Music

Northern Wisconsin State Fair

Night Ranger is coming to town ... must be state fair time

Ted Waldbillig |

 
Yep, that's Night Ranger.

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is on its way again. And although the rides, funnel cakes, and oversized stuffed Bengal tigers cost extra, you can experience live music all day, everyday with standard admission. This year’s main stage includes quite the lineup. Howie Sturtz’s Orchestra, a swing group of awe-inspiring integrity at 63 years old whose influences reach back even further, kicks things off July 8 (at 1 pm). Later, at 7 pm, Wisconsinite Conrad Johns’ band will play Dixieland, polka, and a menagerie of other big band styles. July 9 brings The Oak Ridge Boys, who play their down-home and harmony-laden Americana at 7:30 pm. Eric Church will take the stage at the same time the following evening to play country that “looks its listener in the eye.” July 11, once again at 7:30, Night Ranger will draw elbow-length curls and throw back to the 80s for a heavy metal set. Think they’ll play Sister Christian? Los Gatos, California’s TRAPT will wrap up the weekend appealing to alt-metal fans with their radio-ready tunes, Sunday at 3 pm.

    July 8-12 • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls • times vary • prices range from FREE to $20 for entry • all ages • 723-2861 • www.norwisstatefair.com