State Fair Special

While the Iowa State Fair is usually associated with fried food, livestock, and, unfortunately, the election, it is also a great place for beer and live music.

This year the grandstand boasts some big attractions that are sure to draw scores of fans, like George Throrogood and the Destroyers opening for Hank Williams Jr (I'm thinking about jumping the fence for that one).

As an ex-state fair rat, I know the ins and outs of enjoying a free day at the fair - once you get in the gate that is- and one of the best free attractions is the music.  Each year musicians fill the little amphitheaters with great tunes in the shade and this year there are going to be some especially interesting bands performing.

JJ Grey & Mofro - 8/9 Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 8pm 

This band is my favorite of the group.  I first discovered their music on last.fm, where the band was/is giving away free downloads of a few of their songs.  Standing somewhere between full blown southern rock and country,  JJ Grey & Mofro tells stories with music using themes often found in country music (including but not limited to: love/lust, adultry, and alcohol) and then livens them up a touch with spunkier rhythms, keyboards, and by incorporating horns into some of their studio cuts.  This is no group of novices performing either, they have been touring like a good little group of troubadours while also releasing six albums since 2001.

Nadas - 8/9 and 8/10 Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage 7&9pm

As an Iowa-based group the Nadas can be found jamming in your neighborhood bar, but how often can you say that you got free greek yogurt sample from Anderson Erickson at one of their shows? Their folk/rock sound is a favorite with many, so popular in fact they have sold almost 80,000 records on their very own label.

Brother Trucker - 8/11  Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage 7&9pm

Thankfully my friend Kevin told me about Brother Trucker, a Des Moines stationed group.  They perform in DSM regularly at venues like El Bait Shop and Raccoon River Brewery, but here is an opportunity to hear them play two sets and outdoors.  Brother Trucker has a smooth alt/country sound similar to Wilco's, which they let slip into long, jazzy jams that are great for dancing in the summer evening.

Bob Wootton - 8/9 8/10 Budweiser Stage 7:30&9:30pm

Wootton played lead guitar with Johnny Cash from 1968-1998.  I think I've said enough already...

Hairball - 8/13 8/14 Susan Knapp Amphitheater 7:30&9:30pm

This is a performance that is sure to make any 80's hair metal fan smile.  As an 80's cover band, Hairball draws on many of genre's best and most popular songs while impersonating the original group down to the wig and costume.  The band plays long interludes that allow the lead to switch personas in an awesome display of showmanship and characterization.  I think they're downright funny and a blast to sing along with.

Boyz II men - 8/19 Susan Knapp Amphitheater 7pm

Don't miss your chance to see "I'll Make Love to You" live...

BEER!
A recent addition is the craft beer tent that will be flowing with suds, and sounds too.  The tent is located on the east side of the giant slide.  Try samples of local and regional beer, maybe you'll find a new favorite or test something intriguing.  Beer is good.