DES MOINES, IA (05/24/2011)(readMedia)-- The 2011 Iowa State Fair free stage entertainment is loaded with some of the nation's hottest acts. From rock legends to promising up-and-comers, "Nothing Compares" to the star-studded line-up, all free with gate admission. The Iowa State Fair runs August 11-21.
Winner of the 2010 American Country Music Award for Top Vocal Group, The Band Perry has garnered multiple other honors including a nomination from CMT for their 2011 Music Video of the Year featuring the platinum, number-one hit single "If I Die Young." The band's newest top-ten single, "You Lie," continues to gain popularity with their loyal fan base.
1960s icons Jay and the Americans have produced an unprecedented 12 top-ten albums and more than 20 pop standards including "This Magic Moment" and "Come a Little Bit Closer."
Named one of the top five must-see vocal groups in America, Tonic Sol-fa has sold more than two million albums since their debut in 1995. Today, the all-male a cappella group continues to rise in popularity as they tour the U.S. making over 150 appearances annually.
Thirty acts, including more crowd-pleasing favorites like The Oak Ridge Boys and Tenth Avenue North will be featured on the Fair's five free stages. Throughout the 11 days, Fairgoers can enjoy more than half a million dollars worth of free entertainment.
A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:
Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage sponsored by KCCI NewsChannel 8
August 11-13 The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)
August 14 Martin Sexton (8 p.m.)
August 15 Josh Kelley (8 p.m.)
August 16 Sarah Darling (8 p.m.)
August 17 Ying Yang Twins (8 p.m.)
August 18 Brother Trucker (7 & 9 p.m.)
August 19-20 The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)
August 21 Here Come the Mummies (7:30 p.m.)
Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi
August 11-12 Tonic Sol-fa (7 & 9 p.m.)
August 13 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)
August 14 The Johnny Holm Band (7 & 9 p.m.)
August 15 All Star Weekend (8 p.m.)
August 16-20 Ron Diamond (7 & 9 p.m.)
August 21 Tenth Avenue North (8 p.m.)
Budweiser Stage sponsored by ABC5
August 11-13 Jay and the Americans (8 p.m.)
August 14-15 Confederate Railroad (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)
August 16-17 Georgia Satellites (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)
August 18-19 Lovin' Spoonful (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)
August 20-21 Paul Revere and the Raiders (8 p.m.)
Susan Knapp Amphitheater with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17
August 11 The Oak Ridge Boys (8 p.m.)
August 12-13 Jason Brown (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)
August 14 Jason Michael Carroll (8 p.m.)
August 15-16 Hairball (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)
August 17 The Band Perry (8 p.m.)
August 18 Stealing Angels (8 p.m.)
August 19 Country Gold featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Jeannie Kendall, Eddy Raven and T. Graham Brown (6 & 8:30 p.m.)
August 20 Blaine Larsen (8 p.m.)
August 21 Lee Brice (7 p.m.)
Fun Forest Stage (all shows ASL interpreted)
There will be no 11, 11:30 or Noon shows on Friday, August 12th due to VSA opening ceremonies.
August 11-21 Kids Celebration (11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.)
August 11-21 Mr. Stinky Feet (11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.)
August 11-21 Ray Thompson, The Mind Wizard presented by VSA Iowa Fest (Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.)
"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.
* * *
