You'll be spending more on gate admission, food, drinks and just about everything else good at the Minnesota State Fair this year. A majority of the live music out there is still free, though — and local, too.
Fair organizers did have to scale back the bookings this year: No more concerts in the Ramberg Center. However, the other free stages at the fairgrounds are as loaded as ever with Minnesota artists this year. That includes the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, where the Jayhawks and Caitlyn Smith are each headlining two nights apiece, when usually only one local act earns that honor per year.
Nothing against the out-of-towners also slated to perform — in fact we're particularly excited for Low Cut Connie, Kelly Willis, the Family Stone and the Screaming Orphans this year — but the Minnesota music acts always turn it on big at the fairgrounds, and the overall mix is a great way to spotlight the state's budding diversity and bursting creativity.
Here are recommendations for homegrown artists to see each day.
Thursday-Friday, Aug. 25-26
Durry: The sibling rock duo born in the basement during the pandemic has burst out in a big way on stage while also racking up radio and viral attention for the slacker anthems "Who's Laughing Now" and "Loser's Club." (8 p.m., Schell's Stage at West End)
Samantha Moon: With echoes of Sade and Amy Winehouse, this jazz- and electronic-tinged Minneapolis R&B singer should provide some welcome calm from the storm. (3:15, 4:30 & 5:45 p.m., International Bazaar)
Tonic Sol-Fa: The St. John's University-born a cappella pop quartet is a near-annual tradition for many fairgoers. (3:30 & 4:45 p.m., Leinie Lodge Bandshell)
Rich Mattson & the Northstars: Iron Range rocker Mattson is a veteran of buzz-generating bands Ol' Yeller and the Glenrustles and continues to generate strong Neil Young-y rock. (4, 5 & 6 p.m., Schell's at West End)