My expectations and excitement for the Dr. John headlining show at the Johnson World Sound Stage at Summerfest was building up all week and I couldn’t wait to get the festival grounds on Sunday Night.  

Dr. John had led the fusion of R&B and psychedelic rock in the late 1960s with the release of his widely acclaimed debut album "Gris Gris."  He continued his innovations and experiments with psych funk and fusion in the 1970s.

As one of the most prolific musicians of the back half of the 21st century, his accomplishments and leadership as a composer, bandleader, and session musician have inspired countless musicians over the years.  Needless to say, the small yet dedicated audience at the show on Sunday night was feverishly anticipatory as the lights dimmed and the band emerged.  

Unfortunately, the show would prove to be a disaster.  Through no fault of Dr. John or his band, the sound coming from the stage was a muddled hiss of static and sharp feedback.  I’ve been to some pretty awful Summerfest performances over the years, but this show featured some of the worst live sound I’ve ever experienced.

For some reason the sub speakers, which are responsible for the low frequencies of the bass, kick drum, and low toms, were completely silent.  The resulting sound was a high screeching treble of guitar, cymbals and vocals which completely drowned out the performance happening on stage.  

Being close to the stage, it was obvious that Dr. John and his band were performing incredibly.  The tight funk pockets of the drums and rhythm guitar locked in under the Doctor’s grizzled vocals and wildly impressive piano playing.  Unfortunately, unless you were in the front rows, this was completely lost in the mix coming from the main house speakers in front of the stage.

After a few songs it became apparent that the problems weren’t going to be fixed.  The mix was so abrasive that many of the fans were getting up and leaving their seats.  After about 25 minutes, I’d had enough. 

I don’t know if there was an equipment malfunction or if the people running the sound were truly that inept.  Either way, this is really unacceptable at such a huge music festival like Summerfest.  Dr. John was done a terrible injustice and fans were robbed of a show that would have no doubt been incredible, had a proper mix been provided.