Gov. Blagojevich announces grandstand concert lineup for 2008 DuQuoin State Fair

DuQUOIN - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the grandstand concert lineup for the 86th annual DuQuoin State Fair will feature Sawyer Brown, a country music band founded in the 1980s, that has become one of the most popular and consistent award-winning groups in the recording industry.  2006 American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, P.O.D. and Corbin Bleu will be headliners on three other nights of main grandstand entertainment, while being backed by strong young artists Bucky Covington, Sevendust and Justin Stein, respectively.

 

"The 2008 DuQuoin State Fair will once again offer families a diverse and affordable entertainment lineup," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "In addition to the fine grandstand shows, there will be standout harness and motorized racing, as well as many other attractions."

 

Originally, Sawyer Brown was primarily known as a country pop sound group dominated by novelty tunes.  In recent years, the band has shown a more serious sound to its music, while continuing to collect major awards from Billboard, the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music, among others.

 

Although a relative newcomer to the profession, Pickler burst onto the scene with her "Small Town Girl" release two years ago, and has since landed several other hits on the charts, including "Red High Heels," "Santa Baby" and "I Wonder."  Opening for Pickler will be Covington, who has American Idol credits as well as having been closely connected to Sawyer Brown.

 

P.O.D., an alternative metal band, has logged a remarkable array of achievements including world-wide sales exceeding eight million, sold-out international concert tours, a series of chart-topping radio hits, and unprecedented MTV video success.  From P.O.D.'s first album, titled "Snuff the Punk" to its eleventh and latest CD released this spring, "When Angels and Serpents Dance," the band's style has moved from rap/metal to a more traditional hard rock/metal sound.  Sevendust is expected to provide a perfect "warm-up" for P.O.D. as the band has also gained much popularity with young crowds.

 

Corbin Bleu takes over center stage the following night at DuQuoin with his support group, which has gained thousands and thousands of younger fans throughout the country.  The group is presently one of the most sought-after attractions and is already booked for state fairs in Montana, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and New York.

 

In addition to music, The World Trotting Derby, with an estimated purse of $500,000, showcases the five-day harness horse program.  Motorized racing will highlight both opening weekend and Labor Day weekend events.

 

Tickets for all grandstand shows will be available starting July 21st at the main grandstand office, which will be open on Mondays through Saturdays.  The office will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

A day-by-day listing of grandstand events at the DuQuoin State Fair follows:

 

 

The DuQuoin State Fair opens Aug. 22 and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 1.