Indiana State Fair performers: How much they made and what they asked for

Keith Sweat and Styx brought home the biggest paychecks of the Indiana State Fair performers in 2023.

But the artists requested more than money, according to their contracts that included backstage asks. Sweat said he would need a dozen longstem thornless roses in the dressing room to prepare for the stage, while Styx asked for a buffet-style meal before the band's performance.

The singer-songwriter and rock band led the Free Stage acts by making more than $110,000 each. Between July 28 and Aug. 20, 19 groups who performed collected more than $950,000 total.

The artists' contracts are publicly available because the State of Indiana is in charge of the event through the Indiana State Fair Commission. IndyStar went through the documents to find payments to artists as well as their backstage requests. Those included all manner of throat-coating tea to keep vocal pipes smooth as well as towels of many shapes and sizes because if you think you were hot, then just imagine dancing on stage in a pool of your own sweat.

The one thing that the Indiana State Fair Commission does not provide for entertainers: Alcohol of any kind. Still, that did not stop musicians from asking.

Take a look below to learn about some of the quirkier requests and how much each act was paid this year.

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When: Aug. 2

Payment: $125,000, with $113,000 to KDS Entertainment Group and $12,000 to Pyramid Entertainment Group

Backstage requests: The musician lists barbecued salmon, strawberry-flavored Twizzlers and Kettle Style plain potato chips among his asks. A dozen long-stemmed red roses without thorns are marked as a must for his dressing room. Also requested is a very specific iron and steamer: the Rowenta Perfect Steam Pro model #DG8624U1.

Requested but nixed: Sweat asked for a bottle of Hennessy, Ciroc Peach or Mango, and Moet Nectar Imperial Rose or sparkling Moscato. as well, but the fair doesn't provide alcohol to its entertainers.

When: Aug. 4

Payment: $123,500

Backstage requests: A large pepperoni and sausage pizza for the dressing room is noted as "NON-NEGOTIABLE." As far as dinner goes, the band welcomes local specialties and likes two to three main dishes with hot fresh steamed vegetables.

The musicians prefer buffet-style, with tablecloths, real plates, glasses, flatware and napkins. To reduce waste, the musicians also ask that no Styrofoam or single condiment packages be used.

"This is our last chance to relax," the rider states. "Thank you for making it pleasant!"

When: Aug. 18

Payment: $105,000

Backstage requests: Specialty beverages take a front seat here, including Stewart's Black Cherry Soda, fresh-squeezed orange juice with pulp, Reed's Ginger Brew, Odwalla or Naked Juice smoothies, and Health-Ade Kombucha Cayenne Cleanse.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: Remy Martin XO Cognac, Acrobat Pinot Noir and bottles of Heineken.

When: July 28

Payment: $85,000

Backstage requests: The act encourages recycled materials and juices that are 100% real juice.

For dinner, neither mushrooms nor fast food are welcome. Black himself doesn't eat until after the show and welcomes local restaurant suggestions.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: A bottle of Jack Daniels.

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When: Aug. 6

Payment: $80,000

Backstage requests: Three entrees should be vegan. Otherwise, ideal meals include roast turkey with trimmings and roast pork, lemon chicken and roast beef, and roast chicken with meat and vegetable lasagna. That said, the artists are willing to go off-script if the caterer has creative ideas.

Water for tea heated up in an electric kettle, a squeeze bottle of honey and a fruit tray are musts.

When: Aug. 16, featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV, The Cowsills

Payment: $67,500

Backstage requests: The bands have different meal requests depending on the day of the week. For dinner on Wednesdays — the day of the week they performed here — that's vegetarian lasagna and baked or broiled chicken. The groups stay up on the news, too, and ask for copies of the local newspaper and USA Today.

Special dressing room asks include Starbucks cans of Doubleshot Energy Coffee beverages (for The Turtles) and half-gallons of whole milk, preferably organic (for The Cowsills).

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and white wine.

When: Aug. 13

Payment: $55,000

Backstage requests: The band prefers healthy and fresh, with an emphasis on gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Requests include a salad bar "with LOTS of toppings," and that means at least two lettuce choices, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, cabbage, sprouts, cranberries, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and an assortment of dressings.

When: Aug. 9

Payment: $54,000

Backstage requests: Decaffeinated coffee is not welcome in the dressing rooms. Among the requirements are a small bottle of Cholula or Frank's hot sauce, guacamole that ideally is spicy, tortilla chips, assorted candy bars, and red or blue but not clear Solo cups.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: Gekkeikan Sake Haiku or Momokawa Diamond medium dry sake, St. Pauli Girl, Coors Light, Cabernet Sauvignon, Brut Rose Champagne and Chardonnay.

When: Aug. 20, presented by WTLC AM & FM

Payment: $50,000

Backstage requests: The dressing rooms of those in the show should be stocked with fresh fruit; coffee; fresh dairy creamer and milk; herbal teas; fruit juices and soda; and snacks like chips, granola bars and mixed nuts.

When: July 30

Payment: $50,000

Backstage requests: Breakfast and lunch sample menu suggestions include a smoothie bar with a high-speed blender and 2% milk, a made-to-order egg station, a carb like French toast on the weekends, and seasonal vegetables.

When: Aug. 11

Payment: $40,000

Backstage requests: Four bottles of Core Power or vanilla Muscle Milk are marked as "VERY IMPORTANT." The artists prefer Dunkin' Original K-cups and Starbucks' Italian Roast for beverages made with a Keurig. If no Keurig, then Starbucks' Bold or Extra Bold or Dunkin Donuts' Original will do. No word on whether a Keurig appeared. A jar of dill pickle stackers, gummy bears, RX energy bars and Pepperidge Farms Double Dark Chocolate Milano Cookies are a few of the favored snacks.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: Ketel One, whiskey, a 12-pack of local beer and Michelob Ultra.

When: July 30

Payment: $35,000

Backstage requests: The band enjoys LaCroix of the coconut, fruit and pure varieties; root beer; and some beverages that will wake everyone right up — including 5-hour Energy, Kitu Super Coffee and Guayaki Yerba Mate energy drinks.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: A 12-pack of Coors Banquet, Espolon Silver Tequila and Largo Bay Spiced Rum.

When: July 29, featuring Jesse Dayton

Payment: $20,000

Backstage requests: Coffee and the appropriate accoutrements are to be in "continuous flow" starting an hour before the show, at sound check and after the performance. The artists request a healthy meal — not bar food, fast food, food trucks or delivery.

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When: Aug. 5

Payment: $20,000

Backstage requests: Six cans of sugar-free Red Bull, four coconut waters, individual bags of trail mix and four chicken Cup-O-Noodles are among the necessary items in the green room.

When: Aug. 19

Payment: $20,000

Backstage requests: Snacks of the organic and healthy variety are encouraged here, including pita chips, salsa, guacamole and hummus. Health Ade Kombucha, sugar-free Red Bull and Capri Sun are among requested beverages.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: A 12-pack of Busch Light.

When: Aug. 12

Payment: $10,000

Other requests: Flash photography is fine by The Taylor Party, and they don't want audience smartphone videos policed. The act also prefers movement and haze from the light design. Specific food preferences aren't noted.

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When: Aug. 17, presented by Radio Latino 107.1 FM with Noel Torres

Payment: $10,000

Backstage requests: Continental Broadcast Group, which provided the booking for the Hispanic and Latino Music Fest, kept its asks streamlined. Ice, water and light catering with breakfast bars and packaged finger foods sufficed.

When: Aug. 10

Payment: $9,000, with $7,500 for Base and $1,500 for G. Entertainment

Backstage requests: Shrimp cocktail, baked chicken wings and an assorted deli platter were among the performer's dressing room asks.

Requested but nixed due to the fair's alcohol policy for entertainers: A bottle of Grand Marnier, one of Hennessy and a 12-pack of Budweiser.

When: Aug. 3, featuring DJ Kurt Streblow

Payment: $1,500

Other requests: The DJ's short, streamlined contract keeps his requests simple, which mostly amounted to a sturdy 6- to 8-foot sturdy rectangular table, tablecloth and two reliable power sources within 25 feet.

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Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.