From Peso Pluma to Willie Nelson, 10 top Milwaukee concerts for May 2024 (2024)

10. Greta Van Fleet: Given Milwaukee’s robust classic rock fan base, and Van Fleet’s base not too far away in Michigan, it’s surprising the band of brothers hasn’t played Milwaukee since 2018. Fans will have a lot of new (throwback) material to catch up on. 7:30 p.m. May 21, Fiserv Forum, 1111 N. Phillips Ave. $74.50 to $195 at the box office and fiservforum.com.

9. The Decemberists: Honoring the title of their forthcoming album "As It Ever Was, So Will It Be Again," Colin Meloy and company offered a preview with a 19-minute prog rocker "Joan in the Garden" reminiscent of their earlier material. Expect an album sneak peek, and likely their most beloved songs, at their return to the Riverside. 8 p.m. May 18, Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. $45 to $221.66 at the door and through the Pabst.

8. David Foster and Katherine McPhee: The married couple have quite the pedigree between veteran producer Foster's 16 Grammys and McPhee's "American Idol" season five second place finish and subsequent music and acting career. McPhee singing Foster standards is the draw, but fans might get to see their three-year-old drum prodigy son Rennie behind the kit, presuming its not past his bedtime. 8 p.m. May 2, Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St. $49.50 to $225 at the box office and pabsttheater.org.

7. Laura Jane Grace: Fun fact: the Against Me! frontwoman once penned a song inspired by allegedly haunted Milwaukee venue the Rave. But for this show, Grace, performing solo material and perhaps some Against Me! signatures, is opting for a more intimate setting at Milwaukee's newest venue. 8 p.m. May 10, Vivarium, 1818 N. Farwell Ave. $29.50 at the door and through the Pabst.

6. Aventura: For the first time perhaps ever, Milwaukee will host two Spanish-language concerts in an arena in the same month, beginning with this rare performance, doubling as a goodbye, from the breakout bachata group led by Romeo Santos, part of what's been billed as their final tour. 8 p.m. May 18, Fiserv Forum. $110 to $930.

5. Cindy Lee: The drag persona of DIY pop artist Patrick Flegel, Cindy Lee recently became an unexpected critical sensation when "Diamond Jubilee," their ambitious new double album inspired by genres across the decades, earned one of the highest scores from Pitchfork in years. 10 p.m. May 3, Cactus Club, 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. $20 at the door and cactusclubmilwaukee.com.

4. Milwaukee Metal Fest: The once-annual metal lovers bash made a surprise return last year for the first time since 2007, now under the auspices of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta (pictured). Jasta’s second Metal Fest iteration is even more impressive, including the first local performance from Mr. Bungle in 24 years who top a 73-band lineup across three days. 2 p.m. May 17 to 19, the Rave, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave. $80 to $248 for May 17. $89 to $383 for May 18 or May 19. $158 to $307 for two-day passes. $237 to $456 for three-day passes.

3. Willie Nelson: Personifying the spirit of his signature song "On The Road Again," the country legend will be back in Milwaukee less than a year after bringing his Outlaw Music Festival to Alpine Valley — and less than a month after he turns 91. 7 p.m. May 18, BMO Pavilion, Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Dr. $44.94 to $388 at the box office and bmopavilion.com.

2. Peso Pluma: After two postponements since last September, Peso Pluma's patient Milwaukee fans should hopefully be rewarded with a set from a groundbreaking regional Mexican superstar whose popularity has continued to rise since “Ella Baila Sola," with its blend of romantic horns and hip-hop swagger, became Spotify's song of the summer last year. 8 p.m. May 30, Fiserv Forum. $34.50 to $1,445.

1. Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service: Death Cab for Cutie are a common sight on Milwaukee stages, but they haven't played their biggest album "Transatlanticism" in its entirety, the occasion for this gig following a 20th anniversary tour last year. But what makes this show extra special is only the second Milwaukee show ever from Death Cab frontman Ben Gibbard's seminal side project, emo electropop outfit the Postal Service, who will perform their own landmark album "Give Up" front to back. Arrive early for buzzy, Wisconsin-originated indie rock band Slow Pulp. 7:30 p.m. May 6, Miller High Life Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. $59.50 to $125 at the door and through the Pabst.