Appleton’s Mile of Music celebrates art and community

Since its inception in 2013, Appleton’s Mile of Music festival has become a yearly community tradition – bringing local music lovers together for a weekend of live performances and summer celebrations. As the festival entered its eleventh year, thousands took to the streets to commemorate the occasion.

This year’s installment, taking place from Aug. 1-4, featured over 200 musicians playing at 40 venues in the downtown area. Although Mile of Music has a little bit of something for everyone, many acts fall into the genres of folk, Americana, and rock. The festival has historically acted as a launching pad for artists before they achieve national success – past artists include Sturgill Simpson, Norah Jones, The Milk Carton Kids, and The Crane Wives. 

Performers included local Wisconsin artists such as Milwaukee’s Diet Lite, Madison’s Lunar Moth, Stevens Point’s Scorched Waves, and Oshkosh’s The Present Age. However, artists came from all around the continent – highlights included Sacramento singer-songwriter Tré Burt, Charleston rock group The Simplicity, and Cuba’s Sweet Lizzy Project. 

Parker Schultz, frontman of Milwaukee indie rock group Social Cig, is a first-time Mile performer. He found himself impressed with the festival’s streamlined organization and commitment to local musicians.

“It’s really cool to see Appleton come together as a community,” said Schultz, “and it’s really focused on curating a really, really solid event.”

As always, the festival’s tens of thousands attendees enjoyed all performances free of charge. As a result, many local businesses enjoyed an uptick in customers during the weekend. Visitors hailing from out of town flooded into flagship Appleton bars and restaurants, enjoying live music while supporting the city’s local economy. Local vendors also set up shop along the festival grounds, serving food and cold refreshments to festival-goers in the sweltering August heat.

A newer addition to Mile’s programming is its Artist Care Program, which provides several health-related amenities to all participating artists at no cost. Services include lodging assistance, dental care, hearing screenings, physical therapy, massages, and more. The initiative serves to accommodate artists who are traveling from long distances, giving them a warm welcome to Appleton and supporting them while they’re away from home.

“Especially for the more local bands and smaller bands like myself, it’s just above and beyond, and I kind of just feel like a rockstar for the weekend,” said Schultz. “I think what Appleton does here is pretty exceptional.”

Since the festival’s premiere, Mile of Music has prided itself on being a “cover-free zone,” meaning that all participating artists must perform solely original music. The rule encourages and celebrates musical creativity, in hopes that you’ll find your new favorite band while walking down the street one afternoon.

“A lot of people come for the music,” said Schultz, “which is really, really cool – and really special.”