APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The first wave of artists has been announced for the twelfth Mile of Music Festival, giving fans a preview of the talent set to perform during the free, original music event in downtown Appleton this summer.
Festival organizers released the names of the “First 50” artists, who represent 15 U.S. states, Washington D.C., three countries, and multiple cities across Wisconsin. The announcement continues Mile of Music’s tradition of blending new talent with returning fan favorites.
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Of the first 50, 30 artists are making their debut at the festival, while 20 are returning. Ten are based in Wisconsin, and organizers anticipate that about 40% of this year’s lineup will feature artists with Wisconsin ties.
“This is an opportunity to spotlight not only our commitment to original music, but also the wide variety of talent we’re bringing to Appleton,” said Dave Willems, experience curator for Mile of Music. “It’s going to be another special year for artists and fans alike.”
Newcomers to the festival include Will Hoge (Nashville, TN), Bombargo (Saskatoon, Canada), Rabbitology (Ann Arbor, MI), and Moonglow (Milwaukee, WI). Returning performers include The Vegabonds (Nashville, TN), Reyna (Milwaukee, WI), and Wild Adriatic (Glens Falls, NY).
A strong Nashville presence is once again part of the announcement, reflecting the ongoing connection between Music City’s creative scene and Appleton’s growing reputation as a home for original music.
Since 2013, Mile of Music has hosted more than 1,100 musical acts and nearly 100 music educators. The festival remains free and open to the public, with performances staged throughout downtown Appleton at more than 40 venues.
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Additional artist announcements will continue over the next 90 days, with more than 200 total acts and an estimated 650 live music sets expected. The event is scheduled to take place later this summer.
Here’s a sampling of the First 50 artists announced:
New artists:
- Will Hoge (Nashville, TN)
- Bombargo (Saskatoon, Canada)
- Nur-D (Minneapolis, MN)
- Moonglow (Milwaukee, WI)
- Katie Dahl (Baileys Harbor, WI)
- Rabbitology (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Dean Owens (Scotland)
- Kaki King (Brooklyn, NY)
- Flamy Grant (Asheville, NC)
- Wim Tapley & The Cannons (Athens, GA)
Returning artists:
- The Vegabonds (Nashville, TN)
- Adeem the Artist (Knoxville, TN)
- Stephen Kellogg (Connecticut)
- Reyna (Milwaukee, WI)
- Post Sex Nachos (Nashville, TN)
- Kristin Andreassen & Chris Eldridge (Nashville, TN)
- Candy Ambulance (Troy, NY)
- Scorched Waves (Stevens Point, WI)
- Wild Adriatic (Glens Falls, NY)
- Valley Fox (Milwaukee, WI)
A full list of the First 50 artists can be found on the festival’s official website.
