The Kentucky State Fair has always been about more than pork sandwiches, halter tops, and farm animals. The free concerts are as much a part of the experience as anything and the Kentucky State Fair Board has come strong with varietal lineup that covers rock, Christian, country, and pop. Check it out:
Peter Frampton with special guest The Afters – Thursday, August 20
The beginning of the Kentucky State Fair concert series begins with British rock legend Peter Frampton. Frampton’s career began as a member of the 1960s groups Humble Pie and The Herd. Since 1971 he has been a notable Grammy award-winning solo artist. Recently, Frampton won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for “Fingerprints.” Best known for his live shows and albums, Frampton will treat the audience to his signature guitar riffs and hit songs “Baby I Love Your Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.” Joining Frampton in concert is The Afters. The Texas-based band has recorded two albums, including the title track, “Never Going Back to OK” in 2006. It became the most played song on R&R magazine's Christian CHR chart for 2008.
The Commodores – Friday, August 21
The Commodores were Motown’s biggest act for two decades. The Grammy Award winners are still creating new albums and fresh hits, 37 years after being first discovered. The Commodores are best known for their mega-hits “Brick House,” “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.” The Commodores will show the Kentucky State Fair that they are still as funky as when they started.
Shinedown with special guest Rev Theory – Saturday, August 22
Having toured with rock sensations Seether, Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, the Florida-bred rock band Shinedown will unleash “The Sound of Madness” and other audience favorites at the Kentucky State Fair. The platinum-album selling band is best known for their songs “45,” “Save Me,” “Devour” and “Second Chance.” Shinedown also covered Lyrnyd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” in memory of friend and Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell. With three studio albums under their belt, Shinedown has a hard-rocking future ahead of them. Special guest Rev Theory will be performing off their sophomore album “Light It Up.”
An Evening with the Oak Ridge Boys – Sunday, August 23
It wouldn’t be the Kentucky State Fair without hearing the Oak Ridge Boys’ hit “Elvira.” The Oak Ridge Boys will be returning for their 33rd Kentucky State Fair to perform their classic hits, “Trying to Love Two Women” and “Bobbie Sue.” The Oak Ridge Boys will add fresh tunes to their show, introducing their new album, “The Boys Are Back,” featuring a fusion of new rock sounds and music from their country, gospel roots.
Jeremy Camp with special guest Southeast Worship Band – Monday, August 24
Jeremy Camp grew up the son of a pastor and has been sharing his spirituality through music since his first album, “Stay” in 2002. Camp has won numerous awards to match his 16 No. 1 songs. “Speaking Louder” is Camp’s new album, debuting in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. Performing with Camp is Louisville’s own Southeast Worship Band. Based out of Southeast Christian Church, the Southeast Worship Band plays nearly every worship service delighting the congregation.
Gary Allan with special guest Candy Coburn – Tuesday, August 25
Joining the concert line-up at the Kentucky State Fair is country superstar Gary Allan. His latest album, “Living Hard” was released in 2007 with hits, “Learning How to Bend,” “Watching Airplanes” and “She’s So California.” Allan has had major success since 1996, with his debut album, “Used Hearts for Sale.” Allan has proved to be a country music mainstay with his 2007 greatest hits album jetting to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums charts. Special guest Candy Coburn is returning to the Kentucky State Fair. The up and coming Coburn will play songs from her albums “Rev it Up” and “Enjoy the Ride.”
Bobby Vee, Johnny Tillotson, The Shirelles and Peter & Gordon – Wednesday, August 26
Tease your beehive and slick your duck-tail because Bobby Vee, Johnny Tillotson, The Shirelles, and Peter & Gordon are going to take you back in time. Bop along and remember way back when with Bobby Vee’s hit “Susie Baby” and Johnny Tillotson’s “It Keeps Right on a Hurtin.” Introduce your kids to the Shirelles, the first female group to make it to No. 1 on the Billboard charts with hits like “Mama Said.” Peter & Gordon represent the British invasion, recording hits written by Paul McCartney like, “A World Without Love.” This show will make you believe rock n’ roll is here to stay.
Pam and Mel Tillis – Thursday, August 27
Pam and Mel Tillis are keeping it all in the family with their father-daughter country act. Mel Tillis is a country music icon having won CMA’s Entertainer of the Year award. He is known for his outlaw country hits “I Ain't Never,” “Good Woman Blues” and “Coca-Cola Cowboy.” Daughter Pam Tillis is a music star in her own right becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2000. Her hits include “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life),” “Maybe it Was Memphis” and “Shake the Sugar Tree.”
The Wallflowers – Friday, August 28
After the success of “Bringing Down the Horse” in the early 90s with songs, “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache,” The Wallflowers have continued to be a pop-rock force in the music industry. Releasing six albums and recording various singles produced for commercials, movies and television shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” The Wallflowers will bring their versatile style to the Kentucky State Fair.
Billy Currington with special guest Heidi Newfield – Saturday, August 29
One of the newest artists to tear up the country music charts is Billy Currington. Signed in 2003, Currington already has a slew of hits including, “Must be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” “Good Directions” and “Don’t” from his new album, “Little Bit of Everything.” Special guest Heidi Newfield will share the stage singing her hit, “Johnny and June” from her debut solo album “What Am I Waiting For.” Newfield was previously known for her lead vocals in the country group Trick Pony, but is now touring and entertaining fans as a solo act.
