Ramón Ayala farewell tour added to Nebraska State Fair lineup

A Hispanic artist will return to the Nebraska State Fair’s main stage lineup, as Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte is the latest addition to the 2024 Nebraska Lottery Concert Series.

"We have seen great success - and a lot of fun - with our Spanish language musical acts in the previous few years, so we are very excited to have Ramon Ayala at this year's State Fair," said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair Executive Director. "We know from the large crowd for last year's show how passionate this fanbase is and we will be ready for them."

Ayala will perform on Thursday, Aug. 29, on the outdoor stage at the newly updated Anderson Field. The show features special Early Bird Pricing. Ticket prices for the show are $5 off regular price from on sale Friday, March 1, through March 15, meaning general admission tickets are $32 and pit tickets are $52 during that time.

Ayala has defined norteño music with signature songs and definitive instrumental styling that have made him a superstar on both sides of the El Rio Grande. Now 78 years old, Ayala began playing his favorite instrument, the accordion, when he was six years old. After starting in a band Los Relampagos del Norte in the 1960s, Ayala branched out in 1971 with Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, eventually creating a style that became the standard for norteño music.

The band has announced 2024 will be their farewell tour.

"We are fortunate to have Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair," said Karli Schulz, Entertainment and Events Director. "To have Ramon Ayala on his farewell tour is certainly a highlight for us."

He has won and has been nominated for several Grammy awards throughout his career. In 2001 Ayala was awarded with an American Grammy award for the album “En Vivo… El Hombre Y Su Musica.” Ayala has also been awarded with two Latin Grammy awards for the albums “Quemame Los Ojos” and “El Numero Cien.”

This is one of seven days of high-quality national touring acts in the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series. Already announced shows include Christian stars Casting Crowns and Anne Wilson on Sunday, August 25, the Older Nebraskans Day concert featuring the Gatlin Brothers and Lorrie Morgan on Monday, August 26, country star Riley Green on Wednesday, August 28, and the Saturday night, August 31, series-closing act, Yung Gravy with opening act Tayler Holder. Tickets for all shows are available at statefair.org. 

Additional acts will be announced for the remaining performances through March.

With the theme, All Roads Lead to Fun, the 2024 Nebraska State Fair is August 23-September 2 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010. More information about agricultural events and competitions, carnival entertainment, and other musical performances is available at StateFair.org.