Big names take Iowa State Fair’s Grandstand Stage

Maggie Mcginity

The 2013 Iowa State Fair is right around the corner and is lined up to provide multiple highlighted concerts. Throughout its 10-day appearance, the 159th state fair will have daily Grandstand Stage event, which range from derby shows to rock concerts.

The fair’s biggest shows at its largest venue are detailed below.

Thursday, Aug. 8

  • Who: Casting Crowns feat. Jeremy Camp

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $30

  • Synopsis: As a Christian band that has sold more than 8 million albums and won three Grammy Awards, Casting Crowns has spent the last eight years performing in front of nearly one million fans. Jeremy Camp has had 25 No. 1 songs and will be joining the Casting Crowns on stage to kick off the first night of the Iowa State Fair.

Friday, Aug. 9

  • Who: Happy Together Tour – 2013

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $25

  • Synopsis: Happy Together consists of multiple artists and groups, each of whom have a history with the music industry. The Turtles feat. Flor & Eddie, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, and Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders are all performing.

Saturday, Aug. 10

  • Who: Saturday Night Live’s Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller & Kevin Nealon

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $38

  • Synopsis: Carvey, Miller and Nealon have each been critically recognized for their acting talent, some in movies as well as TV shows. The three will be on stage Saturday night for the first comedic show of the fair.

Sunday, Aug. 11

  • Who: Dierks Bentley feat. Justin Moore

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $39

  • Synopsis: Country singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley has found multi-platinum success in creating his unique blend of classic country, bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll. His 2012 album “Home” debuted at No. 1, featuring three chart-topping hits. Joining Dierks is Justin Moore, who was named 2009’s Best Male Country Artist by Billboard Magazine.

Monday, Aug. 12

  • Who: Deery Brothers Summer Series

  • When: 5:30 p.m. (Hot Laps); 6:00 p.m. (Races)

  • Cost: $17 (adults); $5 (children 6-11); free (ages 5 and under)

  • Synopsis:  Featuring late models, sport mods, stock cars, hobby stocks and dirt trucks, this car show will provide something different from the concerts that are soon to follow.

Tuesday, Aug. 13

  • Who: Victoria Justice feat. Pentatonix

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $29

  • Synopsis: Victoria Justice is best known for her title role on the Nickelodeon tv show “Victorious.” Justice’s first album, featuring songs from her tv show, debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, and included her hit song “Freak the Freak Out.” A capella stars Pentatonix, who first found fame on NBC’s “The Sing Off,” will join Justice on the Grandstand.

Wednesday, Aug. 14

  • Who: Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull

  • When: 2:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $20 (adults); $10 (children 6-11); free (ages 5 and under)

  • Synopsis: Sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, the pull will have the following tractor classes: Light super stock, super farm, pro stock, modified, diesel, and unlimited super stock. Pickup classes are modified 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive, as well as pro stock.

Thursday, Aug. 15

  • Who: Toby Keith feat. Kip Moore

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $49

  • Synopsis: Toby Keith’s career has spanned more than 20 years and includes 19 No. 1 hits such as “Beer for My Horses,” “As Good as I Once Was,” and “I Love this Bar.” Keith has sold over 40 million records worldwide, including many multi-platinum albums. Joining Keith is Kip Moore, best known for his No. 1 single “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck.” 

Friday, Aug. 16

  • Who: Train feat. Matt Nathanson

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $39

  • Synopsis: In nearly 20 years, Train has experienced stardom and near-collapse. Now, with more than four million total albums sold, a loyal fan base keeps the group on the radio and on tour. Matt Nathanson’s success in contemporary songwriting has lead to 9 studio albums and his appearance on many television shows like “One Tree Hill” and “The Vampire Diaries.”

Saturday, Aug. 17

  • Who: Demolition Derby & Figure Eight

  • When: 11:30 a.m.

  • Cost: $15 (adults); $5 (children 6-11); free (ages 5 and under)

  • Synopsis: This show’s demolition derby classes will have modified, stock and compact weld classes, with the figure eight classes having both front and rear wheel drive.

  • Who: Carly Rae Jepsen and The Wanted

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $35

  • Synopsis: Carly Rae Jepsen is best known for her No. 1 multi-platinum single “Call Me Maybe,” which earned her two Teen Choice Awards and more than four million views on YouTube. Jepsen’s 2012 album “Kiss” includes the top-ten duet “Good Time” with Owl City. British boy band The Wanted, known for their triple-platinum single “Glad You Came,” will join Jepsen on the Grandstand.

Sunday, Aug. 18

  • Who: Alan Jackson and Gary Allan

  • When: 8:00 p.m.

  • Cost: $39

  • Synopsis: Alan Jackson’s more than two decade career includes 24 No. 1 songs, 12 platinum albums and multiple hit singles including “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” “Don’t Rock the Juke Box,” and “Chattahoochie.” Jackson has received 15 CMA Awards and two Grammy awards. Joining Jackson is Gary Allan, whose long-lived career includes three platinum albums and 26 singles on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, including his No. 1 hit “Every Storm.”

Check back with the Iowa State Daily for state fair coverage, and check out www.iowastatefair.org/ for a full list of concerts at the other fair stages.