News from Iowa State Fair

For more information contact: Lori Chappell, 515-262-3111 x204

Variety Sets Stage For Stellar State Fair Grandstand Line-Up

Tickets Go On Sale May 17

DES MOINES, IA (04/23/2008; 0945)(readMedia)-- Outstanding acts spanning genres from country to rock to contemporary Christian will take the Grandstand stage at the Iowa State Fair set August 7-17.

The 2008 Grandstand Line-up presented by U.S. Cellular includes country superstar Josh Turner with special guest Craig Morgan. Turner’s latest hits include “Firecracker” and “Another Try” while Morgan’s latest single, “International Harvester” continues to be a radio favorite. Grammy Award-winner Tracy Lawrence and Blake Shelton also team up for a not-to-miss night of country hits.

A night of southern fried rock will be served up when The Charlie Daniels Band is joined by rockers 38 Special and Shooter Jennings for the Tour 2008 Volunteer Jam. Glam metal band Cinderella (“Nobody’s Fool”) appears with the original members of Warrant (“Cherry Pie”) and Night Ranger (“Sister Christian”).

“High School Musical” sensations Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu bring their powerful vocals and quick dance moves to the Grandstand stage. Grammy Award-winner and 80s heartthrob Rick Springfield, known for his iconic hit “Jessie’s Girl” and recurring role on the daytime soap opera General Hospital, takes the stage with special guest Patty Smyth and Scandal.

These shows join previously-announced contemporary Christian acts Michael W. Smith with special guests Natalie Grant and Matthew West and talk radio icon Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” The Rhubarb Tour. One act remains to be announced.

Three thrilling track events round out the 11-day schedule, including car races, a tractor and truck pull and, new this year, a demolition derby.

Tickets for Michael W. Smith and Garrison Keillor are on sale now through Ticketmaster. All other concert and track event tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 7, the Fair’s Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays - Fridays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2008 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 7 Michael W. Smith with special guests Natalie Grant and Matthew West, 8 p.m., $25

Friday, August 8 Josh Turner with special guest Craig Morgan, 8 p.m., $32

Saturday, August 9 Rick Springfield with special guest Patty Smyth and Scandal, 8 p.m., $25

Sunday, August 10 Cinderella with all reunited Warrant and Night Ranger, 8 p.m., $25

Monday, August 11 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11

Tuesday, August 12 Tour 2008 Volunteer Jam – The Charlie Daniels Band, 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, 8 p.m., $32

Wednesday, August 13 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m., $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11

Thursday, August 14 Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 15 Tracy Lawrence and Blake Shelton, 8 p.m., $28

Saturday, August 16 Demolition Derby with Doctor Danger Daredevil Stunts, 10 a.m., $12 adults, $5 children ages 6-11

Saturday, August 16 To Be Announced

Sunday, August 17 Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" The Rhubarb Tour sponsored by Iowa Public Radio, 8 p.m., $25

The 2008 Iowa State Fair runs August 7-17 – “U Gotta Love It.” For more information call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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