Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012 – Day Eleven
Influenced by Minnesota music’s founding fathers from Bob Dylan to The Jayhawks, Six Mile Grove honors its roots, but has also managed to forge its own sound and space on a stage without compromise. Catch Six Mile Grove performing on the Heritage Square Stage at 2, 3, and 4 p.m. They harken most to the genre of Americana, which recognizes the value of songwriting and musicianship over radio charts and record sales, and reflects that in artists as diverse as Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett. In addition, their friendship, touring and recording with legendary Johnny Cash guitarist Bob Wootton, has lended even more distinctly to their “good all-American boy” sound and style. Six Mile Grove released its sixth album this spring 2012, titled “Secret Life in a Quiet Town.”
The Cleverlys (Leinie Lodge Bandshell at 1 and 2:30 p.m.) come from the remote part of the Ozark Mountains, near Cane Spur, Arkansas.This family band brings bluegrass and comedy to the stage and is one not to miss.
Mockingbird Sun is also a band worth catching this year at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell (10:30 and 11:45 a.m.). The boys came together through collaborations with veteran country songwriter and sage Tom Douglas (‘The House That Built Me.’ ‘I Run To You,’ ‘Southern Voice’). In their time together, they have traveled the Southeast and Texas, sharing a stage with such renowned artists as Toby Keith, Jack Ingram, Pat Green, and Roger Creager. In the spring of 2011, the band journeyed down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to work with Mac McAnally (Jimmy Buffett, Sawyer Brown). These sessions resulted in The Muscle Shoals EP, released September 2011. The leadoff single, ‘Lucky Guy,’ was co-written with Grammy winning songwriter Liz Rose.
Also to watch for Sunday:
• Greene and Hurst will be rocking country-style in the Gardens from 7 to 11 p.m. G&H hit the country music scene in October 2011 and is a little bit of rock n roll and a whole lot of country.
• The 40th annual amateur talent contest finals will take place Sunday night at the Grandstand at 8 p.m. This is FREE to attend. Don’t forget the always-fun fireworks spectacular following Grandstand shows, weather permitting.
Also, don’t forget to stop by your favorite country radio station booths at the fair – K102 is located on Nelson Street (O26 on your official Minnesota State Fair map), and BUZ’N Country is located on Judson Avenue (V30 on your official Minnesota State Fair map). Both radio stations will be doing prize giveaways, contests, and broadcasting live from the fair! Stop by and see your favorite radio personalities and try to win some cool country gear!
STATE FAIR TRIVIA: Each day in this update, we will be doing state fair country trivia! The person who gets the most correct answers over the course of the fair will receive a prize from Minnesotacountry.com. Submit your answer via e-mail to info@minnesotacountry.com and we’ll announce the winner after the fair!
TODAY’S QUESTION: Back in 1962, who were the first listed Grandstand performers at the Minnesota State Fair? Hint: There were three entertainers.
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER: JD Greene can be heard on air for K102.
If you have some additional tips on keeping it country at the fair, e-mail them to info@minnesotacountry.com and we will be happy to pass them along to our fans.
Ryan Gueningsman is at ryan.gueningsman@minnesotacountry.com or can be found on Facebook.