For the third year in a row, we had the joy of taking the stage at noon on the first Friday of the Iowa State Fair during the Old Fiddlers Association’s annual contest. We play our original tunes as the judges and contestants take a lunch break. This year we recorded the festivities, too, thanks to the efforts of our wonderful bandmate, Michael Patrick Irwin.

Michael Patrick Irwin, myself and Jen Albright on stage at Pioneer Hall. *Photo by Keith Jones*

Playing our songs inside those hallowed walls brings me tremendous joy. They just feel right up on that hill in front of wooden pews filled with fairgoers. This year’s trip to the Iowa State Fair also included an opportunity for me to share my song, “If It’s Turek, That’s Terrific!” at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox stage across from the Grandstand on the main concourse. The timing was tight but I was able to play it in support of ’s campaign to become the next senator from the great state of Iowa.

I performed on the Political Soapbox stage after Josh Turek spoke before our full set at Pioneer Hall. *Photo by Travis LaCoss*

It was a wonderful day at the great Iowa State Fair and I hope you enjoy the recording.

“What’s Next, Chip?”

Please tune in to the Des Moines Community Radio Foundation’s KFMG located at 98.9 FM in Des Moines or online from anywhere in the world from 2-5pm tomorrow August 16th to hear me host Iowa Homegrown where we share three hours of music with Iowa origins and artists. My next show is this Thursday at 3pm at the Iowa State Fair back inside the iconic Pioneer Hall. Please visit www.chipalbrightmusic.com for a full listing of shows.

To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative of which I’m a proud member. Many of us will be at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat this fall and we’d love to have you come join us. It’s for writers and learners at all stages in the creative process and full of wonderful people connecting in new and meaningful ways. You can learn more here.

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Other Ways to Support Chip Happens?

Did you know I carry my health insurance license and help folks navigate the caregiver journey in addition to my writing and music? Please learn about my personal experience and licensed services at www.chiphappens.life. I help folks evaluate strategic alternatives to traditional long-term care based on my personal experience as a family caregiver with loved ones that endured difficult cancer and dementia diagnoses. More than 63 million Americans were caregivers in 2025 so I believe it’s an important conversation for friends and families to undertake. Please read and share my article Prepare to Care with your network to better understand the role of caregivers as the “invisible backbone” of the American health care system.

NOTE: All annual paid subscribers to the Chip Happens Substack receive a copy of my CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs and an autograph if you request it. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright, who is the driving force behind our boutique strategy + creative firm, AlbrightSpark.

Chip Happens

Live at the Iowa State Fair 2026