Who’s playing Big Fresno Fair in 2022? Hint: There’s hip-hop, country singers, comedians
The Big Fresno Fair on Wednesday dropped a first glimpse at its entertainment lineup for 2022.
It announced seven of the performers for this year’s fair, which runs Oct. 5-16.
There are couple of country bands and comedians, an old-school rapper, an R&B singer and a contemporary Christian act.
If history holds, the lineup with be filled out by at least one Latin performer and one punk, metal or rock act.
It’s a solid list of acts, even if doesn’t hold too many surprises.
Who’s been booked so far?
Country singer Dwight Yoakam kicks off the concert series Wednesday, Oct. 5. This is a return for Yoakam. The “Streets of Bakersfield” singer played the fair back in 2009. Tickets are $35-$50.
Also returning to the fair is rapper Ice Cube. He performs Thursday, Oct. 6. His last fair performance (in 2019) was a sell-out (and also delayed by wildfires in Southern California). He also performed in 2017. Tickets are $35-$55.
KMJ radio is celebrating its 100th anniversary by bringing in two Fresno favorites — comedian Paul Rodriguez and OG funk band Tower of Power. The pair share the bill Tuesday, Oct. 11. Tickets are $18-$32.
Texas country band Midland was slated to perform at the fair last year, but had to cancel after a crew member tested positive for COVID-19. They’re back on the schedule for 2022. They play Wednesday, Oct. 12. Tickets are $35-$50.
Comedian/impressionist Dana Carvey of “Saturday Night Live” fame performs Thursday, Oct. 13. Little know fact: Carvey made his feature film debut in the mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap.” He currently hosts the Fly On The Wall podcast with SNL alum David Spade. Tickets are $22-$42.
Phil Wickham opens the fair’s second weekend with a night of worship. The contemporary Christian singer performs Friday, Oct. 14. Wickham is known for his series of live “singalong” records. Tickets are $18-$32.
When Ashanti played the Fresno Fair in 2017 it was with rapper Ja Rule. This year, the R&B singer will perform alongside Baby Bash, a Bay Area rapper with ties to Mendota. The pair perform Saturday, Oct. 15 as part of promoter Brad Jaurique’s Ladies Night Out series. Tickets are $35-$50.
Tickets for all shows go on sale June 1, but will be made available through a pre-sale for Big Fair Fan Club members. Those tickets will be available 10 a.m. May 17 through the end of the month.
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 12:13 PM.