Lake Street Dive with Lawrence at Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee 2025 Front Row Music News

9 Sep, 2025 John Kosiewicz Concert Reviews, Funk, Indie, Jazz, Latest, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul

Lake Street Dive - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

Lake Street Dive Fall Tour Stop in Milwaukee

On September 9, 2025, Lake Street Dive brought their 2025 tour to the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, WI. This was the stop I had been waiting for, after missing their Portland, Maine show at Thompson Point last month. It was worth the drive from Chicago to finally see Lake Street Dive live, especially with Lawrence along for the ride.

The Bands

Lawrence Opens the Night

Lawrence opened the night with energy that quickly pulled the crowd in. Their set leaned into their soul-pop and funk roots, mixing punchy horns, keys, and the powerful sibling vocals of Clyde and Gracie Lawrence. Songs like Heartburn and 23 kept the audience moving, while Misty Morning slowed things down for a moment of groove-filled calm.

The covers showed their playful side. A soulful take on the Beatles’ Get Back worked perfectly with their horn section, and their funky spin on Britney Spears’ Toxic had the crowd singing along. Don’t Lose Sight and Whatcha Want closed their set with high energy, leaving people buzzing. I had seen them before when Lawrence played with AJR in Tinley Park, IL, but this set showed even more polish and range. They’re a band that knows how to balance tight musicianship with pure fun. For more, visit Lawrence.

Lake Street Dive Takes the Stage

Lake Street Dive followed with a set that reminded everyone why they’ve built such a loyal following. Known for their mix of pop-soul, R&B, and indie rock, they delivered songs that showcased both groove and heart. They opened with Good Together and Stop Your Crying, then leaned into crowd favorites like Hypotheticals and Better Than.

Rachel Price’s vocals carried every song, but the band as a whole stood out — Bridget Kearney’s basslines and Mike Calabrese’s drumming locked in the rhythm while Akie Bermiss added depth on keys. The debut of a new song, You’re True, was a treat for longtime fans, proving they’re still pushing their sound forward.

Highlights of the Performance

Several moments stood out, but the shared Center Mic numbers brought extra excitement. Lawrence joined in for Help Is On the Way, followed by Do on the full stage. Later, Clyde and Gracie returned for Rich Girl by Hall & Oates, adding a playful twist to the encore. The crowd responded with cheers each time the two bands came together. By the time Good Kisser closed the night, the entire theatre was on its feet.

Conclusion

The pairing of Lake Street Dive and Lawrence made this stop on the tour feel special. Both bands delivered standout sets on their own, but the collaborations sealed the night. Walking out of the Miller High Life Theatre, it felt like the trip to Milwaukee was exactly the right choice.