Kachel performing in State Fair talent competition

Joel Kachel, a 2005 graduate of Woodbury High School, will be competing in the semi-finals of the State Fair Amateur Talent Competition on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Leinie Lodge Band Shell on the fairgrounds.

Kachel’s first experience on the Minnesota State Fair stage was last year as a semi-finalist performing his original song entitled, “Tennis Shoes and Diamond Rings,” which is also the title of his first CD released this month.

On Saturday, he will be performing an upbeat song he wrote in February called “Valentine.”

If Kachel is selected that evening to advance to the finals, he will compete with the other finalists in the grandstand the following evening, Sunday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m.

“My family and friends all went to the finals with me last year even though I didn’t make the final cut,” Kachel said. "Regardless of the outcome this coming Saturday, we’ll still be there for the finals this year as well. It’s just a lot of fun.

“I recently finished college and started my own landscaping design and installation company called Environmental Havens here in Woodbury. I really enjoy my music, but it is great to know that I have a good day job!”

Tags: entertainment, kachel, woodbury, talent, state, fair