JoJo Siwa performs during Chicago Pride Fest on June 22, 2024 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Chicago Pride Fest was alive with energy and color, but JoJo Siwa’s performance was the highlight, drawing a massive crowd to Boystown. From the moment she burst onto the stage in her signature high ponytail and bedazzled outfit, JoJo captivated fans of all ages. Her performance was a blend of high-energy dance routines and viral soundbites.
The turnout for her show was unprecedented, with Siwa confirming a new audience record, illustrating her wide-reaching appeal.
She closed her set with a powerful rendition of “Boomerang” and “Karma”, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. JoJo Siwa’s performance was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of individuality, inclusivity, and the power of self-expression, making it a standout moment of Chicago Pride Fest.
Check out or photos of JoJo Siwa’s Chicago Pride Fest below.
Last night, The Sylvee in Madison was electrified by PVRIS as singer/songwriter Lyndsey Gunnulfse brought her headlining North American tour to Wisconsin. Lynn Gunn and her bandmates, as well as opening act Pale Waves, delivered a high-energy show, blending electronic rock and alternative pop to create an unforgettable experience.
Opening with “GOOD ENEMY,” from her 2023 album “Evergreen”, Gunn immediately captivated the audience. The setlist included a mix of new hits and fan favorites like “What’s Wrong” and “Hallucinations,” with Gunn’s haunting vocals and commanding stage presence shining throughout the night.
Highlights included “Mirrors,” with its hypnotic rhythm, and her 2-song encore of “My House” and “GODDESS,” which had the crowd singing along passionately, leaving everyone in the venue buzzing with excitement.
Check out our photos of last night’s performance below and check out PVRIS’ remaining tour dates at her official website.
The Rave was buzzing with excitement on Saturday as T-Pain’s “Wiscansin Fest” made its much-anticipated return. The one-day music festival, curated by the Grammy-winning artist, paid homage to his hit song “I Can’t Believe It,” where he famously rhymed “mansion” with “Wiscansin.” The event featured an impressive lineup of artists that included Akon, Soulja Boy, the Ying Yang Twins, and more. Each act brought their unique style and energy, making the night unforgettable for the enthusiastic crowd.
T-Pain started his headlining set with a mix of classic hits, reminding everyone why he remains a beloved figure in music. Akon supporting set also captivated the audience with smooth vocals on hits like “Smack That” and “Don’t Matter.” His performance was a perfect blend of nostalgia and high energy.
Earlier in the evening, Soulja Boy had the party going with his signature dance moves and crowd favorites like “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” energizing the entire venue. The Ying Yang Twins brought their Southern crunk sound to the stage, turning The Rave into a massive dance party with hits like “Salt Shaker” and “Get Low.”
Beyond the music, “Wiscansin Fest” offered a festive atmosphere with fans dressed in their Wisconsin-themed attire. Food trucks, merchandise stalls, and interactive booths added to the overall experience, making it a night to remember.
As the festival concluded, it was clear that “Wiscansin Fest” had again successfully delivered a night of fantastic performances and communal celebration. T-Pain’s unique vision had once again brought together fans for an unforgettable event in Milwaukee.
Check out the photos below to relive some of the best moments from T-Pain’s “Wiscansin Fest” at The Rave!
This year’s PrideFest Milwaukee was a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring an impressive lineup of performers that brought joy and excitement to attendees from all walks of life.
This year’s festival kicked off with a bang on Thursday, June 6, with a dazzling drag showcase on the SKYYLine Mainstage. The show featured stars from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” including Alaska, Violet Chachki, and Envy Peru, alongside “American Idol” alum Ada Vox. The energy was electric, setting a high bar for the performances to follow.
Friday night saw “American Idol” favorite David Archuleta and rising country star Dixon Dallas take the stage, captivating the audience with their heartfelt performances. Archuleta’s set, filled with his soulful hits, was a highlight, drawing a large crowd and leaving fans cheering for more.
Saturday brought an eclectic mix of acts to the festival. The evening featured a powerful performance by rapper Cupcakke. The grand finale saw the dynamic duo Icona Pop energize the crowd with their infectious dance-pop tunes, followed by a soulful and nostalgic performance by R&B legend Mya. Their performances brought the festival to a rousing close, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories.
PrideFest Milwaukee is known not only for its musical acts but also for its wide range of activities and attractions. This year, the festival included a health and wellness area, a vibrant marketplace with numerous vendors, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Children’s Stage and the Stonewall Stage & History Exhibit provided family-friendly entertainment and educational content, making the event inclusive and enjoyable for all ages.
Overall, PrideFest Milwaukee 2024 was a resounding success, filled with music, love, and pride. The festival continues to be a beacon of inclusivity and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community in Wisconsin and beyond.
Perhaps the biggest rising star in pop today, singer Chappell Roan brought her massive headlining “Midwest Princess Tour” to The Sylvee in Madison, WI. The Sylvee hosted an engaged sold-out crowd as Roan performed the entirety of her debut album and absolutely blew fans away with her infectious stage presence.
With one of the most exciting names in music in town, we had to catch the performance to capture some of our favorite moments from the memorable evening. If you missed out on last night’s show, Roan will be at Chicago’s Lollapalooza for what will certainly be a can’t miss performance.
Check out our photos of last night’s performance below.
Heart performs at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on May 11, 2024 (Photo by Criss Cain).
Classic rock enthusiasts flocked to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL last night to witness a evening of musical brilliance headlined by the legendary Heart. With the hometown ledges, Cheap Trick, opening the show, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of rock and roll. Fans eagerly filled the Chicagoland arena, their excitement palpable as they anticipated an evening of iconic hits and stellar performances.
Cheap Trick, with their roots firmly planted in Illinois, wasted no time igniting the crowd with their high-energy performance to kick off the performances. The band played a mix of their timeless hits like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender,” seamlessly blending nostalgia with raw, live energy. Robin Zander’s vocals were as sharp, and Rick Nielsen’s guitar antics kept the audience on their toes. Their set was a perfect appetizer, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for the main act.
As the lights dimmed and Peter Gabriel’s “The Feeling Begins” filled the arena while images of pop culture from the past few decades were projected for the audience, reminding fans just how long Heart has been a household name in music, Ann and Nancy Wilson took the stage, instantly commanding attention. The sisters, who have been the heart and soul of the band since its inception, delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular from the sets opener, “Bebe Le Strange” to the show’s encore. Ann Wilson’s powerhouse vocals were a force to be reckoned with. From the hauntingly beautiful “Alone”, which perflectly blended into their performance of “What About Love” to the fiery “Barracuda,” her voice soared effortlessly, filling every corner of the arena. Nancy Wilson’s guitar work was equally impressive, her riffs and solos adding a raw edge to the evening’s performance.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of Heart’s greatest hits, fan favorites, and deeper cuts that showcased the band’s musical range. “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You” had the audience singing along, while the symbolic “Dog & Butterfly” brought a quieter, reflective moment to the night. “These Dreams” highlighted Nancy’s ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that had the crowd swaying in unison. The powerful “Love Alive” was another standout, with its intricate intro leading into Ann Wilson’s flute performance that sent chills down the spine.
One of the surprise highlights of the evening was the band’s acoustic rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going To California” Heart’s covers of Zeppelin have become a fan favorite throughout the years and last night was no exception. Ann’s vocals brought a new depth to the song, leaving the audience in awe.
Not to be overlooked, the production quality of the concert was top-notch. The sound was crisp and clear, allowing every note and lyric to be heard with precision. The band’s chemistry was palpable, their decades of performing together translating into a seamless and engaging live show.
Throughout the night, Heart’s connection with their audience was undeniable. The band took moments between songs to express gratitude to their long-time fans, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the arena setting.
As the concert drew to a close with the powerful “Barracuda,” the energy in the arena was electric. Heart had delivered a masterclass in classic rock performance, proving that their music is as timeless as ever. The encore performance brought the night to a euphoric end, with Ann’s vocal acrobatics and Nancy’s frenetic guitar playing leaving the crowd wanting more.
Heart’s concert at the Allstate Arena was a triumphant return to form for the iconic band. Ann and Nancy Wilson showed that they are still at the top of their game, delivering a show that was both a trip down memory lane and a testament to their enduring talent. For the fans who were there, it was a night to remember, filled with the kind of musical magic that only Heart can create.
As the final notes echoed through the arena and the crowd erupted in applause, one thing was clear: Heart’s legacy in rock and roll is not just intact, but thriving!
HOG Fest 2024, hosted at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, delivered an unforgettable experience that resonated with rock music enthusiasts. The festival’s headline act, Staind, marked a monumental return to Milwaukee with a powerful performance featuring both their classic hits and new tracks from their latest album, “Confessions of the Fallen.” Their set demonstrated a seasoned band still pushing the boundaries of their sound and engaging deeply with their fans.
Supporting Staind, I Prevail stepped up with a dynamic presence, captivating the audience with their energetic mix of metalcore and melodic choruses. Despite missing a key band member, their performance lost none of its intensity, including a memorable rock rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” Asking Alexandria, opening the festival, set the tone with their compelling blend of rock and electronic elements, ensuring the energy levels were high from the outset.
The venue itself, Fiserv Forum, proved to be a perfect setting for the festival. Its state-of-the-art acoustics and layout ensured that every note was heard perfectly and every seat offered a great view, enhancing the overall concert experience. The event’s organization was top-notch, with well-timed setlists that allowed each band to showcase their best, maintaining a smooth flow throughout the evening.
HOG Fest 2024 was a well-executed celebration of rock music, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a yearning for the next edition.
Check out our photos of last night’s performance below.
On a windy Friday night at the Windy City’s historic Riviera Theatre, a sold-out crowd of Chicago pop fans were treated to an evening of electrifying performances as singer Madison Beer took the stage for the second show of her 2024 “The Spinnin Tour.” The anticipation was palpable, further heightened by an impressive opening act from Charlotte Lawrence, who set the tone with a mix of her fan favorites, as well as a memorable cover and even a brand new unreleased track.
Beer, known for her creative prowess and deep involvement in her music production and visual presentations, lived up to her reputation. Touring in support of her latest album, 2023’s “Silence Between Songs”, Beer’s setlist was a comprehensive showcase of her catalog, with hits like “Reckless” and the tour’s namesake track “Spinnin” resonating with the audience. The album, which explores themes of growth and introspection through a blend of pop and R&B, has already made significant waves, with “Reckless” alone amassing over 400 million streams worldwide.
The night was filled with personal touches from Beer; she threw roses to the crowd during the performance of “17” and took moments between songs to engage with her fans, complimenting outfits and overall expressing her gratitude. This genuine interaction added a layer of intimacy to the show, making it feel uniquely personal for those in attendance. Her acknowledgment of the unexpected rain and appreciation for the fans’ patience as they waited outside only endeared her more to her audience.
Highlights of the evening included the live rendition of “Make You Mine,” a track that has climbed the charts, recently peaking at #6 on Billboard’s TikTok Viral 50 Chart, boosted by the release of its music video just days before the concert. Beer’s performance was both visually and acoustically captivating, with the singer’s vocal prowess on full display as she navigated the complex emotions and storytelling embedded in her songs.
Charlotte Lawrence, not to be overshadowed, provided a stellar start to the evening. Her set was a mix of the familiar and the new, with an exciting tease of unreleased material that promises great things to come from the Los Angeles native. Lawrence’s performance of “Boys Like You,” her popular 2023 single, was particularly well-received during her set.
In all, Madison Beer’s stop in Chicago was a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with fans on a personal level. The “The Spinnin Tour,” which kicked off just two days prior in Minneapolis, is set to be a monumental chapter in her career, showcasing not only her musical talents but her keen sense of showmanship and community-building with her fans.
For those interested in catching one of her shows or learning more about the tour, further details can be found through Beer’s official website.
Two of the best to ever pick up a guitar, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, joined forces in Milwaukee last night to give guitar nerds a night that they’d never forget at the gorgeous Riverside Theater on Tuesday night.
With Steve Vai kicking things off with a 8-song solo set and Satriani following with 9 of his own, before the two performed together for a three-song encore, the guitar masters riffed intoxicating melodies using every technique in their repertoire; with an occasional blend of psychedelia or dissonant structure to suit the mood.
With the two geniuses combining their talents, so close to home, we had to check it out live and person, capturing some of our favorite moments from the memorable evening.
Check out our photos of last night’s performance below.
Last night, American Family Field, usually home to the crack of baseball bats, resonated with the deep, hearty strains of country music as Luke Combs kicked off his highly anticipated “Growin’ Up & Gettin’ Old Tour” in Milwaukee, WI. The air was thick with excitement and the kind of electric anticipation that only a sold-out show can muster, setting the stage for a memorable evening under the stars.
From the moment the gates opened, it was clear that this was not just another concert; it was an event. The opening acts, Charles Wesley Godwin with The Wilder Blue and Cody Jinks, warmed up the burgeoning crowd with their unique blends of country and Americana, setting a high bar with soulful melodies and stirring lyrics. As the stadium filled, the energy surged, with fans of all ages donning Luke Combs merchandise, ready to sing along to every word.
When Luke Combs finally took the stage, the stadium erupted. The setlist was a masterful blend of his hits and newer tracks, all delivered with the authenticity and raw vocal power that Combs is known for. Each song seemed to resonate perfectly with the crowd, from upbeat anthems to introspective ballads, reflecting themes of life’s simple joys and the journey of maturity. The production was equally impressive, with stunning visuals and lighting that transformed the baseball park into a backcountry bonfire party, albeit one with tens of thousands of attendees.
Combs’ connection with his audience was palpable; he not only performed for the crowd but with them, creating a sense of unity and shared experience that only music of this kind can. This first Milwaukee tour stop was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of growth, life, and the enduring appeal of country music. As the night drew to a close, it was evident that the “Growin’ Up & Gettin’ Old Tour” had begun on a high note, promising an unforgettable season for fans and newcomers alike. This opening night set the tone for what promises to be a landmark tour for Luke Combs, a fitting tribute to the artist’s evolving journey and deepening sound.
Check out our photos of last night’s performance below.
Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
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