Grandstand entertainment features catch rising country star Brantley Gilbert on Friday, Aug. 2, legendary rock group Lynryd Skynrd on Wednesday, July 31 and budding music sensation Victoria Justice on Tuesday, July 30. Track seating for each grandstand show is standing room only. Bleacher and grandstand seating are also available. Saturday evening’s entertainment will be announced at a later date.
Gilbert kicked off the second leg of his HELL ON WHEELS TOUR with a bang having already performed to seven sold-out arenas in Kansas City, MO; Lincoln, NE; Mankato, MN; Corbin, KY; Morgantown, WV; Augusta, GA and Chattanooga, TN. Music critics have noted the close connection Brantley maintains with his fans during the live performances: The Kansas City Star notes, “…what he does say in his blue-collar way resonates with fans, an even mix of males and females, from their 20’s to their 40’s. That big crowd hooted and hollered and sang through much of it, from the love ballads like “Saving Amy” to the Southern rock anthems like ’G.R.I.T.S.’”
Gilbert’s set includes an array of music from his rowdy hits “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “Kick It In The Sticks” to the softer #1 “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and “More Than Miles.” Fans have also been treated to a few new songs, slated for Gilbert’s next album later this year.
While still reeling from an exciting run of shows, Gilbert was named the Academy of Country Music (ACM) New Male Vocalist of The Year. The honor places him in the running for New Artist of the Year, vying for the spot against the New Female Vocalist of The Year and New Group/Duo Vocalist of The Year. Fan voting begins on Monday (3/25) via www.voteacm.com. The winner will be announced live during the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
Beyond the tragedy, the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, ultimately, Lynyrd Skynyrd is about an indomitable will, survival of spirit; unbowed, uniquely American, stubbornly resolute. Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, Lynyrd Skynyrd has maintained a tremendous legacy that began more than 40 years ago in Jacksonville, FL, and continues with the recently released Last Of A Dying Breed (Roadrunner).
The band’s career was halted for a decade after the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines, and then subsequently faced adversity through the losses of Billy Powell, Ean Evans, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Huey Thomasson, yet they rock on. With a catalog of more than 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations. Last of a Dyin’ Breed, the New Studio Album, is on sale now.
Victoria Justice’s star continues to rise. The 19-year-old, originally from Hollywood, FL is the star of her own hit Nickelodeon series Victorious. In her Nickelodeon series, Victoria plays the musically talented “Tori Vega,” who unexpectedly finds herself navigating life as a student at “Hollywood Arts High,” an elite performing arts high school.
Victoria’s vocal talents are showcased on Victorious, the first official soundtrack from the series. The rest of the cast accompanies Victoria on the 10 original and infectious pop tunes. A number of the songs have already turned into bonafide smashes, including the driving “Freak the Freak Out,” which has sold more than 600,000 copies on iTunes. Other hit singles off the record include “Beggin’ On Your Knees,” “Best Friend’s Brother,” and the show’s theme song “Make it Shine,” which was co-written and produced by Dr. Luke.
Combined the album’s first four singles have surpassed 1.8 million total digital downloads on iTunes to date. The busy starlet recently starred in her first ever lead in a feature film entitled “Fun Size,” alongside Chelsea Handler and Johnny Knoxville. She plays a teenager who loses her little brother when they go trick-or-treating in the comedy directed by Josh Schwartz.
Gate admission includes a variety of entertainment, including that in the Expo II Plaza. This year’s entertainment features Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix – a ménagerie of mongrels. The trainer has acquired each through pet shelters. With a Charlie Chaplinlike shuffler, Peers silently plays the fall guy to his mutts. They jump rope together, they knock him down, and they walk over him. The flawless comic timing, choreography and uncanny collaboration produce a truly great show.
High Flying Pages Aerial & Animal Equestrian Artistry consists of 30 minutes of non-stop height, thrill & laughter.
This show features a Double catcher flying trapeze-aerial artistry of flipping, twisting, and catching aerialist 50ft. high in the air. World renown, “the best flying trapeze act in the USA International Gold and Silver medalist.” Don’t miss the Russian Swing – A giant human swing that catapults the High Flying Pages one at a time up to 40 feet in the air.
Grandpa Cratchet is a cratchetie, professional type hand puppet. He is very huggable and loveable and always a teaser and practical joker. Granpa Cratchet is more than just a show. Granpa teaches an important life lesson in a fun and exciting way. The slapstick humor, wit, and charm of the characters bring these values alive in a new and vibrant way that appeals to audiences of all ages. Don’t miss Granpa, his dog Fuzzball, Afterburner Bunny, and Squirt the Skunk.
The Board of Directors held their annual re-organizational meeting in January, officers were elected as follows: President, David Franson; Vice President, Rex Fink; Secretary, Larry Bickel; State Representative and Treasurer, David Hallstrom; and Manager, Greg Hallstrom.
Check for updates on the Fair’s official Web site www.clearfieldcountyfair.com or Facebook page. An on-sale date for show tickets is yet to be set.