The annual WMSE Radio Summer Camp festival kicked off this year with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Opening the show was Milwaukee’s own, Call Me Lightning. This was the first time seeing Call Me Lightning and they blew the roof off of Turner Ballroom. When you listen to Call Me Lightning, there is a definite Who influence, although a younger, leaner, tougher Who. Ironically, the name of the band is a title from a Who song. Focusing on the latest album, “When I am Gone, My Blood Will be Free” (Dusty Medical) ,Call Me Lightning immediately won over the local crowd with album favorites “Called to the Throne” and “Beyond the Beasts”. Next up was Tweak Bird, a two-piece with a big bombastic sound. The music has a very prog-rock influence, with the vocals sounding like Rush. And they have a gong! Finally it was time for Ted Leo. I have been going to Ted Leo shows for years, from the small clubs to now, the large hall. Although a little older, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists appear to be rocking a little harder these days. This was a fully loaded set, a big rock band sound, full of signature Ted Leo hooks and pop rock sound. Highlights were Ted Leo classics, “Me and Mia”, Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone” and “I’m a Ghost”. My second day began at the Cactus Club for Milwaukee band Wereworm. Wereworm are a four-piece instrumental, talented musicians from a long line of Milwaukee bands. The sound reminds me of the angular math rock of Pylon, with a little Explosions in the Sky thrown in, to create controlled chaos. I headed over to the Bay View Brew Haus to see the return of Milwaukee favorites, Bleed. This was probably a one-off show as band members live in different states. This was definitely one of the most anticipated shows of the festival as the Brew Haus was packed with fans. Bleed did not disappoint, playing like they never took a break. This was dirty, filthy blues rock and roll oozing Chicago blues mixed with a little Sonics rock. Lead singer Bob told the crowd “Milwaukee is a lot cooler than Austin”. He’s probably right. I ended the night at the Cactus Club to see William Tyler. Playing solo, Tyler has played with Nashville’s Lambchop. Playing a 12-string and acoustic guitar, Tyler’s sound ranges from John Fahey, to British Folk, to Middle Eastern. The set started quiet and controlled; but ended with Tyler looping sounds, distortion and feedback added for an explosive finish. This is not music for the masses, but the handful of people there witnessed an amazing performance. The festival concluded on Sunday downtown Milwaukee at Cathedral Square Park for an all day outdoor BBQ. I arrived in time to see Flint Michigan’s Whitey Morgan and the 78’s. This is classic hardcore honky tonk country in the vein of Merle, Waylon, and Johnny. That’s Johnny Paycheck, by the way (who they covered). Other covers included Hank Williams “Mind Your Own Business” and Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried”. Originals are pure classic country, paying homage to the greats. This is country music the way it was meant to be played, inspiring plenty of beer drinking. Festival closers The Budos Band took the stage while it was still extremely hot and sticky. But that didn’t stop the growing crowd from finally getting up and dancing. Their set consisted of bad ass old school funky rhythm and blues with big horns and conga drums. The heat was no longer an issue as the Daptone recording artists mixed heavy soul with butt shaking afro-funk. Thanks to WMSE for putting on another great festival and continuing to bring great music to Milwaukee and the airwaves.