06-05-2025
Summerfest in Milwaukee loses 2025 headliner after Julien Baker cancels tour
Summerfest 2025 has lost a buzzy act after Julien Baker canceled her planned tour with Torres, including a headlining show at the Milwaukee music festival's Aurora Pavilion June 27.
Baker, 27, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and member of Grammy-winning supergroup Boygenius with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, announced on May 4 on Instagram that "due to recent events" she was "prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health." She added: "This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for fans. We deeply appreciate your understanding." Torres shared the statement on Instagram.
Further details were not available. However, the news came after Baker and Torres canceled a March 27 speaking engagement and performance at Ohio University because "one of our key members sustained a concussion and will need to take the next few weeks to recover." They also canceled an appearance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, in late March.
Baker and Torres's tour had stops planned throughout the summer for cities including New Orleans, Dallas and Philadelphia, behind their critically acclaimed country album "Send a Prayer My Way."
Baker released her debut studio album, "Sprained Ankle," in 2015. Since 2018, she also has performed as part of Boygenius, snagging three Grammy wins in 2024 for best rock performance, best rock song and best alternative music album.
Julien Baker, singer-songwriter and guitarist with the music group Boygenius, performs a surprise show during South by Southwest at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Austin. Baker has cancelled a planned tour with Torres, including a Summerfest headlining appearance in Milwaukee, for health reasons.
A replacement has yet to be named for the canceled Summerfest show.
Most of the headliners have been announced for the 2025 festival, with a couple prominent openings remaining, including closing slots at the festival's UScellular Connection Stage June 20, Miller Lite Oasis June 28, Aurora Pavilion July 4 and BMO Pavilion July 5.
Summerfest will take place June 19 to 21, June 26 to 28 and July 3 to 5.
Brendan Morrow from USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Summerfest loses 2025 headliner after Julien Baker cancels tour
