INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair’s concert line-up features 17 nights of performances by rock, rhythm and blues, gospel, Christian and pop stars. There’s something for every generation from the sounds of the 1960s Happy Together Tour to the 1970s KC and the Sunshine Band to the reflective 1980s sound of Air Supply.
All concerts take place at the Free Stage, located in the northwest corner of the fairgrounds near the 4-H Exhibit Hall and Celebration Park, and are included with admission. Here are some of the highlights:
Air Supply
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5
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What: The Australian duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock have made a career out of easy-listening love songs and sing-along pop. They enjoyed the peak of their success in the 1980s with multimillion-selling hits including “Lost in Love,” “All Out Of Love” and “The One That You Love.”
Indiana Wind Symphony
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6
What: One of central Indiana’s most talented symphonic music groups brings its world-class performance to the state fair. The Indiana Wind Symphony has been delivering unique interpretations of important musical works for more than 20 years.
Switchfoot
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7
What: This California-based alternative rock group started out in the Christian rock genre, finding success in crossover hits such as “Dare You To Move” and “Only Hope.” The band is known for their passionate live shows, and after taking a hiatus in 2017 and 2018, they’re back this summer with songs from their most recent album, “Native Tongue.”
KC & The Sunshine Band
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8
What: Even today, the music of KC and The Sunshine Band is inescapable. Hits such as “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It)”, “Boogie Shoes” and “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” are as ubiquitous in 2019 as they were in the late 1970s. Their boogie beats are infectious, and are sure to get crowds up and dancing.
Pop 2000 Tour
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9
What: Music fans in the Y2K era couldn’t escape the boy-band and power pop craze. Relive your best turn-of-the-millennium memories with this showcase hosted by Lance Bass of NSYNC. Acts such as O-Town, Aaron Carter, Ryan Cabrera and Tyler Hilton will all do their best to stoke nostalgia for the energetic pop sounds of the early 2000s.
David Nail
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10
What: Nail has found success in modern country by flouting traditional sounds and blending elements of multiple styles and genres. His hits include “Let It Rain,” featuring Sarah Buxton, and “Whatever She’s Got.” Both recordings reached No. 1 on the U.S. country music charts.
Matthew West and
Francesca Battistelli
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11
What: When two of the biggest names in Christian music team up, the results are a powerful concert experience blending their faith and love of music. West has four Grammy nominations and multiple music award wins. Battistelli is best known for her album “Paper Hearts,” which produced four major hits, as well as nominations for Dove and Grammy awards.
Happy Together Tour
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12
What: The pop music of the ‘60s and ‘70s lives again with the Happy Together Tour, featuring performances by the Turtles, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Buckinghams, the Classics IV and the Cowsills.
Sixteen Candles
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13
What: Attending a Sixteen Candles concert, it’s easy to imagine the ‘80s as being one, big decade-long party. The Chicago-based band performs a repertoire including hits from the entire decade, from power pop to hair rock to early hip-hop. The group’s attention to detail and commitment to the ‘80s ethos sets them apart from other cover bands.
Boyz II Men
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14
What: This R&B group’s biggest hit may have been “End of the Road,” but even more than 20 years after its heyday, Boyz II Men is still going strong. Current members Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris blend soulful harmonies and expert showmanship into an unforgettable concert experience.
Melissa Etheridge
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15
What: The 1990s produced few performers who are more iconic that Etheridge, one of the great female songwriters and performers. Songs such as “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window” are seared into rock history. In April, Etheridge released her highly anticipated new album, “The Medicine Show.”
Everclear
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16
What: Everclear rode the wave of alternative rock to find considerable success in the mid-1990s. Lead singer and guitarist Art Alexakis blistering licks and poignant lyrics, while guitarist Dave French, bassist Freddy Herrera and drummer Brian Nolan provide the sturdy backbone on songs such as “Santa Monica” and “Everything to Everyone.”
The Guess Who
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17
What: With hits such as “These Eyes,” “American Woman” and “No Time,” the Guess Who provided the rock soundtrack for the late ‘60s and 1970s. In addition to wowing crowds around the world, the Canadian group released an album of new material in 2018, “The Future Is What It Used To Be.”
Gospel Music Festival Headlined by Mary Mary
When: 3 p.m. Aug. 18
What: The annual Gospel Music Festival closes out the free concerts at the fair once again, with a soaring Sunday afternoon concert headlined by Mary Mary. Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell make up the gospel duo, which has won four Grammy awards, three NAACP Image Awards, two American Music Awards, a Soul Train Award, a BET award and several more.
