NUR-D – Shell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater – Minnesota State Fair – September 2nd 2021

Lens on Music at the Fair Day 8   NUR-D

Review and Photos by Patrick Dunn

The clouds were back on day 8 at the Minnesota State Fair, but a couple isolated waves of precipitation did not interfere with live music performances.  The Grandstand focus was on Electronic Dance Music featuring The Chainsmokers with supporting act GASHI.  A glow from the elevated light show could be seen from all around the Grandstand and the pounding bass made you feel like you were stuck at a red light next to a tricked-out Escalade.

While the Legendary Wailers performed their headlining set for a second night at the Leinie Lodge, rising Twin Cities Hip Hop artist NUR-D and his 10-piece band brought the Shell’s Stage to life in a big way.  Referring to his music as Hip Hop for anyone who has ever felt a little different, the show truly felt inclusive, energetic, and inspiring.  NUR-D can sing, he can rhyme, he can dance – pair that with an enthusiastic band and a receptive audience and it’s hard not to walk away feeling pretty darn good.

Earlier in the day, the Shell’s Stage was smoldering with the sounds of Americana and Blues at the very capable hands of the Molly Maher Band.  Maher is one of those guitar players that amazes me with their ability to play left-handed with the instrument still setup for a righty.  Her slide work was particularly tasteful and suits her vocal style perfectly.  Fans of the music would appreciate how they took their time during each composition, letting it develop and then often kept the feeling going with extended instrumental jams.

I also made a point to stop at the International Bazaar Stage because I just had to see the 14-piece Mexican horn band, Banda La Verdadera.  Seeing all of those musicians come together to make such a powerful sound was well worth checking out.