It may not come as a surprise to those with a few more years under their belts, but Stephen Sanchez’s musical tastes were largely formed by his grandparents’ record collection. “When I would visit them,” Sanchez told The Current’s Jill Riley in 2023, “they would make me breakfast in the morning, and then they would send me out into this this barn, which was full of vinyl … From Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, the Platters, like, the Ink Spots, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka, you know? Roy Orbison is a huge one for me, it just kind of feels intrinsic to me, in a way.”

With schemata like that, the 21-year-old Sanchez became a TikTok sensation, attracting legions of young fans with his own unique, freshed-up take on the classic crooners. On Saturday, Aug. 31, Sanchez performed for more than 4,000 people at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, showcasing his talents for song and for fashion.

Folk-inflected singer-songwriter Madi Diaz opened the show. See photos below.

Stephen Sanchez at the Minnesota State Fair

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Madi Diaz at the Minnesota State Fair

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External Links

Stephen Sanchez – official site

Madi Diaz – official site

Minnesota State Fair – official site