Concert Calendar

I could easy claim the last 12 months as my “Year of Concerts”. I started in January by seeing Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean. A couple weeks later, I went to the Hairball concert at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center on the Fairgrounds. 

 

Over Memorial Day weekend, I attended my first outdoor country music festival. Lots of up and coming country artists took the stage with headliners Brad Paisley and Toby Keith.

 

During the Fair, I had the chance to see Florida Georgia Line again during their Grandstand show.  I finished the year by seeing Eric Church in September, Garth Brooks in November, and Cole Swindell in December. I’d say my favorite show was seeing Garth Brooks because he is a country music legend. FGL was a close second because the duo puts on such an entertaining show. 

 

The Iowa State Fair is a combination of great free and ticketed entertainment, outdoor venues, and 11 days full of entertaining music. Although the hot sunshine of August might seem far off in the distance, the musical acts are already being booked for the 2015 Fair. Taking the free stages across the Fairgrounds are acts like: Vocal Trash, The Nadas, and The Blue Band. I’m looking forward to what entertainment will perform on the new MidAmerican Energy Stage. 

 

Kicking off the Grandstand line-up for 2015 is Casting Crowns. The Foundation offers a special program for Fair-goers wanting to attend Grandstand Concerts. Fan Fair is your chance to support the Foundation’s work while being able to purchase Grandstand concert tickets before the general public. For each $150 contribution made to the Fan Fair program, you become eligible to purchase two tickets during a special presale. Email me with any questions. 

 

Starting of my 2015 “concert tour” will be Hairball. Despite my love for country music, I had a great time last year at the 80’s rock impersonation act.   It wasn’t just the old classic songs to sing along with, but the costume changes, light show, and high energy crowd made for a fun night. The Jacobson Exhibition Center transforms from the prestigious horse show arena to a perfect concert space. Buy your tickets by January 29 to take advantage of the early-bird admission discount.

 

Over the next year, there are several big music concerts coming to the Des Moines area. Right now, my calendar is looking pretty open. The State Fair will be announcing other free entertainment and the remaining Grandstand line-up in the next few months. As low man on the totem pole, I’m just as excited as other Fair-goers to hear who’s coming in August.