Q: What is the capacity?
- A: The MSF Bandshell has a capacity of 5000.
Q: What are the MSF Bandshell stage dimensions?
- A: The MSF Bandshell is 55’ wide x 25’ deep. The stage is covered.
Q: When is the stage in operation?
- A: The stage is in constant use from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Q: Is there a backline?
- A: Yes, backline specs are provided. See Backline page for details.
Q: Is artist production allowed?
- A: All deals are based on artist using house PA and lights. Artists are welcome to bring their own backline. If you intend to use your in-ear monitors, please contact Drew Hau at Allied Audio to insure that you can patch into our snake.
Q: Can artist leave equipment backstage overnight?
- A: Yes, it will be locked in a secured area.
Q: Are there dressing rooms?
- A: The Artists’ Lounge is a clean, well-lit backstage area, with couches and eating area. It is accessible from the stage without passing through the audience seating area. It has a lockable dressing room, mens and womens bathrooms, including showers and bath towels.
Q: What hospitality is provided?
- A: Catering includes fresh fruit, popcorn, coffee, tea, soda and bottled water
Q: Is a piano tuner provided?
- A: Yes, every day of the fair.
Q: Do I need special credentials to get to the venue?
- A: Tickets of admission are required for each member of your band and crew for each performance date. Your fair tickets will be mailed in your advance pack not less than two weeks before the fair. There is no “Will Call” window or guest list; everyone must have a ticket or pay the admission price of $16.
Q: Is there vehicle parking at the venue?
- A: Yes, there is limited parking available at the venue. SEE DIRECTIONS. If you are driving, please attach the parking credential to your lower left windshield and follow the map to your proper parking place. Your map and parking credential will be sent to you in your advance pack.
Q: Is there ground transport?
- A: Please contact Samantha Goessner, MSF Stage Manager at sam.goessner@mnstatefair.org / Cell: 262-490-7037, to arrange your ground transport to and from airport, hotel and state fair.
Q: When is sound check for daytime acts?
- A: If you are scheduled to play during the day (between 10:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.) you will get a line check immediately before your set. Most artists are okay with a throw-and-go. If you require a sound check it must be scheduled in advance and will take place at 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. on the first day of your engagement. The fairgrounds are open at 6:00 a.m. and the public may be present for your sound check.
Q: When is sound check for Bandshell Tonight acts?
- A: If you are scheduled to play at night, (showtime 8:30 PM) your sound check must be scheduled in advance and will take place at 7:00 a.m. on the first day of your engagement. The fairgrounds are open at 6:00 a.m. and the public may be present for your sound check.
Q: What is the camera/recording policy?
- A: If an artist has a no-photo, no-video, or no-audio policy, we make a pre-show announcement, and we instruct our security people to prohibit such activity. Amateur photography is allowed, but only from the audience member’s seat. No professional photo, video or audio recording of any kind is allowed without permission from the artist.
Q: What is the rain policy?
- A: The stage is a permanent structure with a protective roof. In the event of cancellation due to weather, the artist will be paid in full for the performance, provided s/he is on site, ready and able to perform.
Q: How do we handle media appearances?
- A: Please coordinate all requests for radio and TV appearances on the fairgrounds with our MSF Media Coordinator, Susan Ritt at susan.ritt@mnstatefair.org / 651-288-4337. You may contact Susan directly to arrange logistics for your artist to get to the interview and back to the stage in time for sound check or showtime. Please contact Susan prior to scheduling your interviews.
Q: Does the stage have a sponsor?
- A: Yes, the MSF Bandshell is sponsored by Leinenkugel’s Beer and City Pages. Sponsor signage is located on and near the stage.