Two years ago, I ran across a blog called Behind the Cheddar Curtain written by a fellow from Wauwatosa named Mike Collins. It was about Mile of Music. I thought it would be interesting to see an outsider’s perspective on our area music festival. Turns out, Mike’s a fan. A BIG FAN. And he wrote a blog filled with great tips for Mile of Music virgins. Most those tips are just as helpful this year as they were in 2017. What’s more, some of the tips I found to be helpful for Mile of Music veterans as well.
This year, Mike has condensed some of his tips and added his own suggestions for bands to see. I already had a pretty good idea of who I was planning to see until Mike upset my apple cart by suggesting some very cool bands that weren’t even on my radar.
Since, I myself have been asked umpteen times for who to see, I will offer a few suggestions….
For WAPL fans looking for something in the same vein
How about The Hawkeyes, making their third rockin’ appearance at MoM.
Or check out C2 and the Brothers Reed who blew my socks off at Mile 6.
Or our friends Wild Adriatic, the virtual kings of Mile of Music. A little funkier than most WAPL music but it still rocks!
Another band I enjoyed the hell out of last year was The Artisanals. Their name made me think they were hipster doofuses but nope! They were awesome!
There are so many good local bands playing but one that rocks HARD that you may not yet be familiar with is Nicholas Raymond’s new duo Between the Low.
If your like your rock a little more Sykynyrd-y, the fantastic Vegabonds
Another first time HARD rockin’ band is Cold Kingdom from Minneapolis.
The shame of Grand Rapids, Michigan. second year vets Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish rock pretty damn hard with an updated rockabilly vibe.
New this year is Joshua and the Holly Rollers> can’t wait to see these guys.
Sarah Potenza brings puts some blues in her rock (or some rock in her blues) and she does not give a f**k!
A few bands I’m looking forward to outside the WAPL box…
Self proclaimed “circus punks” Bella’s Bartok
And the Lowdown Brass Band, they combine reggae, ska, New Orleans brass and even a little hip-hop.
And what a punky force of nature Volk is!
Or just show up at any Mile of Music venue this weekend. You sure to love anybody you catch!
-Rick-
