Summerfest! It runs June 26-30, and July 2-7! Over that 11-day span, approximately 800 acts will perform on 10 stages (not to mention all the side stages). With that much entertainment packed into such a tight window, we understand if you’re stressing about how to Fest to the best of your ability.
In an effort to help you make some potentially difficult Summerfest decisions, Milwaukee Record will offer some Record Recommendations for each and every day of Summerfest, including a suggested headliner, a reason to show up early, a can’t-miss local act, and a tip for a way to have a cheaper and/or better experience. Here are our Record Recommendations for Summerfest Day 6.
HEADLINER
Liz Phair
9:45 p.m. @ Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
Liz Phair rules. Liz Phair’s debut album, Exile In Guyville (which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary), rules. Liz Phair’s pre-Guyville Girly-Sound tapes rule. The rest of Liz Phair’s career ranges from “yep, still rules” (Whip-Smart) to “huh” (2003’s Liz Phair). But whatever. Liz Phair rules. And now, hot on the heels of an October show at Turner Hall, Liz Phair is returning to Milwaukee. The iconic indie rocker will play in lieu of First Aid Kit, who recently canceled their entire summer tour.
EARLY BIRD
REYNA
7 p.m. @ Miller Lite Oasis
Since shedding their former Vic and Gab trappings and reimagining themselves as the polished pop act REYNA, sisters Victoriah and Hannah Gabriela Banuelos have been plenty busy. A handful of terrific singles has netted them oodles of local and national attention, they seem to win a new contest every other week (they were recently chosen for the latest Backline program), and a new EP is on the way. A band that has been on the cusp of big things for years finally looks poised to make the jump.
LOCAL
LUXI
8 p.m. @ Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Speaking of hard-working local artists, electronic wunderkind LUXI is a formidable Milwaukee multi-threat. Yes, Alexandre Maxine Hill has been gracing venues and festivals with her music since 2013, but she has also released a steady stream of albums, EPs, singles, and music videos. Last year’s Lost Letters (Of Seraphina) was one of the best Milwaukee albums of 2018. Did it come with an accompanying video game? This is LUXI we’re talking about, so of course it did.
DEAL/TIP
• From noon until 3 p.m., show up to get in free. That’s it.