The Minnesota State Fair has released the schedule of free music for this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together. Among the biggest national names playing free shows (free with admission to the fair, that is) are G. Love and Special Sauce, War, and Billy Bob Thornton — who’s playing the Leinie Lodge with his band the Boxmasters.…

Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet, but people are already thinking about next year’s Minnesota State Fair concerts. The Dixie Chicks just announced that they will be playing at the Grandstand on Aug. 27, 2016 as part of their U.S. tour. It has been over ten years since their last U.S. tour and, as singer Natalie Maines…

Minnesota-based brother duo the Cactus Blossoms joined Bill DeVille for a live performance from the MPR booth on the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair.

Haley Bonar joined Mark Wheat for a live performance from the MPR booth on the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair.

Joe Alton visits The Current's Morning Show to provide a craft beer guide to the Minnesota State Fair. 'The Minnesota State Fair is getting national love on [its] craft beer,' Joe says. Hear about all the different offerings, including fair-only brews, and see a map of the various craft-beer locations at the State Fair.

Sonny Knight and the Lakers joined Mark Wheat for a live performance from the MPR booth on the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair.

On Monday, August 31, our digital music team is creating a "live blogcast" to highlight the marvels of the Minnesota State Fair.

Reina Del Cid joined Mark Wheat for a live performance from the MPR booth on the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair.

Duluth-based Charlie Parr joined Mark Wheat for a live performance from the MPR booth on the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair.

Today is the beginning of the Minnesota State Fair, so we thought it would be fun to play a coffee break with songs that connect to the sights, sounds and smells of the Minnesota State Fair.