Steven Page announced as first musical performer of Great New York State Fair

A Central New Yorker and iconic ’90s rock alternative music star will kick off the “Chevrolet Music Series” at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. Steven Page, former frontman of the Barenaked Ladies, will take the Chevy Court stage at 1 p.m. on opening day, Wednesday, Aug. 24.

While Page still plays music from the Barenaked Ladies’ catalog, the award-winning musician, singer and songwriter has been performing and releasing new, original music – solo, and with the Steven Page Trio – for the past decade. He lives in Manlius, in Central New York, and the ties to New York state run deep. Page’s sixth solo album, “Excelsior” – which also happens to be the state’s motto – will be released this September.

A fierce advocate for mental health, Page has also been open about his own journey publicly. In April, 2020, Page released “Isolation,” a song about social distancing and anxiety.

When in-person performances paused during the pandemic, Page’s “Live from Home” virtual concerts became a familiar comfort for fans. Even now, almost every Saturday when he’s not on the road, Page joins a community of followers around the world at 5 p.m. ET via Zoom to play music.

“Bringing people together and offering opportunities to connect over common themes like music are two of the Fair’s greatest strengths,” said interim Fair Director Sean Hennessey. “Page’s local and regional connections – and familiarity as an artist – makes him the perfect artist to kick off the ‘Chevrolet Music Series’ and 13 days filled with opportunities to come together at the Great New York State Fair.”

All concerts in the “Chevrolet Music Series” are free with State Fair admission, and are sponsored by Chevrolet. To date, concerts announced include:

√ Jimmie Allen, 6 p.m. Aug. 24, Chevy Court stage

√ Chevelle, 8 p.m. Aug. 24, Chevy Park stage

√ Great White, 6 p.m. Aug. 25, Chevy Court stage

√ “The Art of Rap” featuring Ice-T, 8 p.m. Aug. 25, Chevy Park stage

√ Niko Moon, 6 p.m. Aug. 26, Chevy Court stage

√ TLC, 8 p.m. Aug. 26, Chevy Park stage

√ Tesla, 6 p.m. Aug. 27, Chevy Court stage

√ Foreigner, 8 p.m. Aug. 28, Chevy Park stage

√ Chubby Checker, 1 p.m., Aug. 29, Chevy Court stage

√ Boyz II Men, 8 p.m. Aug. 29, Chevy Park stage

√ Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, 1 p.m. Aug. 30, Chevy Court stage

√ Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, 6 p.m. Aug. 30, Chevy Court stage

√ 38 Special, 6 p.m., Aug. 31, Chevy Court stage

√ Nelly, 8 p.m. Aug. 31, Chevy Park stage

√ Alex Miller, 1 p.m., Sept. 1, Chevy Court stage

√ Riley Green, 8 p.m. Sept. 1, Chevy Park stage

√ Tai Verdes, 1 p.m. Sept. 2, Chevy Court stage

√ Gin Blossoms, 6 p.m. Sept. 2, Chevy Court stage

√ 24KGoldn, 8 p.m. Sept. 2, Chevy Park stage

√ COIN, 2 p.m. Sept. 3, Chevy Park stage

√ Dropkick Murphys, 8 p.m. Sept. 3, Chevy Park stage

√ Midnight Star (headlining annual FunkFest), 8:30 p.m. Chevy Court stage

√ City Girls, 8 p.m. Sept. 4, Chevy Park stage

√ Resurrection – A Journey Tribute Band, 1 p.m., Chevy Park stage

√ Night Ranger, 4 p.m. Sept. 5, Chevy Court stage

A press release said, “Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. The 2022 Fair begins Wednesday, Aug. 24, and continues through Monday, Sept. 5.”

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guests are invited to see photos from the Fair on Flickr – and ideas are always welcome. New Yorkers are encouraged to send suggestions via email to [email protected].