Question

find the relative clause. if it is nonrestrictive, set it off with commas. if it is restrictive, submit the text without making any changes.
rather than using a traditional rock n roll band for entertainment, the state fair organizers decided to hire the hip-hop group that had performed at a local arts festival earlier that year.

Explanation:

First, identify the relative clause: "that had performed at a local arts festival earlier that year". This clause is restrictive because it narrows down which specific hip-hop group the organizers hired—without it, the reader wouldn't know which group is referenced. Restrictive relative clauses do not require commas.

Answer:

Rather than using a traditional rock 'n' roll band for entertainment, the state fair organizers decided to hire the hip-hop group that had performed at a local arts festival earlier that year.