Aug. 6: Dan Lepien
Chris Young’s headlining the Main Stage on Aug. 6, and no doubt he’ll put on a slick country rock show. But I implore Young fans to check out the Sauk City-born Lepien. He doesn’t make the kind of glossy, lightweight songs in heavy rotation on country radio, but they’ve got a lot more heart and wit than a fair amount of songs coming out of Music Row these days. Aug. 6 will also double as the release show for Lepien’s new album “A Country Mile.” And if you can’t see him on the 6th (or want to see him again) he’ll also play the fair on Aug. 9, 11 and 12.
When, where, how much: 6:45 p.m., Knucklehead. Free with fair admission.
Aug. 7: L’Resorts
Led by music scene veterans Vince Kircher (of Jaill) and Martha Cannon (of Lady Cannon), L’Resorts has become one of the most prolific bands in Milwaukee (and with marimba melodies supporting its ‘60s pop sound, one of the most distinctive), releasing four fulllength albums in the past 21⁄2 years, without a single dud on any of the tracklists.
When, where, how much: 3 p.m., Slim’s Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery. Free with fair admission.
Aug. 8: Billy Idol
Despite his punk aesthetic and having a signature song titled “Rebel Yell,” Billy Idol always kept his cool, his intense, magnetic persona as crucial a contributor as anything else to the appeal of his ‘80s-originated glam rock catalog. And those enduring hits — including “White Wedding” and “Eyes Without a Face”— continue to influence the new generation; Miley Cyrus,
Billy Idol will play the Wisconsin State Fair Main Stage Aug. 8.
for one, called Idol up to contribute vocals on her “Plastic Hearts” album last year. The Foxies, a Nashville pop punk trio that recalls No Doubt with their TikTok breakthrough “Timothée Chalamet,” will open.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m., Main Stage. $40 to $50 at the ticket office (7722 W. Greenfield Ave.), (414) 266-7100 and wistatefair.com. Tickets include fair admission Aug. 8.
Aug. 9: Sleepy Gaucho
Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Andy Goitia (aka Sleepy Gaucho) specializes in dreamy folk songs reminiscent at times of stoner rock favorite Mac DeMarco — if you swapped out DeMarco’s winking humor for endearing warmth, and added a bit of bossa nova flavor, a nod to his upbringing in Argentina. Patrick Sansone of Wilco contributed to Gaucho’s glowing full-length album “Morning Light” last year.
When, where, how much: 6:30 p.m., Slim’s Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery. Free with fair admission.
Aug. 10: Devils Teeth
It’s the “Bloodsport”-inspired concept album you never knew you needed. In April, the tongue-in-cheek Milwaukee surf rock band released their grandiose sophomore album “La leggenda di Chong Li,” inspired in part by the villain in the Jean Claude Van Dammestarring “Bloodsport” and described by the band as a “spaghetti western garage rock operetta.”
When, where, how much: 7 p.m., Slim’s Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery. Free with fair admission.
Aug. 11: Brothers Osborne
The country duo’s lead singer T.J. Osborne made history earlier this year by becoming the first male country star on a major label to come out, which inspired the powerful single “Younger Me,” released during Pride Month, about wanting to assure younger people that it’s OK to be different. Up-and-coming country artist Tenille Townes will open.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m., Main Stage. $42 to $52. Tickets include fair admission Aug. 11.
Aug. 12: Gabriel Iglesias
Let’s take a break from music for a night of comedy. Iglesias (affectionately known as “Fluffy” to his fans) played to just 19 people when he first played Milwaukee about 15 years ago. Now he’s one of the most popular touring comics in the country, and one of the most amiable and generous too; one Riverside Theater set five years ago went so long the digital timer on the stage broke.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m., Main Stage. $39 to $54. Tickets include fair admission Aug. 12.
Aug. 13: Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men have been around for so long — 30 years to be exact — and have been so consistently solid, it’s all too easy to take them for granted. But an episode of Netflix’s insightful new music documentary series “This is Pop” makes a compelling case of the vocal group’s lasting legacy, and illustrates what groundbreakers they really were, with their record-breaking blockbuster singles “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love To You” and “One Sweet Day” with Mariah Carey. R&B artist Ginuwine, who had his own immortal single with the risqué “Pony,” opens.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m., Main Stage. $39 to $49. Tickets include fair admission Aug. 13.
Aug. 14: Shle Berry
Speaking of Boyz II Men, the group was a major early influence on local rapper and singer Shle Berry, who’s developed a superb catalog of open-hearted tracks that address her ambitions and anxieties. Berry is also a great team player, routinely teaming up with several other talented artists in the scene, some of whom will show up for Berry’s State Fair set.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m., Slim’s Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery. Free with fair admission.
Aug. 15: SistaStrings
The Ross sisters Monique and Chauntee moved from Milwaukee to Nashville in June to find more work opportunities for their striking string talents and gorgeous church-ready vocals, and already Monique has landed a gig touring with Allison Russell. But they aren’t going to forget about their hometown, returning just a couple months later to close out the State Fair.
When, where, how much: 4 p.m., Slim’s Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery. Free with fair admission.
Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@ journalsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.
Piet also talks concerts, local music and more on “TAP’d In” with Evan Rytlewski. Hear it at 8 a.m. Thursdays on WYMS-FM (88.9), or wherever you get your podcasts.