Summerfest Announces Eighth Marcus Amphitheater Headliner For 2016

MILWAUKEE (March 22, 2016) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials are thrilled to announce the eighth major show of Summerfest 2016.  Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakes will co-headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Saturday, July 2 with special guest to be announced.

It’s hard to ignore the power of Chris Stapleton’s voice.  The 14 songs that make up his Platinum-selling debut solo album, Traveller, evoke a sound from his childhood; a time when country, blues, rock and R&B swirled together to create something distinctive that still resonates with modern fans.  Beloved by critics, fans and fellow artists, Stapleton swept the 2015 CMA Awards – becoming the first artist to win “Artist of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year” in the same year – and, earlier this year, took home two awards at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for “Best Country Album” and “Best Country Solo Performance” (“Traveller”).  He’s also nominated for seven ACM Awards including “Album of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year” – the most of any artist this year. 

American rock band Alabama Shakes, praised by The New York Times for their “fervent, rip-roaring rock and roll,” debuted in 2012 with Boys & Girls, an album that earned the band three Grammy nominations and is certified Gold.  Their live shows have been described as “fierce and “smoldering” and “heart-wrenching and rapturous.”  Sound & Color, their latest release, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and also topped the Independent, Digital, Rock, Alternative, Internet and Vinyl Albums charts and is certified Gold.  Picking up three Grammy Awards in 2016, including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for “Don’t Wanna Fight,” Alabama Shakes has become one of the most celebrated live acts in the world.  

Tickets for Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakes go on sale Friday, April 1 at 12:00 PM CDT and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Summerfest Box Office in person and by phone at 1.414.273.2600, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express” automated phone line).  Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast” at Ticketmaster.com to print barcoded concert tickets from home.  Convenience fees may be added to all purchases. 

Summerfest fans get access to “Stay Connected” presales before tickets go on sale to the general public when they subscribe to receive Summerfest News email alerts at Summerfest.com, “Like” Summerfest on Facebook or follow Summerfest on Twitter.  The Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakes presale will run Thursday, March 31 from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM CDT or until presale inventory has been exhausted. 

Summerfest 2016 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – July 10 from noon until midnight and will be closed Monday, July 4.  Following its 1968 debut, Summerfest has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, bringing the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites along with approximately 900,000 people from Milwaukee and around the world together each year for an unforgettable live music experience.  During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 11 stages, delectable food and beverages and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting.  Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest.  For more details, visit Summerfest.com, http://Facebook.com/summerfest or Twitter: @Summerfest