Wisconsin State Fair Finalizes 2012 Headliners

The Wisconsin State Fair has never been the place to discover exciting, cutting-edge bands at the peak of their careers. But with that being said, the headliner lineup at the fair has always dutifully served auxiliary purposes such as getting your ’80s hair metal fix or seeing that ’90s band that you never really even wanted to see during the ’90s, but now are cosmically drawn to by some mystic sense of nostalgia.



This year will be no different, as evidenced by the now complete list of headliners. Notable on the list are the Neon Trees, a particularly modern selection for the fair. Though the band seemed doomed to one-hit-wonder status with its monster “Animal,” the Trees have shown recent signs that they might just have plans to stick around in the popular psyche for a while. The Band Perry also offers an intriguing early week option for country fans. Though its not necessarily my style, the group was nominated for Best New Artist at this year’s Grammys before being indie cred-slapped out the door by Wisconsin’s own Bon Iver. So there must be something there, right?



Outside of these, it seems like it’s about the same list it’s been for years. Comedian to appeal to blue collar working folk (Jeff Dunham)? Check. Collection of surviving members of oldies bands (Happy Together Tour)? Check. Not quite interesting enough to spend money on ’90s show (BNL, Blues Traveler et al.)? Check. Styx? Check.



For your viewing pleasure, here is the complete listing:



Jeff Dunham

Thursday 8/2



Billy Currington with David Nail

Friday 8/3



Neon Trees with Shiny Toy Guns

Saturday 8/4



Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles and more

Sunday 8/5



The Band Perry with Sunny Sweeney

Monday 8/6



Styx with Outlaws

Tuesday 8/7



Chris Tomlin with Chad James

Wednesday 8/8



Victoria Justice

Thursday 8/9



Barenaked Ladies with Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & The Monsters and Cracker

8/10