State Fair News

More than 90 live music acts will perform at 2023 State Fair of Texas

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is playing the State Fair of Texas on October 21.

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The State Fair of Texas will return in fall 2023 with a music lineup that includes more than 90 artists performing live on three stages. Headliners include Lonestar, Ceelo Green, and 38 Special, as well as a tribute to Selena Quintanilla Pérez, Experience Selena.

Other acts kicking off opening weekend September 29 to October 1 include Chrisette Michele, Lil Jon, Hairball, and Bowling for Soup.

For the first time, the State Fair of Texas has partnered with Romeo Entertainment Group, who are producing the entire music lineup for 2023.

Based in Nashville, Romeo boasts 65-plus years of experience and a long list of clients. Romeo president & CEO R.J. Romeo says in a statement that “it's an honor to bring music to the Fair that is as expansive and varied as the great state of Texas itself. I am proud of our team, led by Lacey Hayes, for programming such an outstanding lineup."

According to fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis, Romeo replaces Glenn Smith Productions, who retired after more than 30 years. In 2018, the State Fair team also began working with Dallas-based record label State Fair Records to book other free live music stages throughout the fairgrounds, which might help explain why the local bands selected are so good.

Fairgoers can experience all different kinds of live music – country to R&B, Norteño to electro-pop – across the fairgrounds during all 24 days of the 2023 State Fair of Texas, all included with their admission ticket.

The Chevrolet Main Stage is an outdoor venue with a huge festival-type stage and experience, as well as an ADA-compliant area for guests needing special assistance. Featuring headlining and regional acts, the Chevrolet Main Stage is located next to the Craft Pavilion, near the Hall of State.

Highlights include:

September 29: Lonestar
September 30: Ceelo Green/ Chrisette Michele
October 1: La Zenda Nortena
October 2: UNT Four O'Clock Lab Band
October 3: Bowling For Soup
October 6: Hairball/ Matt Hillyer
October 7: Lil John
October 8: 38 Special
October 9: Little Mermen
October 13: X Ambassadors
October 14: Craig Morgan
October 15: Shane Smith & The Saints
October 20: Forever Motown / The War & Treaty
October 21: Charlotte Sands / Red Jumpsuit Apparatus / We the Kings
October 22: Yahritzia Y Su Esencia

The Bud Light Stage, located in the heart of Cotton Bowl Plaza, showcases local and regional talent all 24 days of the Fair.

Highlights include many of Dallas' and Texas' best and brightest acts such as the State Fair Records All Star Band, John Pedigo's Magic Pilsner, Matt Tedder, Brave Combo, Rosie Flores, Ginny Mac, The O's, Max Stalling, and DJ Mark Ridlen.

The Yuengling Flight Stage, located outside the Go Texan Pavilion, features a Friday night comedy series, titled “Deep Fried Comedy,” along with live music throughout the week.

Highlights include: Shelley Carrol, Charming Gardeners, Katrina Cain, Lorena Leigh, Ceci Ceci, Min, Saborcito Puro, Vanita Leo, Garrett Owen, and a showcase by Spinster Records.

The full schedule of acts with dates and times can be found online.

The 2023 State Fair of Texas will open on September 29 and run through October 22.

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REEL TALK

Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell brings surprising new film to Dallas

Photo courtesy of Ernie & Emma.

Bruce Campbell mourns his wife in 'Ernie & Emma.'

Cult cinema icon Bruce Campbell is making a cross-country trek, but he won’t be screening The Evil Dead. Instead, he is skipping traditional distribution to bring his newest film, Ernie & Emma, directly to the people.

The actor will be in the Dallas area on October 2 for a showing at Alamo Drafthouse Las Colinas (320 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving). The tour features a behind-the-scenes conversation with Campbell and a live Q&A.

Ernie & Emma may be a surprise for viewers who are used to his oddball horror comedies like Bubba Ho-Tep. The film — entirely scripted, directed, produced, and funded by Campbell and his wife, Ida Gearon — is billed as a romantic comedy, albeit one with a little edge.

The story follows Ernie Tyler, a rural pear salesman mourning the loss of his beloved wife. Guided by a detailed list of instructions Emma Tyler left before her death, Ernie sets off on a life-changing road trip. You can watch the trailer below.

The story hits close to home for the comic-con legend. It was filmed in Pear Valley near his Oregon home, and he reportedly based Ernie’s character on his dad. Campbell has also had to contemplate his own mortality after a March cancer diagnosis. On X, he described the cancer as “treatable” but not “curable.”

“It’s incredibly special to share this film with audiences across the nation. Getting to bring it directly to communities and experience those conversations in real time is the reason you make something like this in the first place,” said Campbell in a release. “Loss is universal, and so is the challenge of finding your way forward.”

Ticketing information and times for the screening will be announced at a later date. Still, audiences will have several chances to see the star, who canceled his usual convention schedule to focus on the tour and his health. Besides Dallas, Ernie & Emma will screen at the following Texas Alamo Drafthouse locations:

October 3 — Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak, 22806 US-281 N, San Antonio
October 9 — Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 4028 US-183 Bldg F, Austin
October 10 — Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane, 5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Bldg. F, Austin

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More than 90 live music acts will perform at 2023 State Fair of Texas

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