Rosanne Cash, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to play Fair for free

Photo by Nikki Miller

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the Medina, March 2010

​Country music fans possessing abundant wealth - be sure to check out Tim McGraw (Saturday 8/28 7:30, $37-67) and Carrie Underwood (Tuesday 8/31 7:30, $39-59), both playing the Grandstand during the initial days of the State Fair. Oof. That's pricey. To my fellow drinkers of Pabst Blue Ribbon and eaters of fast food dollar menus - the Gods of Free Stuff have truly smiled upon us this year.

This weekend, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will be playing free shows in the Leinie Bandshell (Saturday 8/28 and Sunday 8/29, 8:30), with Rosanne Cash to follow early in the week (Monday 8/30 and Tuesday 8/31, 8:30).

Both acts have delivered excellent performances in the area in the past year (NGDB at the Medina, Rosanne Cash at the Guthrie), so their stops on the free stage should not be missed.

And speaking of Blue Ribbon (as in first-place cow, not beer), if you're looking to save your pennies at the Fair, pick up the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, which at $5 contains over $500 in coupons redeemable on food and beverages, rides and games, merchandise, attractions, and more.