THURSDAY

Summerfest fans of a certain age will remember the so-called “local stage.” This was an official Summerfest stage—initially sponsored by Cascio, later sponsored by K-Nation Entertainment—that was stocked with local and local-ish acts, crammed somewhere between a much bigger stage and some random carnival rides. “The quality of the stage’s lineup varied from year to year, but it was always a welcome oasis in a sometimes-crushing sea of people and picnic tables,” we wrote in 2016, when it was announced the stage wouldn’t be returning for that year’s fest.

So yeah, it’s been nearly a decade since Summerfest boasted a “local stage.” (There are still plenty of local-tastic official-unofficial side stages, though.) But does it need a “local stage”? Do local acts need to be politely scuttled off into their own little area? Judging from my time spent during Weekend 1 of Summerfest 2025, the answer is a solid “Nah.”

Case in point: On Thursday afternoon, I saw Milwaukee’s own Ben Mulwana, Holy Pinto, Buffalo Nichols, NilexNile, and Yonna. I also ate a bunch of food, took shelter from a 20-minute downpour, and partook in a strangely hi-tech Pepsi Challenge thing. But let’s stick to local music for now.

Ben Mulwana‘s bluesy, heartfelt singer-songwriter tunes sounded terrific blasting forth from the Miller Lite Oasis. The Uganda native shouted-out not only Summerfest, but the upcoming Mile Of Music in Appleton. (“The best festival you’ve ever seen!”)

Over on the Generac Power Stage, Holy Pinto‘s Aymen Saleh made light of the brief rain delay. “I live in Milwaukee but I’m from England,” he said. “If we had rain delays in England we’d never get anything fucking done.”

Buffalo Nichols played plenty of take-no-shit blues songs from his 2021 and 2023 records during his Miller Lite Oasis set, but it was a new song, the take-no-shit folk song “Belly Of The Beast,” that hit hardest. “This land was built with brutal machines / The bones of millions and stolen dreams,” Carl Nichols sang. “How did we all get down here? What evil have we done to deserve the cruelty of America?”

If you were looking for more of a party, NilexNile brought just that to the UScellular Connection Stage. He wasn’t alone: the tireless rapper was joined by Yonaa, who turned in a handful of delightfully explicit (and fun!) performances. “The loudest audience member gets some merch!” Nile called out at one point. The boisterous crowd replied in kind.

SATURDAY

Saturday’s 90-degree-but-feels-like-180 extreme heat turned Summerfest into a game of survival. (And yeah, I skipped Friday; no one said this was a comprehensive recap.) Was it wise to bike to the grounds wearing all black? No. Did I nearly pass out a mere 10 minutes after walking through the gate, thus missing most of Ellee Grim‘s set on the Generac Power Stage? YEP.

It was also super windy. Goodnight, inflatable moon.

Immortal Girlfriend put on a typically fantastic set on the Generac Power Stage. “It feels like the first day of summer!” the brothers Bush said in between sweaty synth-drenched selections. Listening to their music was a thrill; watching them perform in full vests and leather jackets was nerve-wracking.

Happily, the rest of my all-local itinerary was under the gloriously shaded BMO Pavilion. Collections Of Colonies Of Bees looked (and sounded) perfect in front of the gorgeous lakefront backdrop. The group’s latest record, Celebrities, is its absolute finest, and an instant Milwaukee classic. “How hot was it on stage?” I asked guitarist/mastermind Chris Rosenau after the set. “As brutal as it is out here!” he replied.

Caley Conway took the BMO stage next, performing materiel from her latest-and-greatest record, Partner. Conway may play out a lot, but no two shows are ever the same. Saturday’s full-band set was especially biting. “This is an all-timer,” I muttered to myself as Conway launched into the swooning “Singing Never.” “IT IS!” exclaimed Milwaukee musician/photographer/enthusiast Joe Kirschling, who magically popped up beside me.

And that, as they say, was that. I hung around near the BMO stage and chatted with pals, watched most of Ratboys’ set, and talked about the weather. On my way out I decided to livestream a one-way trip on the Skyglider, because why not? Love ya, Summerfest. See you again later this week. DEVO ON THURSDAY!