Mason Ramsey, Lindsay Ell to headline Kansas State Fair’s new free concert series
For the first time in its history, the Kansas State Fair will be offering a more intimate concert experience on Tuesday and Thursday night during the 10-day event — and it's free.
Two up-and-coming country acts will headline the new free series at Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers Arena. Mason Ramsey, the 12-year-old “Little Hank Williams,” will perform Tuesday, Sept. 10. Lindsay Ell, this year’s Country Music Association’s Newcomer of the Year nominee, will take the stage Thursday, Sept. 12, with special guest Madison Kozak. Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m.
Ell’s concert is sponsored by First Choice Communications, an authorized AT&T Retailer.
“These two concerts are on us,” said the Fair’s General Manager Robin Jennison. “After decades of Tuesday and Thursday grandstand concerts, the Fair decided to move those shows to Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers Arena where fairgoers can get a more close-up intimate experience with entertainers.”
This new venue will have the same beverage amenities available at the grandstand. Beer sales in the arena will start at 6 p.m. and end at the end of the show. Food vendors will also be available nearby.
Seating is first come, first serve. Fairgoers will be able to stand in front of the stage or take a seat in the stands.
“Our musical acts have long been an anticipated part of the Fair,” Jennison said. “Our grandstand entertainment this year is exceptional. However, our lineup at Bretz and Young are newer performers that you are going to see a lot more of, and you will see them first at the Kansas State Fair.”
Mason — who over the past year has become a social media sensation-turned emerging country music star after a video of him singing Hanks Williams’ “Lovesick Blues” in an Illinois Walmart went viral.
Among Mason’s highlights:
·Named to the 2018 list of "21 under 21" by Forbes
·Single "Famous" has surpassed 60 million streams and is on the way to becoming a gold record
·Performed at Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals
·Featured in Rolling Stone and Billboard
·Performed with Florida Georgia Line during their Las Vegas residency
Mason has also been on Ellen, performed during the 2018 CMAs and sold out several shows on his spring tour.
Meanwhile, Canadian guitarist Ell is one of Nashville’s hottest prospects. She first picked up a guitar at age 8 and has shredded with the likes of Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. Forbes called Ell “one of the most exciting and talented young artists in country music.”
Ell’s highlights include:
·2019 ACM nominee for New Female Artist of the Year
·Featured on CMT's Next Women of Country
·Toured internationally with The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and blues legend Buddy Guy
·Plays multiple instruments and writes most of her own songs
·Currently featured on a Brantley Gilbert single "What Happens in a Small Town"
·Single "Criminal" went No. 1 on Canadian Country charts
·Named 2015 Female Artist of the Year by the Association of Country Music Artists Alberta.
Kozak, who will open for Ell, is fresh out of Nashville’s Belmont University. There is already an industry buzz circling around her blossoming career.
Kozak’s highlights include:
·Opened for artists such as Willie Nelson and Morgan Wallen
·Performed at the CMA Festival and Nashville's legendary Bluebird Cafe
·Released a four-song EP “Heartbreak School”
·Had her first performance at the Ryman in early June with Keith Urban
Tickets for all other concerts, which will take place at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand, can be purchased at the Fair’s ticket office at 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson; by calling 620-669-3618 or by visiting kansasstatefair.com and clicking on “Buy Tickets.”
Here is the full Kansas State Fair concert and motorsport lineup:
• Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots with Nicolle Galyon. Friday, Sept. 6: Tickets from $20-$65 at Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.
• Billy Currington, Saturday, Sept. 7: Tickets from $25-$65, Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.
• Skillet, Sunday, Sept. 8: Tickets from $20-$55, Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.
• Demolition Derby, Monday, Sept. 9: Located at Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Tickets are $10 for adults 13 and over. Children 12 and under are free.
• Mason Ramsey, Tuesday, Sept. 10: Free. Located at Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers Arena.
• Francesca Battistelli and Zach Williams, Wednesday, Sept. 11: Tickets from $20-$50.
• Lindsey Ell with Madison Kozak, Thursday, Sept. 12: Free. Located at Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers Arena.
• Lauren Alaina with Mitchell Tenpenny, Friday, Sept. 13: Tickets from $20-$55, Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.
• Hanson, Saturday, Sept. 14: Tickets from $20-$55, Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.
• All Star Monster Truck Tour, Sunday, Sept. 15: Tickets from $5 to $35, Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.