State Fair of Texas Announces 2014 Chevy Main Stage Headliners

Lineup includes NEW Red River MusicFest • Presented by “The Texas Music Scene” with Ray Benson

One of the cornerstones of the State Fair of Texas is live entertainment, and with approximately 85 performances throughout the course of 24 days, fairgoers can enjoy a variety of concerts on the Chevy Main Stage. The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce the initial list of confirmed headliners scheduled to appear on the Chevy Main Stage in this year’s free concert series, included with admission to the annual exposition.
The Swon Brothers, finalists of NBC’s “The Voice” will kick off the concert series on opening night of the State Fair of Texas, Friday, September 26 at 8:30 p.m. It seems that in this duo’s case, music really does run in the family; the brothers developed a passion for singing and songwriting at a young age, as they spent their childhood traveling with their parents’ southern gospel group. The brothers, Zach and Colton, were recently honored with the Rising Star Award by the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and are currently writing and securing songs for their major-label debut album, coming later this year.
American Idol winner, Grammy Award winner, and eight-time Grammy nominee, Fantasia, will take the stage at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. Since her 2004 American Idol success, the R&B singer has released four albums, landed a role in the Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” published a memoir, and starred in her own reality show. Fantasia’s fourth studio album, “Side Effects of You,” was released in April 2013.
Opening weekend will wrap up on Sunday, September 28, with a 3 p.m. concert from country music artist, Lucy Hale. Hale recently released her debut album, “Road Between,“ is a four-time Teen Choice Award winner and recipient of the prestigious Gracie Allen Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Rising Star, and has an acting resume a mile long, including her current role as Aria Montgomery in ABC Family’s hit show “Pretty Little Liars.”
On Saturday, October 3, fairgoers will be treated to an energetic evening with Kool & the Gang, starting at 8:30 p.m. After 50 years of performing together, Kool & the Gang continue to wow audiences with their legendary sound, a unique blend of jazz, soul, and funk. Thanks to hit songs like “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” and “Open Sesame,” they have earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums.
The second weekend of the State Fair of Texas will conclude with an evening performance by Siggno – Sunday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. Since forming in 2000, the all-male singing group has recorded six albums and established their presence headlining shows in major venues across the U.S. and Mexico. Siggno’s most recent album’s first single, “Yo Queria,” has recently been one of the most downloaded songs on the iTunes’ Latin store.
Fairgoers are in for a special treat on Saturday, October 11, when the inaugural “Red River MusicFest” makes its debut, starring red dirt country artists Deryl Dodd (2:30 p.m.), Cody Canada & The Departed (4:15 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.), Jason Boland & The Stragglers (6:30 p.m.), and the Casey Donahew Band (8:30 p.m.). The “Red River MusicFest” is presented by “The Texas Music Scene.” Hosted by the voice and leader of nine-time Grammy winners Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Benson, “The Texas Music Scene” is a television series that features both the young artists and the legends that have come to define this unique and amazing music scene. It celebrates the distinctive music created in the Lone Star State with a focus on country, Americana, folk and blues artists. This year’s “Red River MusicFest” will follow one of the largest rivalries in college football, the University of Texas Longhorns against the University of Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Showdown. More details will be announced in the coming months.
Back by popular demand, the fun will continue on Sunday, October 12 with Le Freak, “The Greatest Disco Band in the World.” Le Freak will take the Chevy Main Stage by storm at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. They will bring their intensely unique, high-energy, high-quality, danceable entertainment to the State Fair of Texas.
Recently off her tour with Austin Mahone and before she hits the road, opening for select dates of Katy Perry’s “Prismatic” tour, Cover Girl and artist Becky G will take the stage on Columbus Day, Monday, October 13 at 5:30 p.m., to perform an array of songs like her hit single, “Play It Again.”
Saturday, October 18 at 3:00 p.m., platinum-selling rock band Collective Soul will take the stage to sing favorites and new hits from their 9th studio album, “See What You Started By Continuing.” This year marks the 20th anniversary of Collective Soul. The band released “Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid” in 1994 as their first studio album that included the rock anthem “Shine” that shot to international recognition and double-platinum status. Twenty years later the band has released seven #1 radio hits and sold more than 10 million albums across the world.
The Fair will conclude on Sunday, October 19 at 3 p.m., with a headlining performance by La Maquinaria Norteña. Their latest album, “Vive en Mi,” released in late 2013 and was their highest charting set to date, entering the regional Mexican chart in the Top Ten. The quintet, based in Roswell, New Mexico, is known for its raw sound which combines vocals with accordion, bass, drums, and electric guitar.
The Chevy Main Stage is an outdoor venue with a huge, festival-type stage and experience. “Chevrolet is a longstanding partner of the State Fair of Texas, and is thrilled to present this year’s selection of performers, an array of talented musicians who will provide a wide variety of entertainment, at no additional cost for the fairgoer,” says Dave Nottoli, Director for Chevrolet.
Glenn Smith Presents, Incorporated (“GSPI”) will produce this year’s show, having produced the Fair’s live concert series for 26 consecutive seasons. In past years, GSPI has booked a wide range of notable headliners for the State Fair’s main stage event, including Destiny’s Child, Tim McGraw, Selena, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, the Jonas Brothers and Garth Brooks.
Regional acts for the State Fair of Texas Chevy Main Stage, from throughout our great state of Texas and surrounding states, will be announced in August.
Concerts are free with State Fair of Texas admission. No extra ticket is required. An ADA-compliant area will be provided for guests needing special assistance.

2014 State Fair of Texas Chevy Main Stage Headliner Schedule