SHOUT OUT MN ENTERTAINMENT CONCERT REVIEW: LUDACRIS/T-PAIN

T-Pain took the stage to open the show. In front of a sold-out show, he got right to the hits with songs like "Cyclone", "2Step", & "I'm Sprung." The Grammy-winning artist, who is known for his electronic-style vocals and white sunglasses brought the type of energy the show needed to get the crowd "primed for Ludacris" as he called it. T-Pain originally out of Tallahassee, Florida was the perfect performer to open this Hip-Hop show. He did mix up the set with his out of the ordinary dance moves, but it was nonetheless still entertaining.

The fans welcomed Rapper turned actor Ludacris to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Stage. Ludacris born Christopher Bridges in Champaign, IL and then moved to Atlanta at the age of nine. His "Dirty South" style music has won him many awards (including Grammys & Actors Guild Award). He mentioned his recent honor of receiving a star on the "Hollywood Walk Of Fame" and a quick plug for the "Fast X" movie. 

 Even after all these years, Ludacris still brings the energy and stage presence when it comes to performing in front of a live audience. Even at 46 years of age, he continues to branch out (especially as an entrepreneur) with restaurants , cognac,  his own line of headphones, and a advertising campaign for Puma. With all of that going on, Ludacris still finds time to tour and perform for his fans. Last night's performance was a confirmation that the iconic rapper still has much to offer in his shows and is still adding to his legacy.

This is the only Shout Out Minnesota review from a spectator perspective. The Past, Present,  & Future tour cane to the 2023 Grandstand stage on Thursday night and it was a unique and nostalgic type of experience. Duran Duran ruled the 80's with their pop icon status & faces  teen magazines everywhere. The performance was amazing. The lights, efects, and the sound hasn't changed one bit. Simon LeBon (64yrs old) has not lost much vocal strength and the voice from the 80s was still there. Spectator's expectations will always run high and this was a show that met those expectations.  The 1hr 45 min set included their entire catalog of their major hits with a few new singles sprinkled in. It was great to see all of the original band members minus Andy Taylor playing together.  John Taylor., Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor,  and Simon Lebon all present.

The Grandstand was at capacity and sang the majority of the songs with the group. A definite 2 thumbs up for this show.

This was a group that was on my bucketlist to see perform. Even though it was a 9 song set, the group performed the 3 most recognizable songs in that set. Survivin', Happier, and of course Pompeii to finish the set. The long intro to the finale really built up the song. Bastille had that Imagine dragons feel with all the background vicals from its member to give it a true balance of sound. I could feel the intesity and power of the lyrics and that's how it should. Great set by Bastille. 

Nile Rodgers is a true icon in the music industry. A guitarist,  singer, songwriter,  and producer to 500 million records and 75 million singles sold worldwide. A montage of his music truly gave people on how much influence he has had over the years. It was a set that really made you want to have a great time. It set the mood & tone for the following acts.

Boyz II Men  headlined the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand on Sunday night. They wasted no time bringing the energy and the hits.  They covered 2 of the first 3 songs from their debut album Cooleyharmony. Opening the show with "Motownphilly" & "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday." Dressed in all white, Boyz II Men brought a solid harmony that they have been known for. The vocals were crisp and on point through the show, The 4x Grammy winning R&B group was joyful and was easy to feel the words they were singing. If you have not seen them live, it should be on your bucket list.

There are legends and then there are true legends. Chaka Khan is a true legend in every sense of the word. The 10x Grammy winner took the stage and brought music that spanned 5 decades. The Queen of Funk still has a powerful voice at the age of 70. It was a real treat to hear her sing so many of her classic hits like "I'm Every Woman", "Ain't Nobody", and "Through The Fire." A great stage presence surrounded by a distinguished band and backup singers really complemented the show. It has been a while since Chaka Khan has performed in the Twin Cities and it was great to see she still has her legendary voice intact.

Keith Urban (who is known for his guitar playing) took to the MN State Fair Grandstand Saturday night. He electrified the crowd with his energy right from the start. This 4x Grammy winner had plenty of interaction with his fans as he reeled of many of his classic hits like "Stupid Boy" & "Somebody Like You." He played with emotion as if he was playing these songs for the first time. Keith has a strong following in Minnesota and is guaranteed to put on a stellar performance every show,

Lindsay Ell did what a great opening act should do and that is get the fans warmed up. Lindsay isn't your normal opening act. She has 7 Top 10 hits (including 2 number one songs). This Canadian singer/songwriter (also known for her guitar playing skills) did not disappoint her fans at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand on Saturday night. Her unique appeal of purple pants and black boots gave her that legendary performance feel. All in all she was amazing to see live.

With over 50 years of classic rock music, REO Speedwagon brought the energy to  "Keep Pushin" on stage as co-headliners at the MN State Fair! The weather was perfect, and the fans enjoyed relaxing, feel good entertainment as they sang along with the many classic rock hits that filled the setlist. Kevin Cronin's vocals could be heard blocks away echoing off the buildings clear as day, and looking back you “Can’t Fight This Feeling” of having experienced just plain good music on a hot summer night.

Having been certified triple platinum on 4 consecutive albums, Styx, founded in 1972 and co-headlining at the MN State Fair this year, is celebrating 50 years of music! For a band with such longevity, their harmony, vocals, and timing seemed to be unmatched in sound quality and stage presence. Belting out their iconic songs for the fans, and closing their set with “Renegade”, it was easy to see why Styx continues to be a Minnesota favorite!