The 2009 Stanislaus County Fair is set to open on Friday, July 31 for a 10-day run. Fair admission and unlimited ride wristband eTickets are now on sale. Food Maxx Arena event tickets are currently available. Visit the fair’s website for detailed ticket sale information.
The Stanislaus County Fair is now in its 98th year celebrating Stanislaus County’s rich agricultural heritage. The theme of this year’s fair, “Renewable Fun,” encourages both adults and children to appreciate the blending of tradition with innovation in order to preserve our environment while enjoying its abundance.
The top selling “American Band” of the ‘70s, Grand Funk Railroad, will bring their classic rock sound to open the 2009 Stanislaus County Fair.
Grand Funk Railroad will kick off 10 days of free concerts, Friday, July 31, 2009, at the Stanislaus County Fair. The band will appear on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage at 8:30 p.m. This concert is hosted by 104.1 THE HAWK, and is free with the price of Fair admission.
“Seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans alike won’t want to miss this amazing show,” said Pennie Rorex, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “This larger-than-life band makes an incredible addition to the Fair’s Budweiser Variety Free Stage lineup.”
Over their career, Grand Funk Railroad has had 19 charted singles, eight Top 40 hits and two number one singles. Add to that, 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales in excess of 25 million copies sold worldwide with mega-hits like “We’re an American Band,” “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “Locomotion.” Grand Funk’s legacy began nearly 40 years ago in Flint, Michigan and has since laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey and Van Halen. Grand Funk Railroad features founding members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher.
Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Tops are bringing their Motown sound to the 2009 Stanislaus County Fair.
The Four Tops will perform, Sunday, Aug. 2 at the Fair. The R & B legends will appear on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage at 8:30 p.m. This concert is hosted by Oldies 97.5 KABX and is free with the price of Fair admission.
“The Four Tops have it all — doo wop, jazz, R&B and more,” said Rorex. “After five decades of chart-topping hits, their timeless charm still enchants fans. We are excited to have the renowned Four Tops on our stage.”
The Four Tops originated in 1954 with four high school friends from Detroit’s North End. After a move to Motown, the group released hit after hit like “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There.” In 1990, The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, which is no wonder considering hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I Got)” and “When She Was My Girl.” The group continued for 43 years without a single change in members, something that is unmatched by any other group ever. The group has experienced the loss of several original members, but has continued strong with the addition of several talented new members.
Country music’s ‘Redneck Woman,’ Gretchen Wilson, will be “Here for the Party” when she performs Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the fair. Wilson will appear on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage at 8:30 p.m. This concert is hosted by KAT COUNTRY 103.3 and is free with the price of Fair admission.
“Gretchen Wilson’s authenticity is the cornerstone of her success,” Rorex noted. “Country music fans from all around will want to come hear the gorgeously rough-edged music that made her a superstar.”
Before becoming the superstar, Wilson lived the simpler life. She was born in Pocahontas, Illinois and was raised on the classic country of Patsy Cline. Gretchen began bartending from the age of 14 alongside her mother, and singing for the rough-and-tumble patrons for tips. After landing a bartending job in Nashville where she sat in with the band now and then, Wilson was plucked from obscurity by duet singers Big and Rich. Her subsequent first single, “Redneck Woman,” spent six weeks at number one and debut album “Here for the Party” reached quadruple platinum status. Since that phenomenal start to her professional career, Gretchen has since had her second CD, All Jacked Up, reach platinum status and has been honored with a number of awards including a Grammy, an ACM award and a CMA award for best female vocalist.
To experience a country music phenomenon in person, plan to attend the 2009 Stanislaus County Fair to see Gretchen Wilson perform Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Country music’s famed baritone, Josh Turner brings his songs of happiness, heartaches, fishing holes and everything in between to the 2009 Stanislaus County Fair.
Turner will take the stage Friday, Aug. 7at the Budweiser Variety Free Stage at 8:30 p.m. This concert is hosted by KAT COUNTRY 103.3, and is free with the price of Fair admission.
“Josh Turner’s uniquely deep voice is the ‘x’ factor that has propelled him into stardom,” said Rorex. “We anticipate that his fans will come from far and near to hear Josh’s pure and amazing voice, live in concert.”
Turner has found great success since his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2001 with his self-penned and future first hit song, “Long Black Train.” Since that fateful day, the talented baritone has become one of the youngest members inducted into the famed Grand Ole Opry, had his album Your Man reach double-platinum status and has since been likened to the legendary Johnny Cash. Turner’s songs include number one hits “Your Man” and “Would You Go With Me.” His fun and positive country music also includes “Firecracker” and “Everything is Fine.”
Plan for a night at the Stanislaus County fairgrounds on Aug. 7 to hear country music’s ‘firecracker,’ Josh Turner.
To receive fair concert announcements by text message, text the word “FAIR” to 47645. Fair enthusiasts can also follow how the 2009 fair is developing at twitter.com/stancofair. In addition, you can find fair news at facebook.com by searching for ‘Stanislaus County Fair.’ Fair news and event listings are also available at myspace.com/stancofair. Detailed information about the 2009 Stanislaus County Discounted Fair is on the fair’s website at www.stancofair.com.
The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology.
