Every morning throughout Summerfest 2024, 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 2024 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amp
Maroon 5 w/Dasha, 7:30 p.m.
The pop band fronted by Adam Levine took up residency at the Park MGM casino’s Dolby Live indoor amphitheater in Las Vegas last March and will end the run in October, with breaks built in for appearances just like this. Maroon 5’s last studio album was 2021’s Jordi — their seventh full-length LP — although Levine suggested last October that new music is on the way. It’s been more than two decades since Songs About Jane set off a string of wild success for the group, which rattled off four straight platinum albums and racked up a truckload of awards, including three Grammys.
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Local Natives @ AmFam House, 4 p.m.; Generac Power Stage, 9:30 p.m.
When indie-rock titans Local Natives grace the Summerfest stage Friday , it’ll be for the first time in the band’s history. The close-knit quintet have been prolific in the studio of late, releasing two full-length albums — the connectedly titled Time Will Wait for No One (2023), But I’ll Wait for You (2024) — in less than a year after being “on the verge of collapse” in 2021.
If you’re a fan of the band, this is a can’t-miss performance because it could be our last chance to see all five of the original members perform together for some time. Kelsey Ayer, one of the lead vocalists (whose falsetto compliments Taylor Rice’s harmonies), announced his departure from the band following the tour to explore solo projects.
It’s a tough blow considering how much his range and emotion contribute to the band’s sound, but I suppose there’s solace knowing us fans will end up getting more music out of it. Plus it’ll help us appreciate tonight’s show even more, so let's give the L.A. rockers a warm Midwest welcome!
— Arya Ahmadi
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
Cimafunk @ Aurora Pavilion, 7 p.m.
Cimafunk is a Grammy-nominated, Afro-Cuban high-top headed dope dude. His name really refers to the fact that he’s Cimarrón, a Cuban of African descent who resisted and escaped slavery, and his music that aims to subvert classical Cuban rhythms with a mix of funk, Afrobeat and hip hop. A Sound Travels favorite who’ll be at the American Family Amphitheater on July 5th. I would expect a show that is dynamic and different that anything you’ll see at Summerfest this year. If you’re thinking outside of the box, this is the show to see…
— Marcus Doucette
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
Angélica Garcia @ Aurora Pavilion, 4:30 p.m.
This dynamic and soulful singer-songwriter is an artist evolving in front of our eyes. Her highly anticipated new project, Gemelo ("twin" in Spanish), explores themes of duality and identity, offering listeners an introspective journey through her personal experiences and artistic growth. In short, it’s a testament to her ability to push musical boundaries while staying true to her roots. Take this opportunity to see those talents in action.
— Kenny Perez
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4
Reyna Tropical @ Aurora Pavilion, 5:45 p.m.
For fans of Manu Chao and other Mexican, Colombian and Peruvian music, Reyna Tropical has the beats for you. The founder of She Shreds Fabi Reyna started the band with the late Nectali "Sumohair" Díaz in the late 2010s. The band blends African rhythms with Spanish style, creating infectious grooves perfect for the summertime.
Reyna sings about the experiences of being a Mexican woman in America and queer love in particular, but there’s something for everyone in their music. If you weren’t lucky enough to get into their Studio Session at The Cooperage (or even if you were), make sure to catch them at the Aurora Pavilion.
— Amelie Lichte
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #5
DJ Kenny Perez @ Aurora Pavilion, all day
How could we not pick this one??? When I asked Radio Milwaukee’s own Kenny Perez about some of his favorite parts of playing for Summerfest, he said he looks forward to the adrenaline rush of opening for bands and playing so many different stages. He’s been doing various gigs for the festival for almost 20 years, playing across multiple genres like Latin, alternative and soul. While he’s “officially” on the Summerfest schedule for 2:45 p.m. at the Aurora Pavilion, our late-night host will be spinning all day, so come and check him out!
— Amelie Lichte
How to get in free today
Direct Supply Seniorfest Day
Noon to 4 p.m.
All patrons ages 60+ will be admitted free when they present their ID at the designated turnstile at any gate. Admitted seniors will also receive a voucher for $2 off a food or non-alcoholic beverage purchase over $10.
Spend the day enjoying music spanning a range of genres, including music from The Box Tops, the Direct Supply Golden Idols and more. Also, just inside the South Gate, check out various Direct Supply partners offering senior-focused information and services. All wheelchairs will be provided free of charge to seniors between noon and 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Silgan Community Food Drive
Noon to 3 p.m.
The first 2,000 patrons who donate three shelf-stable food items will receive one free admission ticket valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth. All donations benefit Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Summerfest schedule for Friday, July 5
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
- 7:30 p.m. — Maroon 5 w/Dasha
AmFam House
- 4 p.m. — Local Natives
- 2 p.m. — Cimafunk
BMO Pavilion
- 9:30 p.m. — Bryson Tiller
- 7:30 p.m. — Kenya Vaun
- 7 p.m. — Mr. New York
- 5:30 p.m. — Vincent Van Great
- 3:30 p.m. — Rayven
- 1:30 p.m. — Terry Sims Band
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:15 p.m. — Paul Cauthen
- 8:30 p.m. — Colby Acuff
- 6:30 p.m. — Tanner Usrey
- 4:30 p.m. — Nikki Lane
- 2:45 p.m. — Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan
- 1 p.m. — Ladybird
UScellular Connection Stage
- 10 p.m. — Lil Tecca
- 8:15 p.m. — Tana
- 6:30 p.m. — DC The Don
- 5:30 p.m. — kill.dawn
- 4:30 p.m. — Superstar Sel
- 4 p.m. — Dres, DJ B-Lee
- 2:30 p.m. — Rebecca & The Grey Notes
- 12:45 p.m. — The Listening Party
Generac Power Stage
- 9:30 p.m. — Local Natives
- 7:45 p.m. — Bad Suns
- 6 p.m. — Juice
- 4 p.m. — Cale Tyson
- Noon — The Cynthia Starich Band
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Wage War
- 8 p.m. — Saint Asonia
- 6 p.m. — Bodysnatcher
- 3 p.m. — The Box Tops
- 1:30 p.m. — Doo-Wop Jukebox
- Noon — Doo-Wop Jukebox
Uline Warehouse
- 9:30 p.m. — The Wallflowers
- 7:30 p.m. — Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
- 5:30 p.m. — Freddy Jones Band
- 3:30 p.m. — The Baseball Project
- 1:45 p.m. — SunDown47
- Noon — David Rosales
Aurora Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — Non-Pop!
- 7 p.m. — Cimafunk
- 5:45 p.m. — Renya Tropical
- 4:30 p.m. — Angélica Garcia
- 3:15 p.m. — El Sebas
- 2:45 p.m. — DJ Kenny Perez
- 12:45 p.m. — Florentine Opera Company