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Grandstand Performers of Utah State Fair

Show of the week » "Uncommonly Good" is the theme of this year's Utah State Fair, and I hope the music coming out of the Grandstand each night will be half as good as the irreverent TV commercials. For music highlights, visit www.sltrib.com and search for "Cowboy crooner" or visit www.utah-state-fair.com. This year's standout shows include R&B group Boyz II Men tonight at 7:30, country legend Ray Price on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m., comedians from Wiseguys comedy clubs on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m., and local cowboy singer Brenn Hill on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. MercyMe, a popular Christian rock band, is the only Grandstand act that requires buying separate tickets -- they're available at the box office for $25 in advance, and $30 on the day of the show, which is Friday, Sept. 17.

When » Through Sept. 18

Where » Utah State Fairgrounds, 155 N. 1000 West, Salt Lake City

Tickets » With the exception of the MercyMe show, free show seating tickets will be available at the Utah State Fair Grandstand Ticket Office beginning at noon the day of the show. Limit six per person. Free show tickets don't include gate admission.

Peter Cetera

The former singer for Chicago has a sense of humor, calling this his "Yes I'm Still Alive" tour. The crooner has had five Top-40 singles, including two that reached No. 1: "Glory of Love" and "Next Time I Fall" (with Amy Grant).

When » Friday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m.

Where » Sandy Amphitheater, 9400 S. 1300 East, Sandy

Tickets » $20 to $39 at www.SmithsTix.com

Imagine: Remembering the Fab Four

This tribute band, which just headlined the Utah State Fair on Sept. 9, makes a drive up I-15. The quartet has been performing since 1993 with believable Liverpudlian accents, as well as pointed boots and fab outfits.

When » Friday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m.

Where » Ogden Amphitheater, 343 25th St., Ogden

Tickets » $10 to $15 at www.SmithsTix.com

Devildriver

The Santa Barbara-based metal band, an Ozzfest veteran, is known for its unique "groove" approach to metal and is scheduled to tour with 36 Crazyfists later this year. Also on the bill are Hostility, Kittie, Kataklysm and Misery.

When » Saturday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m.

Where » In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $17 at www.SmithsTix.com and www.24Tix.com

!!!

Yes, the name of the dance-punk band is three exclamation points, and fans pronounce the name as "chick chick chick." The band just released its fourth studio album, "Strange Weather, Isn't It?" on Aug. 24. Interesting how the album's name has no exclamation points, but a question mark. Hmm.

When » Saturday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m.

Where » In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $15 in advance, $18 day of, at www.SmithsTix.com and www.24Tix.com

Hearts of Steele

This country act features Ray and Jennifer Brasseur on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, and they're backed by the cleverly titled Steele Workers. The husband-and-wife team have performed throughout Tennessee and northern Utah.

When » Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Where » Peery's Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden

Tickets » $10 in advance, $12 day of, at www.SmithsTix.com

David Bazan

The 34-year-old indie-rock singer-songwriter from Seattle was the lead singer of Pedro the Lion before embarking on a solo career in 2006. He's touring with a full band for the first time in a half-decade. Mount St. Helens Vietnam Band opens.

When » Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9 p.m.

Where » Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $12 at www.SmithsTix.com and www.24Tix.com

Titus Andronicus

Taking its name from the William Shakespeare drama, this indie-rock band from New Jersey draws upon punk influences and from the music of Pulp. In March, Rolling Stone selected it as one of the seven best new bands of 2010. Free Energy opens.

When » Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.

Where » Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $12 at www.SmithsTix.com and www.24Tix.com

Dirt Nasty

Dirt Nasty is the comedic rapping alter ego of Simon Rex, an actor and former VJ at MTV. He has toured with friends Andre Legacy and Beardo, calling themselves the Dyslexic Speedreaders. Legacy and Beardo will appear at the show. Dirt Nasty also appeared in Ke$ha's video for her hit song "Tik Tok."

When » Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m.

Where » In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $13 at www.SmithsTix.com and www.24Tix.com

Modern English

The British new-wave band that earned its most fame in the early 1980s is back with its first new album in 14 years. The band's best-known song is "I Melt with You," but songs such as "Hands Across the Sea" and "Ink and Paper" also saw some success in the U.S., though the band was bigger in its homeland. That didn't stop Taco Bell from using "I Melt With You" to advertise its food.

When » Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 9 p.m.

Where » Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $20 in advance, $25 day of, at SmithsTix

Tab Benoit

Last weekend was the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in my former hometown of Morgan City, La., and Tab Benoit is a Cajun musician who grew up in Houma, the biggest city close to Morgan City. He's a 42-year-old blues guitarist who loves the swampy nature of Southern blues.

When » Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.

Where » The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets » $15 in advance, $20 night of show, www.thestateroomslc.com

JJ Grey & Mofro

Earlier this summer, JJ Grey & Mofro headlined Red Butte Garden, so it will be treat to see the group return to headline the 300-seat State Room. Since its Utah show, the northern Florida blues-soul-funk-R&B-rock band released a new album, "Georgia Warhorse," named for a huge cricket that plagues Grey's hometown studio.

When » Thursday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m.

Where » The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets » $20 in advance, $25 night of, at www.SmithsTix.com