The Big E is ready to kick off two and a half weeks of New England-infused entertainment, eating activities and agriculture in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sept. 13-29.
Come for the music and stay for the parades, farmers market, circus spectacular, vendors, rides, food and butter sculptures.
A lot of folks plan their visits to The Big E around specific concerts by their favorite bands. This year, the music offerings cover several generations and many genres on multiple stages from early 1960s singer of “The Twist” Chubby Checker (Sept. 16 and 17) to Gen X icon Lisa Loeb (Sept. 27) to hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy (Sept. 28).
Formally known as the Eastern States Exposition, The Big E is sort of shared state fair that encompasses Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Each state has its own building and its own special day. Connecticut Day at the fair this year is Sept. 18.
ourtesy of The Big E
Canadian pop legend Andy Kim, who wrote for the Archies and the Monkees and had his own hit with “Rock Me Gently,” is one of the final acts performing on the Big E’s Court of Honor stage Sept. 27-29. (Courtesy of The Big E)
The fair’s Court of Honor Stage, located in front of the Coliseum area, has several tribute acts (Let’s Sing Taylor Sept. 13 and Australian Bee Gees Sept. 16-17) but also some genuine stars of yesteryear such as Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone on Sept. 23 and 24 at 2 p.m., Wang Chung also on Sept. 23-24 at 8 p.m., the metal band Slaughter on Sept. 25 and Andy Kim (who co-wrote “Sugar, Sugar” and had his own hit with “Rock Me Gently”) Sept. 27-29. There are 19 Court of Honor acts in all.
There are nine big shows at The Big E Arena, which require additional tickets beyond the fair admission with prices running from $40-$80 depending on the show. The lineup ranges from rock to soft rock to country to a couple of rap legends: contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Phil Wickham (Sept. 13), Ludacris on Sept. 14, Umphrey’s McGee with Lotus on Sept. 15, Dustin Lynch with Dylan Scott on Sept. 20, Diplo and Kito on Sept. 21, America with Jim Messina on Sept. 22, The Brothers Osborne on Sept. 27, Public Enemy on Sept. 28 and Big Time Rush on Sept. 29.
DJ Besescheck
Julai and The Serotones are among the Connecticut bands playing the Big E’s E Stage this year. Dozens of local, regional and national acts are performing at the fair’s various stages Sept. 13-29. (DJ Besescheck)
The “E” in The E Stage stands for emerging artists — talented local and regional acts for whom this can be an important showcase. Over 40 bands play on The E Stage during the 17 days of fair. Many are from Connecticut, among them Natasha Ramos (Sept. 17), Julai & The Serotones (Sept. 18) and Audio Jane (Sept. 22).
Other attractions at The Big E range from daily parades through the fairgrounds to demonstrations, the midway of rides and food vendors, exhibits such as the Eastern States Dairy Hall of Fame, the Eastern States Exhibition Museum, the historical Storrowton Village and the Nashville-themed Dolly’s Honky Tonk.
For a full schedule of Big E events, exhibitors and more, go to thebige.com.
