The motto of Milwaukee’s beloved PaxFest is Fighting Pediatric Cancer with Music, and the 2013 PaxFest music lineup is pulling out all of the stops. Every single one.
SlimRoxFu
Kicking off the fest at noon is SlimRoxFu, for the 2nd year in a row. All three members hail from Milwaukee favorite, Old Mil. Blending two guitars with percussion, with three strong vocals, they’re destined to delight with familiar favorites.
5 Card Studs
Next up on the docket, joining the PaxFest musical arsenal for the first time, is 5 Card Studs. Holding the title of ‘the hardest working lounge band in the Midwest’ is no easy task. Also a Milwaukee favorite, they are truly an entertainment experience, with their unique blend of big-time Las Vegas attitude and 70’s TV game show schmaltz, all glossed over with a washed-up lounge/wedding singer veneer. They are NOT to be missed.
Ivy Spokes
We’re so excited to bring emerging artists, Ivy Spokes, onto the schedule this year! Milwaukee-based indie-pop rockers bring a sound they like to call “bio-digital” to the world. Formed in 2011, they give their audience a hearty portion of pop with a side of rock n’ roll. After independently releasing their 2011 debut EP, Chaos to Cosmos, which featured WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Song of the Year Award Nominated song “In Dreams”, the band has immersed themselves in the Midwest scene, constantly writing and playing shows. They were also featured in the Summerfest Emerging Artist lineup this year!
Rectifier
Rectifier. Hard bark with a bite to match. Combining honest, devilishly witty, American storytelling with cold-filtered, anthemic rock n’ roll – the epitome of “northern rock.” Led by the commanding vocals of Katie Mack, this crew leaves every crowd on their feet. We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring them back to PaxFest in 2013!
Satellite
Which brings me to our headliner, national recording artist, Satellite. Hailing from Nashville by way of Los Angeles, this alternative rock quartet blends boldly vulnerable lyrics with anthemic but finely textured pop. The emotive atmospherics of Nashville’s Satellite have resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. The group’s debut EP, Ring The Bells, has been critically acclaimed by Radar Online, Alternative Press, Kings of A&R, and The LA Examiner, garnering favorable descriptions such as “Snow Patrol meets Kings of Leon” and “Springsteen meets UK.” Satellite recently completed its forthcoming debut album, Calling Birds, set to be released February 2013 on Descendant Records/Sony Music Entertainment.”
Satellite’s trajectory knows no limits. I was introduced to them when they opened for an act at Shank Hall earlier this year. I was absolutely blown away by the powerful voice of frontman, Steven McMorran, and their unbelievably inspired songs. I can’t properly articulate just how fantastic they are live – but it is beyond incredible. Don’t just take my word for it, though – you have to see and hear it for yourselves! To say that we’re over the moon to have them headlining this year’s fest is an understatement.
We are truly honored, humbled and ecstatic to have every single one of these bands joining us in this fight against pediatric cancer. Friends, fellow warriors, great musicians and even better people – please show them some love! Get on your feet and fight pediatric cancer alongside all of them on Saturday, August 24th. Pax. Love. Music.
-Kate
