STATE FAIR CONCERTS FEATURE "DOLLS", "REBA," "VEGAS" AND "CLASSICS"

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the star-studded 1999 Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup, a concert series that features country mega stars Reba McIntire and Randy Travis, pop legend Wayne Netwon and rock 'n roll past and present.

"This State Fair Grandstand lineup has something for everyone," Ryan said. "Every night we're going to headline top entertainment from across the United States. It's the perfect way to end a full day at the Illinois State Fair. And this year, we're going to feature a strong dash of home-grown Illinois talent."

Ryan said on Friday, August 13, Illinois native Suzy Bogguss will be the first performer to hit the State Fair stage as the special guest of country star Randy Travis -- presented by Private Issue Productions.

To wrap up the Fair on Sunday, August 22, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra will take the stage under the baton of Music Director Kenneth Kiesler, accompanied by S&N Fireworks of Lincoln.

On the second night at the Grandstand, Levi's Fuse 99 presents the Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray with their special guest, Fastball. Coors Light will present Brooks and Dunn on August 15 with opening act Trace Adkins. "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton will be featured on August 16. On August 17, rock legend Def Leppard comes to the grandstand with guest Moon Dog Mane.

Red Lobster will present Reba on August 18, with comedian Dick Hardwick. Billboard Magazine's 1998 R&B Artist of the Year Monica will perform on August 19. The second Saturday of the State Fair features the classic sounds of "The Rock and Roll Army" -- Tommy Roe, Mitch Ryder, Brian Hyland, Chris Montez, Dickey Lee, Billy J. Kramer, Len Berry and Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

Illinois State Fair grandstand tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at the Grandstand Box Office and at Ticketmaster outlets. Sale of track tickets will begin a week later on June 26.

Phone orders for grandstand tickets can be placed at the Ticket Office by calling 217/782-1979, TDD 217/524-9833 or at Ticketmaster at 800/827-8927, TDD 800/359-2525. Mail orders will be accepted with a postmark of June 15, 1999, or later at: the Illinois State Fair Ticket Office, P.O. Box 19427, Springfield, Illinois 62794.

No phone or walk-up orders will be accepted before June 19. All sales are final. The fair does not provide refunds or exchanges on ticket purchases.

Only one night remains open. Grandstand plans for Friday, August 20, will be announced at a later date.