Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 – Day Nine
Alright State Fair fans – yesterday at the fair was country to the core with Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Eli Young Band, Edens Edge, The Mavericks, and Mandy Barnett! Today at the fair is Minnesota Music on a Stick day at the Fair, with many bands with Minnesota roots set to take the Grandstand stage.
The Grandstand lineup tonight consists of Minnesota favorites Semisonic, The Jayhawks, Dessa, Jeremy Messersmith, and Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles. The show starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are $35. Of this lineup, the not-to-miss band is Semisonic. Rarely performing live, this is an opportunity to hear their hit song “Closing Time,” in addition to seeing frontman Dan Wilson perform. Wilson has become known over the past decade for his co-writing and collaborations with other artists, including The Dixie Chicks (“Not Ready to Make Nice”), Dierks Bentley (“Home”), and Adele’s hit “Someone Like You.” Country singer David Nail also did a cover of “Someone Like You,” which appears on his recent EP release “1979.”
Also Friday at the fair, Nashville singer Will Hoge will hit the Leinie Lodge Bandshell with two FREE performances at 3:30 and 4:45 p.m. Hoge recently hit the top of the country charts as a songwriter on last night’s Minnesota State Fair performer Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” Hoge’s latest album, “Number Seven,” was released last year and his single “When I Get My Wings” has received airplay. He has also performed several times on the Grand Ole Opry.
The Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, also makes her way to the Leinie Lodge Bandshell with two FREE performances (1, 2:30 p.m.). Jackson, who briefly dated Elvis Presley, bounced back and forth between country and rockabilly; she did this by often putting one song in each style on either side of a single. Jackson toured regularly, was twice nominated for a Grammy, and was a big attraction in Las Vegas from the mid-’50s into the ’70s. In the early ’80s, Jackson was invited to Europe to play rockabilly and country festivals and to record. She’s since been back numerous times. More recently, American country artists Pam Tillis, Jann Browne, and Rosie Flores have acknowledged Jackson as a major influence. In 2009 Wanda was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, and Bruce Springsteen were just a few of the high-profile artists that encouraged the Hall to induct the Queen.
Wilson Phillips also hits the Leinie Lodge Stage for Bandshell Tonight, with a free performance at 8:30 p.m. Wilson Phillips consists of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips, and has sold millions of albums worldwide. Hit songs include “Hold On,” a remake of “Go Your Own Way,” and “Impulsive.”
Also to watch for Friday:
• Greene and Hurst will be rocking country-style in the Gardens from 7 to 11 p.m. G&H hit the country music scene in October 2011 and is a little bit of rock n roll and a whole lot of country.
• The Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar and Duet Championships will take place Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Heritage Square Stage.
Also, don’t forget to stop by your favorite country radio station booths at the fair – K102 is located on Nelson Street (O26 on your official Minnesota State Fair map), and BUZ’N Country is located on Judson Avenue (V30 on your official Minnesota State Fair map). Both radio stations will be doing prize giveaways, contests, and broadcasting live from the fair! Stop by and see your favorite radio personalities and try to win some cool country gear!
STATE FAIR TRIVIA: Each day in this update, we will be doing state fair country trivia! The person who gets the most correct answers over the course of the fair will receive a prize from Minnesotacountry.com. Submit your answer via e-mail to info@minnesotacountry.com and we’ll announce the winner after the fair!
TODAY’S QUESTION: Wilson Phillips is formed of the daughters of what famous musicians?
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER: Bill Cosby performed at the Minnesota State Fair in 1977.
If you have some additional tips on keeping it country at the fair, e-mail them to info@minnesotacountry.com and we will be happy to pass them along to our fans.
Ryan Gueningsman is at ryan.gueningsman@minnesotacountry.com or can be found on Facebook.