I saw this article a while back and scoffed as it looked like the State Fair of Virginia was looking for free musicians to play the event. Sure, they’ll pony up the money for a national act, but figure they can get away with not paying a local or regional act anything and let them have “the experience.”
I was going to go on a rant about how all this does is treat smaller acts like they’re nothing, but this letter to the editor sums it up perfectly.
RVA Playlist 
The State Fair of Virginia will soon be boycotted by everyone, after patrons get to hear the unprofessional, desperate, teenagers(that think there is a sprawling music scene in Doswell, Virginia), play music that is only liked by the band’s close friends who can’t afford gas money to attend.
What newspaper posted this up?
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
growl.