Picture: Gene Simmons of KISS opens the Fair concert series
It’s no secret that the lack of horse racing at the Alameda County Fair has taken some of the attendance away from the annual event, scheduled June 19-July 12 this summer.
One sure way to draw more people to the Fair is to increase the name recognition of the concerts, bringing in people for concerts that are way more affordable than most arenas or stadiums.
The Fair staff has done just that and more. I have been going to the Fair since the late 1960s and have been there through the entire concert era – they started in 1972 – and this is the best lineup I have seen.
I worked for the iconic Bill Graham back in 1979-80, writing concert reviews as a student intern in my senior year in high school. I have written concert reviews for years and am pumped for the run of shows at the Alameda County Fair.
And there’s still four more to be announced.
It will probably be easiest to go through the chronological order of this summer’s Alameda County Fair concert schedule.
Friday, June 19 – The Gene Simmons Band: Yes, that Gene Simmons. I must be honest as a former Kiss Army member and a person that has seen Kiss several times, this got me going right off the bat. He’s got a group of talented musicians, and they blast through several Kiss songs and other well-known classic rock songs, promising an opening night crowd that will be on their feet the entire show.
Saturday, June 20 – Twist on Taylor: Not my cup of tea but there is no doubt this will be a packed event of Taylor Swift fans who are guaranteed to be singing every word to every song. Even if you’re not a fan of her music there will be no denying the energy level of this concert.
Sunday, June 21 – Lonestar: This country group has played the Fair before and absolutely killed it in front of a packed crowd. They have had different lead singers, but they all have taken the mic and belted out the songs successfully.
They were founded in 1992 with one of the original members being country superstar John Rich. Rich left the band in 1998 to form Big and Rich.
Over the years Lonestar had 20 songs on the Hot Country Songs chart, nine of which made it to the No. 1 spot. Two songs that promise to bring a tear to the audience include “I’m Already There,” which was inspired by one of the members sons but has become an anthem to deployed soldiers and their family members. The other is “Amazed,” another ballad that went to No. 1.
Wednesday, June 24 – Hoobastank: The American rock band was founded in California in 1994 and like many rock bands, they are best known for a ballad. The song “The Reason” – also the title of their second album – was released in 2004 and became their biggest hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US and World Modern Rock charts. I first saw the band when they were the opening act for Linkin Park and Korn. A good, solid show can be expected from these dudes.
Thursday, June 25 – to be announced.
Friday, June 26 – to be announced.
Saturday, June 27 – A Tribute to Demon Hunters: Is based on the 2025 Netflix animated film, “KPop Demon Hunters, the tour features live performances of songs from various K-pop musicians, along with dancers. It is billed as a “all ages,” event, count on this show being a huge success with a younger crowd and is a perfect show for a Saturday at the Fair.
Sunday, June 28 – Banda Maguey: The band from Mexico attracts a huge crowd and promises to bring the best dressed crowd to the Fairgrounds. In the past when they have played the Fair, the majority of their fans and decked out in their best clothes for this group from the Technobanda genre of music.
Wednesday, July 1 – The Beach Boys: The quintessential American group kicks off the Fourth of July week. I have seen them many times, going all the way back to a Day on the Green in the late 1970s. Every song is a sing-along, and it is doubtful anyone will be seated from the first song through the last one. Some critics point to Mike Love being the only original member, but the Beach Boys have become bigger than its members – it’s an institution about being an American. A Beach Boys show puts everyone in a good mood, and you will walk away singing some of the songs and probably for a few days afterwards.
Thursday, July 2 – Tower of Power: The iconic Bay Area band has been bringing its funk and soul sound for 58 years. There have been a number of members of the band throughout the years, but the beat has remained the same. I can’t think of a time I have seen TOP that I wasn’t satisfied. Always worth the price and songs like “You’re Still a Young Man,” and “What is Hip” bring back plenty of memories.
Thursday, July 3- to be announced.
Sunday, July 5 – to be announced.
Wednesday, July 8 – Flo Rida: The American rapper and singer is sure to bring the energy to the Fairgrounds with hits starting with his debut album from 2007. He has had international hits such as “Right Round,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” “I Cry”, “Whistle,” and “My House.” Whistle drew plenty of attention and not all popular, as critics blasted the lyrical content, but it is one of my favorites. There is no such thing as bad publicity and he is living proof.
Thursday, July 9 – Elle King: The American song writer/singer is best known through the Country genre and is sure to entertain as few have as much fun on stage. She is the daughter of actor/comedian Rob Schneider but used her mother’s name to distinguish herself. She busted on the seen with the song “Ex’s and Oh’s,” then went galactic with the song “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home,”) – a duet with Miranda Lambert. She has been nominated for a Grammy four times, twice in Country and twice in Rock. Be ready to tip a few during this show and be ready to have a great time.
Friday, July 10 – Boyz to Men: They will have everyone dancing and swaying throughout the show as the vocal quartet that emerged in the 1990s and dominated the charts in the first half of the decade.
The quartet is down to the trio of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman. Over the years they have won four grammy awards and were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They have also been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the R&B Music Hall of Fame.
The biggest hits include “I’ll make Love to You,” “End of the Road,” and the stunning performance of “One Fine Day,” with Mariah Carey.
This concert will be packed and grooving.
Saturday, July 11 – Damage Inc.: The band is from Southern California and is the foremost Metallica tribute band in the United States.
They formed in 2004 and have an extensive catalog, spanning all of Metallica’s music and are down for capturing the intensity of a Metallica concert.
Sunday, July 12 – Cheat Codes: They are an American electronic DJ Music trio from Los Angeles. In the EDM world, they are known as one of the top, most popular acts. It will be an energy-filled act to close out the Fair.
Go to www.alamedacountryfair.com for more information or to purchase tickets.