Black Stone Cherry lights up the opening weekend at the Kentucky State Fair with Goldy Locks
Who doesn’t love the summer state fair? The Kentucky State Fair is packed with everything that makes this annual tradition special: mouthwatering food, fascinating exhibits, prize-winning livestock, giant vegetables that seem too big to be real, and the flashing lights of Thrill Ville’s midway and carnival rides.
Did I mention the food?
But when the sun begins to set and the scent of funnel cakes drifts through the warm evening air, another fair tradition takes center stage: live music. Year after year, the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series delivers an impressive lineup of artists spanning nearly every genre imaginable. On this particular night, however, the fairgrounds belonged to hard rock. Kentucky’s own Black Stone Cherry returned home to unleash their signature blend of Southern grit and arena-sized hooks, while the ever-energetic Goldy Locks kicked off the evening with a performance full of personality, power, and heart. It was the perfect soundtrack for a late-summer night at the fair.
The theme for this year’s fair, County Traditions, Country Celebration, reflects the fair’s alignment with the yearlong commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial. Fairgoers at the August 20–30 event will have the opportunity to enjoy specially curated programming, including the United We Stand at 250 exhibit, themed photo opportunities, America250KY live mural paintings, patriotic entry competitions, and more.
“The Kentucky State Fair continues to be about bringing all 120 counties together to celebrate who we are as Kentuckians, our traditions, our heritage, and our way of life,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “This year, as our country marks its 250th birthday, I invite Kentuckians to enter and show off the passions and family traditions that make our Commonwealth so special. Whether it’s a recipe handed down for generations or livestock you’ve raised with pride, there’s a place for you at this year’s fair.”
Black Stone Cherry kicked off the Kentucky State Fair on a picture-perfect Saturday evening with a thunderous opening, launching into “Me and Mary Jane,” “Burnin’,” and “Again”. The crowd instantly fed off the energy, setting the tone for a night blending hard rock swagger with heartfelt grooves.
The band flowed seamlessly through a mix of new and classic material. Highlights included the punchy “Neon Eyes” from their recent EP Celebrate, the anthemic “In My Blood” and the rollicking “Like I Roll.” Longtime fans were treated to older favorites like “Stay” from 2011’s Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea while “Things My Father Said” grounded the evening in introspective storytelling. The set took a soulful turn with a heartfelt cover of Tracy Chapman‘s “Give Me One Reason” and a spirited ZZ Top cover of “Just Got Paid” dedicated to the late Frank Beard elevated the show’s emotional resonance.
Throughout, Black Stone Cherry combined blazing riffs, tight harmonies, and undeniable showmanship. The Kentucky State Fair setting, with a warm sunset and an expectant crowd, made for a quintessentially Southern rock experience. By the final notes, the energy, camaraderie, and musicianship left no doubt that this performance would linger in memory as one of their most spirited yet. Black Stone Cherry is Chris Robertson (vocals and guitar), guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Steve Jewell and drummer John Fred Young.
Black Stone Cherry – Kentucky Fair Set list
Hells Bells (AC/DC song) Intro song from Tape
Me and Mary Jane
Burnin’
Again
Neon Eyes
In My Blood
Like I Roll
Stay
Give Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman cover)
Things My Father Said
Just Got Paid (ZZ Top cover) (Dedicated to Frank Beard who recently passed away)
Cheaper to Drink Alone / Drum Solo
Deep
Celebrate
White Trash Millionaire
Blame It on the Boom Boom
Lonely Train
Opening the evening was Nashville, TN party rockers Goldy Locks. The trio, Featuring Goldy Locks, the ever-mohawked Rod Saylor on Drums and new guitarist Johnny Oro rolled through a quick 40-minute set including covers of Guns n’ Roses and Foo Fighters songs along with original songs “Talking To Myself” and “Mistaken Identity”
Black Stone Cherry
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Goldy Locks
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Kentucky State Fair
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