News Release Nebraska State Fair
Music crossing genres and generations will all be part of the Pepsi Live Free Music Series at the Nebraska State Fair.
Musical styles including Christian, polka, country, rock, folk, bluegrass, contemporary and more will be performed all around the grounds throughout the run of the fair.
“Music lovers should be able to find at least a few shows in this list that match their style,” said Bill Ogg, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “We have artists from all over the state and even from across the country to round out our live music offerings.”
While many of the acts are Nebraska favorites, some have made a splash nationally.
Christian artists Katy Nichole and Jordan St. Cyr will take the AGI Stage at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31.
St. Cyr began writing lyrics at age 14 and honed his ability as a singer and guitarist while serving his church as a worship leader. His most recent accomplishments include eight nominations and five wins at the GMA Canada Covenant Awards in 2019 and six nominations in 2020.
“If I had one thing that I could say to people, it’s that God is a God of healing,” Nichole said. Her debut single, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” now sound-tracking millions of personal stories on TikTok and Instagram, is based on her own story of suffering, hope and healing.
Award-Winning Branson, MO, artist Bill Chrastil will perform twice on the Pump & Pantry Party Pit stage, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27.
In addition to being a songwriter and producer, Chrastil is also an accomplished instrumentalist, playing the guitar, piano, bass guitar, drums and harmonica. He has won numerous awards in Branson, including Best Gospel CD of the Year, Best Vocal Impressionist of the Year and Best Horizon Show of the Year.
Sherwin Linton and the Cotton Kings will perform at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Older Nebraskans Day, Monday, Aug. 29, on the AGI Stage.
Linton has been singing the songs of Elvis Presley, Marty Robbins, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash for 60 years. He also performs his own hits plus a variety of traditional country, folk, gospel and cowboy songs. Linton is complemented by his wife and vocalist, Pam Linton, and his band, the Cotton Kings.
Floyd: A Tribute to Pink Floyd will perform at 8 p.m. opening night, Friday, Aug. 26, on the Pump & Pantry Party Stage. Comprising members from past Pink Floyd tribute acts, Floyd has the single-minded goal of delivering the most authentic experience short of owning a time machine.
Cowboy Rides Again — A Tribute to George Strait will be featured at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, on the Earl May Fair Center Stage. Fairgoers will enjoy hits such as “Amarillo by Morning,” “Check Yes or No,” “I Cross My Heart” and “The Chair” performed by a talented band of Nashville-caliber players.
Kali Indiana with special guest KC Cameron will perform at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, on the Pump & Pantry Party Pit stage. Indiana’s high-energy, rock-infused show is unique for female country artists and brings a fresh feminine perspective to a genre filled mostly by men. Her husband and writing partner, Cameron, draws on influences from George Strait to Bob Seger and everything in between.
Additional acts include:
Modern/contemporary:
- Rascal Martinez
- Formerly Three
- Wonder Rising
Country:
- Eli Mosley
- Donnie Lee Strickland
- Jason Mayer Band
- McKenzie JaLynn Band
- Modern Kowboy
Rock:
- The Lawnmower Dogs
- Acoustic Music with Travis and Ashley Brock
- Bases Loaded
- Bert & Scott
- Exit 312
- Jessy Karr Band
- Paul Stephen Duffy
Folk:
- Chris Sayre
- The Clogging Connection
Jazz:
- The Lightning Bugs
Ethnic:
- Leo Lonnie Duo
- Leo Lonnie Polka Band
- Many Moccasins Dance Troupe
Bluegrass:
- The Garage Band
- The Jacob Austin Band
- The Shucks Brothers
The Nebraska State Fair runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 5 in Grand Island. For more information about any of these acts, including times and locations of performances during the Fair, visit statefair.org.