The East Side Business Improvement District (BID) announced the 18th annual Summer Soulstice Music Festival, scheduled for June 23.
The hyper-local neighborhood music festival celebrates the music, art, and activities of Milwaukee’s East Side, and kicks off the summer festival season.
“The East Side has always been the crossroads of Milwaukee and ahead-of-the-curve on what has made Milwaukee special,” said Kristin Godfrey, Executive Director of the East Side BID. “We are so proud to present our 18th Summer Soulstice and are certain that this year’s festival will be our best ever. When you combine some of the best music acts in Milwaukee, unique and playful activities, incredible live art interaction inspired by Black Cat Alley, and food and retail vendors made up of a cross-section of Milwaukee’s makers – all into an incredibly vibrant and thriving neighborhood – you are guaranteed a good time.”
Summer Soulstice Music Festival showcases the rhythmic soul of Milwaukee. Musical acts exclusive to the city will be spread across three stages, the East Stage on North Avenue just west of Prospect Avenue, the West Stage at North Avenue just east of Oakland Avenue, and the Murray Stage on Murray Avenue just south of Thomas Avenue.
Artists featured on the East Stage will include School of Rock, Paper Holland, Bo and Airo, Sat Night Duets, Greatest Lakes, Jaill, and Rusty Pelicans. Showcased acts on the West Stage will be Negative Positive, Soulfood Mombits, Vincent Van Great, B Free, Kal Berghdal Project, and Abby Jeanne. And for Murray Stage, Paladino, Devil Met Contention, Kevin Hayden Project, Amanda Huff, Kyle Ferrick, Chickenwire Empire, Space Raft, and Young Revelators will perform.
Live painted art from five local artists will also serve as a temporary art installation this summer in Black Cat Alley. Animation guru Tim Decker will also host interactive activities for families in an arts tent, where kids can paint and take home their own Black Cat-inspired art creation.
Summer Soulstice entertainment favorites like a Nine Below mini-golf hole, BMX and Adventure Rock will return, as well as some exciting newcomers like Roll Train, a Milwaukee roller-skating dance troupe.
