Just when you thought the energy and entertainment were at maximum capacity during Waconia’s best 5 days of summer, the creative minds behind the Carver County Fair raise it. Ask any Waconia resident who’s treated to concerts in the park, in the vine, and in the parking lot ‘on the reg’, there’s no such thing as too much music here. As denial sets in that summer is winding down (even though it feels like the snow just melted), get a blast of summer with the sights and sounds of this fun lineup of live music. New this year is the Tuesday night kick-off to the fair at the Carver County Fair Grandstand, the Songs of Today Stars of Tomorrow tour, featuring Chad Brock, Ashley Barron, and Jarrod Turner. There’s a certain allure to having a front-row seat to summer breezes, packed seats, and body-rocking tunes and it will all be yours at this open-air venue. You’ll get a little bit of everything with these entertainers; contemporary country music with a dash of powerful, relatable lyrics finished off with a new country vibe sprinkled with a little 90s. So, break your plans and mark your calendar because the groupie potential at the fair this year is going to be epic.
Chad Brock
Tuesday, August 8th, 7:00 pm Carver County Grandstand
If contemporary country music speaks to your soul, Chad Brock will win your heart. His single, “Ordinary Life” was a breakout hit in 1998 (we dare you to listen without crying) and he’s been a powerhouse ever since. Brock has a cool story that started with a position in the school chorus and ended with him turning down a college athletic scholarship to follow his true passion, country music.
Ashley Barron
Tuesday, August 8th, 7:00 pm Carver County Grandstand
Passion-filled Ashley Barron has made a name for herself in the country music industry with relatable, speak-from-the-heart lyrics. Influenced by the music of Johnny Cash and Miranda Lambert, Barron’s music has an attractive catchiness that sticks with you. After pushing through some really hard times, she picked an arrow as her logo, which is a reminder for her, and she hopes for others as well, to never give up.
Jarrod Turner
Tuesday, August 8th, 7:00 pm Carver County Grandstand
Jarrod Turner is an up-and-coming singer and songwriter bursting with personality and ready to bring the energy! When asked to define his music style, he described it as “a shot of Crown Royal and a four-chord love song.” Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a night watching Turner rock the stage. He started signing autographs back in the second grade, so you know he’s legit.
The Johnny Holm Band
Wednesday, August 9th, 8:30 pm Entertainment Center Main Stage
Come and see what all the rightful fuss is about and learn why Johnny is called the “Facilitator of Fun” for concertgoers. You’ll have a tough time finding someone who hasn’t experienced the contagious enthusiasm and dynamic interaction they have with the crowd. The Johnny Holm Band is a little bit rock, a little bit pop, a little bit country, and a whole lot of PARTY!
Ragtown
Thursday, August 10th, 8:00 pm Entertainment Center Main Stage
Ragtown entertains its loyal following with a unique take on songs we all know and love. Among this talented acoustic-based band there are years of music education and experience that shines through like the stars they are as you watch them completely own the stage. They have a big devoted fan base here in Waconia but there’s always room for more in their lyric-knowing, head-bobbing fan club.
Jacuzzi Puma
Friday, August 11th, 8:30 pm Entertainment Center Main Stage
These cool cats, in their signature puma fur-like vests, will keep you on your feet with songs from musicians like Elton John and bands like The Rolling Stones. They’ll keep you guessing with their set list and maybe even a little with their choice of band name. This quirky gang’s tagline is, “We play songs you didn’t know you loved.” After Jacuzzi Puma performs them, you’ll definitely know you do.
Eli Alger and The Faster Horses
Saturday, August 12th, 8:30 pm Entertainment Center Main Stage
The fiddle, guitar, keyboard, lead singer, and group of ‘horses’ with killer intensity and harmonious voices make up this country AND western band. The numerous reviews of Eli Alger and the Faster Horses tell a tale of the “real deal” with great stage presence and personality that electrifies the audience and their surroundings. With songs like Blue Bell Bottoms and Rednexico, you’ll be two-stepping the night away.
Additional artists at the Entertainment Center
August 9th, 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Up South
August 10th, 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Mitchell Hall and The Tennessee Trio
August 11th, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mollie B & SqueezeBox with Ted Lange
August 12th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Country Fried Grubers
August 12th, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Litzau and Open Highway
August 13th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Shaw Band
August 13th, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
