MUSIC AT THE FAIR | DAY 8 – DARYL HALL – ST. PAUL, MN – AUGUST 28, 2025

The original act scheduled to perform at the Grandstand on Day 8 of the Minnesota State Fair was the Steve Miller Band. After news that the tour had been canceled, Daryl Hall was picked to fill-in with supporting band The Rascals. Hall was an excellent choice and was in good form and good voice as he covered a range of tunes included some memorable classics from the Hall and Oates catalog.

I started my day off at the Bandshell enjoying a range of Country styles offered up by Nashville based Sarah Gayle Meech and The Meech Boys. The talent coming from that town seems to have no limits. Then I made my way across the grounds to the West End Market Stage for a little more traditional country provided by Cole Diamond who played a nice selection of original tunes along with a few covers from artists the likes of Merle Haggard. The vibe completely shifted late afternoon to sounds from the summer of 1967 supplied by Gary Rue’s Magic Carpet Ride. While there was for sure some inspired playing, the vocals particularly were a stand out.

Later that evening I returned to this same stage to catch a few modern R&B inspired tracks by Lady Midnight.