SUMMERFEST @ Henri Maier Festival Park – Milwaukee, WI
July 7th – July 9th, 2022
Review by Rick Kramer
Photos by David Urmanski
Just when you think it couldn’t get any better at “The World’s Largest Music Festival” after two incredibly breathtaking prior weeks of unparalleled live entertainment, enjoyable food fare and amazing weather for patrons and performers alike along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee, the recreation and elation continued with the third and final week of the 54th Anniversary of Summerfest. High energy and exhuberant crowds remained at a resounding high for yet another three days of world-class performances to include the music industry’s biggest acts, emerging talent and local favorites. Some of the magical musical moments from the closing week of Summerfest 2022 as follows:
THE BLACK CROWES – The legendary Black Crowes took the Generac Power Stage and delivered an unforgettable performance on the second to last day of Summerfest 2022. The iconic Milwaukee festival was buzzing with anticipation as fans gathered to witness the reunion tour of the Robinson brothers and their bandmates. The Black Crowes did not disappoint, delivering a powerful and energetic show that reminded everyone why they are considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared with excitement, the opening chords of “No Speak No Slave” echoed into the night, instantly setting the tone for an evening of pure rock ‘n’ roll. Chris Robinson’s gritty vocals and Rich Robinson’s masterful guitar work filled the air, captivating the audience from the very first note.
Throughout the night, The Black Crowes treated the crowd to a perfect balance of their greatest hits and deeper cuts from their extensive catalog. Songs like “Remedy,” “Hard to Handle,” and “She Talks to Angels” ignited the crowd, who sang along passionately with every word. The band’s musicianship was impeccable, with each member showcasing their skills through extended solos and tight-knit rhythmic interplay.
Throughout the performance, the band’s stage presence was captivating. The Robinson brothers commanded the stage with their magnetic energy, engaging the audience and making every fan feel like a part of the experience. The supporting members, including Sven Pipien on bass, Brian Griffin on drums, and the talented backing vocalists, added depth and richness to the overall sound, elevating the performance to new heights.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – Death Cab for Cutie performed at Summerfest on a balmy night at the Generac Power Stage, giving their devoted fans an incredible night of indie rock magic. As the throng gathered, waiting impatiently for the appearance of the beloved band, excitement was in the air.
As the lights dimmed and the first chords of “I Dreamt We Spoke Again filled the air, the crowd erupted in cheers. Frontman Ben Gibbard’s unmistakable voice resonated throughout the venue, captivating everyone in attendance. The band wasted no time in establishing a connection with their audience, effortlessly transitioning from one song to the next.
The setlist perfectly blended old favorites and tracks from their latest album, showcasing the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. Classics like “Crooked Teeth” and “Title and Registration” had the crowd singing along in unison, their voices echoing throughout the venue. Each song was delivered with raw emotion, with Gibbard’s heartfelt lyrics tugging at the heartstrings of every listener.
The stage setup was simple yet effective, with an impressive light show complementing the music. The visual elements enhanced the overall atmosphere, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The band members themselves exuded a sense of camaraderie and passion, clearly enjoying every moment on stage and feeding off the energy of the crowd.
Midway through the set, Death Cab for Cutie surprised fans with a stripped-down acoustic rendition of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.” The intimate performance created a poignant and intimate moment, as thousands of voices joined Gibbard in singing the hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Even though it was “interrupted” by the Summerfest fireworks, it was a mesmerizing highlight of the night, showcasing the band’s ability to captivate an audience even with minimal instrumentation.
The summer air was thick with anticipation as fans gathered at the UScellular Connection Stage for one of the most highly anticipated performances of the Summerfest festival. Third Eye Blind, the iconic alternative rock band, took the stage on July 2, 2022, delivering a night of pure musical magic and nostalgic energy that left the crowd in awe.
PORTUGAL THE MAN – On night seven of the Big Gig at the renowned Miller Lite Oasis stage, the energy was striking as Portugal. The Man took the stage. The anticipation among the crowd was electric, and the band did not disappoint, delivering an unforgettable performance that left fans awe-struck.
As the stage lights and the humorous video “Beavis and Butt-Head Do Portugal, The Man” played, the crowd erupted in cheers. The band, adorned in their signature attire, exuded confidence a
from the moment they stepped on stage. The psychedelic visuals projected on the giant screens behind them added an extra layer of immersive experience to their music.
Portugal. The Man effortlessly transitioned from one hit to another, blending their eclectic sound with a raw, rock ‘n’ roll energy. The band’s musicianship was outstanding, with each member showcasing their talent and passion for their craft. Lead vocalist John Gourley’s voice was captivating, hitting every note flawlessly and captivating the audience with his soulful delivery.
Portugal. The Man also treated the crowd to a few surprises, including energetic covers of Pink Floyd and Nirvana, and the opener— a Metallica/Slayer/Pantera mashup. Their unique interpretation of the classic heavies injected fresh energy into the performance, captivating both die-hard fans and those who were unfamiliar with the band’s music.
The band closed their set with an explosive rendition of “Hey Jude” with the crowd in cheers, singing along at the top of their lungs, creating an unforgettable moment of unity and euphoria.
RUSSELL DICKERSON – Summerfest came alive Thursday night with the electrifying performance of country music star Russell Dickerson. The crowd was buzzing as fans gathered to witness his captivating stage presence and the energetic music of the Tennessean. From the moment he stepped on stage, Dickerson had the audience under his spell, delivering a show that will be etched in their memories for years to come.
The setlist featured a perfect blend of fan favorites and new hits. Each song was delivered with heartfelt emotion and an unwavering energy that filled the venue. Dickerson’s powerful vocals soared through the air, effortlessly drawing the audience in, and keeping them engaged throughout the entire show. The crowd enthusiastically sang along to every word, creating a unified and exhilarating atmosphere.
One standout moment was when Dickerson performed his chart-topping single, “Yours.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the familiar melody began, and the venue became a chorus of voices singing along. It was a magical moment that showcased the strong connection between the artist and his fans. Dickerson’s genuine appreciation for their support was palpable, and he interacted with the crowd, making everyone feel like they were part of something special.
In addition to his incredible vocal talent, Dickerson showcased his skills as a multi-instrumentalist, effortlessly switching between guitar and piano throughout the performance. This added an extra layer of depth to the music, highlighting his versatility as an artist.
A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS – The iconic British new wave band A Flock of Seagulls took to the UScellular Connection Stage at Summerfest, captivating a crowd of enthusiastic fans with their distinctive sound and unforgettable hits. The atmosphere was electric as the band delivered a memorable performance that transported the audience back to the heyday of the 1980s.
A wave of applause greeted the band members as they emerged, led by the charismatic frontman Mike Score, his signature gravity-defying hairstyle now replaced with a black baseball hat. Opening with their early single “Modern Love is Automatic,” the band immediately set the tone for the evening, instantly transporting the crowd to a nostalgic era of synthesizers and catchy melodies.
A standout moment of the concert was the band’s extended rendition of “Telecommunication.” The pulsating synths and driving rhythm had the crowd in a frenzy, dancing and moving to the infectious beat. The energy was palpable, with fans of all ages coming together to celebrate the timeless appeal of A Flock of Seagulls’ music.
They concluded the evening with a perfect rendition of their smash hit “I Ran,” leaving the fans finally satisfied but still wanting more of the 80s.
JOJO – Sensational pop artist and Grammy winner JoJo treated Summerfest fans to an evening of energetic pop anthems and heartfelt ballads, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her powerful voice. The audience swayed and danced along to infectious tracks like “Too Little Too Late” and “Baby It’s You,” reveling in the nostalgia of JoJo’s early hits. The enthusiasm of the crowd was infectious, and the atmosphere was electric.
One of the standout moments of the night came when JoJo performed a version of ” Say Love” which rendered into a proclamation of unity and love. The vulnerability in her voice resonated with the audience, creating an intimate connection between the artist and fans.
GILBERTO SANTA ROSA – The stage came alive with vibrant colors and energetic vibes as the band members took their positions. Moments later, the man himself, Gilberto Santa Rosa, stepped onto the stage, and the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Dressed impeccably in a sleek suit, Santa Rosa exuded charisma and charm, instantly captivating the audience.
The concert kicked off with an explosive opening number, and from the very first note, it was evident that this would be a night to remember. Santa Rosa’s smooth vocals effortlessly filled the air, enveloping everyone in a warm embrace. The band’s tight musicianship and infectious rhythms added another layer of depth and energy to the performance.
Santa Rosa flawlessly transitioned between classic salsa hits and romantic ballads, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The audience swayed and danced to the infectious beats, unable to resist the irresistible allure of his music. From the lively “Perdoname” to the soul-stirring “Conciencia,” each song resonated with the crowd, evoking a range of emotions.
Santa Rosa’s stage presence was captivating. His effortless charisma and interaction with the crowd made everyone feel like they were part of an intimate gathering. He shared anecdotes, jokes, and personal stories, making the concert feel personal and engaging.
The production value of the concert was top-notch. The stage design, lighting, and sound quality were all exceptional, enhancing the overall experience. The seamless coordination between Santa Rosa and his band members, along with the skilled backup vocalists, added depth and richness to the performance.
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THE VENUE: HENRI MAIER FESTIVAL PARK Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, hosting the music industry’s biggest acts, emerging talent, and local favorites along with approximately 750,000 fans, for an unforgettable live music experience. The 53rd edition of the festival will take place September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2021. Summerfest features over 1,000 performances on 11 stages, along with food, beverages, and activities, all in a world-class festival setting. For more details, visit Summerfest.com, or Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @Summerfest. Address: 200 N Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website: www.Summerfest.com Tickets: Get Tickets Parking: Reserve Your Parking
