First annual “Buskerfest” brings music to downtown as part of Jumpst(ART) Downtown campaign

MILWAUKEE (July 14, 2021) – As part of the Jumpst(ART) Downtown campaign, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is pairing street music with street art at the inaugural Buskerfest, Aug. 6 – 8. During the U.S.A. Triathlon weekend, various Sculpture Milwaukee sites throughout East Town, Westown and the Historic Third Ward will come to life with nearly 100 hours of free street performances for the public’s enjoyment.

More than 60 artists will perform at the three-day festival at eight Sculpture Milwaukee sites featuring a mix of hip hop and R&B, jazz, Americana, acoustic singer/songwriters, instrumental and soul. Applications for musicians to take part in Buskerfest closed with 85 submissions, which were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of Imagine MKE, BookLive!, Milwaukee Downtown, Sculpture Milwaukee and Historic Third Ward Association.

Artists performing during Buskerfest include a mix of emerging and established singer/songwriters, notable local bands and orchestral groups. A few noteworthy acts include: Milwaukee African Drum and Dance (M.A.D.D) at 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 at the Wisconsin Center; the Extra Crispy Brass Band with a Mardi Gras-style street performance along Old World 3rd Street/MLK Drive on Friday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m.; Big Style Brass Band, a 10-member brass band at Catalano Square on Friday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.; and the Donna Woodall Group at Catalano Square on Saturday Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. The complete line up for Buskerfest is available at www.milwaukeedowntown.com.

“Buskerfest is a way for us to celebrate the return to downtown’s parks, plazas and other public spaces,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “As more and more visitors and employees ‘MKE It Back’, we’re pleased to delight them with local performances and support the artists hard-hit by the pandemic. It’s truly a win-win.”

Virtual tips are encouraged, so keep your eyes peeled for signage next to each performer and help local music thrive. The program is part of the #jumpstARTdowntown campaign. Find out more information on the Jumpst(ART) Downtown campaign at www.milwaukeedowntown.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.