17 nights of concerts: This year’s California State Fair has musical acts for every generation
After two years away, the gates to the California State Fair & Food Festival will re-open Friday at Cal Expo and run through the end of the month.
While food and carnival rides are sure to be the main attractions, every day will end with a music concert headlined by a mix of contemporary, legendary and tribute acts.
All shows start at 8 p.m. and all but one are free with general admission; reserved seating is available for an extra cost.
The Sacramento Bee went through every act and grouped them into categories. Here is what you can expect:
Legacy acts
For young fairgoers, you might think of this as the music your parents or grandparents listened to, but they’d be wrong. These acts are legends of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, and they’re still jamming.
More importantly, you’re going to hear great songs that you’ve probably heard before but didn’t realize it, including: “American Woman,” “Heaven,” “Through the Fire” or “No Scrubs.”
Friday, July 15 — Chaka Khan
Sunday, July 17 — Night Ranger
Tuesday, July 19 — Clay Walker
Wednesday, July 20 — KC & The Sunshine Band
Thursday, July 21 — The Guess Who
Saturday, July 23 — Los Lonely Boys
Thursday, July 28 — TLC
Saturday, July 30 — Smash Mouth
Contemporary acts
Admittedly, to label these acts as “current” is somewhat of a disservice to the others in the lineup, but this group can be thought of as artists and bands that have emerged in the last decade.
Neon Trees, a rock band from Utah, famously debuted in 2010 and released a string of hits including “Animal,” “Everybody Talks” and “Lessons in Love.” After disbanding in 2014, they are back together again.
Chase Rise and Blanco Brown are both a part of the modern country music scene.
Saturday, July 16 — Neon Trees
Wednesday, July 27 — Chase Rice
Friday, July 29 — Blanco Brown
Music of Mexico
There will be two nights dedicated to the broad music of Mexico.
“Quebradita Time,” which will feature four bands on July 31 is the only show not included in general admission.
Sunday, July 24 — Mariachi Vargas
Sunday, July 31 — Quebradita Time
Tribute and cover bands
Essayist Chuck Klosterman once wrote of cover acts, which some might deride as pretending: “Obviously, being in an original band is the ultimate dream, but it mostly sucks ... the thing about being in a tribute band is that your fans already exist.”
There will be four tribute acts at this year’s fair performing some of the greatest hits ever. If you’ve ever wanted to see Bruno Mars, ABBA or Queen live, this might be your shot.
Monday, July 18 — 24K Magic: Bruno Mars Tribute
Friday, July 22 — The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
Monday, July 25 — Journey Revisited
Tuesday, July 26 — Queen Nation
This story was originally published July 15, 2022 at 5:00 AM.