Dakota Talent performances are run by DC Entertainment of Minot.

Most know Chappy as a fashion inventor, but she’s been writing and recording music for more than 20 years.

“It has been hard to keep this news a secret,” said Chappy, who got the call several weeks ago to be a resident performer at this year’s fair.

“I have been rehearsing undercover since I said yes. I was asked to bring the full energy of Las Vegas-style pop music, and that is an assignment I fully understand,” she said.

Submitted Photo Desiree Jai, who presents a musical tribute to singer Shania Twain, has performed at the State Fair since 2003.

Chappy has a Las Vegas-based team she works closely with, including dancers, choreographers and other creators.

“I do most of my work there, so having this opportunity to perform here at home and bring the energy of this genre of music is something I have been manifesting,” she said.

“Being on the largest of the free stages, especially at dark after the grandstand concerts are over, is my dream slot. It means everyone has an opportunity to experience the musical diversity this year,” she added.

Following her seven performances at this year’s State Fair, Chappy will be performing a concert and hosting a music video release party in August at the Show Girl Museum in Las Vegas.

Other Dakota Talent

This will be the sixth year Daniel Starks, left, and Jonathan Starks have performed at the N.D. State Fair. Submitted Photo

By ELOISE OGDEN, Editor, eogden@minotdailynews.com

Daniel Starks and Jonathan Starks of Ryder and Desiree Jai of Minot will perform regularly during the daytime with Dakota Talent on Stage 2 in the State Fair’s West Park.

The Starks will perform at different times every day of the fair except Sunday. This is the sixth year they have performed at the fair. Daniel is the music teacher at Max Public School and his dad, Jonathan, is pastor of Calvary Church in Ryder. Daniel also sings solo. Both sing at many events and are considered favorite entertainers at Norsk Hostfest in Minot.

Desiree Jai’s act is a live musical tribute to singer Shania Twain that she began 20 years ago. She uses a karaoke-backing track and does not lip synch. She will sing every day at the fair except Saturday, with the majority performances at 1 p.m. She also will sing the Canadian national anthem at the fair’s Demo Derby on Monday. She has sung in the North Dakota State Parade and on the Dakota Talent Stage, now Stage 2, at the fair every year since 2003. She also performs around the state at county fairs, festivals and conventions.

Other Dakota Talent performers also will perform on Stage 2 during the fair, according to DC Entertainment of Minot. DC Entertainment runs Dakota Talent Stage.