A third year of Burn Bright MKE fest has come and gone

Photojournalist: Carrie Bergan

If you’re unfamiliar with this little hole in the wall music venue barcade located in the streets of Cudahy (Cud-ah-hey), Wisconsin, then let me introduce you — meet the legendary X-Ray Arcade. This little 275-capacity room is my favorite place that my heart calls home for shows. The staff there are amazing, they book such phenomenal talent, there’s a kitchen (Cheese curds always), and they also have arcade games. Honestly, it’s a great place.

Now, let me tell you about JJ Kaiser, the talent buyer and booker for this wonderful place. In 2023, he introduced a two-day festival named Burn Bright MKE — the lineup is a mix of some local DIY acts to bigger names. This was its third year, and the lineup has gotten stacked since the very first year. The headliners for 2026 were Heart Attack Man and Camping in Alaska featuring In Shining Armour, Manor Gates, Leisure Hour, Dear Maryanne, Cheem, Footballhead, Kerosene Heights, FinalBossFight!, Thoughts on Bowling, Combat, Blind Equation, Anita Velveeta, Township, and Tiny Voices as openers.

This festival is split between two days, and I didn’t realize until halfway through day two that they had added additional bands so instead of a total of 14, there were 16. It’s a long weekend, but a blast every single time. Now that I’ve set the scene for you, let’s dive into the music! I was only familiar with about half the overall lineup, but knowing the festival in the past, I was certain every act would be amazing!

DAY ONE

For the most part, I had seen before or heard through the grapevine of every band scheduled for day one. However, I was most excited to finally see Footballhead. I grew up just south of Milwaukee in Chicago, and they were also from there. They’re pretty well known in the Chicago local scene, so it was cool to finally catch their set.

Lineup (In Order):

In Shining Armour - Heard of

Manor Gates - Heard of

Leisure Hour - Heard of

Dear Maryanne - Seen before

Cheem - Heard of

Footballhead - Heard of

Kerosene Heights - Seen before

Heart Attack Man - Seen before

Every band that day brought 1,000% to the stage because they all blew me away, especially the ones I had only heard of. I have no favorite specific set and no notes on the day; however, Cheem was very good. It went by quickly, and I was exhausted by the end. I can say I proudly walked away with a Footballhead setlist. Thank you very much boys! Every band is on socials, so give them a follow and listen.

FOLLOW HEART ATTACK MAN: WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // TIK TOK // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // YOUTUBE

Heart Attack Man

Kerosene Heights

Footballhead

Cheem

Dear Maryanne

Leisure Hour

Manor Gates

In Shining Armour

DAY TWO

To say I was tired is an understatement. I don’t remember during whose set the stage diver fell on me for a bit, but I definitely felt the aches when I woke up. Despite not being familiar with a majority of today’s schedule, I was ecstatic to finally see Camping In Alaska. They actually played this very venue about three years ago and I missed it due to work, I think. I honestly don’t remember what I did a week ago most days. I’m kind of a workaholic and keep plenty busy so sometimes my days just all blend in together. However, Blind Equation was a last-minute addition due to some unforeseen circumstances from a band dropping from the lineup. I’m not going to complain as they played this festival’s first debut year and really brought a good energy level that I think was needed.

Burn Bright MKE Fest is primarily Midwest Emo, with some heavier bands in the mix. I personally think the change in pace is called for because sometimes I just want to take a nap or cry in a corner to most Midwest Emo songs. I definitely would enjoy seeing a lineup more similar to day two for both days next year… Here’s to hoping!!!

Lineup (In Order):

FinalBossFight! - New

Thoughts on Bowling - New

Combat - Played Burn Bright 2025

Blind Equation - Played Burn Bright 2024

Anita Velveeta - New

Township - New

Tiny Voice - We’re literally homies

Camping In Alaska - I had missed their shows in Milwaukee twice

Every new band to me that played were phenomenal, but out of all of them, Anita Velveeta was my favorite. For starters, female-fronted, enough to always win me over, always. The music scene is so male-dominated that sometimes it’s not always the most welcoming for women, and I support those who want to pursue it just as much as I have. Also, they were hard and definitely way heavier than I could have even imaginated. I need them to come back as soon as physically possible for them, thanks!

Out of those I know, I have to hype up local band Tiny Voices, no matter what. I will support them whenever and however I can. These guys are so genuine and their music brings fire. If you missed the announcement, they’re actually making their Summerfest debut this year on June 19 so definitely come check them out. If they sound familiar, it’s because one of their tracks, “Yesterday” features Chris Freeman of Hot Mulligan. Hot Mulligan is also playing Summerfest. Just saying.

I should also mention that their guitarist, Louie Barlow, posted to his instagram story saying for everyone to throw tomatoes at him during their set. Unfortunately the best that we could do was ketchup packets and no, I was not the only one with this idea. It smelled of ketchup for the reminder of the show which was one more band, Camping In Alaska.

Camping in Alaska was amazing! They did cut their setlist a bit short due to heat and sweating an immense amount on stage. I can’t say I blame them, it does get very warm in the venue quickly especially with all the stage diving, moshing, and two-stepping.

FOLLOW CAMPING IN ALASKA: WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // INSTAGRAM // TIK TOK

Camping In Alaska

Tiny Voice

Township

Anita Velveeta

Blind Equation

Combat

Thoughts on Bowling

FinalBossFight!

Overall, it was killer as usual. I love this venue and JJ has always done such a fantastic job with it. I know he’s already got plans for next year and I cannot wait to see what it brings. I know I’ll be back soon, I visit this place at least once a month. Until next time, X-Ray Arcade!