(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Music has been a staple at the California State Fair since its inception 171 years ago. The 2025 season is no different! This year, TESLA, the homegrown Sacramento band, takes to the main stage on Friday, July 18, 2025, as part of the Toyota Concert Series.
In 1984, TESLA started out as City Kidd, until a suggested name change to honor the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla who pioneered all things electrical. Their 1986 platinum debut album, Mechanical Resonance proved to be just that ELECTRIC! It included Top 40 hits “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi.” 1989’s double-platinum The Great Radio Controversy included hits “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and “Love Song”.
In 1990, TESLA helped reshape the face of modern rock music by stripping down to the Five Man Acoustical Jam, an informal collection of their biggest hits peppered with rock and roll classics by the Beatles, The Stones, and others. This album produced their biggest hit single to date, a cover of Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs.” Other 90s albums from TESLA include platinum selling Psychotic Supper and Bust a Nut.
The band continues to record and release material, including 11 new albums since 2000 and recently debuted their latest single, “All About Love. TESLA has endured many of the same taste-changing challenges that affected many in the post grunge world, but through it all, their blue-collar work ethic and dedication to the faithful fan base has helped them not just survive but thrive. TESLA’s legacy is alive and well as they continue to record and sellout venues all over the world. As comfortable, rugged, and dependable as your favorite pair of boots, they endure. TESLA is a celebration of the greatest spirits of rock and roll.
"TESLA is a hometown favorite and they are going to light up the stage at the fair,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the Cal Expo & California State Fair. "It’s been a long time since they have performed here. We know the band will bring high energy with their bluesy, soulful, rock and roll style."
Concerts at the California State Fair are free with Fair admission. For fans looking to get closer to the action, reserved tickets can be purchased at www.CalExpoStateFair.com. Newsletter recipients get first dibs on tickets as presales begin Monday, March 17 with general sales on Tuesday, March 18.
The California State Fair runs from July 11 to July 27 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
