Summer is around the corner, and that means festivals throughout Milwaukee are starting up again. My favorite kinds of festivals have two criteria: They feature live music and are free of charge. The Summer Soulstice Music Festival on the East Side fits both of these requirements, and a stellar lineup adds to its appeal.
This is the 11th round of the annual event, held this year on East North Avenue from Oakland to Prospect on Saturday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. In addition to the music, the festival includes the nationally touring Division BMX Stunt Team, “Rage-in-the-Cage” Dodgeball Tournament, a Qdoba Burrito Eating Contest and the first American Apparel Soulstice Sale.
There will be two music stages – the Made in Milwaukee East Stage near Whole Foods Market and the Miller West Stage near Beans & Barley. Here are the lineups:
Made in Milwaukee East Stage
3:30 p.m. – The Scarring Party, a clever mix of accordion, tuba and banjo.
5 p.m. – Call me Lightning, a Milwaukee punk-rock group.
6:30 p.m. – Evan Christian and the Rusty Ps, a jazz guitarist and hip-hop group, respectively.
8 p.m. – The Wildbirds, a local bluesy indie-rock quartet.
9:30 p.m. – Kings Go Forth, nationally touring Milwaukee-based soulful Americana band.
Miller West Stage
4 p.m. – The Twang Dragons, a country-esque rock group that knows how to put on a good show.
5 p.m. – Ricky Ganiere, a folk artist from Milwaukee.
6:30 p.m. – The Daredevil Christopher Wright, a lovely indie-rock group hailing from Eau Claire, Wis.
8 p.m. – The Postelles, garage-rockers from New York out to promote their latest release.
9:30 p.m. – Fever Marlene, local electro-rock duo who are owning the Milwaukee scene.
Info via OnMilwaukee.com.