The Indiana State Fair announced Wednesday the first wave of its 2022 list of concerts as part of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule, set for July 29 through Aug. 21.
The Hoosier Lottery has had a relationship with the State Fair for several years and has decided to sponsor the Free Stage event for the 2022 Indiana State Fair. A variety of artists will perform throughout the 18 days of the fair.
2022 Artists Bios
Kansas
This classic rock band from Topeka, Kan., nearing five decades in the classic rock scene, has become one of the most influential rock bands to date. Kansas, composed of Phil Ehart, Billy Greer, Ronnie Platt, David Ragsdale, Tom Brislin and Richard Williams, appeared on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s and played sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. Their songs have appeared in many shows like “Supernatural,” “South Park,” “The Office,” and “The Simpsons;” and with films including “Old School,” “Anchorman,” and “Happy Gilmore.”
Chaka Khan
Singer, songwriter, actor, activist – Chaka Khan is the 10-time GRAMMY Award-winner. A songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, Chaka Khan has influenced generations of recording artists. She can sing in seven music genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical. Affectionately known around the world as Chaka, she is revered by millions of fans as well as her peers for her timeless, classic and unmatched signature music style and ability. The late, great Miles Davis often said, “She sings like my horn.” And as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, said, “[Chaka] is a one-of-a-kind, premier vocalist.”
Zach Williams
GRAMMY award-winning Contemporary Christian artist Zach Williams aims to share his story of how he found his faith, with honesty and clarity into his troubled past. He is a Tennessee-based Christian singer who infuses outlaw country, the dirt-road grit of southern rock, and the contemporary roots music of alt-country into his sound to create a unique and special way to spread his passion for God and share how he stays on the path of being Christian. He grew to popularity with his debut album “Chain Breaker,” winning GRAMMY award Best Contemporary Christian album, as well as the GMA Dove Awards 2017 New Artist of the Year and 2018 Artist of the Year.
Happy Together Tour
The Happy Together Tour consists of six bands: The Turtles, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association, The Classics IV, The Vogues and The Cowsills. These bands that had their biggest hits in the ‘60s and ‘70s brought timeless sounds and songs like “Happy Together” by The Turtles, one of the most recognizable songs of that time period. These bands combined have multiple No. 1 hits with this tour starting in 1984. Since then, the band has consistently knocked out 50 shows a year, making this tour an iconic homage to an era of music that has influenced many of today’s artists. The tour has consisted of several different bands and artists throughout the nearly 40 years it has been running, with the only constant band being The Turtles. This group’s members include Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman, Al Nichol, Chuck Portz, and Don Murray. With the exception of Don, all original members are alive today, making this band’s live songs truly original.
Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce is a young country singer on the rise, releasing her first album in 2017. Her Platinum-certified No. 1 song “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with artist Lee Brice has earned CMA nominations for New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year, and won Musical Event of the Year. She has exploded in the country scene touring alongside Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Luke Bryan. The past two years this Kentucky native has won CMA awards for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2021 and Female Artist of the Year in 2022. She is now on her third studio album, “29: Written in Stone,” and has been nominated 22 times for numerous awards since these three albums have been released.
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All shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid fair admission but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise by the Indiana State Fair. For more information visit indianastatefair.com.