Pretty Fair Music

Big-name acts, big-time fun.

When culture enthusiasts need a music fix, they generally don’t think of the Delaware State Fair. This year, they should. The fair, which runs July 22-31, offers an impressive and diverse musical lineup.

Country stud Brad Paisley should arouse the crowd Sunday, July 25. Paisley’s lyrics are poignant, insightful, and sometimes comical. Known in Nashville as one of the current industry’s best singers, songwriters and guitar slingers, Paisley hit big with his eighth album, “American Saturday Night,” which has already launched three No. 1 singles: “Then,” “Welcome to the Future,” and the title track. The man has had 16 No. 1 hits. And he’s just 38.

Lynyrd Skynyrd hits the bandstand Monday, July 26. The members have changed, of course, since the “Freebird” days of the 1970s. Since offering its first set of new studio material since 2003’s “Vicious Cycle,” the legendary rockers return with “God & Guns,” due out September 29. Expect to hear a few new tunes at the Delaware show. The band has been marked by tragedy.  In 1977 a plane crash killed three of its members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. The band has since lost Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Hughie Thomasson. The music never died.

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Other acts include Selena Gomez & the Scene. And are you ready for this? The Beach Boys hit the stand Thursday, July 29. These are not the same boys anymore, but a few of the original harmonizing dudes that started the frenzy in the 1960s are still touring. The Beach Boys will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2011-2012 touring season. Wouldn’t it be nice to see them? By the looks of these guys, they still get around.

Contact info: delawarestatefair.com, or 398-3269

 

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