Milwaukee rap fans were in for a treat last night as rapper Future brought some of his friends and collaborators to the Fiserv Forum for his highly anticipated stop on the “One Big Party Tour”. With supporting acts, G Herbo and Don Toliver (as well as others), Future was in great company and fans partied from start to finish, from the moment gates opened until Future’s headlining set which was full of his biggest hits from over the past decade.
Check out our favorite images from last night’s performance below:
Opening night for Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated “Eras Tour” was one to remember. From the moment that 70,000 of Swift’s most loyal fans filled the sold-out stadium to watch the opening acts take stage to Swift’s headlining set which took fans on a beautiful journey through the last 17 years with a massive career spanning performance that lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes, the evening was years in the making and Swift made it well worth the wait and then some. Fans traveled across the globe to witness pop history, selling out hotels across the greater-Phoenix area and refusing to wait until the iconic singer-songwriter takes her tour to a city near them, and if you were there in person on Friday night, then you could certainly see why. Last evening was nothing short of magical for Swifties and general music fans alike.
The evening got started with a pair of opening acts that call Nashville home, rising star Gayle and pop-punk legends Paramore. Gayle gave an emotional performance of her hit single “abcdefu” and a cover of Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” which both had the crowd singing along during her 8-track set.
Paramore’s set was high energy and featured a tribute to Taylor Swift, as lead singer Hayley Williams shared a story where she met Swift’s mom early into her career. Williams finished her story by saying, “I’m not sure (people) get how f*cking incredible (Taylor) is.” “We’re here witnessing history. Thank you for letting us celebrate Taylor’s career with you,” Williams continued. Paramore performed nine of their biggest hits with zero misses and was a perfect choice to get the crowd ready for what was to come.
Swift opened The Eras Tour with her Lovers Era, performing six songs from her 2019 LP “Lover,” and album which Swift never got to tour in its entirety due to the pandemic. The opening track of Swift set was a shortened but high energy of version of “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” which was quickly followed by the live debut of “Cruel Summer.” Throghout the first era of the evening, Swift also performed tracks like “The Man,” “You Need To Calm Down,” “Lover,” and “The Archer.”
After an impressively quick costume change, Swift performed a short-but-sweet 3-song set dedicated to her album “Fearless”. Starting with the album’s title track, Taylor also performed “You Belong with Me” and “Love Story”, the two biggest singles from the early album which have both withstood the tests of time. The next era was Swift’s “evermore” Era, during which she performed five songs from her second LP recorded during the pandemic. She finished the set with “tolerate it”, but not before giving fans some context over the album while also getting some laughs from the crowd. “We are currently in the middle of the evermore album, which is an album I absolutely love, despite what some of you say on Tiktok,” she joked. “And ever since this particular song was born I wondered what it might be like to scream sing it with you”, as she began to perform the “evermore” B-side “champagne problems” on piano for the crowd.
Following the beautiful mellow standouts from “evermore” things really turned up as snake imagery was played on the video screens for the 70,000 in attendance, foreshadowing that it was time for the Reputation Era. Swift came out with “Ready For It?”, which opened her Reputation Tour 5 years ago, and is as good of an opening track now as it was then. Swift continued with “Delicate,” “Don’t Blame Me,” and “Look What You Made Me Do” to finish the era.
Next up was the Speak Now Era, during which she performed “Enchanted.” The track was the only song performed from the album and just one of two eras that only had one song make the setlist. While many would have loved to hear more from the album, it was likely a necessary choice to make room from some of the new projects that have had less of a life on stage.
Next up it was time for the Red Era, which was perhaps the highlight of the massive 3+ hour performance. Swift performed songs like “22,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and “I Knew You Were Trouble,” all of which were big singles upon their release, but the true standout moment was when she performed the full 10-minute version of “All Too Well,” the special extended version from her Taylor’s version re-release of “Red”.
Swift spoke to the crowd before “All Too Well” to introduce the song, explaining how special and precious the Red album is to her. She was grateful for the way fans embraced the album when it came out in 2012 and never could have imagined what would happen a decade later, speaking on the success of “All Too Well”. “You don’t know how much that means to me,” Swift explained to the crowd. “So I wanted to perform one more song from that album if you have an extra 10 minutes to spare,” Taylor continued as the crowd went wild, preparing to hear All Too Well live in its entirety for the first time.
Swift followed 10 minutes of “All Too Well” with a 7-song set dedicated to her folklore Era. Complimented on the main stage with a cozy cabin with a eye-catching moss roof, Taylor performed some of the album’s best songs including “invisible string”, “betty”, “the last great american dynasty”, “august”, “illicit affairs”, “my tears ricochet” and finally “cardigan”, the lead single from the project.
And just as Swift complemented “evermore” with a change in tempo with “Reputation”, she did the same following “folklore” with her classic album, “1989”. The LP delivered some of her biggest and most successful Top 40 pop hits to date, and to celebrate the era, Swift opened the performance with “Style”, and then kept the momentum going with “Blank Space”, “Shake It Off”, “Wildest Dreams” and “Bad Blood” a timeless LP that had an endless amount of commercial singles.
Next Taylor performed a special acoustic version of “mirrorball”, circling back to the “folklore” Era and making Friday evening’s show a 1-of-1 performance for the crowd in attendance. After the acoustic track, Taylor continued the theme with the song that started it all, her debut single “Tim McGraw”, a timeless country record that in 2023 is older than many of those in attendance at the sold-out stadium.
Last but night least it was time for the “Midnights” Era, which was fitting because midnight was just less than an hour away by the time Swift finished the era with 7-tracks from her latest album. Swift performed tracks like “Lavender Haze”, “Anti-Hero”, “Midnight Rain” and finished with her track “Karma” which was the last song of the night, #44 of 44 for the epic performance.
Taylor Swift continues to amaze fans with her live performances, and the lengths that she goes to make her loyal fans happy is unprecedented. Her tour sold out in seconds, with hundreds of thousands (if not millions) on the outside looking in, wishing they got tickets to the tour. With ticket sales in the rearview, it’s easy to wonder what driving force is left over to make a show great. Maybe it’s the sincere mutual love she has back for her fans, maybe it’s her pursuit of excellence or perhaps it’s something else we can’t wrap our heads around, either way, Taylor Swift made sure that everyone left Friday night’s performance with their expectations exceeded. Whether fans traveled from Phoenix, Philadelphia or Portugal, Swift validated the lengths that fans go to see her perform in every room, big or small, that she’s performed in for the last two decades. The Eras Tour is the toughest ticket in live music this year, and it’s not even close, but if you love anything about her, you need to have a Taylor Swift show on your live music bucket list.
Country music star, Kelsea Ballerini, graced the stage at The Rave in Milwaukee with a dynamic performance that showcased her impressive range and undeniable stage presence. Following a string of high-profile appearances, including a stint on Saturday Night Live and the season premiere of NBC’s “That’s My Jam,” Ballerini arrived in Milwaukee on Saturday to headline her biggest headlining show in Wisconsin to date. Her loyal Milwaukee fans eagerly awaited her arrival, and she certainly did not disappoint.
Ballerini brought her A-game to the stage, exuding confidence and charisma with every step. Her setlist featured a mix of hits and B-sides, as well as cuts from her latest LP, that kept the energy high and the audience engaged. She effortlessly owned the stage, delivering each song with a sense of urgency and authenticity that left the crowd wanting more.
The hour and a half performance was a testament to Ballerini’s growth as a performer and songwriter. The Knoxville native has been a regular visitor to Milwaukee during her career, from her memorable performance at the beautiful Riverside Theater to her most recent visit, warming the stage for the Jonas Brothers at Summerfest.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Ballerini’s Heartfirst Tour promotes last fall’s “Subject To Change” album, which arrived a few weeks before her divorce from fellow country singer Morgan Evans. The “Miss Me More” singer’s setlist included deep emotions and empowering messages that resonated with the audience. Her top performances of the night included “hole in a bottle,” “Peter Pan,” and the title track from latest album, “Subject To Change.”
During “Homecoming Queen?,” Ballerini invited opening act Georgia Webster to join her on stage for an acoustic guitar duet. Webster’s voice, while very different than Ballerini’s, complemented her in a memorable way.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Ballerini’s relationship with her fans was a highlight of the night. She made her way to the edge of the stage’s runway throughout the concert, traveling from stage left to stage right, taking selfies, signing autographs, and overall just connecting with her fans.
The concert was only the fifth stop on the recent North American leg of Ballerini’s tour, and the set has already found it’s rythm. With a performance as great and energetic as the one she delivered in Milwaukee, it’s hard to imagine what she could improve. Ballerini is a gem in country music, and her Heartfirst Tour is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.
Country music fans in Milwaukee had a lot to look forward to on Friday, March 10th, as the Milwaukee Admirals presented the second show of their Admirals Concert Series featuring country music star Russell Dickerson. Fans who attended the Milwaukee Admirals game against the Tuscon Roadrunners were treated to a free post-game concert by the popular singer.
The Admirals Concert Series has become a popular tradition for the team, bringing some of the biggest names in music to Milwaukee for unforgettable live performances. The first show of the series this season took place on January 28th, featuring Scotty McCreery. The series has become a must-see event for music fans in the city, and the on-ice passes, giving fans a chance to see the action up close, has only added to the excitement.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Russell Dickerson is a rising star in country music, known for his catchy hooks, smooth vocals, and high-energy performances. He burst onto the scene in 2017 with his hit single “Yours,” which quickly became a fan favorite and has since been certified triple platinum. His music has been praised for its honesty and relatability, and his live shows are known for their party atmosphere and audience interaction.
The concert was a huge success, with fans filling the arena to see Dickerson perform.
The Admirals Concert Series has become a staple of the Milwaukee music scene, and Russell Dickerson’s performance was another great addition to the series. Fans left the arena buzzing with excitement and singing their favorite Russell Dickerson songs all the way home. With more shows in the series still to come, it’s clear that the Admirals Concert Series will continue to be a must-see event for music fans in Milwaukee.
Bruce Springsteen, the legendary American singer-songwriter and rock icon, delivered a sold-out concert on March 7, 2023, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. The highly anticipated event was a part of Springsteen’s ongoing tour which makes stops across some of the biggest arenas and stadiums throughout the country.
As one of the most prolific and influential musicians of his generation, Springsteen’s concert was a testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to connect with fans of all ages. The Fiserv Forum was packed to capacity with Springsteen enthusiasts eager to witness the Boss in action.
Springsteen’s performance was a tour-de-force for nearly 3-hours, showcasing his unmatched talents as a performer, songwriter, and storyteller. The concert featured a mix of classic hits and deep cuts from his extensive catalog, including tracks such as “Born To Run,” “Dancing IN The Dark,” and “Glory Days.”
Accompanied by his trusty E Street Band, Springsteen gave a high-energy performance that kept the crowd on their feet throughout the night. His signature blend of rock and roll, folk, and blues was on full display, as was his raw, emotional delivery that has made him a household name.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
The Fiserv Forum was just one stop on Springsteen’s extensive tour, which has taken him to cities across the United States. With each performance, he continues to cement his status as a living legend and an icon of American music. Whether you’re a die-hard Springsteen fan or a casual listener, his sold-out concert at the Fiserv Forum was a must-see event that captured the spirit and energy of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
Check out our photos from the memorable night from our photographer Dan Garcia below.
Gracie Abrams mesmerized the crowd on Monday night at the House of Blues in Chicago, marking the opening night of her highly anticipated Good Riddance Tour. The sold-out venue, and just the first of two sold-out nights at the House of Blues, was filled with excited fans who couldn’t wait to hear her new music live for the first time.
Gracie, who had performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago last summer and who headlined at The Metro just over a year ago, was back with a bang. She kicked off her set with “Where Do We Go Now?,” one of the stand out tracks from her brand new album, “Good Riddance.” The crowd was immediately swept away Gracie’s unmatched vocals and the song’s powerful energy.
Gracie’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. She played several songs from her new album, including “This Is What Drugs Are For,” “Full Machine,” and “Difficult”, to name a few. Her voice was raw and emotional on opening night, and she poured her heart into every note she sang.
But it wasn’t just her new material that impressed her Chicago fans. Abrams also played fan favorites from her earlier EPs, such as “21” and “Feels Like.” The crowd sang along to every word, clearly showing their deep love and admiration for the young artist.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
As the night went on, Gracie’s energy continued to soar. She interacted with the crowd and thanked fans for coming out. “Welcome to night one of The Good Riddance Tour,” Abrams told fans. “I can’t wrap my head around that we are all in the same room together again,” Gracie continued. The “Rockland” singer also shared her admiration for the Windy City on Monday night. “Chicago is one of my favorite places to play, by a lot. I love it more than anything,” to which a fan in the back in the room reminded the rising star that Chicago loves her back. Gracie went on to introduce her band and perform more tracks from her early EPs and brand new album where the tour gets its name.
One of the highlights of the concert was when Gracie performed “Feels Like,” the standout track from her 2021, which she chose to close out the main portion of her set. The song, which used to open her set, was also a perfect track to lead fans into the encore. The crowd danced and sang along, clearly enjoying the infectious energy of the track.
The concert ended with a stunning encore of “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” a stripped down version of “Minor,” and a live debut of “Right Now”, the closing track from Abrams latest LP. Gracie left the stage to a thunderous applause, with the audience clearly wanting more. But even after the show was over, fans were buzzing with excitement, taking to social media to share their experiences and excitement for the rest of the tour.
It’s clear that Gracie Abrams is a rising star in the music industry, and following night two of her mini-residency tomorrow, her Chicago fans will surely be counting down the days until she comes back again, and they won’t have to wait too long. If you don’t have tickets to tonight’s performance, fans can also catch Gracie in Chicago, opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour on Sunday, June 4th.
With her raw talent and emotional lyrics, Gracie Abrams has the ability to connect with her audience in a way that few artists can. The Good Riddance Tour promises to be one of the best pop tours of the year, and after seeing Gracie’s tour kick-off in Chicago, it’s easy to see why.
Gracie Abrams: The Good Riddance Tour @ the House of Blues (March 6th and 7th)
Gracie Abrams is a rising star in the music industry, and her upcoming sold-out performances at the House of Blues, the first two dates of her anticipated “Good Riddance Tour”, on March 6th and 7th are a couple of the most highly anticipated concerts in Chicago next month.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter first gained attention in 2019 with her debut single “Mean It,” which showcased her introspective lyrics and unique vocal style. Since then, she’s continued to build a dedicated following with a series of critically acclaimed releases, including her 2020 debut EP “Minor” and her live performances opening for Olivia Rodrigo on her Sour Tour.
What sets Abrams apart from other young artists is her ability to craft emotionally resonant songs that capture the complexities of the human experience at such a young age. Her lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and her raw, vulnerable delivery draws listeners in and leaves a lasting impact. Abrams’ music has been compared to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lorde, and she’s been praised for her ability to blend indie and pop influences in a way that feels both authentic and innovative.
Fans who attend Abrams’ House of Blues concerts can expect to hear a mix of fan favorites and her brand new album “Good Riddance”, all performed with her trademark sincerity and passion. Whether you’re a day one fan or new to her music, this is a concert you won’t want to miss, especially before she is set to hit the road with Taylor Swift, opening for her stadium tour which kicks off next month. With her star on the rise and a bright future ahead of her, Gracie Abrams is an artist to watch in the coming years, and her Chicago performances are sure to be one of the highlights of March’s music scene.
Visit the House of Blues’ official website for more information.
Taylor Swift has cemented herself as one of the most iconic and influential artists of our time. With each album, she has shown remarkable growth and evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries of what we expect from her music. Two of her most recent albums, “folklore” and “evermore,” have been particularly acclaimed, showcasing her versatility and depth as a songwriter. We will explore the debate of which album is better between “folklore” and “evermore”, both of which were released post-Covid, just a few months from each other. From the cohesive concept of “folklore” to the experimental sound of “evermore,” we will delve into the strengths of each album and make a case for why one may be better than the other. Whether you are a die-hard Taylor Swift fan or a casual listener, this article will provide insight into the nuances of her music and the impact it has had on the industry.
“folklore is the better album”
Taylor Swift’s “folklore” is undoubtedly her most impressive and poignant album yet. From the moment the opening track “the 1” starts, the listener is transported to a world of ethereal melodies, melancholy lyrics, and stunning production. Here are some reasons why “folklore” is superior to “evermore”:
Cohesion and concept
“folklore” is a masterful collection of songs that all feel connected to each other, creating a cohesive album that tells a story. Each song builds on the previous one, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative. In contrast, “evermore” feels more like a collection of individual tracks that don’t necessarily flow into each other as well.
Standout tracks
While both albums have their fair share of standout tracks, “folklore” has a stronger overall selection. “cardigan” is a beautifully crafted ballad with haunting lyrics and a memorable chorus, while “exile” is a stunning duet with Bon Iver that showcases Swift’s vocal range and emotive delivery. “august” is a wistful, nostalgic song with an infectious melody that will stick in your head long after you’ve finished listening.
Cultural impact
“folklore” was a game-changer for Swift, not only in terms of her musical style but also in terms of the way she was perceived by the public. The album showed a newfound maturity and depth in her songwriting, earning her critical acclaim and cementing her status as one of the most important artists of her generation.
“evermore is the better album”
While “folklore” is undeniably a masterpiece, “evermore” takes everything that made its predecessor great and elevates it to new heights. Here are some reasons why “evermore” is the superior album:
Exploration of new sounds
“evermore” pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a Taylor Swift album. The album features more experimentation with different genres, from the pulsating beats of “long story short” to the haunting harmonies of “coney island.” This willingness to take risks and explore new sounds is what makes “evermore” stand out.
Collaborations
While “folklore” had some great collaborations, such as the aforementioned duet with Bon Iver, “evermore” takes it to the next level. From the duet with Haim on “no body, no crime” to the haunting vocals of The National’s Matt Berninger on “closure,” the collaborations on “evermore” add depth and texture to the album.
Emotional depth
While both albums are emotionally charged, “evermore” takes it to a whole new level. The album explores themes of grief, loss, and heartbreak in a way that feels raw and honest. Songs like “champagne problems” and “tolerate it” are heartbreaking in their vulnerability, while “happiness” is a poignant meditation on the struggle to find joy in the midst of pain.
All in all, both “folklore” and “evermore” are incredible albums that showcase Taylor Swift’s evolution as an artist. While “folklore” may have had a more significant cultural impact and a stronger overall selection of standout tracks, “evermore” takes risks and explores new sounds in a way that makes it feel like a natural progression from its predecessor. Ultimately, the decision of which album is better will depend on personal taste and what aspects of Swift’s music resonate most with the listener.
As winter comes to a close and spring approaches, Chicago’s music scene is heating up with a lineup of highly anticipated concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Next month promises to be an exciting month for music fans, with a variety of genres and styles represented in a series of concerts across the city. Whether you’re a fan of indie pop, hip-hop, or rock, there’s something for everyone on this list of the most anticipated Chicago concerts in the month of March. From the most exciting up-and-coming artists to seasoned veterans, these performers are sure to put on unforgettable shows that will leave fans talking about the night long after the final encore. So mark your calendars and get ready for a month of incredible live music in the Windy City.
Check out our list of the 5 can’t miss concerts in Chicago in March below!
Milwaukee was treated to a night of unforgettable live music as singer-songwriter Noah Kahan took to the stage for a sold-out crowd at the Miller High Life Theatre. The Vermont-native, known for his soulful voice and captivating live performances, treated fans to a set filled with crowd-pleasers and cuts from his latest studio album, “Stick Season”, one of the top albums to come out of the quarantine that has resonated with so many fans across the globe.
With a mix of performances from his first three albums, including a memorable encore of his breakout single “Stick Season”, Kahan had the audience of 4,000+ entranced from start to finish. Noah Kahan paid visit to Milwaukee during his first tour, performing for a few hundred at the Turner Hall Ballroom, but last night was evidence of his growth and massive reach in the past couple years.
In what was easily the biggest concert in Milwaukee for the year thus far, we sent our photographer Tess Trueblood to the Miller High Life Theatre to capture the highlights of the memorable night, giving fans a glimpse of Kahan’s unforgettable Milwaukee concert.
Photos by Tess Trueblood/The Early Registration
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