♫ Carolina Liar's Chad Wolf talks Summerfest, hit songs and new vinyl release

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --Carolina Liar is returning to Summerfest for the first time in nearly a decade, and frontman Chad Wolf says he's ready to make the most of the Fourth of July performance.

"We last played about 10 years ago," Wolf told CBS 58 Morning Anchor Alex Corradetti. "It was insane. I think Keith Urban was closing that night, and we'd never experienced a festival like that before."

The band will perform at 4:15 p.m. on the T-Mobile Stage on July 4.

For many fans, Carolina Liar is best known for its hit song "Show Me What I'm Looking For," which continues to find new audiences nearly 20 years after its release.

One of those audiences included pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, who famously recorded her own version of the song.

"I still have to pinch myself to believe that happened," Wolf said. "She's honestly everything you'd expect her to be. She is empowerment. She's an amazing human. That song is hers now. Once Kelly does a song, it's not mine anymore."

While hearing Clarkson perform the track was memorable, Wolf said nothing compares to hearing fans sing it back to him during live shows.

"You dream about those kinds of things when you're a kid writing songs," he said.

One performance in Ireland remains especially emotional.

"The Irish just sing full body," Wolf recalled. "I honestly could not stop myself from crying on stage. I looked over at our keyboard player and was just like, 'What is that?' Hundreds and hundreds of people singing the song back to us. It was one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced."

Wolf admits he's still surprised by the staying power of the band's music.

"This record is almost 20 years old now, and the fact that it keeps getting to go is unreal," he said. "I got to work with one of the world's greatest producers and songwriters, and the fact that I still get to be part of this music industry is something I'm incredibly grateful for."

The band is celebrating the milestone by re-releasing its debut album on vinyl.

This summer also marks a personal milestone for Wolf, as his son will join Carolina Liar on bass for select tour dates.

"It's a full-circle moment," Wolf said. "He's probably one of the best musicians I've ever met. Watching him is almost scary, how good he's getting."

Wolf said having his son on stage is another dream becoming reality.

"All those dreams I had of how I could possibly manifest the life I wanted to live — it's slowly unfolding daily."

Fans can catch Carolina Liar at Summerfest on July 4 at 4:15 p.m. on the T-Mobile Stage.

Watch the full interview above and find the Summerfest Lineup here: 2026 Summerfest Lineup | Summerfest, The World's Largest Music Festival

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