Sammy Rae & The Friends with Melt

Sammy Rae & The Friends bring a blend of jazz, funk, and rock to Madison with special guest Melt. The Brooklyn-based ensemble, led by vocalist Sammy Rae, has earned a reputation for high-energy live shows featuring a tight horn section and audience sing-alongs. Their debut studio album, Something for Everybody, released in September 2024 via Nettwerk, follows EPs The Good Life (2018) and Let's Throw a Party (2021).

In February 2024, the band played two sold-out nights at Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club. Their concerts often incorporate influences from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, with Bowers citing Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and the Beatles as formative influences. Melt opens the evening.