Weekend Happenings: State Fair Grandstand

Let's face it.  Nobody wants to go up against the State Fair.  I was trying to find events that one could attend in lieu of going to the State Fair, but there just aren't that many, especially in our neck of the woods.  So, instead of trying to highlight all-things-Fair, I've decided to just highlight some of the great music and entertainment that's going to be at the Grandstand this weekend.  It's a fun date, easier to park, cooler, and you may still get out in time to run over to Martha's Cookie stand for a late night snack.

State Fair Grandstand
MN State Fair Grounds
1265 N. Snelling Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55108
Thurs-Sun, Aug 22-25, 2013
Times: 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm 
Cost:  Varies

Thursday:  Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, Kevin Nealon from SNL

Showtime:  8:00 pm
Tickets:  $38


























With more than 20 years of "Saturday Night Live" experience among them, three huge stars from SNL fame will share the stage for a night of comedy under the stars. Seven-year SNL veteran, Dana Carvey is best-known for his personalities including the Church Lady and Garth from Wayne's World. Dennis Miller served as the Weekend Update correspondent on SNL for six seasons, but is probably best known for his half-hour, live talk show on HBO, "Dennis Miller Live." As one of the longest-running SNL cast members, Kevin Nealon's reccurring role as an anchor on Weekend Update made the sketch a show staple along with his fan-favorite characters The Subliminal Man and Franz of the sketch Hans and Franz.


Friday:  Under The Sun 2013: Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms
Showtime:  8:00 pm
Tickets:  $28


























Sugar Ray is an American rock band formed in 1986, featuring lead singer Mark McGrath, guitarist Rodney Sheppard, bassist Justin Bivona, drummer Jesse Bivona and percussionist Al Keith. Originally started as a funk metal band, they first gained popularity with their song "Fly" in 1997. The song had much more of a pop rock sound and was notable for sounding unlike the rest of their tracks. It led the band to change their genre to mainstream pop music and produce other hits such as "Every Morning," "When It's Over," and "Someday."


Saturday:  Sammy Hagar Four Decades of Rock
Showtime:  7:30 pm
Tickets:  $35


























Sammy Hagar is the "Red Rocker," former front man of Van Halen and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hagar came to prominence in the 1970s with the hard rock band Montrose. He then launched a successful solo career prior to becoming the lead singer of Van Halen. His current musical endeavor includes the rock band Chickenfoot, which also features former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. In addition to being noted as a hit songwriter and lead vocalist, Hagar is a dedicated philanthropist, entrepreneur of several successful bars and restaurants, and a New York Times best-selling author. In 2011, his autobiography, "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock," reached #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List as a hardcover and again claimed the same spot upon its release in paperback in 2012.


Opening for Sammy Hagar are Buckcherry and Rival Sons


Sunday:  Sheryl Crow with special guest star Dwight Yokum
Showtime:  7:30 pm
Tickets:  $39


























Sheryl Crow is a nine-time Grammy award-winning American musician. She has sold more than 17 million albums in the U.S. with hits such as "Soak Up The Sun," "If It Makes You Happy," "Everyday is A Winding Road" and "A Change Would Do You Good." In addition to her own work, she has performed with the Rolling Stones and has sung duets with Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Tony Bennett and Sting. Her new hit, "Easy," shows her transition into country music.


























Dwight Yoakam is an American singer/songwriter, actor and film director, most famously known for his country music. He is a two-time Grammy Award winner and was recently nominated for Artist of the Year in the 2013 Americana Honors and Awards. "Vanity Fair" claims that he "strides the divide between rock's lust and country's lament." Yoakam has had more than 30 singles on the "Billboard Hot Country Songs" charts such as "Honky Tonk Man," "Please Please Baby," "Little Ways" and "I Sang Dixie."