Here are concert picks for each of the 12 days of the State Fair. Entry to all performances requires separate fair admission (etix.com or 800-514-3849).
Becky G
After signing with Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe label, she launched her career by reimaging a J. Lo hit as “Becky on the Block.” Now with three Spanish-language albums to her credit, the native of Inglewood, Calif., has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Latin music including J Balvin, Pitbull, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Anitta and Peso Pluma as well as African stars Burna Boy and Tyla. Plus, G has elevated her profile by appearing in the film “Good Mourning,” serving as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and singing the Oscar-nominated song “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot.” Los Aptos open. (7 p.m. Aug. 22, grandstand, $44-$88, etix.com)JON BREAM
Chance the Rapper
While fans wait for the esteemed Chicago MC’s overdue sophomore album (he grabbed the Grammy for best new artist back in 2017), he’s kept up his visibility. He’s been a coach on NBC’s “The Voice” and the host of the rebooted TV program “Punk’d” as well as a political and social activist. In the past three years, he’s dropped several singles including “Buried Alive” in April about his divorce and split from his manager, with promises of that new album, “Star Line.” (7 p.m. Aug. 23, grandstand, $48-$148, etix.com) JON BREAM
Maggie Rose
Rose unleashed an undeniable soulfulness when she opened for young blues sensation Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at the State Theatre in 2021. After moving from Maryland to Nashville as a teenager, she has tried her luck at country music, singing on the Grand Ole Opry and getting noticed by SiriusXM programmers and Rolling Stone writers. A few years ago, Rose transitioned into more of a Southern soul sound, as evidenced on this year’s “No One Gets Out Alive,” featuring the sassy “Underestimate Me” and the feisty “Dead Weight.” (8:30 p.m. Aug. 24-25, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, free) JON BREAM
Blake Shelton
He retired from “The Voice” after a fruitful, career-boosting run, but he’s still active in country music and elsewhere. He showed up in July to duet with Gwen Stefani, his wife, on the new “Purple Irises” at the Minnesota Yacht Club fest in St. Paul. In concert, the quick-witted Oklahoman invariably wins over crowds with his personality and parade of hits, including “Honey Bee,” “God’s Country” and “Drink on It.” Emily Ann Roberts opens. (7 p.m. Aug. 25, grandstand, $77-$207, etix.com)JON BREAM
The War and Treaty
They’re a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ soul. The exhilarating, Michigan-reared, Nashville-based duo comes across like the Mike and Tanya Trotter Revue — a modern-day, Southern-fried, gospel-infused funk-rock update of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Except Michael and Tanya clearly love each other big time. The War and Treaty have won Americana Music Awards (including best new artist), entertained on various country awards shows and backed up Zach Bryan on the single “Hey Driver.” (8:30 p.m. Aug. 26-27, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, free) JON BREAM
Ludacris and T-Pain
It’s Throwback Tuesday, with Dirty South rapper Ludacris, aka “Fast & Furious” actor Christopher Bridges, throwing down “Money Maker” and “Act a Fool” as well as his collabs with Usher, Fergie and Justin Bieber. Luda was last seen locally opening for Janet Jackson in 2023, and you’ll recall that he made a cameo with Usher at this year’s Super Bowl halftime. T-Pain, the king of Auto-Tune, charmed after a Minnesota Twins game last summer with “Take Your Shirt Off” and “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’).” (7 p.m. Aug. 27, grandstand, $44-$88, etix.com)JON BREAM
Jon Pardi
Beloved in Minnesota since his first single, “Missin’ You Crazy,” the traditionalist with a flair for modern hooks has chalked up six No. 1 Nashville hits. He became the first native Californian inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, where he sang “Heartache Medication” and “Head Over Boots” when his hero, Garth Brooks, presented him in October. MacKenzie Porter opens. (7 p.m. Aug. 28, grandstand, $44 to $71, etix.com)JON BREAM