For the first time, the Du Quoin State Fair will offer a FREE concert in
the Grandstand on the opening night (AUGUST 25TH)of the fair.  Dan
Hampton, Otis Wilson and Steve McMichael, all members of the ’85 Chicago
Bears defensive line, have moved from the gridiron to the Grandstand.
The Super Bowl champions have formed a band called THE CHICAGO 6.
Fairgoers can expect to hear everything from ZZ Top to Smokey Robinson
and John Mellencamp.

CHRIS JANSON will take the stage on SUNDAY, AUGUST 27TH along with HIGH
VALLEY. Janson grew up just across the Illinois state line in
Perryville, MO, but moved to Nashville right out of high school to purse
his dreams of being in the music industry. Known for his talents on the
harmonica and high energy shows fans can expect a great show with
performances of hit singles like “Fix a Drink,” “Holdin’ Her” and “Buy
Me A Boat.”

MONDAY, AUGUST 28TH will feature THE GIN BLOSSOMS. The Arizona natives
came together in the late 1980’s and got their big break by performing
at the South by Southwest Music Festival. After that their career took
off with hits like, “Hey Jealousy” and “Til I Hear It from You.” They
took a brief hiatus, but have come back in full force with “Miss
Disarray” being one of their most requested songs.

GRANGER SMITH has exploded on to the music scene recently with a little
help from his friend Earl Dibbles Jr., an alter ego he created to make
videos and help promote his music. His hits “If the Boot Fits” and
“Backroad Song” are sure to be included in Granger’s set list. On
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29TH on the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand, DREW
BALDRIDGE will be joining Granger Smith.

DUELING PIANOS INTERNATIONAL will be taking the stage on WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 30TH. This is sure to be a fun filled night as world class
dueling piano players entertain fairgoers with a dynamic performance.
The show is known for being fun, comedic, and interactive for a show all
ages will love.  This Grandstand performance is included with the cost
of admission with General Admission seating the night of the show.

On THURSDAY, AUGUST 31ST, the ROOTS & BOOTS TOUR will be coming to the
Du Quoin State Fair. This tour features SAMMY KERSHAW along with AARON
TIPPIN and COLLIN RAYE. Kershaw found success in the 90s with songs
like, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” and “Queen of My Double Wide
Trailer.” Fans will find that familiar sound with his newest album
_Better than I Used to Be_.

Grammy Award winners, SWITCHFOOT, will perform on the Grandstand stage
on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST. Formed in California as a garage band,
Switchfoot has come a long way with hits like, “Dare You to Move” and
“Meant to Live.” They also founded their own charity event, THE
SWITCHFOOT BRO-AM that helps at risk youth in San Diego. Also performing
that evening will be LIFEHOUSE.  The rock band has sold more than 15
million records worldwide and has played sold out shows around the globe
for the last decade.  The group is best known for songs such as,
“Hanging by a Moment,” “Whatever it Takes,” and “Halfway Gone.”

THE CADILLAC THREE burst on to the music scene with hits like “The
South” and “White Lightning,” but lead singer/guitarist Jaren Johnston
has written hits for some of today’s biggest mainstream country artists.
Hailed for their authenticity and southern rock vibe, they always put on
a powerful show. LOGAN MIZE and CHRIS CAVANAUGH will join The Cadillac
Three on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND.

Ticket prices for each of the Grandstand shows are listed below.

Friday, August 25: Chicago 6
Free Concert – General Admission

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26: TBA

Sunday, August 27: Chris Janson / High Valley
Tier 1 – $25 / Tier 2 – $22 / Tier 3 – $19

Monday, August 28: The Gin Blossoms
Tier 1 – $15 / Tier 2 – $12 / Tier 3 – $9

Tuesday, August 29:  Granger Smith / Drew Baldridge
Tier 1 – $20 / Tier 2 – $17 / Tier 3 – $14

Wednesday, August 30:  Dueling Pianos International
Free Concert – General Admission

Thursday, August 31:  Roots & Boots Tour with Sammy Kershaw / Aaron
Tippin / Collin Raye
Tier 1 – $20 / Tier 2 – $17 / Tier 3 – $14

Friday, September 1:  Switchfoot / Lifehouse
Tier 1 – $33 / Tier 2 – $30 / Tier 3 – $27

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: THE CADILLAC 3 / LOGAN MIZE / CHRIS CAVANAUGH
Tier 1 – $16 / Tier 2 – $13 / Tier 3 – $10

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:  USAC RACING SERIES
Adults – $25 / Child – $10

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4:  ARCA RACING SERIES:  GENERAL TIRE GRABBER 100
Adults – $25 / Child – $10

This year, the Du Quoin State Fair will offer a dynamic deal that allows
fairgoers to create their own Grandstand concert experience.  The SCORE
WITH MORE ticket package allows fairgoers to customize their visit to
the Du Quoin State Fair by selecting three or more concerts to attend
plus receive free gate admission for each concert.  Fairgoers cannot
duplicate concert selections when personalizing their package. The price
for the Score with More package will be dependent upon each fairgoer’s
concert selection.  This exclusive offer sets aside a limited number of
tickets for each concert.   Special Note:  All ticket packages must be
purchased by phone (618-542-1335) or in person on the Du Quoin State
Fair Box Office.   This offer is not available via Ticketmaster.

On June 1, tickets for two of the fair’s most popular events will also
go on sale:  Truck & Tractor Pulls and Demolition Derby.  These tickets
will be available for purchase via Ticketmaster.com and at the Du Quoin
State Fair Box Office.   Dates, times and ticket prices are as follows:

Monday, August 28:  Truck & Tractor Pull
7:00pm at Half Mile Track
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

Tuesday, August 29:  Truck & Tractor Pull
7:00pm at Half Mile Track
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

Saturday, September 2:  Demolition Derby
7:00pm at SI Center
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

In addition, the Du Quoin State Fair is accepting applications for those
looking to camp on the fairgrounds during not only the Du Quoin State
Fair, but also this summer’s Solar Eclipse.   The eclipse will take
place on Monday, August 21st – just four days before the state of the Du
Quoin State Fair!  Southern Illinois is a top viewing destination for
this rare astronomical event. The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds offers over
1,000 camping spaces with water and electric hookups, multiple bath
houses, unlimited primitive camping, and access to fishing and hiking.
Advance reservations are required, and applications can be found online
at www.duquoinstatefair.net [1].

More details regarding ticket sales, special events, and additional
grandstand acts will be released in the coming weeks and months.  Make
plans today to visit the wonderful southern Illinois tradition.  We’ll
see you at the Du Quoin State Fair August 25September 4.