Central NYS 90s Music Star to Open State Fair Concerts

A Central New Yorker and iconic 90s rock alternative music star will kick off the Chevorlet Music Series at the Great New York State Fair. Steven Page, former frontman of the Barenaked Ladies, will take the Chevy Court stage at 1 p.m. on opening day Aug, 24.

While Page still plays music from the Barenaked Ladies' catalog, the award-winning musician, singer, and songwriter has been performing and releasing new, original music – solo, and with the Steven Page Trio – for the last decade. Page lives in Manlius, in Central New York, and the ties to New York State run deep. Page's sixth solo album, "Excelsior" - which also happens to be the state's motto – will be released this September.

A fierce advocate for mental health, Page has also been open about his own journey publicly. In April, 2020, Page released "Isolation," a song about social distancing and anxiety.

When in-person performances paused during the pandemic, Page's Live from Home virtual concerts became a familiar comfort for fans. Even now, almost every Saturday when he's not on the road, Page joins a community of followers around the world at 5 p.m. EST via Zoom to play music.

"Bringing people together and offering opportunities to connect over common themes like music are two of the Fair's greatest strengths," said interim Fair Director Sean Hennessey. "Page's local and regional connections - and familiarity as an artist - makes him the perfect artist to kick off the Chevrolet Music Series and 13 days filled with opportunities to come together at the Great New York State Fair."

All concerts in the Chevrolet Music Series are free with Fair admission. All concerts at the Fair are sponsored by Chevrolet.

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state's CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. The 2022 Fair begins Aug. 24 and continues through Sept. 5. The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Guests are invited to see photos from the Fair on Flickr and ideas are always welcome. New Yorkers are encouraged to send suggestions via email to statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.