King Calaway – Leinie Lodge Stage – Minnesota State Fair – August 28th 2021

Lens on Music at the Fair – Day 3   King Calaway

Review and Photos by Patrick Dunn

For a third day, the threat of rain cast a cloud over the fair, but the numbers are building and it was the busiest day at the event so far.  I made my way directly towards the Leinie Lodge stage to catch a late afternoon set by King Calaway.  I had previously seen them open for Garth Brooks at US Bank Stadium, and have been a fan ever since.  This setting was by far a more enjoyable way to appreciate what this band has to offer.  Their sound is fresh with tasteful vocal harmonies and great example of how Modern Country music has crossed over to a popular form that clearly appeals to a more diverse fan base.  King Calaway’s original material feels familiar on first listen making it especially easy to groove along with.  They did also work in some cover material including a solid version of Eric Church’s “Springsteen”.

At one point during the performance, the crowd began to scatter as rain started to come down and singer, Simon Dumas reacted quickly inviting people to come up front under cover, making it an even more interactive experience.  They encouraged people to sing along on a new release “More People”, which was infectious and a highlight.  I must also mention that the mix and volume were spot on, so props to the sound techs for that.

I enjoyed the performance so much that I really wanted to hang around for the second set, but also had Barley Jacks on my must-see list.  It ended up being the right choice as these Bluegrass specialists did not disappoint.  With rain now falling heavily around the Shell’s Stage, singer/fiddler/mandolinist Brian Wicklund invited fans up to the front of the stage under cover for a modified true acoustic set even without the benefit of microphones.  It was extra special to experience blazing melody and solo lines ringing out directly from the instruments up close and personal.  Wicklund even made the comment, “This is like performing in my living-room, but with a lot more people”.

There was plenty more music on the schedule that I was unable to attend due to an increased threat of more severe weather.  The Grandstand was hosting The Current’s Music on a Stick with Lake Street Dive and Kiss the Tiger, plus headlining performance would be happening on other stages by The Greeting Committee and another Minnesota favorite, Gear Daddies.  Fortunately, there is another chance to catch these two bands again on Sunday.