Things to Do

Music Superstars Perform Free at State Fair of Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Nationally known headliners will perform free on the Chevrolet Main Stage at the 2019 State Fair of Texas in Dallas, September 27-October 20. Catch some of the best entertainers in the country with Chevrolet Stage’s lineup. Other venues throughout the fairgrounds also feature free concerts with admission to the fair.

Chevrolet’s concert series kicks off September 27 with an 8:30 p.m. concert by Rick Springfield. The 1980s power-pop icon is featured on “Flashback Friday,” held each Friday of the fair. Springfield is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and musician whose iconic songs sold 25 million albums. His 17 Top 40 hits include “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” and “An Affair of the Heart.”

Jacquees performs September 28 at 2 p.m. His 2016 single B.E.D. stayed seven weeks on Billboard charts. He performs before the State Fair Classic game between Grambling State and Prairie View A&M. CAMEO, a soul-influenced funk group for over 40 years, take the stage after the game. Their 17 albums climbed charts like Billboard’s Top Ten. Founded and produced by lead singer Larry Blackmon, CAMEO received a Grammy nomination for “Word Up.”

Opening weekend keeps up the beat with Latin band La Maquinaria Nortena’s lively music at 5:30 p.m. September 29. Mixing modern and contemporary elements rooted in the northern music style of “Chihuahua,” they climbed iTunes and Billboard music charts from 2013 to 2015.

Rock ‘N Roll With Daughtry

Music Superstars Perform Free at State Fair of Texas

Photo: State Fair of Texas

Flashback Friday October 4 features an 8:30 p.m. performance by Hotel California with a salute to the Eagles. Hotel California is the only show given official authorization to perform the Eagles’ music catalog. Take a trip down a dark desert highway, with authentic instrumentation and world-class acapella. Show-stopping finale is their rendition of “Star Spangled Banner.”

Rock ‘n Roll torchbearer Daughtry performs at 8:30 p.m. October 5. Frontman for the band bearing his name, his four albums all reached Billboard Top Ten. Daughtry’s self-titled debut was the best-selling album of 2007, with four hit singles including Grammy-nominated “It’s Not Over.”

Grammy award-winning gospel singer Tye Tribbet performs at 5:30 p.m. October 6. His sound creates a dynamic new caliber of music, not classified as one genre. Heralded as the “Elvis of Gospel,” his work has earned two Grammy awards for “Best Gospel Song” and “Best Gospel Album.”

Country Music Legends Perform

Music Superstars Perform Free at State Fair of Texas

Photo: State Fair of Texas

Austin-based singer-songwriter Bob Schneider performs at 8:30 p.m. October 11. Since his debut album “Lonely Island” in 2001, Schneider has become one of the biggest acts in Austin. He has won more Austin Music Awards than any other musician including “Best Songwriter,” “Best Musician,” and “Best Male Vocals.”

Country stars Big & Rich featuring Cowboy Troy saddle up to take the stage following the Red River Shootout October 12. Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich blazed an indelible mark on modern country music. After their debut hit in 2004, “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” the duo have garnered multiple Grammy, ACM, CMA, and CMT Music Award nominations.

Country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus performs October 13 at 8:30 p.m. In 1992, Cyrus’ first album “Some Gave All” debuted at #1 on Billboard charts, staying there for 17 weeks. His first single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” was a worldwide phenomenon, making the boy from Flatwoods a superstar.

Columbus Day brings Texas-based contemporary worship band Shane & Shane onstage at 5:30 p.m. October 14. Known for their guitar work and trademark harmonies, they have released ten albums. Their most popular album, “The One You Need,” reached number 53 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Gary P. Nunn Performs Oct. 20

Music Superstars Perform Free at State Fair of Texas

Photo: State Fair of Texas

Shining Star’s tribute to Earth, Wind, & Fire starts at 8:30 p.m. October 18. The band’s 11 talented vocalists and musicians offer an amazing recreation show based on the 1970s through 1980s. Fans will feel they have been entertained by one of the most well-known R&B pop bands ever, Earth, Wind, & Fire.

98 Degrees, a quartet led by Nick Lachey with eight Billboard Top 40 singles including “Because of You,” performs October 19 at 8:30 p.m. The boy band gained popularity after their feature in Disney’s “Mulan,” singing “True to Your Heart,” a duet with Stevie Wonder.

Icon of Lone Star music Gary P. Nunn closes out the fair’s final weekend starting at 3 p.m. October 20. Known as a founding father of the progressive country movement, Nunn has received many gold albums, awards, and honors over his 50-year career. He was named an Official Ambassador to the World by Texas Governor Mark White.

Music Superstars Perform Free at State Fair of Texas

State Fair of Texas

Photo: State Fair of Texas

The 2019 State Fair of Texas is themed “Celebrating Texas Creativity. Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan. The 2019 exposition runs September 27 through October 20 in Fair Park in Dallas. Visit BigTex.com for more information.