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Orangevale Sun

ZZ Top Rocks California State Fair

Jul 27, 2018 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Rich Peters, MPG Editor

Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Photo by Rich Peters

ZZ Top Rocks California State Fair [2 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Rock and Roll legends ZZ Top headlined the California State Fair on Thursday night. Papa Murphy’s Park played host to the Billy Gibbons led power trio whose career has spanned nearly five decades.

Formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas, guitarist and lead vocalist Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard have played thousands of gigs together – and still appear to be having fun while up to their old tricks. For a packed house at the State Fair, they knocked out hit after hit, leaving those in attendance reminiscing.

Local musician Michael Ray took the stage early on with nothing but an upside down Strat and his unique voice. He showcased a few originals while also paying homage to the likes of Jimi Hendrix with his rendition of The Wind Cries Mary.

George Thorogood and his band, The Destroyers, then took the stage with usual confidence and theatrics, running through his list of top tracks and setting the mood as the scorching sun set for ZZ Top.

It was a full night of true bluesman at the Fair.