Country music veteran brings decades of hits to the Toyota Concert Series as the California State Fair enters its final week of headline performances.
One of country music’s most recognizable voices takes center stage Wednesday night as multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins headlines the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage, continuing a star-studded run of performances at the California State Fair.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Adkins has become one of country music’s most enduring entertainers, known for his unmistakable baritone voice, commanding stage presence and a catalog that ranges from heartfelt ballads to lighthearted party anthems. His appearance at Cal Expo comes as the California State Fair enters its final week, with several more nationally recognized acts still scheduled before the Fair concludes Sunday.
For Adkins, longevity has come from remaining true to himself.
“I’ve got to the point where it’s all up to me now,” Adkins has shared as he reflecting on his career. “I can do whatever I want … and that’s a beautiful place to be.”
That independent spirit has shaped his career since making his major-label debut in 1996 with the album Dreamin’ Out Loud. Over the years, Adkins has sold more than 11 million albums, charted 20 songs on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 and placed 15 singles in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. His music has generated more than two billion streams worldwide while earning multiple Grammy nominations, Academy of Country Music Awards and CMT Music Awards.
Throughout his career, Adkins has carved out a unique place in country music by refusing to stay in one lane. While his rich baritone became synonymous with traditional country storytelling, he has never been afraid to embrace humor, Southern rock influences or collaborations that stretch beyond the genre.
Fans attending Wednesday night’s concert can expect a career-spanning performance featuring signature hits including “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “Songs About Me,” “Every Light in the House,” “Arlington” and many others that have helped define his nearly 30-year career.
That willingness to evolve while remaining authentic was perhaps best illustrated on his 13th studio album, The Way I Wanna Go, released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut. Rather than looking backward, the project showcased an artist still eager to challenge expectations.
The ambitious 25-song collection featured an unexpected lineup of collaborators, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Melissa Etheridge, Keb’ Mo’ and even Stevie Wonder on harmonica. The project blended traditional country ballads with contemporary production, party anthems and cross-genre experimentation while remaining unmistakably Trace Adkins.
“I am at the top of my game right now,” Adkins said during the album’s release. “I’m better at this than I’ve ever been in my life, and I like the way my voice sounds better now than 25 years ago.”
Among the album’s highlights are reflective songs such as “Heartbreak Song,” “Where I Am Today” and “Empty Chair,” alongside playful tracks including “If I Was a Woman” with Blake Shelton, “Where The Country Girls At” featuring Luke Bryan and Pitbull, and “So Do the Neighbors,” which pairs Adkins with rap icon Snoop Dogg.
Adkins has said those collaborations reflected the freedom he’s earned after spending decades in the music industry.
“Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would collaborate on songs with Luke Bryan, Melissa Etheridge, Snoop Dogg, Keb’ Mo’, Pitbull, and Blake Shelton…on one album,” Adkins said. “I even have a song that Stevie Wonder plays harmonica on. So, to have performances by these iconic superstars, from different musical genres, on my 25th-anniversary album is incredibly humbling.”
Raised in Louisiana, Adkins credits his upbringing for shaping a style that comfortably blends traditional country with Southern influences while remaining open to new ideas. That approach has helped him remain relevant through changing musical trends and has earned him membership in the Grand Ole Opry, one of country music’s highest honors.
Beyond music, Adkins has also built a successful acting career, appearing in feature films and television productions including The Lincoln Lawyer, Deepwater Horizon, Old Henry, Monarch and several Hallmark productions. His larger-than-life personality has made him a familiar television presence while he has also remained active in charitable efforts supporting military veterans and other causes.
Despite his accomplishments beyond the recording studio, live performance continues to be at the heart of Adkins’ career. Known for his commanding stage presence, booming vocals and easygoing storytelling between songs, he continues touring extensively and remains one of country music’s most recognizable performers.
Wednesday’s performance is expected to showcase that full range, blending emotional ballads, patriotic favorites and the upbeat country anthems that have made him a fan favorite for generations.
The Toyota Concert Series continues Thursday, July 30, when Dark Star Orchestra brings its acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute experience to the Sky River Casino Stage. For nearly three decades and more than 3,300 performances, the seven-piece ensemble has recreated classic Grateful Dead concerts using authentic historical setlists while capturing the improvisational spirit that made the legendary band famous.
The Fair’s final weekend begins Friday, July 31, with legendary R&B group Boyz II Men. The Grammy-winning trio remains one of the best-selling R&B vocal groups of all time with timeless hits including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “On Bended Knee,” “Motownphilly” and “One Sweet Day.”
On Saturday, Aug. 1, iconic funk band WAR takes the stage with more than five decades of hits including “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “The Cisco Kid” and “Spill the Wine,” before the Toyota Concert Series concludes Sunday, Aug. 2, with Yacht Rock Revue, whose high-energy performances celebrate the soft rock classics of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
All Toyota Concert Series performances begin at 8 p.m. on the Sky River Casino Stage and are included with paid California State Fair admission. Guests may line up beginning at 5 p.m. for approximately 700 free first-come, first-served seats behind the reserved section, while reserved seating remains available for purchase. Fair admission is required for all concert attendees.
Beyond the nightly concerts, the California State Fair continues through Aug. 2 with carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, award-winning fair food, shopping, family attractions and entertainment throughout the Cal Expo grounds.
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