SHOUT OUT MN CONCERT REVIEW: SALT-N-PEPA/TLC/EN VOGUE 9/5/2

In the history of Hip-HOP, only a few artists/groups have the influence and longevity as Salt-N-Pepa does. Formed in 1985 this duo with DJ Spinderella would go on to sell millions of records and win multiple Grammy Awards which includes a lifetime achievement award in 2021.

This was one of the state fair performances I was looking forward to seeing with all of their artistry in one set. Right from the start the entrance itself gives chills to a highly anticipated performance. The choreography was fantastic with a set shared with all three groups on a rotation show schedule. Their vocals still had power even after 40 years and their chemistry as good as it ever was. Father time may have altered their age, but the mind has stood the test of time. The Iconic tour was a hit in Minnesota with a sold-out crowd of over 14,000+ (Weird Al Yankovic was the only other sold-out show at the 2026 grandstand).

To hear the classics live brought me back to an era of great story telling and nostalgia. Presentation, choreography, and lyrical sound gave this a 9/10 performance by Salt-N-Pepa.

En Vogue returned to the Minnesota State Fair last night, but this time at the Grandstand. Their previous appearance was in 2018, which they gave a top-tier performance (I was in attendance). Their vocals were still fantastic and their entertainment factor was off the charts for being the opener. They played the hits and did it without any issues. Choreography was perfect as well. They were the perfect supporting act for "The Iconic Tour" I give this performance a 9/10. 

Brad Paisley brought his 2026 tour to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Thursday night.  A highly decorated musician and songwriter who first signed a record deal in 1998. His achievements included 3 GRAMMY Awards, 14 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and 15 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. He has had multiple "Male Vocalist Of The Year " awards as well.

From the start of the show a stage-extension was added to bring Brad out closer to the crowd and give general admission seating a closer experience to the music. A brilliant idea in my opinion, because that more intimate crowd interaction is what adds to an already highl-energy type of show.

The eighteen-song setlist checked all the boxes on what the fans were looking for. Brad sounded great with some nice guitar work and some band contributions which included guitar and fiddle solos.

This was a great addition to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand concert series. Brad Paisley sounded great and was very interactive with his fans. I liked how the 3 microphone at all different points of the stage spreads the view points and doesn't take away from the performance. Overall this show was a solid 8 out of 10 in my opinion. Thank you to Brad Paisley, Jake Worthington,  and Laci Kaye Booth for making it an enjoyable evening. 

One of the highly anticipated Minnesota State Fair Grandstand shows was Weird Al Yankovic. Legendary song-parody musician and actor took the stage with a grand entrance only Weird Al can only do. For decades he has created some unforgettable parodies of classic pop, rock, and hip-hop songs. He has been known for his unique live performances and last night was no exception. It was a sold-out crowd, of 14,000+c and looked every bit of it. With more costume changes than Cher, he brings his songs to life. His videos are hilarious and kept his audience engaged through-out his 2 hour and 15-minute performance.

It is easy to overlook the rest of the band, because of all of the visuals and constant changing of clothing, but the band was fantastic. The versatility was amazing with instruments like the Tuba, which was difficult to ignore. The background vocals and all-around supporting cast really added to an already great show. It was a show many were looking forward to, and Weird Al Yankovic brought a high level of parody excellence. Thank you Weird Al for a great show.

Wednesday night a country music icon graced the stage of the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand. It was Hank Williams Jr. Multi-Grammy, ACM, & Emmy winner performed the hits like "Family Tradition" & "All My Rowdy Friends" to mixed crowd of all different ages. His music has spanned over multiple decades and his legacy truly was on display in rare-form last night.

It was great to have the opportunity to see this country legend perform. He still sounds better than most. Guitar-work is still good and he is an entertainer to the fullest. His unique early 80s country sound suits his persona and the Williams name has been in music for 3 generations. I feel it is an acquired taste for many, but how can you not get excited for when all his rowdy friends were coming over tonight? Bottom line is the audience were those rowdy friends he was talking about.

Tuesday night Def Leppard took the stage with opening act Brother Cane. Joe Elliot (lead vocalist) of Def Leppard sounded great again. The key word is again. Last year Def Leppard made their tour stop at Target Field in Minneapolis and it was basically the same show all over again. If you hadn't seen them perform last year then the show was probably very good, but if you had seen it then you know what I am talking about. For what it is worth, the vocals and sound was still fantastic, but a lot of empty seats in the grandstand.

Many fans dressed the part of an 8os rock fan and  had even seen some mullet wigs sprinkled in through the crowd. A celebration of what once was and to coin the phrase "Long Live Rock!" All in all, it was a good time and that's what matters most. The entertainment factor. Thanks to Def Leppard for making a stop at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, but please change up the show next time.

It was a cool summer night at the MN State Fair Grandstand Stage, but the 2x Grammy winning singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge warmed the hearts of many. At 64, Melissa headlined a renowned lineup that included The Indigo Girls (who graced the stage earlier in the evening). Nearly 14,000 filled the grandstand and enjoyed a night of memories. 

No matter where your seats may have been located, it's a great view. There wasn't any smoke and mirrors or any fancy lighting for this show. It was simply the band and the audience. A connection, a safe place, and just pure enjoyment. Melissa still sounds great and that just helped solidify what I felt all along. This was a great show. Thank you Melissa Etheridge.

It was a perfect summer night to open the 2025 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand concert series. Old Dominion performed in front of a sold-out crowd of over 14,000. With the interchanging backdrops and easy-to-listen harmonies, it's not hard to figure out why they draw so many fans to live shows. They opened up with "Coming Home." A song that Producer Shane McAnally created about a soldier's return home from war. Lead vocalist Mattew Ramsey felt it really captures the essence of what the feelings were like after being on the front lines.

I am a connoisseur when it comes to stage backdrops. I really feel it's almost as important as the show itself. It sets the tone of the show and also enhances each song's visual perspective. The combination of images and vibrant colors really took the show to the next level for me. Credit given to the creative team who put together the backdrop/effects for this show. 

From the hits to newer music, Old Dominion really knocked it out of the park and is a highly recommended show if you are considering attending one in the future.