INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Fair’s initial lineup of free concerts includes the man behind “American Pie” along with icons of hip hop and classic rock.
The first five acts announced for the Hoosier Lottery Free State are the Beach Boys, Busta Rhymes, Gene Simmons, Don McLean and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
All shows are free with paid fair admission while seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. on their designated days unless otherwise noted.
Here are the dates for the first wave of shows:
- The Beach Boys: Friday, Aug. 7 (opening day)
- Busta Rhymes: Thursday, Aug. 13
- Gene Simmons: Thursday, Aug. 20
- Don McLean: Saturday, Aug. 22
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard: Sunday, Aug. 23
Here’s more about the artists via the Indiana State Fair.
The Beach Boys (Aug. 7)
The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers where also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history. The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago, John Wedemeyer and Chris Cron continue the legacy of the iconic band.
Busta Rhymes (Aug. 13)
Busta Rhymes (Trevor George Smith Jr.), born May 20, 1972, is an iconic American rapper, producer, and actor renowned for his rapid-fire delivery, intricate rhyme schemes, and high energy style. Rising in the early 1990s with Leaders of the New School, he launched a successful solo career in 1996, earning 12 Grammy nominations.
Gene Simmons (Aug. 20)
Gene Simmons is an international rock icon and co-founder of KISS, the RIAA’s #1 gold record award-winning group of all time. Beyond his legendary stage persona, Simmons is a formidable serial entrepreneur who revolutionized the intersection of music and commerce. Under his leadership, KISS became a global merchandising powerhouse with over 5,000 licensed products, generating more revenue from trademark deals than any other band in music history.
Don McLean (Aug. 22)
As tragic as the backstory behind the song “American Pie” is with the much too early death of the new rock’n’roll-hope Buddy Holly, the track is also magnificent and legendary. And “American Pie” still goes to heart as soon as originator Don McLean plays this classic at his concerts. Still, it’s worth remembering that the 76-year-old composer has written and sung numerous other melodic and harmonic successes in his decades-long career with “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air,” “And I Love You So,”” and “Cryin’,” all of which will be heard and reveled in along with newer pieces on the upcoming tour.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Aug. 23)
In less than a decade, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard hasbecome one of the most iconic artists in gospel music history. Winner of the Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Artist for the past two years, her latest radio single, “You Know My Name (Live),” recently climbed to No. 1, while her career-launching hit, “Break Every Chain,” was recently certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)…