Daily concert picks for 2017 Wisconsin State Fair

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

While Summerfest officials were building up and touting its massive lineup for the 50th edition, the area's other major summer event, the Wisconsin State Fair, was quietly assembling one of its stronger rosters in years.

Not that the Fair lineup is exactly cutting edge, nor has the formula changed drastically for the 166th edition, happening Aug. 3 to 13 in West Allis. The "free" stages are still dominated by local cover acts, while the main stage lineup is the typical mix of country, Christian, teen pop and nostalgia acts.

But there's a good batch of notable names among the headliners. One of them, Patti LaBelle, put on one of the most entertaining concerts in Milwaukee last year. And the a cappella act Pentatonix actually achieved a rare State Fair sellout for its show.

The State Fair is also highlighting Wisconsin-made original music by booking a popular Milwaukee band to headline its second largest stage.

John Mellencamp performs at the Wisconsin State Fair's Main Stage Aug. 4.

Here are 11 State Fair concert picks, one for each day.

Aug. 3: GGOOLLDD: This State Fair headlining slot, rare for a local act, reconfirms that the dance-friendly synthpop group is Milwaukee's most in-demand band. 8 p.m., Bank Mutual Amphitheater. Free with admission.

Aug. 4: John Mellencamp: Expect a heaping helping of heartland rock classics — "Jack & Diane" and "Small Town" among them — and possibly new tunes from this spring's well-received "Sad Clowns & Hillbillies" album. Carlene Carter (the late June's daughter) opens. 8 p.m., State Fair Main Stage. $49 to $59 at the fair ticket office (7722 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis) and wistatefair.org. Includes fair general admission Aug. 4.

Aug. 5: Here Come the Mummies: Word is Mummies is made up of disguised Nashville session musicians. It's more fun pretending they're really undead dudes who have mastered funk over thousands of years. 8:30 p.m., Bank Mutual Amphitheater. Free with admission.

Aug. 6: The Beach Boys and the Temptations: A few of these oldies acts' greatest hits, "Surfin' USA" and "My Girl" among them, are among the most recognizable songs in American music history. 7 p.m., Main Stage. $29 to $39, includes general admission Aug. 6.

Aug. 7: Jay Matthes: Come for the country covers if you must; you'll be surprised by Matthes' songwriting skills, evident by the assured originals off this spring's "Dancing After Dark" album. 7 p.m., Big Country Bar & Grill. Free with admission.

Aug. 8: Pentatonix: Given the a cappella group's frequently playful and consistently creative covers, it's no surprise its first area performance in three years is sold out. But with Avi Kaplan leaving the group, will the live show suffer? 7:30 p.m., Main Stage. Sold out; second-hand tickets available at stubhub.com starting at $150.

Aug. 9: "I Love the '90s": Without a doubt, Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, Kid 'N Play, Tone Loc and Young MC are well past their prime. But for '90s hip-hop and R&B fans, hearing major hits of the era should still be a kick. 7 p.m., Main Stage. $29 to $39, includes general admission Aug. 9.

Aug. 10: Simply Three: Expect to hear classical takes on pop songs like Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" or Michael Jackson's "Thriller" from this violin, cello and bass trio. 8 p.m., Bank Mutual Amphitheater. Free with admission.

Aug. 11: Jonny T-Bird and the MPs: Through tenacity and chops, this local blues band has significantly raised its profile over the past year. 1 p.m., Pitch's BBQ and Miss Katie's Diner. Free with fair admission.

Aug. 12: Patti LaBelle: Forget the mic drop; the Godmother of Soul actually flung a mic stand at a remarkable Riverside Theater show last year, backing up the dramatics with dynamic vocals. En Vogue opens. 8 p.m., Main Stage. $29 to $39, includes general admission Aug. 12.

Aug. 13: Alan Jackson: A hit-stuffed setlist should validate why Jackson deserved to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year ... as if there's any doubt. Lee Ann Womack opens. 6 p.m., Main Stage. $39 to $49, includes general admission Aug. 13.

Prepare For The Fair
For more need-to-know info about the Wisconsin State Fair, visit tapmilwaukee.com.