A country and rock crossover artist takes over the Iowa State Fair Grandstand this summer
The Iowa State Fair gets ready for another legendary round of concerts on the Grandstand stage with Jelly Roll announcing his performance on Aug. 10.
The crossover artist landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart on Feb. 11, 2023, marking his 25th consecutive week on top of the charts, a new record that passed NLE Choppa’s 24 weeks in 2019 and 2020.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, earned two Grammy nominations in 2023 for his songs about his former troubled life. He earned the CMA New Artist of the Year award in November. He also won three CMT Music Awards in 2023.
His hit songs include “Son of A Sinner,” “Save Me,” and “Need a Favor.”
Jelly Roll, who got his nickname from his mother, started in rap and hip-hop before switching over to country. In June, he kicks off the Tailgate N’ Tallboys Festival in Clinton.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. show run $60 to $125 and go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at iowastatefair.org or 800-514-3849.
What other shows have been announced at the Iowa State Fair?
The Iowa State Fair already announced four other concerts for this summer.
Lauren Daigle
Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle performs at the Iowa State Fair for the first time when she takes the Grandstand on opening night, Aug. 8. Daigle came on the scene in 2015 when she released her debut album, “How Can It Be,” which featured her hits “First,” “Trust in You,” and “O’Lord.”
Foreigner with Melissa Etheridge
Classic rock band Foreigner takes the Grandstand stage on the second night of the fair, AKA East Side Night, a homecoming for Des Moines residents who grew up on the east side of the city. Foreigner is on their "Historic Farewell Tour." The band out of New York City formed in 1976 and released their self-titled debut album in 1977 with hits “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.” They followed that up with “Double Vision” and “Hot Blooded.”
Special guest Melissa Etheridge opens for Foreigner at the Iowa State Fair. The two-time Grammy winner is known for songs such as “I’m the Only One,” “If I Wanted To,” “Come to My Window,” and “I Want to Come Over.” All takes place on Aug. 9.
Thomas Rhett
Country singer Thomas Rhett has collected quite a few accolades in the past decade, including several CMA Awards and ACM Awards and five Grammy nominations. Rhett is the son of country singer-songwriter Rhett Akins, who has written for Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and saw success with 1990s song "That Ain't My Truck." Rhett performs on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Ne-Yo
R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo is behind late 2000s hits such as “So Sick,” “Miss Independent” and “Closer” performs on the Grandstand on Saturday, Aug. 17. The musician was a judge on dance reality competition “World of Dance” and played the Tin Man on NBC’s “The Wiz Live!”
When does the 2024 Iowa State Fair take place?
The 2024 Iowa State Fair takes place Aug. 8-18.
How much are tickets to the Iowa State Fair?
Discounted admission tickets are already on sale for $11 for adults, a $5 discount over regular prices, and $7 for children, a $3 discount.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, X, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Jelly Roll plays the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 10. Tickets on sale Friday
