Join The Current, Carbon Sound, Radio Heartland, The Local Show, and all of our friends at the MPR Booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Thursday, Aug. 21, through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1).

We are back at the usual spot, near the corner of Judson and Nelson, for another year of MPR at the Fair. Sign up for one of our e-newsletters and take a spin on the giant wheel of fun – everyone's a winner! Gear up with merchandise from YourClassical MPR, The Current, and MPR News. And treat yourself to a limited-edition MPR tote bag, designed by local artist Katelyn Clemons, with a one-time donation of $10 or more (tote bags will be available online starting August 11, and available in person at our booth during the entire fair)!   

Friday, Aug. 29 is MPR Day at Dan Patch Park. Booths and vendors from our partners will be hosting activities and giveaways, and the stage will be booked with shows, events, and performances. We can’t wait to see everyone in person at this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Programming Schedule

All activities are on Central Daylight Time and take place at the MPR booth near the corner of Judson and Nelson unless otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates and additions!

Thursday, Aug. 21

3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current presents Faith Boblett

Faith Boblett is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter with roots in northern Minnesota, and was named one of 2018’s Best New Bands by First Avenue. Though Faith was raised in a musical household, she has been persistent in finding her own voice through songwriting and performing. Her goal? Timeless songs. Boblett brings her own brand of pop, Americana, rock, and alt-country.

Friday, Aug. 22

3 p.m. - 7 p.m. – The Current’s Jessica Paxton Live Broadcast

3:30 p.m. - Koo Koo live performance

Saturday, Aug. 23

11 a.m. – Rock the Cradle Pop up featuring The Jolly Pops - Bring your whole family by the MPR booth for a morning of kid focused programing.  The Jolly Pops will be playing some fun kid focus music. 

3 p.m. - 6 p.m. – The Current’s Music on a Stick Pre-Party Live Broadcast with Zach McCormick – Stop by the MPR booth before heading to the grandstand for Minnesota Music on a Stick concert.  

5 p.m. - The Current's Music On-A-Stick Show 2025 feat. Atmosphere & Friends - THIS SHOW IS LOCATED AT THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND

Local hip-hop stars Atmosphere are joined by legendary rap performers Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, and DJ Abilities. Details

Sunday, Aug. 24

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. – The Current’s Bill DeVille Broadcasting Live

11:20 a.m. - Jason Scott and the High Heat live performance

5:00 p.m. - The Current presents Joe Rainey -  Joe Rainey is a Pow Wow singer. His debut album Niineta showcases his command of the style - faithful to tradition -accompanied by cinematic, bass-heavy production from Andrew Broder. Depending on the song, his voice can celebrate or console, welcome or intimidate. No matter the inflection, each note conveys a clear message: We’re still here. We were here before you were, and we never left. 

Monday, Aug. 25

3 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show… Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

3:30 p.m. - Yam Haus live performance

Tuesday, Aug. 26

3 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show… Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

3:30 p.m. - Ozomatli live performance

Wednesday, Aug. 27

3 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show… Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

Thursday, Aug. 28

3 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show… Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

3:30 p.m. - Ber live performance

Friday, Aug. 29 (MPR DAY) - All performances will be live in Dan Patch Park

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. – The Current presents Colin Bracewell, hosted by Mac Wilson - Minneapolis-based, Canada-bred songwriter and producer, Colin Bracewell is paving his own fresh path within the Midwest music scene. His instrumentation sets Bracewell apart from other singer-songwriters of the same genre often adding gentle synths, a killer trumpet solo or a moody saxophone riff (of which he plays) to bring a jazzier feel that offsets lyrics of heartbreak (or amplifies them, depending on the listener). Releasing his debut EP in March of 2024, Bracewell collaborated with Minnesota-based bands Bad Bad Hats and Remo Drive to result in a catchy blend of indie-rock and intimate ballads. The 5 song EP, Cozy, delivers a taste of genre-hopping songs served with the pop hooks that he is known for. 

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – The Current presents Mae Simpson, hosted by Mac Wilson - Mae Simpson led by her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Bringing the audience to their feet with driving horns and drums. The Minneapolis-based singer songwriter weaves elements of funk, soul, pop, rock and country into her sound. Mae and her bandmates leave it all on the stage. Their high-energy show creates a powerful connection with the audience. Hailing originally from South Carolina, Mae has been passionate about singing and creating music for as long as she can remember.  Her broad and soulful voice and deep well of creative energy are complemented by the musicianship and passion of the band. The band has released two EPs, Feel It Comin’ in 2018 and Did You Make it Back in 2020. Mae releases their Debut album “Chandelier & Bloom” September 2023.    

Saturday, Aug. 30

11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – Radio Heartland presents Good Morning Bedlam - Good Morning Bedlam is a folk-rock duo from Minneapolis, MN. Their shows are known for their wild energy and stunning harmonies. Winners of first-place title at the John Hartford Memorial Festival Band Competition, and finalists at the NWSS Band Competition. GMB has played at festivals alongside artists such as Shakey Graves, Sam Bush, Jason Isbell, The Infamous Stringdusters, Trampled By Turtles and others. 

3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current presents Aby Wolf - Aby Wolf is a Minneapolis-based vocalist, music maker, and passionate collaborator with an elastic skillset. Whether writing vocal arrangements, fulfilling commissions, or performing in clubs, theaters, and schools from Brainerd to Bratislava to Beijing, Aby brings a palpable element of joy to whatever endeavor she pursues.  

A lifelong learner with an ever-expanding curiosity, Wolf’s sound is distinguished not by typical markers of genre or instrumentation, but by her impressive range of expression and experimentation. 

Sunday, Aug. 31

11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – YourClassical’s Class Notes presents Siama’s Congo Roots - Siama’s Congo Roots is a duo featuring music from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. The music features guitar, vocals, and various percussion instruments from DR Congo 

3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current presents Humbird - Inspired by the crystalline chill of the north country she calls home in Minnesota, Humbird combines a wintry longing with the warmth of a familiar folktale. Humbird’s music moves between experimental folk and environmental Americana to embrace the unexpected. The music invites a refreshing dissonance into the house. It leaves bread crumbs along the path and reflects light back at the stars.   

Monday, Sept. 1

11 a.m. & 1 p.m.  – The Current presents Room3 - Room3 is a jazz fusion wild card rooted in tradition yet driven by experimentation. Their sound is imaginative, playful and rhythmically sharp, mixing elements of bebop, contemporary jazz, prog rock, funk and more. The collective operates out of Minneapolis most commonly as a four-piece, with RAWTWHYLAH (aka Colin Mitchell) on drums, Beck Anderson on bass, Eli Awada on keyboards and Evan Espinoza Robles on percussion. Each member is a student of their craft with a unique approach to their instrument and a willingness to push boundaries. Room3 has performed consistently at venues across the Twin Cities, from The Dakota Jazz Club to the First Avenue Mainroom, for over two years, and they were recently selected as one of First Avenue’s “Best New Bands of 2024.” 

3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current presents Mayyadda - Mayyadda is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Minneapolis who aspires to use her music to make people slow down, find themselves in another perspective, and feel their way towards individual and collective healing. With an eclectic mix of neo-soul vocals, folksy guitar, pop-style piano with trap beats sprinkled in for flavor, she likes to refer to her genre as “BlackGirlMagic.”