Paying Tribute: Eclectic Mix of Genres to Join Great New York State Fair Tribute Band Lineup

"Good times never seemed so good!" you may find yourself singing along as you look over this year's lineup of tribute bands performing at The Great New York State Fair. From salutes to Elton John, Neil Diamond, Journey, and The Temptations, to classic rock and pop of the '70s and '80s, to recent #1 songs and all the beloved radio hits in between, prepare for singalongs, nostalgia, and high-energy performances that will turn Chevy Court into party central.

"There's something special about hearing the songs you love while surrounded by thousands of people singing and dancing right along with you," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "This year's tribute acts capture the energy and spirit of some of the most iconic performers of all time, creating unforgettable shows that bring generations together. Whether it's a favorite from your childhood or a song you still turn up on the radio, this lineup is full of music everyone can enjoy together."

Chevy Court Tribute Performances:

Kenny Metcalf as Elton

Fans who love Elton John will adore Kenny Metcalf. It's not just the sequins, smiles, and the big glasses; when Kenny sings, he takes the audience to a real live Elton John performance. This is a show that transports the crowd to the early career of Elton John's music. The hits sound magical, from "Benny and the Jets" to "Rocket Man" to "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," Kenny's great live vocals and the band's tight sets make this one entertaining show. Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Pride Day lineup here.

Moonlight Princesses

Fans of all ages can enjoy dazzling choreography, powerful vocals, and the excitement of a live character-inspired concert experience from Moonlight Princesses, a tribute act inspired by the film's HUNTR/X characters. This immersive, family-friendly performance brings the music and energy of Demon Hunters to life for audiences of every generation. See more information here.

Glenn Leonard's Temptations Revue

"Get ready, 'cause here they come!" Glenn Leonard's Temptations Revue is the world's most authentic and talented tribute to the original Temptations today. It's a dynamic show with five vocalists that have all the choreography, personality, talent, and style of the originals, including the legendary former lead tenor!

Glenn Leonard served as their lead tenor from 1975-1983, and recorded 10 albums with the group, including his signature Temptations version of "Silent Night," which is one of the most played songs on the radio, worldwide, at Christmas time. Glenn also performed and recorded with all the original members during the famed Temptations Reunion Tour in 1982. Rounding out this dynamic lineup are Shelton Price, Melvin Franklin, Jr., former Atlantic Records recording artist Kareem Ali, and one of the most powerful voices in the business, Andre Jackson.

Neil Forever

Performing timeless classics from the songbook of legendary artist Neil Diamond, featuring "Sweet Caroline," "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Love on the Rocks," and many more of his great hits, Neil Forever has been capturing the hearts of fans and is recognized for delivering an authentic live show.

The 14-piece ensemble features a talented lineup of musicians, including founding member David Jacobson (lead vocals/guitar), John Cardoso (drums), Dylan Jacobson (guitar, keyboard, and music director), Anthony Raffa (keyboard), Ted Wyman (bass guitar), Glen Gabberty (electric guitar), Eric Ziegelmeier (conga, percussion), Jeanna Campo (lead vocals), Kayla Manzella (vocals), Chris Scarnato (baritone sax, horns section director), Glenn Gifford (trumpet), Andrew Pereira (tenor sax), and David Joseph (trombone). For the band, performing Neil Diamond's music live is more than just a concert; it's a way to continue and celebrate the music and the man who created it. The admiration for what Neil Diamond means to the history of music is felt in every performance.

Yacht Rock Gold Experience

Yacht Rock Gold Experience brings all your favorite hits from the late 1970s-early 1980s to new generations of music fans. Celebrating the smooth sounds of the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Boz Scaggs and so many more, Yacht Rock Gold Experience engages fans with amazing harmonies and musicianship that brings audiences back to a time when music made you feel good and soothed the soul. With performances by Yacht Rock royalty-including Elliot Lurie singing the #1 hit "Brandy" and Peter Beckett performing the #1 hit "Baby Come Back"-this fan-favorite tribute features four lead singers delivering incredible harmonies, backed by a six-piece rhythm section, iconic saxophone and flute, and memorable horn lines that bring audiences to their feet, show after show.

Voyage

Voyage is the world's premier Journey tribute band, celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy, and passion of one of rock's greatest bands. The band's attention to detail is unrivaled: blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, Voyage has earned a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey's timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone rival the iconic Steve Perry, and backed by a lineup of world-class musicians, Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman, who bring every note to life with precision and heart, Voyage doesn't just perform Journey's greatest hits-they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory. From the soaring ballads of "Faithfully" and "Open Arms" to the anthemic energy of "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Separate Ways," every performance is a journey through the soundtrack of a generation.

About The Great New York State Fair

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair's website, nysfair.ny.gov. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.

In total, The Fair's 2026 Chevrolet Music Series will feature 41 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1), and an 8 p.m. concert each evening at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway). The Fair will also host two special shows at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 28 and September 4 at Chevy Court.

All concerts announced thus far are provided in the charts below. Fair staff will continue to update schedules on The Fair's website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Suburban Park:

Chevy Court:

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. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

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, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

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