91.1 The Avenue

One of the things we appreciate most about Mile of Music is that every once in a while, the festival throws us a curveball. An artist that doesn't fit neatly into a genre. A band that makes you stop, look twice, and ask, "What exactly is going on here?"

This year, that band might be Descartes a Kant. Making the trip from Guadalajara, Mexico, they're among a growing number of international artists bringing new sounds and fresh creative energy to Appleton. And "creative" might be an understatement.

For nearly two decades, Descartes a Kant has been building a musical universe all their own, blending rock, punk, performance art, theater, and science fiction into something that's impossible to neatly categorize. Their songs explore themes of technology, humanity, artificial intelligence, and our increasingly complicated relationship with machines.

In other words...this is not background music.

The band has earned international acclaim through a series of ambitious concept albums and even worked with legendary producer Steve Albini. But what really has me intrigued is the live show. Everything about Descartes a Kant suggests that seeing them live is about far more than hearing the songs. The costumes, theatrical elements, visuals, and sheer commitment to their artistic vision all point toward a performance you'll remember long after the festival ends.

Longtime Mile fans may remember artists like Calliope Musicals – bands that arrived with their own universe and a willingness to surprise audiences. Descartes a Kant feels very much in that tradition.

Not every artist on your schedule should feel familiar. Sometimes the best festival experiences begin with curiosity. Something tells me people will be talking about Descartes a Kant long after Mile of Music is over.

🎧 Our Mile of Music Previews air daily at 9:00 a.m. as we count down to the festival, sponsored by Nicolet Bank, Abel Insurance, and Appleton Downtown Inc.

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Some artists tell stories through songs. And Others become caretakers of the stories themselves. Otis Gibbs somehow manages to do both.

For years, I've been a devoted viewer of Otis Gibbs' YouTube interview series. I've shared countless episodes with friends and colleagues in the music business – usually followed by a note that says something like, "You need to watch this." And without fail, they come back grateful they did. That's because Otis has become one of the great custodians of music culture and storytelling.

Through thoughtful conversations with artists ranging from Steve Poltz and Will Hoge (two Mile of Music Alumni) to sidemen, songwriters, road veterans, and keepers of musical history, he's created an extraordinary archive of stories that might otherwise have been lost. What makes the interviews special isn't just who he talks to – it’s how he talks to them. Otis has a calm, curious style that puts people at ease, allowing them to share stories, wisdom, and memories that rarely emerge in traditional interviews.

I've learned a tremendous amount from those conversations over the years. More than once, an Otis Gibbs interview has sent me down a rabbit hole of reading, listening, and discovering artists or stories I never would have encountered otherwise.

But before he became known for documenting musical history, Otis Gibbs was making his own.

Hailing from Indiana and now based in East Nashville, Gibbs has spent decades building a respected career as a songwriter and recording artist. His songs draw from the same storytelling traditions that make his interviews so compelling – filled with memorable characters, sharp observations, humor, heartache, and deep compassion for ordinary people.

Fans of John Prine, Guy Clark, Todd Snider, and other master storytellers will feel right at home in Otis's musical world.

He's also continuing to create new work. His latest album, The Trust of Crows—his tenth studio release – finds him doing what he does best: observing the world around him and turning those observations into thoughtful, engaging songs. At the same time, he's been touring with his DIY film Handsome John, created with Todd Snider and centered on the life and legacy of his friend and mentor, John Prine.

Whether he's writing songs, making films, or sitting across from a fellow musician with a camera rolling, Otis Gibbs understands something important: music isn't just entertainment. It's a collection of stories, traditions, relationships, and shared experiences worth preserving.

That's why he's one of the artists I'm most excited to see at this year's Mile of Music.

And if you're someone who loves great songs, fascinating stories, and the people who keep musical history alive, I suspect you'll be excited too.

🎧 Our Mile of Music Previews air daily at 9:00 a.m. as we count down to the festival, sponsored by Nicolet Bank, Abel Insurance, and Appleton Downtown Inc.

Mile of Music Festival Nicolet Bank Abel Insurance Appleton Downtown

Some artists play Mile of Music. Others become part of what makes the festival feel like Mile. Jon Tyler Wiley and His Virginia Choir have earned that distinction.

This year marks the band's fifth appearance at the festival, and over the years they've become one of the most anticipated acts on the lineup. Their shows are packed with soaring harmonies, exceptional musicianship, roots rock energy, and the kind of performances people are still talking about long after the weekend ends.

Longtime Mile fans may remember Jon's first visit to Appleton as a member of Melodime, another festival favorite. Since then, he's stepped into the spotlight as a dynamic songwriter, electrifying guitarist, and one of the festival's most exciting performers.

But what makes Jon Tyler Wiley such a perfect Mile artist goes beyond his own sets.
If you've spent time at the festival, you've probably seen it. One minute he's wrapping up a performance with His Virginia Choir. The next, he's on another stage across town, guitar in hand, adding something special to another artist's set. Those spontaneous collaborations have become part of his Mile legacy.

This year, you'll also catch Jon as a member of Will Hoge's touring band, creating yet another connection between two artists that festival fans will be excited to follow.

Whether it's your first Jon Tyler Wiley show or your fifth, one thing is certain: if he's on stage, something memorable is probably about to happen.

🎧 Our Mile of Music Previews air daily at 9:00 a.m. as we count down to the festival, sponsored by Nicolet Bank, Abel Insurance, and Appleton Downtown Inc.

Mile of Music Festival Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir Nicolet Bank Abel Insurance Appleton Downtown

One of the most exciting parts of Mile of Music is discovering an artist before the rest of the world catches on. Buddy Red feels like that kind of artist.

Making his first appearance at Mile, the Atlanta-based singer/songwriter and guitarist is turning heads with his blend of blues, rock, and soul. He's a talented guitarist, a compelling performer, and an artist who feels like he's just beginning to show audiences what he can do.

Buddy Red's music draws from classic American roots traditions while bringing a modern energy to the mix. Songs like 1958, Sold His Soul and I Gotta Feelin' showcase a musician who understands the power of a great guitar riff, a soulful vocal, and a song that connects.

There are two distinctly different ways to experience Buddy Red at Mile of Music this year. First, there's Buddy Red the performer. This is the artist you'll find on stage, bringing his blues-rock sound, guitar skills, and emerging songwriting voice to festival audiences. After appearances at events like SXSW and CMA Fest, he's quickly building a reputation as an artist worth watching.

He has also been selected as one of this year's Mile artists to collaborate with Lawrence University students in the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival. This is one of the most unique parts of the festival – advanced young musicians from around the country and the world come together to collaborate with Mile artists to create new arrangements and performances. It's an opportunity for students to work directly with professional musicians while giving festival audiences a completely different way to experience these artists.

And while some listeners may know Buddy Red is the son of rapper and entrepreneur T.I., he's an artist with deep musical roots, serious guitar chops, and a growing audience that's discovering what he can do. This is a first-time Mile artist worth putting on your radar

🎧 Our Mile of Music Previews air daily at 9:00 a.m. as we count down to the festival, sponsored by Nicolet Bank, Abel Insurance, and Appleton Downtown Inc.

Mile of Music Festival Nicolet Bank Abel Insurance Appleton Downtown