett Eldredge
- 8 p.m. — Austin Snell
- 6 p.m. — Kidd G
- 4 p.m. — Kristie Kraus
- 2 p.m. — Leroy Airmaster with Junior Brantley
- Noon — Blues Disciples
UScellular Connection Stage
- 10 p.m. — Noah Kahan
- 8:15 p.m. — Adam Melchor
- 6:15 p.m. — The Brook & The Bluff
- 4:15 p.m. — Fleece
- 2:30 p.m. — Social Cig
- 12:45 p.m. — Holy Pinto
Uline Warehouse
- 9:30 p.m. — Lyle Lovett
- 7:30 p.m. — Willy Porter
- 5:30 p.m. — Wishbone Ash
- 3:30 p.m. — Gene Woods and the Soul Alliance
- 1:45 p.m. — The Michael Weber Show
- Noon — Palm Ghosts
Sound Waves Stage
- 7 p.m. — Mad Planet: Retro '80s Dance Party
Johnsonville Summerville
- 5:30 p.m. — Dianna Jones
South Party Pavilion
- 8 p.m. — Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns
Northwestern Mutual Community Park
- 7:30 p.m. — David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic