2019 NYS Fair music schedule: Concerts you must see this year

You can be a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, a little bit hiphop and a little bit kiddie pop and still find a concert at the New York State Fair to suit your tastes.

And even better, you expose yourself to great music you might not already know about.

Here are a few shows you should go out of your way to catch this year. They’re listed in the order of the performance, and they each have a playlist that will help you become familiar with the music before you hit the Fair.

Mike Powell & Black River

When: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 3 p.m. at Chevy Court

This is the perfect opening show for the Fair. If you’re there when the gates open, you’ll be pooped by the time 3 p.m. rolls around. It’s going to be hot, and you’re going to be full from overeating and tired from walking.

Take a seat at Chevy Court and watch former Syracuse University lacrosse star Mike Powell play some of the 200-plus songs he’s written. This show will give you a much-needed break while exposing you to some brilliant songwriting. His concerts are a mix of acoustic folk and indie rock.

Said Mike Kohli of NYS Music: “A Mike Powell performance is an exhibit in honest talent.”

By the time Powell exits the stage, you’ll be refreshed and will have added him to your library in Apple Music or Spotify.

Check out his live record recorded at the Nelson Odeon in Cazenovia.

Grace Potter

When: Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. at Chevy Court

Grace Potter has been called one of the best live performers of today’s music. She might remind you a little of Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt or Lucinda Williams. She’s released four albums, two of which landed on Billboard’s Top 20. But seeing her live is the best way to enjoy the singer-songwriter’s music.

Her hits include “Stars,” “Paris (Ooh La La)” and “The Lion The Beast The Beat.”

Jackyl

When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. at Experience Stage

How many rock concerts have you attended that feature a chainsaw solo? Well, you’re about to when the southern metal band Jackyl closes out Biker Day at the fair.

You’re going to think it’s nuts to include this band on a list of shows to see this year. That’s understandable. But they’re talented musicians, they love what they do, and they know how to perform. These guys lit up Chevy Court last year on a hot Sunday afternoon, and their red-hot show got the modest crowd to forget all about the heat and get off their seats.

Their hit song “The Lumberjack” has frontman Jesse James Dupree perform a surprisingly melodic chainsaw solo. Sure, this is what you might call a novelty song, but the band is actually musical. And it’s not just heavy metal; it’s good southern rock too.

Dropkick Murphys

When: Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. at Chevy Court

The band that saved Chevy Court on a Tuesday night during last year’s fair is back. The Dropkick Murphys were a last-minute addition when Dickey Betts suffered a stroke and had to cancel his performance (and ultimately the rest of his tour). The Murphys told CNY that it was “the best goddamn state fair we’ve ever played!” (It was also the only state fair they had ever done, mind you.)

If you have a St. Patrick’s Day music playlist on your phone, it probably includes “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” “Worker’s Song” or “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.” At least it will after see them at Chevy Court.

The Mavericks

When: Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2 p.m. at Chevy Court

You can’t help but watch a Mavericks show and NOT leave happy. You could have the crappiest day at the office and still walk away with a smile. Heck, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden alone will cheer you up. His wardrobe is as colorful as his piano playing. But it’s the powerfully soothing voice of Raul Malo that sets this band ahead of so many others.

The Mavericks hit it big as a country band with songs such as “Dance the Night Away,” “What a Crying Shame” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” They have since morphed into part country, part Tex-Mex, part rock.

Their shows at the last final two Jazz Fests put on by Frank Malfitano at Onondaga Community College generated hundreds of new Mavs fans. This show will no doubt the same.

It’s just too bad it’s at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday. They should be a nighttime headliner.

The Roots

When: Sunday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m. at Chevy Court

Many of you probably hadn’t heard of The Roots before they became the official house band for Jimmy Fallon’s late-night talk shows. They’re actually a legendary hiphop group dating back to 1987. Rolling Stone magazine named The Roots among the 20 best live bands in the world. Their jazzy approach to hiphop even won them Grammy Awards.

Catch them here because their TV obligations make their live shows few and far between.

Classics

Grand Funk Railroad: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. at Experience Stage (“We’re and American Band," “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home”)

Bad Company: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m. at Chevy Court (“Feel Like Makin’ Love," “Shooting Star” and “Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy”)

Herman’s Hermits: Monday, Aug. 26, 2 p.m. at Chevy Court (“No Milk Today,” “I’m Into Something Good” and “There’s a Kind of Hush”)

Blood Sweat & Tears: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2 p.m. at Chevy Court (“You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel” and “And When I Die”)

38 Special: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. at Experience Stage (“Caught Up in You,” “Hold On Loosely” and “Rockin’ Into the Night”)

Rick Springfield: Saturday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m. at Experience Stage (“Jessie’s Girl” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers”)

Cover bands

OK, so if the acts above are too obscure for you, there are plenty of big-name lookalikes / soundalikes that might fit your fancy. And after a few wine slushies, you might not even notice the difference. Check out these “tribute” bands on the Experience Stage:

Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Band: The music of Bob Seger. Friday, Aug. 30, 9 p.m.

Hard Promises: The music of Tom Petty. Saturday, Aug. 31, 9 p.m.

Big Eyed Phis: The music of Dave Matthews Band. Sunday, Sept. 1, 4:10 p.m.

Born to Run: The music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Sunday, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.

Thunderstruck: The music of AC/DC. Sunday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m.

Here is the entire concert lineup at Chevy Court and the Experience Stage: