The annual camping festival Summer Set returned for its fifth year to Somerset, Wisconsin. Summer Set was a weekend filled with memorable moments.
The camping festival brought out the best in some artists as tents filled the woods and campgrounds with festival goers burning through the three-day festival.
A six hour drive from Chicago, Summer Set brought the same electric and playful atmosphere that we’re accustomed. With many highlights from the summer coming from local Chicago festivals like Mamby on the Beach, the festival provided one of a kind experience that made the six-hour drive worth it.
Day 1
The first day was stacked full of incredible performances throughout the day. Festival goers were able to check out the early performances from the solid melodic sounds of Mielo. That also included the craziest thrill ride of Porn and Chicken.
Flux Pavillon and Steve Aoki both respectfully, performed their best in recent years. Pavllion, usually a bit shy on the mic, was as vocal as the raving Summer Set crowd. Aoki a staple in electric music, outdid himself in intensified energy packed set.
Notable performances came from Toronto rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez performed majority on his set in the crowd as dozens of fans rushed under him to hold him up. A true spectacle, Lanez gained many fans the first day due to his wild onstage and in the crowd pleasing antics.
The first night closed off with Chicago’s favorite Chance The Rapper alongside with The Social Experiment. Seeing the top bill for the first night with other Chicago favorites in The Social Experiment was a real treat. They performed from Chance’s 10 Days, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book. The closing night was transformed into a Chicago listening party. Festival goers also heard records from the band’s latest soul filled album Surf.
Seeing Chicago’s heavyweight perform a number of times didn’t account for his Summer Set performance. It was like seeing him for the first time as he showcased a number of crowd favorites from Coloring Book. Songs including “No Problem,” “Blessings,” and “Summer Friends” helped Chance and The Social Experiment cement the first day into a night you couldn’t forget.
All photos: Jesse Pizano
Day 2
Recovering from the first night of camping festival goers had a chance to recover with another lineup of stacked artists.
Alison Wonderland threw down a perfectly mixed set at the Main Stage. Definitely not surprising she was able to steal the show early on. Her set was the perfect mixture of electronic classics with a modern twist. Other notable performances came from veteran rapper Atmosphere. His signature lyrical power was present was his non-stop performance was filled with energy from start to finish.
Festival goers were treated to an exclusive performance from Cherub and Autograf. The surprise pop up experience brought incredible sets to the ultimate VIP experience.
The stages definitely played a huge factor in the overall experience of the festival. The four stages made the camping atmosphere more enjoyable and real. The Grove stage was used for the after parties during the weekend. The second night saw Illenium and Jauz ending the night until the early morning. These late sets were both the best way to close off the second night.
All photos: Jesse Pizano
Day 3
Summer Set goers had little to rest with yet another list of incredible artist to see on the final day of the festival. Summer Set closed off with a bang having one of the best final day lineups in recent years.
With gems of unique performances from Webster X, Claptone, and Gramatik, Summer Set had its hands full with fans gaining performances.
Mega producer DJ Mustard had his fun with the Summer Set crowd with his chart topping set. Playing his original and remixed records from his work with Rihanna, T.I., and 2 Chainz his set list was filled with crowd favorites.
Marshmello also had the crowd glued to his set as he didn’t disappoint fans with his set. He also treated fans after his set as he walked through the Summer Set camp meeting with fans. Check out the slideshow above to see the Summer Set festival goer’s priceless reaction to Marshmello.
Young upcoming hungry rapper Logic was the perfect fit for the final night of Summer Set. His in your face style of delivery made up for him being the sole rapper on the final night at the Main Stage. Logic looked like a seasoned veteran who could have continued for hours.
Closing with spectacular fashion Skrillex had a truly unforgettable set. With a stable of electric golden standard records, Skrillex’s set was one that matched that of an intimate setting. The unofficial face of electronic music ended Summer Set in the highest note possible.
The weather factored very little when it came to the unforgettable performances we witnessed at Summer Set. Summer Set is the perfect getaway to see some of the best artist in the music industry away from the big city. With Summer Set in the books were counting down to our next visit to Somerset, Wisconsin.
All photos: Jesse Pizano