Arizona State Fair Concert Lineup kicks off with Big & Rich

The lineup for the 2016 Arizona State Fair concert series has officially been announced, and music fans are already feeling the excitement. With a conglomeration of 90’s grunge, contemporary hip-hop, R&B, country, soft rock and bubbly pop, the State Fair concert series promises to satisfy just about every musical desire.

General admission is included with the purchase of a fair ticket, with reserved seat ticket prices ranging from $15-$25. Each concert will take place on stage at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. 

Saturday, October 8
Big & Rich


No state fair would be complete without a big country act, and Big & Rich is about as big as they come. Their single “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” drew even the most reluctant of country fans out of the woodwork, creating not only a country hit, but a crossover hit. Their latest album, “Gravity,” was released in 2014. Bring your flannel, your studded boots, and your leather hat: Big & Rich is sure to get more than one pair of feet moving.

Thursday, October 13
B.o.B.

Coming out of a brief hiatus is B.o.B., Southern rapper who immediately struck platinum with his first ever single, “Nothin’ On You,” with Bruno Mars. He certainly wasn’t done, because soon after, he came out with “Airplanes,” featuring Hayley Williams. Not a day went by without hearing “Airplanes” on the radio—a mix of dramatic piano, beats, soul, and quick lyrics. 2013’s “Headband” remains as his last successful single, earning double-platinum status.

Friday, October 14
Fiesta Friday with MC Magic, Amanda Perez

Phoenix’s premier hip-hop station, Power 98.3, will host an evening filled with exciting sets. On track to perform are MC Magic, Brown Boy, MOBFAM, Kap G., Amanda Perez, and Baby Bash (whom you may remember from his double-platinum hits “Cyclone” and “Suga Suga”).

Saturday, October 15
Iggy Azalea

You may recall Iggy Azalea from “Fancy,” the song that claimed the No.1 Billboard spot for an incredible seven consecutive weeks in 2014. The Australian rapper can claim a score of Grammy nominations and a handful of singles, including “Work” and “Beg For It.” Collaborating with Rita Ora and Ariana Grande, Azalea has proven that when it comes to rap and hip-hop, there are no gender barriers, and maybe she does it better.

Sunday, October 16
Luis Coronel

At a young age of 20, Coronel has already had wide success. Described as an American singer of regional Mexican music, Coronel has generated a wide fan base, and has already had two albums climb up the Billboard Latin-music charts.

Monday, October 17
Scotty McCreery

Best known for his 2010 victory in “American Idol,” McCreery has enjoyed a decently successful career since then. Making his mark in the country music sphere, he won Best New Artist in 2012 at the ACMA’s. He has had three singles achieve platinum status, including “I Love You This Big,” “The Trouble With Girls,” and “See You Tonight.”

Friday, October 21
Charlie Puth

Recently known for collaborating with Meghan Trainor on “Marvin Gaye,” Puth has proved that catchy tunes and fun lyrics will always win with the Billboard charts. That particular song was a hit in multiple countries, from the U.K. all the way to Australia, and enjoyed moderate success in the U.S. Puth is also known for “If We Ever Meet Again,” a song that stayed at No. 1 for a stretch of 12 consecutive weeks.

Saturday, October 22
The Flaming Lips

A wholly American rock band brought to life in Oklahoma City, The Flaming Lips made their mark with psychedelic rock and space rock. Opera, abstract themes, and confusing titles are just another day in the life of The Flaming Lips. They are well-known for having elaborate, over-the-top stage shows, complete with light shows, confetti, costumes, puppets, and oversized hands. Q magazine named them as one of their “50 Bands to See Before You Die” in 2002. Although they are an American band, they have had much more success in the U.K. and in Europe. Their lone U.S. hit single is “She Don’t Use Jelly,” released in 1993.

Sunday, October 23
Jack & Jack

In a world where readily available technology makes anything possible, Jack & Jack found themselves rocketing from Vine stardom and onto the charts. “Wild Life” got all the way up to No. 2 on the iTunes chart, but managed to find less success on Billboard, at No. 87. That said, this young duo is coming off of a recent release called “Calibraska,” earning a No. 12 spot.

Wednesday, October 26
Slayer

Slayer burst into the music scene in 1983, and the world hasn’t been the same since. Founded in California, this thrash band is amongst excellent company, likened to Metallica, Megadeath, and Anthrax. Defined by vocals that are shouted instead of sung, double bass, and irregular scale riffs, Slayer has enjoyed substantial success, winning two Grammy’s. Slayer has been an invaluable addition to thrash metal, and continues to influence younger generations with twelve studio albums, four of which were certified gold in the U.S.

Thursday, October 27
Garbage

For the bit of 90’s grunge in all of us, that still yearns for the raw quality of lyrics and tonality, Garbage will take the stage. Led by Shirley Manson—a Scottish native best known for her unique style, rebellion, and distinguishing voice—Garbage will be promoting their new album, titled “Strange Little Birds.” While hearing Garbage introduce new music should prove to be exciting, still expect fan favorite “Stupid Girl” to come rocketing through the air.

Friday, October 28
Gavin Degraw & Andy Grammer

A better combination of soft rock and pop have never before existed. Degraw reached critical acclaim for his first single, “I Don’t Wanna Be” in 2004, and has continued to pull heartstrings ever since. With his combination of soul-searching lyrics, upbeat notes and soaring vocals, fans continue to love “Not Over You” and “In Love With a Girl.” Grammer has experienced a slower introduction into musical fame, slipping in with “Keep Your Head Up” in 2011, but in 2014, he finally got the recognition he deserves. When “Honey, I’m Good” hit the airwaves, it went triple platinum. With unmistakable rhythm and addicting melodies, Grammer emits the very essence of fun.

Saturday, October 29
Old School Jam

With a compellation of classic R&B and hip-hop artists, this year’s Old School Jam will certainly take you back, either to your early adulthood or to your Jock James CD, depending on your generation. The S.O.S. Band, an American R&B and electro-funk combination, earned their fame in the 80’s with “Take Your Time” and “Just Be Good to Me.” Rob Base went platinum with his tell-tale “It Takes Two,” a song which is still completely overflowing with enthusiasm and energy. Including Evelyn “Champagne” King, Grandmaster’s Furious Five, and One Way, the Old School Jam event is sure to get you off your feet.