MILWAUKEE - It's an honor just to play at Summerfest, but what about being the opening band on opening day?

Milwaukee ska band "The Invaders" were the first thing people saw as they entered the Summerfest mid-gate Thursday.

"I’m hoping if they have a destination, they hang out here for an hour or two,” Lead Singer Max Wisniewski said.

"What more do you want than a ska band on a Thursday afternoon?" Fan Kirk Johnson said.

Johnson felt the musical vibe of the festival right away.

"If you've ever been to a ska show it's a workout!" Johnson said.

"The Invaders" formed more than 20 years ago. They say events like Summerfest have helped their longevity.

“Exposure. We have a lot of shows in the summer. Hopefully they'll go through and say 'wow, I wanna see these guys,’” Wisniewski said.

They have some advice for other local bands.

“Do music ‘cuz you love it, and it all comes through. Hang on to your dreams, hang on to your dreams,” the band said.

If you missed them, “The Invaders" will also play the Harley stage on July 4th!