Farm Aid, the all-star fundraiser now in its 40th year, was hoping to land in the Shakopee venue but event officials were told by Live Nation that construction was running behind; so Willie Nelson and friends pivoted to Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota on Sept. 20.
The Ledge has made some improvements for this year, including additional parking, upgraded sound system, tweaked entrance/exits and a bar for the expanded VIP boxed seats at the back of the venue.
This summer, the Ledge has an eclectic lineup of Rock & Roll Hall of Famers (Bonnie Raitt, ZZ Top, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire), alt-rockers (Barenaked Ladies, Goo Goo Dolls, Rainbow Kitten Surprise), country singers (Warren Zeiders, Turnpike Troubadours, Justin Moore), vintage bands (Kansas, KC and the Sunshine Band), gospel groups (Maverick City Music) and the unclassifiable (“Weird Al” Yankovic).
The amphitheater started its season earlier than ever with country-rocker Brantley Gilbert on May 9.
“Brantley Gilbert’s agent said they want to do May. We said, ‘The average high for that time period is only 60.’ He confirmed the next morning before we could ponder. It turned out to be the best [weather] weekend in history. It was 83 or 84 when we did the show.”
Fritz said Waite Park “needs you to break even or make money” from the concerts.