Two shows remain to be filled on the Chevrolet Court schedule at the 2104 New York State Fair, but already it’s notable for the variety it engenders. Past Fairs have proven that you never know for sure who will be the blockbuster acts on the bill, but this year it may be harder than usual.
We’ve heard that Bowser’s Rock’n’Roll Party (Aug. 26) is returning due to popular demand, so expect a nice senior day crowd for that nostalgia fest. We’d also expect to see Southside Johnny (Aug. 29), Jason Derulo (Aug. 22) Phillip Phillips (Aug. 31) and the Eli Young Band (Aug. 28) to draw well.
Anne Burrell (Aug. 27 ) is this year’s celebrity chef, having campaigned for the gig as a Central New York native and there are some offbeat choices, the Bacon Brothers (Aug. 23) and MKTO (Aug. 31) among them.
Pending the announcement of the final two acts, one each for Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, the lineup is light on ethnic diversity as Derulo (pictured here in a photo from his website) is African-American as are the three members of Bell Biv Devoe (Aug. 30) and one of the duo MKTO. Bowser will likely introduce some African-American acts as part of his show.
We certainly understand that booking for the Fair is a complicated process and that you are limited by many factors in filling the bill. We also know that the Fair front office is staffed by hard-working people with integrity. Still, we’re a little uncomfortable with the ratio of acts that represent ethnic diversity. There are two shows left to book, so we’re hoping for movement in that direction.
The full schedule of shows at Chevy Court, the Grandstand, the Midway Music Series and the Regional Artists Stage are on the Fair website, nysfair.org.
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