May 14, 2024 - Things to Do

Semisonic to perform two free concerts at the Minnesota State Fair

Torey Van Oot

7: Dan Wilson of Semisonic band, performs during the day 02 of Vive Latino 2024 festival at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on March 17, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.(Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images) — Dan Wilson and the rest of the band are taking their throwback hits to the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Photo: Medios y Media/Getty Images

Semisonic, the Minnesota-based rock band responsible for the unofficial anthem of last calls everywhere, will play two free shows at the State Fair this summer.

The big picture: The back-to-back concerts, slated for Sept. 1 and 2 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, are part of a lineup of more than 900 free performances scheduled for the 12-day fair.

Other acts announced Tuesday include Americana duo The War and Treaty, country singer Phil Vassar, and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone, the Star Tribune notes.

The catch: While there's no added charge to enjoy these shows, you'll still need a general admission ticket to the fair.

Catch up fast: For those of you born after the turn of the millennium, Semisonic's 1998 earworm "Closing Time" topped the charts and snagged a Grammy nomination.

1 fun fact: Frontman Dan Wilson, who wrote the group's most recognizable song, was nominated for an Oscar this year for "It Never Went Away," which appeared in the documentary "American Symphony."

Go Deeper with the fair's full list of free performances.

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Semisonic to perform two free concerts at the Minnesota State Fair

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