The Cactus Blossoms sat down with Mary Lucia for a chat and performed for the fans at the Minnesota Public Radio booth.

Brother Ali visited the MPR booth to chat with Mary Lucia and perform for the crowd.

Rockabilly artist JD McPherson stopped by the MPR booth to talk with Mary Lucia and play some tunes for the crowd.

Indie hip-hop collective Doomtree are among the most influential forces in the Twin Cities hip-hop community. Founding member, P.O.S., dropped by the MPR booth to kick it with Mary Lucia and perform for the crowd.

After Caroline Smith's performance at the MPR booth last year, there's little doubt that State Fair onlookers are in for a treat once again 2012.

Local singer-songwriter Chastity Brown's blending of folk, soul, roots and rock music has created a unique and new sound for the Twin Cities.

American folk rockers Dawes have been touring steadily since the release of their 2011 sophomore album, "Nothing is Wrong." The group visited the MPR booth to chat with Mary Lucia and play a few songs.

Mankwe is like a version of Nina Simone and Erykah Badu, but we get to have her in our own backyard. Her improvisational technique, a skill she has fine-tuned through years of performing, as well as her world music influences, have melded together for a proper sophomore record in "Science and Spirit."

Following several years on the Melbourne scene, the Australian band Husky is making inroads to the American folk/chamber-pop scene via their new release "Forever So" on Sub Pop records.

Eric Pollard has been playing with Low and Retribution Gospel Choir, but his new project may be of a surprise to you. As Actual Wolf, he channels the best of Bob Dylan in one respect and good ol' fashioned folk rock when a live band is employed. He's moved down to the Twin Cities this summer to routinely play gigs, and he joined us in the studio for his Local Show debut.