Rascal Flatts Returns to Iowa State Fair for 25th Anniversary Tour

Rascal Flatts' Return to the Iowa State Fair: A Nostalgic Performance with Mixed Results

Country trio Rascal Flatts made their third appearance at the Iowa State Fair, bringing with them a mix of nostalgia and high expectations. The band, consisting of Gary LeVox on lead vocals, Jay DeMarcus on bass guitar, and Joe Don Rooney on lead guitar, is currently on a 2025 tour titled "Life is a Highway Tour," celebrating their 25 years of performing together at the Grandstand.

In 2020, the group announced they would be taking a break after two decades of music-making, followed by a planned tour. However, the pandemic forced the cancellation of that tour. They officially disbanded in 2021, but it seems the band couldn't resist marking their silver anniversary with a new album and a series of shows.

As the lights dimmed, the band opened with Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back in Town," setting the tone for an evening filled with hits from their extensive catalog. LeVox took the stage, reflecting on the past 25 years of Rascal Flatts. He humorously noted how technology has evolved since their early days, when cassette players were the norm, and now everything can be streamed directly to a phone.

Despite the nostalgic sentiment, the performance had its challenges. The band played a series of hits back-to-back, which left the audience struggling to keep up. The energy was high, but the lack of structure made it difficult to build momentum throughout the set.

LeVox's vocal performance remained strong, showcasing his signature voice that has defined country music over the years. His delivery of slower songs like "My Wish" and "Bless the Broken Road" was particularly moving, with the crowd singing along in unison.

However, the live mix posed some issues. The powerful instrumentation, including heavy bass and loud guitars, often drowned out LeVox’s voice, making it challenging for the audience to hear him clearly. This issue was especially noticeable during moments where he invited the crowd to sing along.

The band also introduced a new track, "I Dare You," a collaboration with The Jonas Brothers. The song, part of their latest album "Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets," showcased their creative evolution while still maintaining their signature sound.

The evening also featured opening act Neal McCoy, who delivered a high-energy set that resonated with the audience. Known for his 90s hits, McCoy brought a mix of classic country and rock n roll, engaging the crowd with his charisma and storytelling.

McCoy’s performance included songs like "The Shake" and "No Doubt About It," as well as a medley of rock n roll classics. His ability to connect with the audience and his smooth baritone voice made for a memorable opening act.

The show concluded with Rascal Flatts’ encore, featuring their hit "Life Is a Highway." The performance served as a fitting end to the evening, highlighting the band's enduring appeal and their ability to bring people together through music.

As the Iowa State Fair continues, the Grandstand remains a hub for entertainment, with upcoming acts like American rock-and-roll tribute band Hairball set to take the stage next. The fair offers a variety of experiences, from food to music, making it a must-visit event for locals and visitors alike.

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Barenaked Ladies Show Proves Connection Outshines Crowd Size in Syracuse

A Nostalgic Night Under the Stars in Syracuse

Syracuse, New York, witnessed a unique musical evening as the “Last Summer on Earth” tour brought together three iconic bands—Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray, and Fastball—at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. While the crowd was smaller than expected, with under 3,000 attendees, the energy and nostalgia of the night made it a memorable experience for fans of all ages.

The event kicked off with Fastball, who took the stage just after 7 p.m., as the summer sun still cast a bright glow over the venue. The band delivered a set that included hits like “Sooner or Later,” “You’re an Ocean,” and their classic track “The Way.” In a touching moment, they paid tribute to Syracuse University graduate Lou Reed with a rendition of The Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Man.” This gesture added a personal touch to the performance, highlighting the band's connection to the local community.

Fastball also showcased some of their lesser-known tracks, such as “Love Comes in Waves/The Joker” and “Out of My Head.” The band’s set was completed by a special appearance from Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson, who joined them for “The Way.” This collaboration was a highlight of the night, showing the camaraderie among the musicians.

As the evening progressed, Sugar Ray took the stage, bringing back the vibes of the late ’90s with their signature spiked hair and energetic performances. Frontman Mark McGrath greeted the audience with a mix of humor and gratitude, acknowledging the long-standing support of fans. The band played a seven-song set that included fan favorites like “Someday,” “Every Morning,” and “Fly.” The song “Fly” proved to be a crowd favorite, with everyone singing along and dancing.

Sugar Ray’s performance was a nostalgic journey, reminding attendees of the music that defined a generation. The band’s ability to connect with the audience through their timeless hits was evident throughout the set. Fans were even encouraged to revisit the Apple+ show “Shrinking,” where a version of “Every Morning” was featured, adding another layer of entertainment to the evening.

Barenaked Ladies Bring Nostalgia and Depth

The final act of the night was Barenaked Ladies, whose setlist blended well-known hits with deeper cuts, showcasing the band’s versatility. Frontman Ed Robertson opened with a humorous comment about playing mellow songs from their new record, which led into a heartfelt performance of “Clearly Lost.” The band also covered Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” a choice that resonated with the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne.

Throughout the performance, Barenaked Ladies mixed familiar tracks like “The Old Apartment,” “Pinch Me,” and “If I Had a Million Dollars” with less popular songs such as “Big Back Yard” and “Light Up My Room.” The acoustic version of “One Night” added a different dimension to the set, allowing the audience to appreciate the band’s softer side.

Robertson also acknowledged former lead singer Steven Page, expressing his appreciation for the band’s history and wishing him a happy 14th wedding anniversary. This moment highlighted the band’s respect for their past while looking forward to the future.

Despite the small crowd, the atmosphere remained positive and enthusiastic. Each band demonstrated their enduring appeal and dedication to their craft. Their ability to engage with the audience, regardless of the size of the crowd, was a testament to their longevity in the music industry.

A Celebration of Music and Memories

The “Last Summer on Earth” tour served as a reminder of the power of live music to bring people together. Whether it was the nostalgic tunes of Sugar Ray, the heartfelt performances of Barenaked Ladies, or the energetic sets of Fastball, each act contributed to a night filled with memories and emotion.

For many, the evening was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the music that shaped their lives. As the last notes of “Summer of ‘69” echoed through the amphitheater, it was clear that the spirit of the “Last Summer on Earth” tour would live on in the hearts of those who attended.

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Get Ready for Balraj at Cafe Underpass: Punjabi Night 2025!

PNNNew Delhi [India], July 10: If you enjoy fast-paced Punjabi music and excellentnightlife, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 26, 2025 (11:00 PM).Cafe Underpassin New Delhi will serve as the hostBalrajOne of the most thrilling events of the year.Balrajis recognized for his emotive voice and popular songs such as "Jaan TayBani." He will present a live show that will have you dancing throughout the night. Cafe Underpass has emerged as a major force in Delhi'snightlife. It is recognized both locally and globally for its distinctive approach and exceptional quality. Since its opening five years ago beneath the Defence Colony Flyover, the club has evolved from a secret treasure to a well-known establishment.nightlifespot. It is recognized for its vibrant ambiance, exceptional security, and dedication to quality. Key Achievements of Cafe Underpass:-Best Nightclub in Delhi: The place has received numerous accolades, including the honor of being the best nightclub in Delhi NCR. It has been highlighted by more than 60 media sources, such as The Print, ANI News, and MSN.-Sold-Out Concerts & Major Live Performances: Cafe Underpass is well-known for organizing full-house performances by leading Indian artists. Recent events featuring Shamsher Lehri and Gulam Jugni have drawn large audiences. They have energized music lovers in Delhi.-Cultural Influence: The club blends local music with popular international tracks. This fosters a welcoming environment. It draws a wide range of visitors from the city. It influences trends and transforms the nightlife in the capital.-Luxurious Experience: The club features high-quality audio systems. It provides outstanding service. The setting is secure and thrilling, encouraging guests to come back.-Expansion and Innovation: Cafe Underpass is thriving. They intend to launch a new high-end nightclub named KOKKINIA in Green Park. This will enhance its position in Delhi's entertainment industry.These accomplishments have positioned Cafe Underpass as more than justnightlifehotspot, as well as a cultural symbol in Delhi. It continuously provides unforgettable experiences and sets new standards in the industryWhy You Can't MissBalrajLive Performance at Cafe Underpass - Date and Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025 | Starting at 11:00 PM - Location: Cafe Underpass, Defence Colony, New Delhi - Artist:Balraj, well-known for Punjabi songs such as "Jaan Tay Bani" and "Ikk Vaari Hor Soch Lae"What to Expect:-A vibrant environment with excellent audio and lighting-A playlist filled withBalrajHis most popular tracks and fan favorites - a combination of heartfelt ballads and dance songs to maintain high energy Whether you are a bigBalrajWhether you're a fan or simply looking for an enjoyable evening in Delhi, this event is perfect for you.

Secure Your SpotTickets for BalrajThe performance at Cafe Underpass is selling quickly. Don't overlook the opportunity to experience this incredible Punjabi music event. Purchase your tickets now via well-known platforms and prepare for lasting memories. Don't miss out.BalrajLive performance at Cafe Underpass this July--Delhi'snightlifeis about to improve further! What Sets Cafe Underpass Apart? Cafe Underpass is located in the center of South Delhi'snightlife. It is renowned for its fashionable ambiance, renowned performers, and exciting gatherings. It's an ideal spot for music enthusiasts and partygoers seeking the finest in Delhi's nightlife. Cafe Underpass offers a variety of musical genres. They feature EDM, Bollywood, techno, hip-hop, trance, and Haryanvi music on specific evenings. The club's event schedule comprises:-Bollywood Nights (traditional beats)-EDM Thursdays (local and international DJs)-Haryanvi music nights-Music Time Machine events (various eras and styles every week)-Live performances by well-known DJs and artistsKey Points:-Cafe Underpass distinguishes itself by offering a blend of commercial, underground, and local music, attracting a wide audience.-Underpass differs from high-end venues.-While upscale venues emphasize international acts, Underpass features weekly themes.-It also organizes regional music nights.-This showcases Delhi's rich cultural diversity.-Its budget-friendly pricing and welcoming events draw a youthful and varied crowd, setting it apart from more exclusive clubs.In conclusion, Cafe Underpass boasts one of the most varied event schedules in India. It combines mainstream, underground, and regional music, ensuring there's something for every music lover.Exciting Update: Kokkinia Nightclub to Open in August 2025Delhi'snightlifeis increasing, and the newKokkiniaA nightclub is set to open in August 2025. Keep an eye out for news about this exclusive entertainment venue, offering amazing music and memorable evenings. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided byPNN. ANI will not be held responsible for the content in any manner)

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