Oldies, Classic Rock and Classic Country Coming To The DuQuoin State Fair

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the grandstand lineup for the DuQuoin State Fair featuring classic rock from John Kay & Steppenwolf, classic country from Kenny Rogers and the latest in new country music.

"The DuQuoin State Fair is a celebration for the people and the heritage of Southern Illinois," Ryan said. "A top-notch show in the grandstand is a great way for folks to round out a great day of family fun at the fair."

Country star Jodee Messina and special guest Chad Brock will be the first to take the grandstand stage in DuQuoin on Saturday Aug. 26. Meanwhile, veteran Kenny Rogers will close out the 2000 DuQuoin State Fair on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4 with his three decades of country hits.

Illinois natives REO and Styx are on a twin-bill for the second night of the fair on Aug. 27. The following night will feature a free gospel show sponsored by WXAN. Among the confirmed gospel acts are Gold City, Legacy Five, Sons of the Father and Jesse Dixon.

Country artists Toby Keith and Yankee Grey will team up for the fourth night of the fair, followed by oldies favorites Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons.

The DuQuoin State Fair will again feature a tribute to local talent on Thursday night, this year featuring "Songs of the Decades." Illinois performers will provide musical favorites from each decade from 1900 to 2000 in a free grandstand show.

Brad Paisley, one of the fastest rising young country stars, will start the final weekend of the 2000 DuQuoin State Fair, followed by the "Redneck" comedy of Jeff Foxworthy on Saturday, Sept. 2 and the classic rock hits of John Kay and Steppenwolf on Sunday, Sept. 3.

The 2000 DuQuoin State Fair runs Aug. 26 - Sept. 4.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. except the August 31 show which begins at 7:00 p.m.