State Fair booking performers for local music stage

The 2014 State Fair of Virginia is seeking the state’s best performers—musicians, dancers and others—to share their talents during this year’s event, which will run from Sept. 26 through Oct. 5.

Fair organizers are accepting applications from Virginia-based performers for the event’s local music venue, the Triple Crown Amphitheater. One-hour slots are available on each day of the fair’s 10-day run.

“Last year included an amazing array of music and dance from every genre,” noted Greg Hicks, vice president of communications. “We’re hoping the 2014 fair will include an even more incredible showcase of talent from across the state. Performing at the fair puts you in front of a varied and enthusiastic audience. We’ve reached out to school music programs, and we’d love to work with Virginians who are making music in churches, nightclubs, coffee houses, community centers and other venues.”

Last year’s fair attracted 229,000 guests. Information about performing on the local music stage is available at StateFairVa.org.

Performances at the Triple Crown Amphitheater will be scheduled from 11 a.m. or earlier until 7 p.m. daily. There is no charge to perform, and performers will receive no compensation. Each 90-minute time slot will allow 15 minutes for set-up and 15 minutes to pack up equipment. A house audio system will be available.

The stage has been moved to the Harvest Landing area of the fair this year. “This will allow performers more visibility to fairgoers, and it’s in a beautiful natural setting with lots of shade trees,” Hicks said.

Interested individuals and groups should send samples of their music, via DVD or link to a website, to Micki Long at [email protected] or 11624 Norwich Parkway, Glen Allen, VA 23059. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 1.

“We do encourage anyone who is interested to share their samples with us as soon as possible, because slots will be filled as the music is reviewed,” Hicks said.

The State Fair reserves the right to decline any group, band or other musical act.

The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.