How does this year's Missouri State Fair music lineup stack up against its neighbors?
Nothing says summer like a state fair. But how does our state fair sing?
The Missouri State Fair — set for Aug. 10-20 in Sedalia — typically delivers a cache of classic rock bands and country chart-climbers, sprinkling in the occasional Christian artist to bless the whole proceeding. The formula is dependable, if a bit shopworn.
This year's lineup follows in similar fashion. Before you think about making the trip, check out who's playing. And examine the musical lineups in neighboring states to see how Missouri stacks up to its peers.
Who is playing this year's Missouri State Fair? Lainey Wilson, Nelly, 3 Doors Down and more
The blue-ribbon act at this year's fair is clear — thanks both to the quality of her music and her show's early sellout. Lainey Wilson (Aug. 11) delivers on an appealing, often darkly funny mix of raucous country and bell-bottom wearing classic rock.
Near the head of the class, in terms of vibrance and nostalgia, is St. Louis rap icon Nelly (Aug. 18), but a recent history of sexual misconduct allegations clouds the atmosphere.
If you came of musical age in the 1990s, a double bill featuring 3 Doors Down and Candlebox (Aug. 12) should scratch the itch; the former act's current run celebrates a little more than 20 years of its album "Away from the Sun" (which yielded the hits "Here Without You" and "When I'm Gone") while the latter is calling this tour its final bow.
The Country Comeback tour, boasting Shenandoah, Billy Dean and Wade Hayes (Aug. 17) will also pull at the strings of time.
Filling out the lineup: Tyler Hubbard (the Georgia part of Florida Georgia Line), whose solo work continues in the same pop-country vein (Aug. 10); Cory Asbury and CAIN should reach all corners of the fairgrounds with their hooky Christian music (Aug. 16); and Alabama's Riley Green will put his spin on the sort of country music that makes an appearance at nearly every state fair (Aug. 19).
Here's what the lineups look like at neighboring state fairs. By press time, the Arkansas State Fair, set a bit later than the rest in October, hadn't released its roster. And Tennessee, either despite or because of its musical pedigree, sticks to smaller, mostly regional acts, so it's unfair to make the comparison.
Illinois State Fair, Aug. 10-20 in Springfield
Blue-ribbon acts: No '90s nostalgia act, Alanis Morissette still delivers the goods, both jagged and soulful; Treeline Music Fest (formerly Roots N Blues) alum Maren Morris makes any stage her church; Alter Bridge affords audiences a chance to hear Mark Tremonti's guitar heroism; and there's no denying the continued star power of Tim McGraw.
Weighing down the lineup: REO Speedwagon somehow feels like the quintessential state act and yet is about 30 years past its prime — thankfully, relative to most bands of its era, this lineup has been together a good, long time.
Rounding out the field: Nelly will head east from St. Louis to play in Illinois, this time joined by Ashanti and Ja Rule; Old Dominion remains a serviceable pop-country act.
Learn more: https://statefair.illinois.gov/
Iowa State Fair, Aug. 10-20 in Des Moines
Blue-ribbon acts: The Chicks with Ben Harper promise a remarkable evening of Americana; Eric Church will visit Des Moines to play his signature blend of heartland rock and country; and veteran duo The Black Keys plays its garage rock fast and hot.
Weighing down the lineup: Despite his country mega-stardom, Jason Aldean's catalog sags from a lack of originality. Though the fair is a date on his "Still Not Cancelled" tour, comic Jeff Dunham's act suffers on two fronts: it relies on a number of outdated, unfruitful cultural tropes and it's not all that funny.
Rounding out the field: A good time should find devoted fans of acts such as Lindsey Stirling, New Kids on the Block and Ludacris; For King and Country will bring solid Christian rock to the fairgrounds; Tyler Hubbard will perform here, as in Missouri; and Maren Morris will hit Iowa first, two days before visiting Illinois.
Learn more: https://www.iowastatefair.org/
Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 25-Sept. 4 in Grand Island
Blue-ribbon acts: Bush might be a '90s nostalgia act at this point — though the band's two albums this young decade have been solid — but Gavin Rossdale's voice still carries; TobyMac remains the populist prince of Christian hip-hop.
Weighing down the lineup: If you haven't seen Oak Ridge Boys by now, did you really want to? And you can hear country music like the sort Lee Brice makes at just about any state fair.
Rounding out the field: Jalisco, Mexico's own Banda Maguey will bring the Technobanda sound to Nebraska; comedian Gabriel Iglesias is a superstar in the eyes of those who appreciate his particular sense of humor.
Learn more: https://www.statefair.org/
Kansas State Fair, Sept. 8-17 in Hutchinson
Blue-ribbon acts: South Carolina band Needtobreathe has found the right chemical reaction from anthemic Christian rock and resonant Americana; Carly Pearce infuses her country ballads with a crystal-clear Kentucky timbre; La Fiera de Ojinaga delivers on the rich promises of quality regional Mexican music.
Weighing down the lineup: Rob Schneider used to find his way into some interesting characters on "Saturday Night Live" — his run on the show ended in 1994; if you like the songs of '80s pop-metal without any of the stars, maybe Hairball is for you; you can hear country music like the sort Cooper Alan makes at just about any state fair.
Rounding out the field: Matthew West has landed somewhat memorable Christian pop hits such as "More" and "The Motions."
Learn more: https://www.kansasstatefair.com/
Oklahoma State Fair, Sept. 14-24 in Oklahoma City
Blue-ribbon acts: Texan Kolby Cooper brings soul to his version of country music, singing with the grit of an old-school Southern rocker. Stokely owns R&B bonafides galore thanks to his work fronting Mint Condition and time spent on stage and in studios alongside Janet Jackson, Prince and Johnny Gill.
Weighing down the lineup: Hinder is the epitome of no-brainer rock, and Motley Crue leader Vince Neil has offered diminishing returns over the decades. If you're really into tribute bands, maybe you'll dig Marshall Charloff & The Purple Experience (Prince) or Shawn Klush (Elvis), but even with free admission, it feels like a stretch.
Rounding out the field: Soon to be 23-year-old Katy Nichole has enjoyed a strong start to her Christian pop career with No. 1 hits "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" and the Big Daddy Weave collaboration "God Is In This Story." Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm promises to bring that band's catalog to life in a solo performance. The Drifters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, and The Platters will sound out the spirit of street-corner doo-wop. Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos play norteño with skill and pride.
Learn more: https://okstatefair.com/
State fair musical lineups, ranked
Iowa
Illinois
Nebraska
Missouri
Kansas
Oklahoma
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Can Lainey Wilson, Nelly distinguish Missouri State Fair music from peers?
