A classic '70s R&B and funk band with only a few of its heyday-era members and two once-popular '90s alt-rock bands without much staying power have become the latest additions to the Minnesota State Fair's 2018 grandstand lineup. Here are details on each show, tickets for which can be bought via eTix.com, the fairgrounds box office or by calling (800) 514-3849.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE (Sunday, Aug. 26): Fresh off a gig at the 3,000-capacity Treasure Island Casino last month, the "Shining Star" and "September" hitmakers will take on the 15,000-person fair grandstand with help from comedian Sinbad. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon for $39 and $49. Since the death of bandleader Maurice White in 2016, the Chicago-reared, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group has carried on under co-vocalist Phillip Bailey and Maurice's bassist brother Verdine White.
311 & THE OFFSPRING (Friday, Aug. 31): Time to break out the Doc Martens and hair beads again. The two staples of '90s rock radio – see: "Amber" and "Down" for Omaha's reggae-fied groovers 311, and "Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Separated)" and "Self Esteem" for L.A. pseudo-punks the Offspring -- are doing a summer tour together starting a month earlier, and they're bringing '00s one-hitters Gym Class Heroes as the opening band. Tickets for their grandstand set go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. for $49 and $59.