There are few Milwaukee summertime activities that can beat spending a few hours paddling around the city’s rivers in a kayak. Trust us! If the experience that blends outdoor enjoyment, exercise, and seeing the city in an entirely new way is missing anything, though, it’s live music. But wait!

On Wednesdays from June 14 through August 23, MKE River Round Up will offer three hours of live music on the open water. Each week, a different musical act will take to a pontoon boat known as “The Funktoon” to perform from 5-8 p.m. Instead of staying stationary and watching the show like landlubbers, people can rent a kayak from Milwaukee Kayak Company and paddle alongside the performers as The Funktoon navigates the river.

The just-announced 2023 lineup of River Round Up outings (and affiliated after parties) includes performances by De La Buena, The MilBillies, Pay The Devil, Valley Fox, The Stephen Hull Experience, and more. MKE River Round Up ticket links will be posted next week, so check Eventbrite as show dates approach or email [email protected] for more information. Here’s the lineup!

June 14: The MilBillies + Fox Crossing Stringband
June 21: Wonderfunk + JV Squad
June 28: De La Buena + Los Mitoteros
July 5: Bye (or makeup date)
July 12: Sweet Sheiks + Pay The Devil
July 19: Heatbox + Pocket Change
July 26: Honest John + Valley Fox
August 2: The Hot And Dirty + Cream City Hotclub
August 9: The Stephen Hull Experience + Alice Wilson Band
August 16: Another One + Midnight Hound
August 23: FunkClub Wagon + Garrett Waite Trio

About The Author

Avatar photo
Co-Founder and Editor

Before co-founding Milwaukee Record, Tyler Maas wrote for virtually every Milwaukee publication (except Wassup! Magazine). He lives in Bay View and enjoys both stuff and things.