Minnetonka Resident Manages Band in Minnesota State Fair Talent Contest

Minnetonka resident Dave Flom only had overflowing praise for Sawyer’s Dream, the band he has managed for almost a year. Each of the seven band members, Flom said, has an amazing amount of talent.

“They live and breathe music,” he said.

The Twin Cities-based band will have a chance to showcase their talent in the semifinals of the Minnesota State Fair’s talent contest on Wednesday. They have to play the same song they performed during the qualifying round, and they have to play it in the same exact way. Flom said that the band has accomplished this feat all without written music.

“That’s how talented they are,” Flom said. He continued, “It’s really hard to get people that talented all together on one stage and in one band. I really believe they can go a long way.”

All of their songs are original works, written and produced by the band members, Flom said. At the state fair talent contest, they will perform a song titled Off in the Distance.

This is not the first time Sawyer’s Dream has performed in a talent contest, but Flom was impressed with the organization of the state fair contest and the quality of the performers.

Said Flom, “There are some real talented acts and some of these acts go way beyond the fair. It’s a good contest.”

Although Sawyer's Dream began about two years ago, less than a year has passed since the current members have played together. Along with four lead singers, the band consists of a lead guitar player, an acoustic guitar player, and a drummer.

The state fair’s talent contest is an amateur competition. Flom said that since Sawyers Dream is planning to become a professional band, this may be the last time they will have the opportunity to participate in the talent show.

Flom, 61, said he enjoys working with the band members, most of whom are in their twenties.

“I played guitar all my life just for myself,” Flom said. “It’s just time to give a little back. It’s time to push these kids along on their journey.”

Sawyer’s Dream will perform at the state fair in a four minute slot between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell.

First place partipants from each night of the semifinals will compete in the finals on Sept. 2 at the Grandstand. Visit the Minnesota State Fair website for more details.