Country fans gathered at The Sylvee in Madison on Saturday, March 28, as acclaimed duo Maddie & Tae brought their Love & Light Tour to the popular venue, just blocks from the Capitol Square. Known for their tight harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, the longtime friends and collaborators delivered a night filled with emotional ballads, upbeat country anthems, and plenty of moments that had the crowd singing along.
The evening began with a performance from Anna Vaus, who warmed up the crowd before Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr took the stage. The performance drew a strong turnout of fans eager to see the country duo perform in the intimate concert setting of The Sylvee.
Since breaking out with their 2013 hit “Girl In A Country Song,” Maddie & Tae have built a reputation for pairing clever lyrics with emotional storytelling. Over the years they’ve continued to grow their audience with songs like the multi-platinum “Die From A Broken Heart” and “Friends Don’t,” while carving out a space in country music as one of the genre’s most successful female duos.
The tour also celebrates the duo’s latest album, Love & Light, a 16-track project that highlights their signature blend of honest songwriting and harmony-driven country pop. Songs from the record have helped propel the pair into a new chapter of their career while keeping the relatable themes that fans have connected with since the beginning.
Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the duo’s energetic performance on stage to the enthusiastic crowd filling the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Maddie & Tae’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.
Madison’s The Sylvee was packed to the brim for a sold-out night of heavy metal as Black Label Society stormed through the city on Friday, March 27. Fronted by guitar legend Zakk Wylde, the band delivered a thunderous performance filled with crushing riffs, soaring guitar solos, and the kind of larger-than-life energy that has made Wylde one of the most recognizable figures in modern metal.
Wylde actually pulled double duty during the evening, first taking the stage with Zakk Sabbath, his tribute band dedicated entirely to Black Sabbath classics. The project has become a fan favorite in its own right, and the set proved why.
Wylde, who famously served as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, tore through Sabbath staples with ease, channeling the spirit of the originals while still making the songs feel massive and fresh in a live setting. And yes, in true Zakk Wylde fashion, he even managed a quick wardrobe refresh, swapping kilts between the two performances.
Later in the night, Wylde returned to the stage with Black Label Society, the band he founded in 1998 that has become a cornerstone of heavy music over the past two decades. The group’s mix of sludgy riffs, blues-inspired guitar work, and anthemic choruses filled the venue as fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the room, shouting along and raising horns in the air.
Photographer Dan DeSlover was on hand to capture the highlights from the night, from Wylde’s blistering guitar solos to the electric atmosphere inside the sold-out venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Black Label Society’s Madison stop at The Sylvee.
Madison music fans packed The Sylvee on Tuesday, March 17, as rising singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb brought his Fragile Egos Tour to the city for a memorable night of heartfelt storytelling and powerful vocals. The British Columbia native has quickly built a passionate following thanks to his raw honesty and emotionally charged songs, and his Madison stop showcased exactly why he’s one of the most exciting new voices in country-leaning folk and Americana.
The show drew fans of all ages to the downtown venue for an evening that balanced quiet, reflective moments with big sing-along choruses. Whitcomb’s music often pulls from his own life experiences, including leaving home at 17 and eventually channeling those struggles into songwriting that tackles vulnerability and recovery with striking honesty.
The young artist has seen a meteoric rise over the past year, amassing hundreds of millions of global streams and landing on several major “Artist to Watch” lists while touring across North America and Europe. His 2024 debut EP Quitter helped introduce his deeply personal storytelling style, and the songs translated effortlessly to the stage during his Madison performance.
Photographer Dan DeSlover was on hand to capture the evening’s highlights, from Whitcomb’s commanding stage presence to the crowd’s enthusiastic response throughout the set. Check out our gallery below for a look at Cameron Whitcomb’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.
Madison’s vibrant live music scene welcomed a powerful night of punk rock as Rise Against took over the stage at The Sylvee on Sunday, March 15. The Illinois-based band brought their signature blend of melodic punk, socially conscious lyrics, and explosive energy to the popular downtown venue, giving fans a night full of sing-along anthems and high-octane moments.
The evening featured a stacked lineup, with Destroy Boys and Koyo joining Rise Against as support acts. The evening drew fans from across Wisconsin to the 2,500-capacity venue for a packed night of live music.
For more than two decades, Rise Against has built a reputation as one of punk rock’s most impactful bands, combining driving guitars with lyrics that tackle social and political issues. Their live shows are known for their relentless energy and connection with the crowd, and their stop in Madison proved no different as fans filled The Sylvee to hear a mix of beloved hits and newer material.
Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the band’s electrifying performance on stage to the sea of fans singing along throughout the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Rise Against’s Madison stop.
After an unforgettable opening night featuring Christina Aguilera, Day 2 of the Sips & Sounds Music Festival brought another stacked lineup to Auditorium Shores on Saturday, March 14, wrapping up the two-day event in style. Timed alongside the annual SXSW festivities across Austin, the festival once again drew thousands of fans to the waterfront park for a day packed with indie rock, rising pop stars, and one of the biggest names in electronic music.
With two stages, the Coca-Cola Stage and the SXSW Stage, the second day of the festival offered a steady flow of performances from early afternoon through late night, giving fans plenty of reasons to bounce between stages and soak in the festival atmosphere.
Mallrat Opens the Coca-Cola Stage
Australian pop artist Mallrat kicked off the afternoon on the Coca-Cola Stage, launching the day’s performances on the festival’s main stage. Her dreamy blend of indie pop and electronic elements made for a perfect early-day soundtrack as fans trickled into the park and spread out across the lawn. With Austin’s skyline rising behind the stage, Mallrat’s laid-back yet catchy set helped ease the crowd into the final day of the festival.
Jade LeMac Brings Rising Star Energy
Over on the SXSW Stage, Canadian singer-songwriter Jade LeMac delivered a set that showed why she’s quickly becoming one of pop’s most exciting young voices. With a powerful vocal presence and emotionally driven songs, LeMac connected easily with the audience.
Fans will have more chances to catch her soon, she’s slated to hit the road this summer as a supporting act on Hilary Duff’s upcoming tour, making her Sips & Sounds appearance feel like an early glimpse at a rapidly rising artist.
Stephen Sanchez Channels Vintage Pop Charm
Back on the Coca-Cola Stage, Stephen Sanchez transported the crowd with his retro-inspired sound and crooning vocal style. His set blended nostalgic influences with modern pop songwriting, creating a performance that felt both classic and fresh. Sanchez’s smooth delivery and charismatic stage presence turned the mid-afternoon slot into one of the day’s standout performances.
The Runarounds Keep the Momentum Going
The SXSW Stage then welcomed The Runarounds, who kept the festival energy rolling with an upbeat performance packed with indie-rock hooks and energetic guitar work. By this point in the afternoon, the crowd had grown considerably, and the band’s lively set helped push the festival atmosphere into full swing.
Foster The People Reflect on Their SXSW Roots
One of the day’s most memorable sets came from Foster the People, who returned to Austin with a performance that felt both celebratory and reflective. During the set, frontman Mark Foster told the crowd about playing one of the band’s very first shows at SXSW years ago for a crowd of just seven people.
The moment served as a reminder of how far the band has come, and a message about staying grounded even as success grows. With fans singing along to their signature indie-pop anthems, the performance felt like a full-circle SXSW moment.
Flipturn Closes the SXSW Stage
As evening approached, Flipturn took the stage to close out the SXSW Stage lineup for the weekend. The indie-rock group delivered a soaring, emotionally charged performance that drew one of the largest crowds the stage had seen all day. Their expansive sound and passionate delivery made for the perfect lead-in to the festival’s final headliner.
Calvin Harris Turns the Festival into a Massive Dance Party
To close out the festival, global EDM superstar Calvin Harris headlined the Coca-Cola Stage, delivering a massive set that transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-scale dance party.
As darkness fell over the Austin skyline, Harris unleashed a high-energy mix of chart-topping hits, club anthems, and festival favorites. Massive drops, pulsing lights, and thousands of fans dancing along created a fitting finale to the weekend.
The performance served as a high-octane ending to two days of music, bringing the 2026 edition of Sips & Sounds to an electrifying close.
A Perfect SXSW Weekend Finale
Across two days, Sips & Sounds once again proved why it has become one of Austin’s most exciting spring festivals. With a lineup that blended major global acts, beloved indie bands, and emerging artists, the event captured the creative energy that makes SXSW week in Austin so special.
And judging by the crowds and the performances, the festival’s 2026 edition left fans already looking forward to next year.
Photo Gallery
Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 2 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.
Austin’s spring festival season kicked off in style Friday night as the Sips & Sounds Music Festival returned to Auditorium Shores for the first of two days of music along the scenic banks of Lady Bird Lake. Timed to coincide with the buzz of SXSW, the two-day event brings major headliners and rising artists to one of the city’s most scenic outdoor spots, offering festivalgoers skyline views, local food and drinks, and back-to-back performances across two stages.
With a lineup spanning indie rock, R&B, electronic music, and pop royalty, Day 1 (Friday, March 13) delivered a packed schedule that kept fans bouncing between the SXSW Stage and the Coca-Cola Stage all afternoon and evening.
Skateland Opens the Festival
Local Austin energy set the tone early as Skateland kicked off the festival on the SXSW Stage. The opening set felt like a perfect warm-up for the weekend, with early arrivals gathering on the lawn as the afternoon sun hung over the downtown skyline. With a laid-back but lively sound, the band provided the kind of local kickoff that Austin festivals are known for.
Aidan Bissett Gets the Crowd Moving
Next up on the main Coca-Cola Stage, rising pop artist Aidan Bissett delivered one of the day’s first big crowd-drawing sets. Bissett’s upbeat songs and charismatic stage presence connected instantly with the early crowd, with fans singing along and filling in the open spaces near the barricade. His set injected a youthful pop energy into the festival lineup and proved why he’s quickly becoming a festival favorite.
The Two Lips Bring Indie Charm
Back on the SXSW Stage, The Two Lips leaned into a breezy indie vibe that perfectly matched the outdoor setting. Their performance felt like the soundtrack to a perfect Austin afternoon, jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and a steadily growing crowd settling in on the grass as the day transitioned toward evening.
Ravyn Lenae Delivers Soulful Highlights
As the sun dipped lower, Ravyn Lenae took over the Coca-Cola Stage with a captivating R&B performance. Her smooth vocals and atmospheric sound gave the festival its most soulful moment of the day. Lenae’s set created a hypnotic mood across the park, with fans swaying along as the skyline lit up behind the stage.
Between Friends Keeps the Momentum Going
Electronic-pop duo Between Friends followed on the SXSW Stage with a genre-blending set that kept the energy high. Their mix of dreamy pop hooks and electronic textures made for one of the most danceable moments of the early evening, with the crowd clearly enjoying the shift toward a more upbeat vibe.
Major Lazer Soundsystem Turns the Festival into a Dance Party
Nightfall brought one of the most electrifying performances of the day as Major Lazer Soundsystem took over the Coca-Cola Stage. Known for their high-energy electronic sets, Diplo and company transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-on dance party. Pulsing beats, massive drops, and crowd-hype moments had thousands of fans jumping in unison as the festival reached peak energy.
Grouplove Ignites the SXSW Stage
Meanwhile, indie-rock favorites Grouplove headlined the SXSW Stage with a joyous, sing-along-heavy performance. Their feel-good anthems and colorful stage presence made their set one of the most uplifting moments of the night, with fans shouting lyrics back toward the stage as the band delivered hit after hit.
Christina Aguilera Closes Night One in Iconic Fashion
Finally, pop icon Christina Aguilera closed out the first night of the festival on the Coca-Cola Stage. Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals and decades-spanning catalog made for a headlining performance that reminded everyone why she remains one of pop’s most celebrated voices.
Her setlist leaned heavily into fan favorites and career-defining hits, including songs like “Dirrty,” “Genie in a Bottle,” “Ain’t No Other Man,” and “Beautiful,” all delivered with the kind of vocal intensity that has defined her career. The performance provided a dramatic and nostalgic finale to a night already packed with memorable moments.
With the Austin skyline glowing behind the stage and thousands of fans singing along, Aguilera’s set was the perfect way to cap off an eventful opening night.
A Strong Start for Sips & Sounds 2026
Day one proved that Sips & Sounds has quickly become a major highlight of Austin’s spring music calendar. The festival blends major headliners with emerging talent across two stages, creating a dynamic experience that feels both massive and intimate at the same time.
And with Day 2 still ahead, featuring another slate of big performances, the weekend at Auditorium Shores is only just getting started.
Photo Gallery
Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 1 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.
Madison fans gathered at The Sylvee on Wednesday, March 11, for an intimate and powerful evening with rising folk songwriter Jesse Welles, who brought his Under The Powerlines 2026 tour to the downtown venue. The show was part of a national run of dates highlighting Welles’ raw songwriting and politically charged folk music.
The night began with a stripped-down approach as Welles took the stage alone with an acoustic guitar, performing the first six songs solo. “Sometimes You Bomb Iran,” “The Great Caucasian God,” and “Join Ice” set a poignant and reflective tone early in the set, showcasing the kind of sharp storytelling and protest-leaning folk that has helped Welles build a rapidly growing audience online and on tour. His music often echoes the spirit of classic folk revival artists, using simple arrangements and pointed lyrics to tackle social and political themes.
After the acoustic opening stretch, the show expanded sonically as Welles was joined onstage by a full electric band, shifting the concert into a fuller, more dynamic performance. The added instrumentation brought new energy to the songs while still keeping the focus on Welles’ thoughtful lyrics and distinctive vocal delivery.
From the attentive crowd on the packed floor to fans watching from The Sylvee’s balcony, the Madison stop highlighted why Welles has become one of the most talked-about emerging voices in modern folk music.
Below, check out our photos from the show at The Sylvee.
Madison music fans packed into The Sylvee on Saturday, March 7, for a high-energy night of funk, electronic grooves, and brass-driven chaos as The Floozies brought their Too Many Flooz Tour to town. The evening featured a stacked lineup with Too Many Zooz and Bray Radbury, delivering a genre-bending mix of sounds that kept the crowd moving from the moment the doors opened.
The Floozies, the electro-funk duo made up of brothers Matt and Mark Hill, have built a reputation for turning concerts into full-blown dance parties. Blending live instrumentation with electronic production, the group’s funky guitar riffs, punchy drums, and bass-heavy beats transformed The Sylvee into a pulsing dance floor. Their energetic style has helped them carve out a unique niche in the live electronic scene, where improvisation and musicianship collide with EDM-inspired production.
Saturday’s Madison stop was part of a wider tour pairing The Floozies with the wildly entertaining brass trio Too Many Zooz. Known for their explosive “Brass House” sound, a fusion of jazz, EDM, and punk influences, the trio brought a theatrical intensity to the stage, complete with high-octane saxophone lines and crowd-hype moments that complemented the funky electronic vibe of the night.
From the packed general-admission floor to the balcony overlooking the stage, fans at the downtown Madison venue soaked in the electric atmosphere. Between dazzling stage lighting, thumping basslines, and an enthusiastic crowd, the concert showcased why The Floozies continue to be a must-see act on the touring circuit.
Below, check out our photos from the show at The Sylvee.
Photo by Scott Newton, Courtesy of Austin City Limits
Few artists can make a stage as storied as Austin City Limits feel like their own personal playground, but Role Model did just that. The rising indie pop star, known offstage as Tucker Pillsbury, delivered a magnetic set for a Season 51 taping of the longest running music program on television. Equal parts sharp, sentimental, and self aware, Pillsbury brought humor, vulnerability, and a natural flair for storytelling to the ACL stage, striking the delicate balance between pop polish and personality driven authenticity that has made him one of the most exciting new artists today.
Fans had been lining up outside the Moody Theater before dawn, many arriving as early as 6 a.m. to secure a prime spot inside the intimate venue. For some, it was the thrill of witnessing a bucket list moment for the “Divas,” Role Model’s affectionate name for his fanbase, while others were simply eager to be part of history. The crowd’s patience paid off. Backed by Mason Stoops and Taylor Mackall, acclaimed collaborators of Lizzy McAlpine, Role Model took the stage in a light button up shirt, brown jacket, and jeans, instantly winning over the packed house with his signature blend of awkward charm and confidence.
From the start, Pillsbury acknowledged the significance of the night with his trademark humor.
“Thank you all for coming. This will be the only show I’m serious, I think, ’cause it’s televised. Some of these people don’t know me, so I’m gonna be polite. I’m gonna be a good boy.”
Of course, “good” is a relative term, especially for a performer whose lyrics often revel in emotional chaos. Since PBS tapings don’t exactly encourage profanity, he cleverly deputized the audience to fill in any four letter gaps. During his cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else,” fans joyfully shouted “f— that, get money!” with unbridled energy, earning laughter from Pillsbury.
The setlist spanned the highs and heartbreaks of Pillsbury’s acclaimed sophomore effort, Kansas Anymore. Role Model gave fans something rare, a showcase of deep cuts and often shelved tracks that rarely appear even in his own headlining shows. Performances of “Compromise,” “A Little More Time,” and “Something, Somehow, Someday” offered a glimpse into the quieter corners of his artistry, moments where humor gave way to heartfelt vulnerability. Before the latter, he walked onstage with a stool and a leather bound journal in hand, explaining,
“I have a song of mine that I literally cannot remember all the words to, but it’s one of my favorites. I’d rather read it from a book, this feels cooler than a teleprompter.”
The crowd hung on every word, a mixture of laughter and reverence echoing through the theater. Between songs, Pillsbury’s playful banter kept the tone light. “This next song I want to bring out my new friend Ed Sheeran…” he teased to a wave of excitement before deadpanning, “You kidding me? Ed Sheeran’s not here, you freaks.”
Role Model performs at Weekend One of ACL Fest on October 3, 2025 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Later, when “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” began, the audience collectively buzzed with anticipation. The track, often featuring surprise celebrity “Sally” cameos from Hilary Duff, Natalie Portman, and Conan Gray, ended up having none, perhaps a concession to the PBS cameras. Fans still enjoyed it all the same as Pillsbury danced alone, crowning himself the night’s “Sally,” a moment that felt oddly poetic.
As the show built momentum, songs like “Slipfast” and “Some Protector” reminded everyone that Role Model’s music thrives on contrast, heartbreak wrapped in humor and melancholy disguised as confidence. During the bridge of “Some Protector,” he urged fans to go all in. “I know some of you are shy with cameras around, but you can’t be shy for this part!” Within a couple minutes, the floor was bouncing with headbanging that would have made a Slipknot crowd proud.
What stood out most was how naturally Pillsbury seemed to fit into the legacy of Austin City Limits. Between the jokes and moments of vulnerability, there was a genuine sense that he understood the weight of the stage beneath him. He spoke with appreciation about performing on such an iconic show, one he said he often watches on flights between tour stops, and that admiration translated into a performance that felt both grounded and grateful. Even with his growing fame and busy schedule, he carried himself with the same down-to-earth charm that first drew fans to him, confident, but still humbled by where his music has taken him.
It has been a whirlwind season for Role Model. Fresh off his Weekend One performance at ACL Fest, he is gearing up for a Saturday Night Live appearance alongside host Amy Poehler, while also sharing the weekend with Austin for Weekend Two of ACL Fest. Between the touring, acting in Lena Dunham’s upcoming Netflix film Good Sex with Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo, and a growing discography of earnest and confessional pop songs, it is clear that Role Model’s rise is not slowing down anytime soon.
By the time the final chords of “Deeply Still in Love” rang out against the glowing Austin skyline backdrop, it felt like everyone in the room knew they had witnessed something special, a performance equal parts milestone and mirror, reflecting the sincerity that has always been at the core of Pillsbury’s artistry.
Fans should be sure to catch the episode when it airs on November 22nd on Austin PBS or the PBS app, and follow @acltv for updates. And in true PBS spirit, consider supporting public television by donating at AustinPBS.org/donate. With Austin City Limits facing a nearly three million dollar funding shortfall next year due to federal cuts to public media, every donation helps keep this cultural institution and unforgettable performances like Role Model’s alive for future generations. After all, as he might say himself, you would not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed one of the best ACL tapings of the year.
Setlist — Role Model at Austin City Limits (October 7, 2025)
Photo by Deanna Glatczak for The Early Registration
Madison got loud on Friday night as Garbage brought their Happy Endings Tour to The Sylvee for a sold-out show that reminded fans why the band remains one of alt-rock’s most fearless forces. Returning to Wisconsin with a mix of nostalgia, raw honesty, and new material, Shirley Manson and company filled the room with sound and soul, proof that their fire still burns just as bright decades into their career.
Performing in support of their latest album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, the show carried an undercurrent of resilience and renewal. The project was born from Manson’s recovery following a serious hip injury that forced her off the road, and that sense of fragility turned into power pulsed through the night’s set. Garbage balanced moments of vulnerability with the snarling confidence that’s long defined them.
The 20-song performance moved between eras with ease. Early favorites like “Vow” and “I Think I’m Paranoid” were met with roaring recognition, while deeper cuts like “Bleed Like Me” and “The Trick Is to Keep Breathing” carried new emotional weight in light of the band’s recent journey. Newer material, including “There’s No Future in Optimism” and “Chinese Fire Horse,” sat comfortably alongside the classics, blending reflection with rebellion.
Between songs, Manson was her signature mix of candid and commanding, telling stories about label rejections, old auditions, and the unpredictable road that’s kept Garbage moving forward. By the time the encore closed with “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains,” the crowd was completely in sync, echoing every lyric back toward the stage.
Garbage’s night at The Sylvee wasn’t just a concert, it was a celebration of endurance, artistry, and the beauty of imperfection. And for the thousands who packed the venue, it was clear that Madison will always make room for a little glorious noise.
Photo by Deanna Glatczak for The Early Registration
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