The upcoming line-up of performers coming to the Stanislaus County Fair is looking to hit all the right notes with fairgoers by bringing in a bevy of entertainers.
The Stanislaus County Fair opens July 13 and will run for 10 days with a different headlining act scheduled each night. All the shows are free with fair admission and will be on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage.
“It’s going to be a great year at the fair again this year with the line-up of performers we have,” said fair spokesperson Adrenna Alkhas.
The fair has always had its roots in country music and will celebrate that relationship with four headlining acts.
Kicking off the fair on July 13 will be Sawyer Brown, who for three decades have been creating hits like “The Walk,” “The Dirt Road” and “Drive Me Wild.”
“Country fans won’t want to miss out on this show,” Alkhas said. “Sawyer Brown will bring that old country soul to the opening night of the fair.”
“American Idol” alum Kellie Pickler, who has found success on the country charts, will be performing July 16.
Pickler has topped country charts with her hits “Best Days of Your Life,” “Red High Heels,” and her newest single “Tough.” She has performed four tours for the United Service Organizations, which she describes as “one of the highlights of her career and life.”
“Kellie Pickler will be an amazing addition to the 2012 fair,” Alkhas said. “Her true talent and fun-loving attitude will captivate our community this summer.”
Recording artist Uncle Kracker, whose music has found fans in both country and pop, will be performing July 19.
Uncle Kracker was first known as DJ in Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Tucker Band, and made his first solo debut in 2001 with the hit “Double Wide.” He also collaborated with Kid Rock on some of his biggest hits including, “Bawitdaba,” “Cowboy,” “Forever,” “Only God Knows Why,” and “All Summer Long.” He also performed with well known country sensation, Kenny Chesney, on the duet “When The Sun Goes Down.”
The vocal powerhouse of LeAnn Rimes will serenade fairgoers during her show on July 21.
Rimes has sold more than 40 million albums and is a two time Grammy Award winner, being the youngest recipient of the award. She has also been awarded three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Rimes previously performed at the fair in 2007.
“We are thrilled to have LeAnn Rimes back at the Stanislaus County Fair,” Alkhas said. “Her music and sensational voice is loved by fans of all ages.”
For those music fans that lean towards Rock and Roll, the Stanislaus County Fair is bringing two headlining acts to the stage.
Rock star Bret Michaels, the former frontman of Poison, will perform July 20. Michaels launched a successful solo career and has found new fans with his appearances on reality shows “Rock of Love” and “The Apprentice.”
“Bret Michaels fans aren’t going to want to miss out on this night,” Alkhas said. “His authenticity is the foundation to his career and we are thrilled to have him.”
Foreigner, a stable of the rock charts in the late 70s and into the 80s, will be performing July 14.
Foreigner, founded in 1976, has sold more than 70 million albums and has achieved multi-platinum success worldwide. Known for hits like “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Double Vision,” and “Hot Blooded,” Foreigner has spent more weeks on the Billboard chart at #1 than any Atlantic Records band in the same genre for the past 60 years.
“Foreigner is a great addition to this year’s entertainment,” Alkhas said. “Foreigners on stage energy will be one of the highlights of the fair.”
The Stanislaus County Fair is bringing family entertainment to the area as well. The Chinese acrobatic sensation, The Peking Acrobats, will be trick cycling, contorting, and tumbling their way to the stage July 17. The Peking Acrobats set a new Guinness Book World Record for Human Chair Stack. They balanced six people atop six chairs that reached 21 feet in the air without safety lines.
“These acrobats amaze audiences where ever they perform,” Alkhas said. “It’s a real opportunity for our community to get a glimpse of this historic ancient Chinese art.”
Popular children’s performers The Wiggles are taking the stage July 18. The Wiggles is a children’s entertainment act that uses song and dance to engage children in fun and education. The Wiggles started 21 years ago in Australia and have been awarded with 17 Gold, 12 Platinum, three Double Platinum, and 10 Multi Platinum Awards for sales of over 23 million DVD’s and 7 Million CD’s worldwide. Their TV shows are broadcast in more than 100 countries.
“The Wiggles act has been a popular act for many years and we are excited to have them at our fair,” Alkhas said. “They captivate and educate children in a fun and innovative way that is well suited for young fair guests.”
Rounding out the headlining acts are Hispanic performers Diego Verdaguer and Amanda Miguel, who will perform July 22. Successful solo artist on their own, the two began recording together in 1979 after falling in love with one another.
In addition to bringing big name music stars to the area, the Stanislaus County Fair is looking for a few homegrown acts to fill the community stage line-up.
“Our community is the heartbeat of our fair that makes them vital to our business,” Alkhas said. “Showcasing the talent within our community is a privilege that we are proud to support.”
The fair has booked several acts already, including a few Christian-based performers, but is still looking to add more shows. The fair is considering martial arts demonstrations, dance, and musical performances from local clubs and groups. Interested parties can contact Carole Swan, Assistant Concessions Manager, at cswan@stancofair.com or by phone at 668-1333 ext. 309 for consideration.
