GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES FINAL ILLINOIS STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND ACT

SPRINGFIELD - Fergie, the American Music Awards' reigning pop "Favorite Female Artist," will perform at the 2008 Illinois State Fair, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today. 

The singer and songwriter, who gained fame as a member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas and recently launched a successful solo career, will take the stage Friday, Aug. 8.

"Fergie is one of the biggest names and brightest stars in popular music," Gov. Blagojevich said.  "She's a great addition to a top-notch Grandstand lineup and I'm pleased to announce that she'll perform on opening night of the fair."

Fergie's 2006 debut album, "The Dutchess," produced three #1 singles, including her smash hit "Big Girls Don't Cry," which was nominated for a Grammy Award.  She joins a stellar lineup of Grandstand acts that includes a double-bill featuring rock 'n roll Hall-of-Famers ZZ Top and Toyota Tundra presents country music legends Brooks and Dunn, "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens and country singer Trace Adkins, a finalist this season on TV's "The Celebrity Apprentice."  Classic rockers Huey Lewis and the News and the king of pop music parodies, Weird Al Yankovic, also are scheduled to perform.   

Fergie's concert will begin at 8 p.m.  Tickets can be purchased beginning Saturday, May 24, either on the internet at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-827-8927 or visiting any Ticketmaster outlet.  Reserved seats are available for $38, $34 and $30.  Track tickets cost $38.  Beginning Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m., tickets for the show also can be purchased on the fairgrounds at the Grandstand box office.  Printable order forms are posted on the Illinois State Fair website at www.illinoisstatefair.info <file://www.illinoisstatefair.info/> .

All adults and children three years of age and older must have a ticket for Grandstand concerts and events.  All sales are final.  The fair does not provide refunds or exchanges on ticket purchases.

Date                            Performer                               Ticket Prices
                                                                                      Reserved/Track
Aug. 8                    Fergie                                                   $38-34-30          $38 
                               Harness Racing (noon post-time)  Free Admission

Aug. 9                    Weird Al Yankovic                               $20-10-10          $20 
                               Harness Racing (noon post-time)  Free Admission
Aug. 10                 Huey Lewis and the News                $30-25-20          $30
Aug. 11                 Illinois Symphony                                Free Admission 
                               Harness Racing (noon post-time)  Free Admission
Aug. 12                 Twilight Harness Racing                   Free Admission
Aug. 13                 Twilight Harness Racing                   Free Admission
Aug. 14                 Twilight Harness Racing                   Free Admission
Aug. 15                 Toyota Tundra presents ZZ Top/Brooks and Dunn  $38-34-30          $38

Aug. 16                 Vanessa Hudgens                               $25-20-20          $25
Aug. 16                  USAC Silver Crown Series                 Adult $20 Child $10
Aug. 17                 Trace Adkins with Trent Tomlinson   $25-20-18          $25
Aug. 17                  ARCA Super Series Auto Races        Adult $20 Child $10

*All the artists above have approved this announcement, however, concerts are subject to contracts being finalized.