The Nebraska State Fair's free concerts bring out the best in pop, soul, rock, country, Hispanic and Christian music in the Open Air Auditorium. The evening concerts begin at 7:00 pm and are FREE with paid State Fair gate admission. The Open Air Auditorium offers covered seating so come early to get the best seats in the house!
2009:
Please check back at a later time for new updates.
2008:
Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series was presented by Nebraska Lottery and co-sponsored by Bristol and Lincoln Benefit Life.
Miranda Lambert
August 22, 2008 – Located in the Open-Air Auditorium
“My songs talk about real things, says Miranda Lambert. If I feel it, I can sing it and make anyone believe it.” Big talk from a small-town Texas girl, but Lambert’s got the goods to back it up. The old-school passion and power of her platinum-selling 2005 debut Kerosene took it to the top of both the country charts and the critics’ polls. Now the two-time CMA Horizon Award Nominee returns with Crazy Ex Girlfriend, on which she raises the stakes both musically and emotionally. Possibly the biggest advance for Lambert, though, is an intimate song called “More Like Her.” It expresses a fragility that she previously kept under wraps. Every song on the album is something Lambert cares about, “Love Letters,” “Gunpowder & Lead” and “Easy From Now On,” in which Lambert’s favorite line is “Don’t worry about me/I got a wild card up my sleeve.” With Crazy Ex Girlfriend, she’s laying all of her cards on the table and she’s got one heck of a winning hand. Miranda’s concert began at 7:00 pm.
Lorrie Morgan & Tracy Byrd
August 23, 2008 – Located in the Open-Air Auditorium
Four-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner, Lorrie Morgan is one of country music’s most popular and successful female artists, charting over a dozen top ten hits including “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No” and “I Didn’t Know my Own Strength.” Morgan’s first single, “Two People In Love”, released in 1979, but her career took off in 1989 with the release of “Dear Me”, a top 10 hit that coincided with the death of her husband. Morgan’s authenticity as a country artist is irrefutable. Lorrie’s concert began at 7:00 pm.
Tracy Byrd has always been something of a maverick. Tracy continues to deliver no-holds barred country music. Since signing his first record deal in 1992, Byrd has become one of country music’s core artists. Byrd’s hits are well known among country music fans and include favorites like “Watermelon Crawl,” “Truth about Men” and “Keeper of the Stars,” which netted the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year accolade in 1996. Tracy performed after Lorrie Morgan.
Barbra and Frank "The Concert That Never Was"
August 25, 2008 – Located in the Open Air Auditorium
"The Concert That Never Was" is a sensational tribute to the voices of the century, Sinatra and Striesand. Sharon Owens as Barbra Streisand and Sebastian Anzaldo as Frank Sinatra captivate audiences worldwide with their originally self-produced Las Vegas show that brings laughter, tears and joy to every person watching. Sebastian’s crooning sounds of Sinatra brings “memories” to an audience who remember the late great “ol’ blue eyes” himself. While the uncanny looks of Sharon bring out the “Funny Girl” herself, Streisand does it the only way she knows how… "Her Way." But between who… the Chairman or the Diva, the voice or the nose, is going to close the show? Together, they bring audiences to their feet with music & memories that only these two legendary icons can. “The Concert That Never Was” had two shows. One show was at 10:00 am and the other at 12:00 noon.
Boyz II Men with the opening act of No Better Cause
August 25, 2008 – Located at the Open Air-Auditorium
Boyz II Men’s second album, simply titled II, appeared in 1994. The album topped the Billboard chart for five weeks, won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and sold over twelve million copies thanks to its two number one pop singles, “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee,” both certified platinum. A third single, “Water Runs Dry,” went to No. 2 Pop and was certified gold. Hailed as the most commercially successful R&B group of all time – Boyz II Men return to center stage with a stunning new album, Motown, A Journey through Hitsville USA. The Decca label debut is the first major-label release in five years for Boyz II Men, who have sold an estimated 60 million recordings in a spectacular career that will enter its 17th year in 2008. Working with producer Randy Jackson, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris and Nathan Morris bring their special brand of musical magic to twelve all-time Motown hits including: Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me,” Smoke Robinson & the Miracles’ “The Tracks of My Tears” and the Stevie Wonder favorite “Ribbon In the Sky.” The album closes with a beautiful new recording of the record-breaking Boyz II Men hit, “End Of the Road.” Boyz II Men concert began at 7:00 pm.
Jo Ann Castle
August 26, 2008 – Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
With a distinguished musical career spanning over forty years, Jo Ann Castle is regarded as one of the finest Ragtime and Honky-Tonk pianists in the world. She was discovered as a teenager by Lawrence Welk and would later appear on ABC’s Lawrence Welk Show for 10 years as both a pianist and accordionist. Today, Jo Ann Castle is widely recognized for her unique piano style, which combines the veracity of Jerry Lee Lewis with the flamboyance of Liberace and vivacious stage presence. Jo Ann’s show began at 11:00 am.
Survivor & Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
August 26, 2008 – Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
Premonition is considered by many fans to be their favorite Survivor record. The album was released in 1981 with the singles, “Poor Man’s Son,” and “Summer Nights.” Not the big break the band was looking for – that came with the 1982 release of “Eye Of The Tiger,” the title song expressly written for Rocky III, which brought the band national attention. Vital Signs achieved Multi-Platinum status with a string of Billboard Top 20 hit singles such as “I Can’t Hold Back,” “High On You,” and “The Search Is Over” that kept Survivor on the charts for over 40 weeks in ’84 and ’85. It’s Survivor founding member, Frankie Sullivan (guitar/vocals) and Robin McAuley (lead vocals, former frontman for McAuley Schenker Group), that keep the signature Survivor sound that the world fell in love with, alive and touring! Survivor’s show began at 7:00 pm.
Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled STARSHIP through the “80’s and ‘90’s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of Rock Music’s most recognizable stars. Backed by the power of Mickey’s vocals, STARSHIP recorded an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out,” “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and received an Oscar Nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” from the movie Mannequin. Every Starship album released has gone Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum. Mickey’s band mates include: Stephanie Calvert, vocals; Mark Abrahamian, lead guitar/vocals; Jeff Adams, bass/vocals; Phil Bennett, keyboards/vocals; and Darrell “Pelican” Verdusco, drums/vocals. Starship Starring Mickey Thomas performed after Survivor.
Third Day with opening act of Revive
August 27, 2008 – Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
At the core of even the darkest moment, there is hope. And it’s that nugget of light that forms the very marrow of Wherever You Are, Third Day’s eighth album. “When you’re lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you,” Mac Powell sings on the high impact first single, “Cry Out to Jesus.” “You just reach out; you just cry out to Jesus.” Third Day, who’s stood atop the Christian rock world for the better part of a decade, continue the work they started in earnest on the Grammy-winning, gold-selling Wire. Fresh out of college, Mac Powell and Mark Lee started Third Day in 1991, adding members Tai Anderson and David Carr in 1993, and Brad Avery in 1995. Fourteen years later, the group is all grown up with marriages, children, and mortgages to deal with. One thing that hasn’t changed for the band is its mission: to convey the hope and salvation in the eternity of Christ through their music. From the hopeful, “Rise Up” to the inspiring, “Mountain of God,” each of these songs offers a message of hope. It’s the message that meets you Wherever You Are. Third Day began at 7:00 pm.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
August 28, 2008 – Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
Celebrating their 41st year, this legendary band has won three Grammy awards, and multi-platinum 17 consecutive Top 10 country songs. Their music continues to influence today's pop culture with such timeless hits as "Mr. Bojangles," "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," "Ripplin' Waters," “Make a Little Magic,” “An American Dream,” and “Fishin’ in the Dark.” Founded in California during 1965, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has lasted longer than virtually any other country-based rock group of their era. Younger contemporaries of the Byrds, they played an almost equally important role in the transformation from folk-rock into country-rock, and were an influence on such bands as the Eagles and Alabama. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert will be a night to remember! The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band began at 7:00 pm.
A Funny Experience Comedy Show
August 30, 2008 – Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
A first of it’s kind at the Nebraska State Fair - an evening of laughter with Nebraska comedians, T. Marni Voss, Julie Burney, and more. National Comedian, writer and producer Mark Gross, will serve as MC. Mark Gross is a polished, well-written standup comedian who has made re-peat appearances on The Tonight show with Jay Leno; as well as appearing on NBC’s Late Friday, National Lampoon's Funny Money, New Joke City and Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen. You’ve seen him on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend as well as being the writer and producer of Comedy Central’s Live at the Majestic. Mark was a writer and producer of the ABC sitcom Rodney. The show began at 7:00 pm.
Nebraska Showcase of Talent (The Killigans, Mustang Sally, and The Derailers)
August 31, 2008- Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
The Killigans
The Killigans began taking shape in 2004. They wanted to play music which blended their influences: punk, folk, country and rock ‘n roll - with an honest vibe and punk-rock attitude. Through member changes, a strong work ethic, and dedicated songwriting, the Killigans have become a tightly knit band, and a powerhouse on stage. The band is fronted by Brad Hoffman and Chris Nebesniak, they are the primary songwriters and driving force behind the band. Ben Swift provides the rhythmic back-bone with solid drumming. Two more Nebesniak brothers are in the band: Trevor, who plays the bass, and Pat, who plays the accordioan, tin whistle, and trumpet. Zach Stroup plays the mandolin. The Killigans also feature the amazing Edwin Mukusha, who plays the bagpipes on a number of tunes. The Killigans show began at 6:00 pm.
Mustang Sally
Not just across the United States, but around the world: five chicks rocking out, holding their own musically and vocally against anyone, male or female. Fun, flirty, and electrifying: it’s Mustang Sally. Mustang Sally began as Lisa Romeo’s (Omaha, NE) inspiration, and she searched the world for the most talented female musicians and vocalists to carry out her vision. Among all five members of the band there is virtually every possible musical influence including samba, blues, Celtic, and rock n’ roll. Band members include, Tobi Lee (North Vernon, IN) lead vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, lap-steel, and mandolin; Brenda Zitzman (New Ulm, MN) vocals and electric guitar; Rachel Solomon (Austin, TX) keyboard, saxophone and accordian player; Sarah Wilfong (Chicago, IL) fiddle/mandolin. It is all held together by the rock-solid beat and harmony vocals of drummer/percussionist Lisa Romeo (Omaha, NE). Mustang Sally show began at 7:00 pm.
The Derailers
It was their mutual love for the music of legendary country artist Buck Owens that originally brought The Derailers together back in the ‘90’s, and with the release of their eighth album, Under The Influence Of Buck, the honky-tonkin’ boys from Austin bring their music all the way back to the source with a rollicking and heartfelt tribute to the timeless music of Buck Owens. The tireless energy of a seasoned Derailers line-up include, Jon Jamison a.k.a. Sweet Basil McJagger (Lincoln, NE), piano/organ; Brian Hofeldtt, acoustic/lead guitar, vocals; Ed Adkins, electric/acoustic bass, vocals; Scott Matthews, drums/percussion; and Chris Schlotzhauer, pedal steel & dobro/vocals. From the album’s opening track, “Foolin’ Around,” to “Big in Vegas,” the mournful track that closes this remarkable collection, Under The Influence Of Buck is a loving look back and a natural step forward for one of the coolest bands around. The Derailers show began at 9:00 pm.
Styx
September 1, 2008 – Located at the Open-Air Auditorium
The classic rock band Styx will close the 2008 Nebraska State Fair on Monday, Labor Day, September 1. Styx is best known for their power rock ballads from the 70's and 80's. They carry the honor of being the first to have four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum, and are one of a handful of groups that have had Billboard Top Ten singles in all three decades, the 70's through the 90's. In 1972-73 the band released their first albums "Styx ", "Styx II", "The Serpent is Rising" and "Man of Miracles". The single "Lady" from their second album was re-released as a single in 1974 and propelled them to number 6 on the US charts. The group's albums released through the late 70's and early 80's all earned at least platinum status and included the hits "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Babe," "Mr. Roboto," and "Kilroy Was Here." Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman, and Ricky Phillips make up the legendary Styx. The concert began at 7:00 pm.
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