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Jonas Brothers Were Burnin' Up at the Illinois State Fair

Updated: Apr 12

The Illinois State Fair was packed with anticipation on August 15 as fans lined up outside the grandstand gates for hours—some arriving early in the morning—just to secure the perfect spot for the Jonas Brothers' highly awaited performance. The dedication was real: as soon as the gates opened, a sea of fans sprinted to claim their spots close to the stage, setting the tone for an electric evening.

Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography
Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography

The show kicked off in true celebratory fashion with "Celebrate!," an opener that had the entire crowd on their feet. Nick, Joe, and Kevin wasted no time diving into a mix of career-spanning hits, including "What a Man Gotta Do" and the ever-nostalgic "S.O.S." The energy was palpable, and with it being Joe Jonas’s 35th birthday, the night carried an extra layer of excitement. At one point, the crowd erupted into an impromptu "Happy Birthday" singalong, making the moment even more special.



Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography
Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography

The setlist was a well-balanced blend of nostalgia and recent hits, with standouts like Nick’s "Jealous," DNCE’s "Cake by the Ocean," and a powerful cover of Coldplay’s "Fix You," which hadn’t been played live since 2008. The moment the opening chords rang out, fans swayed, sang along, and lit up the night with phone flashlights, creating an intimate atmosphere amidst the grandstand setting.



Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography
Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography

Closing out the show with high-energy bangers like "Burnin’ Up," "Sucker," and "Leave Before You Love Me," the brothers left the Illinois State Fair crowd buzzing. Their ability to seamlessly mix old favorites with new chart-toppers, all while keeping the energy high and the connection with fans strong, made this a night to remember.


Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography
Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography

For those who camped outside all day, sprinted through the gates, and sang their hearts out, the wait was more than worth it. The Jonas Brothers proved once again why they remain one of the most beloved acts in pop music today.


Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography
Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography

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